Episode 6 recap: Zhang Gui Mei Appointed Principal of Huaping Girls' School
In Episode 6, Zhang Gui Mei hurried down the mountain to meet Director Zhou Shan Qun, who had been waiting for her. Upon seeing her, Zhou appeared flustered. He handed her a package of Harbin sausage, claiming it was a gift from his wife, and mentioned that he had forgotten to pack some other items. Zhang sensed he had important news and urged him to speak up. Zhou hesitated before revealing that it was unlikely she would become the principal of Huaping Girls' School. Zhang was taken aback by this news.
Zhou explained that the special committee had met and determined that as a public high school, the principal must be a department-level official. Zhang, being just an ordinary middle school teacher with experience only in junior high, was deemed unqualified to manage a high school. He suggested that the best outcome might be for her to take a position as vice-principal, allowing her to pursue her interests while having support in case of any issues—a measure of protection for her.
Zhang silently finished the sausage and stood up to leave. That evening, Fang Qiong searched everywhere for Zhang and eventually found her on the rooftop of the teaching building. Fang expressed her outrage on Zhang's behalf, claiming that certain county officials were merely trying to reap the benefits of Zhang's hard work in establishing the school, from the ground up to hiring teachers and enrolling students. She felt it was unfair that now, after all her efforts, they were questioning her qualifications.
Seeing Fang more upset than herself, Zhang tried to comfort her. Since the election for the director of the orphanage, Fang had recognized that Zhang was selfless and fully dedicated to the children, which solidified their friendship. Touched by Fang's words, Zhang took her to the edge of the rooftop, confidently pointing to an open area where she envisioned planting trees with the students, and another spot for a flower garden. She insisted that even if she wasn’t the principal, these projects were important, and she wanted to lead the students in daily flag-raising ceremonies, singing the national anthem and "Red Plum Praise." Unable to contain her excitement, Zhang began to sing, and Fang was inspired by her passion and optimism.
Meanwhile, County Mayor Ma discovered Zhang waiting at the county government entrance when he arrived for work. She approached him quickly, handing him two notebooks and stating that she had come to resign. Taken aback, Ma was at a loss for words. Zhang explained that she lacked management skills and didn’t meet the personnel requirements, and she didn’t want to hinder the work. With teachers now in place and students enrolled, she planned to retire back to her hometown in Northeast China. The notebooks contained detailed information about each student and the use of social donations, which she hoped Ma would pass on to the new principal.
Angry, Mayor Ma returned to his office to vent his frustrations to Zhou Shan Qun, realizing that Zhang was trying to make a point. Zhou, however, defended Zhang, stating that without her, the school would never have been established. If there was a "Yugong" (foolish old man) in this story, it was Zhang, who turned the impossible into reality.
As Mayor Ma reviewed the notebooks, his expression grew serious. He convened the second working meeting of the special committee, reiterating Zhou's comments and inviting Gu Yu to share her perspective. He urged everyone to be objective and to vote again in support of Zhang. Fang, worried about Zhang confronting the mayor, scolded her for being reckless.
Just then, Ma and Zhou entered together, and Ma officially announced Zhang Gui Mei as the first principal of Huaping Girls' School. Overjoyed, Zhang burst into tears, and Fang felt immense happiness for her friend.
As the opening ceremony approached, continuous rain turned the roads leading to the school into muddy obstacles. Only a few students arrived on time, leaving Zhang anxious and calling out for Ma Yong Qiang to find a solution. Zhou joined Ma Yong Qiang in expressing their frustrations, and while Ma was furious, he recognized the seriousness of the situation. He quickly contacted village committees and relevant organizations, ordering them to ensure the safe arrival of all students by any means necessary. Thus, in the downpour, students made their way to school, drenched and muddy, with everyone rallying to support them.
Comments(Episode 6)