When fate plays its hand 980
Chapter 0980
This minor incident had little to do with Miranda and her group. They just listened to the news and moved on. Still, hearing about their college’s loss always left a bitter taste.
Honors and awards in academia weren’t just about the college’s reputation, but they were also tied to national pride. The thought flashed briefly through Miranda’s mind before her attention was drawn to the dishes displayed at the cafeteria counter.
In the chancellor’s office, Hendrix slumped in his chair and let out a long sigh. “We lost.”
The vice chancellor, Beckett, also looked troubled. However, he seemed more resigned to the result than Hendrix. Perhaps he had anticipated this outcome and never held any high hopes to begin with, which allowed him to accept this calmly now.
“Hendrix, don’t take it too hard. Wins and losses are part of the game,” he said.
“But we should have some wins in between! We’ve lost several times in a row now. How are we supposed to report this to the higher–ups?”
Beckett sighed as well. “I suggested switching the team to Miranda’s, but you said last–minute changes would disrupt morale. Yet, playing things safe also meant we can’t achieve anything extraordinary.”
Without bringing anything extraordinary, how could they win?
Hendrix lowered his gaze and remained silent.
Beckett poured him a cup of hot tea. “Hendrix, failure isn’t scary. What’s scary is not knowing why we failed. We’ve already lost this year, so let’s try again next year.”
“Are you planning to send Miranda’s team next year?”
This time, Beckett nodded firmly. have a feeling they will succeed.” noveldrama
Hendrix pointed out, “But you’ve got to think it through. Things didn’t exactly end well between the administration and her. If we’re going to send her team, will she even agree to participate? And second, will she truly give the competition her best if she did agree?”
“Well, it’s true that things didn’t end well back then. But Hendrix, we’ve been in these positions long enough. Shouldn’t we reflect on ourselves too?”
Hendrix was taken aback by his statement as Beckett continued, “Was the punishment that we dealt to Sophie too lenient? Did it seem like a mere slap on the wrist? Was this conflict mainly caused by Miranda’s team, or was it actually our responsibility?
I think that these are questions we need to ponder upon. Of course, your concerns aren’t unfounded. She might refuse the offer, but we have to try first. And as for your worry that she might sabotage us… I think you’re overthinking it, Hendrix. What kind of people do you take
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these kids for?
“They’ve received higher education and possess basic ethics and values. Not only did you underestimate their ability by assuming the worst of them, but you’ve also undermined the power of education itself.”
What were their jobs?
They were people of education!
If even they couldn’t trust in education and the young people who resulted from said education, then what was the point in everything they were doing?
This was the first time Beckett had spoken so much in front of Hendrix and also the first time he had openly disagreed with him.
Hendrix stared blankly at the cup of tea in his hands.
“Think it over carefully,” Beckett said.
“The arrangements for next year are still up to you to decide. Don’t worry about the review report to the education ministry. I’ll handle it.”
The afternoon consisted of three classes for core courses. It was around 5:00 pm when they finished. Miranda, Madison, and Sebastian met up with Joli at the main gates of the college.
Sebastian asked, “What are we eating?”
Madison blurted out before Joli could answer, “Dolorianese!”
Turning to her, Sebastian shot her a sharp look. “How did you know about it?”
“I helped Joli pick the restaurant.”
Joli nodded. “I wasn’t familiar with any good places nearby. Thank goodness for Madison’s recommendations.”
Sebastian remained silent. Madison again?
The Dolorianese restaurant was newly opened and booming with business. A long line stretched out the door, half of which were mostly students.