Why Female Teachers Were Banned Beyond the School Gates

Gregory's POV

I had been the principal of this rural school for ten years, enforcing the rules without exception.

In all that time, not a single female volunteer teacher had dared to leave campus without permission.

Except for these two.

This years pair tried everything they could think of to sneak out.

The first time, they dismantled a security camera and climbed over the wall, only to be caught by me during a patrol.

The second time, they hid inside a garbage truck, but my guard dog sniffed them out.

The third time, they wore school uniforms and blended in with the students, but I exposed them on the spot.

This time, they went straight for confrontation, livestreaming it for the whole world to see.

Mr. Miles, dont think being the principal means you can do whatever you want, one of them shouted into her phone. We came here to teach, not to be imprisoned. What right do you have to stop us from leaving?

Exactly! the other chimed in. What kind of ridiculous rule is this? Male teachers can go out, but women cant? You clearly have ulterior motives. Let me tell you right now, were leaving today. Youre not locking us up anymore!

The livestream chat exploded, calling me a monster in human clothing and accusing me of having no conscience.

Even the villagers who had gathered nearby began pointing at me, hurling insults one after another.

I scanned the crowd, then fixed my gaze coldly on the two of them.

Fine, I said evenly. Sign this liability waiver. Once you step out that gate, whatever happens has nothing to do with the school.

But Mildred Hollis snatched the paper from my hand and ripped it to shreds.

Why should we sign this? she snapped. And that so-called rule where men can leave but women cant? Its a blatant abuse of power, clearly aimed at the two of us!

She then stomped on the torn pieces, grinding them into the dirt.

Giselle Rowland, on the other hand, shoved her phone right up in my face, all trace of respect gone.

So much for Top Ten Principal or the soul engineer of the mountains. Youre nothing but a tyrant who restricts personal freedom. Im not signing anything today. Try stopping us if you dare.

With that, she turned and walked straight toward the school gate.

I looked down at the scraps of paper scattered across the ground. Rage surged up my chest, nearly choking me, but I forced it down.

I then turned, quickly locked the main gate, and stood in front of it, speaking to her as calmly as I could. Ms. Rowland, Im stopping you for your own safety. The locals here can be rough, and the mountain terrain is dangerous. If you get lost or run into aggressive wild animals, the consequences could be disastrous

Thats a lie! Giselle cut me off sharply.

Then she pointed toward Connie from the cafeteria, who was watching the commotion, and continued, Connie is from the mountains. She said there are no wild animals here at all. Clearly, you only made this up just to scare us and control our freedom!

Mildred glared at me, furious. You still think well believe you? The students, their parents, and even the male teachers whove gone out all say the mountains are beautiful with fruit trees everywhere. Ive also seen the photos they brought back, and this place isnt barren like you claim. Mr. Miles, you keep blocking us from leaving. What are you really up to?

I glanced at Connie. She met my eyes and gave me a faint, unreadable smile.

Mr. Miles, dont blame me, she said casually. Im just telling the truth. Ive lived in these mountains for decades and never seen any wild animals. Moreover, it is harvest season, but I've even managed to gather some fresh fruit and gave them to Ms. Hollis and Ms. Rowland today.

She paused, then added pointedly, Theyve been here for a month already, locked inside the school getting used to work every day. Its only natural for young women to want to relax and go for a walk. Dont you think its a bit much to keep stopping them?

That was when it clicked.

So, that was why they kept breaking the rules again and again. Someone had been deliberately egging them on.

I let out a cold laugh.

Whether its a bit much isnt for me to decide, I said flatly. School rules are school rules. They exist to protect teachers. Now go back. Ill let this incident slide, but only this once.

Gregory's POV

Giselle let out a mocking laugh. Dont try to use school rules to oppress us. Your so-called rules are nothing but unequal terms. Why do they only restrict female teachers while male teachers can come and go freely? You call yourself an educator, yet you're still preaching that outdated men above women nonsense?

Mildred immediately backed her up. Exactly. How come Ive never seen male teachers sign a liability waiver? Youre clearly targeting the two of us. This is straight-up discrimination against women!

The moment those words left their mouths, the looks from the villagers gathered outside the school gate changed. Suspicion and contempt settled in their eyes as they stared at me.

Mr. Miles talks about gender equality at every parent meeting. He even stopped my useless daughter from dropping out. So why does he look down on women himself? Why can male teachers go out, but female teachers cant? one villager scoffed.

He sounds so righteous when he talks, another chimed in. I bet hes just scared fewer students will ruin his reputation. Why do you think he got that Top Ten Principal title? Because none of our villages have dropouts. Deep down, hes just another man who favors boys over girls.

And he says our village is rough, like were all wild animals. Who is he trying to insult? someone added angrily.

Those harsh voices felt like icy needles stabbing straight into my chest. For a moment, I could barely breathe.

For ten years, I had sponsored hundreds of children who had dropped out of school. Nearly every voice condemning me now belonged to the parents of those very children. How could they speak with such ingratitude?

As I looked at those familiar faces that had once thanked me with tears in their eyes, a deep, indescribable bitterness rose in my heart.

I took a slow breath and stood my ground.

Ive said it before, as long as I am principal, no one is allowed to break school rules, I declared.

But Mildred immediately exploded. What bullshit rules! I demand equality! Same treatment for everyone! Im leaving right now!

As she spoke, she and Giselle tried to push past me toward the gate.

But I stopped them with a sharp shout. Enough! If you keep causing trouble, Ill call the Department of Education, and you can end your internship early!

When I pulled out the authority of my position, they finally hesitated, clearly wary.

We stood locked in a tense standoff.

But just when I thought they might back down, Giselle snorted, Who are you trying to scare? If the Department of Education finds out about your ridiculous rules, youll be the one out of a job. Go ahead, call them right now. Don't be all bark and no bite.

I froze for a second.

They didnt know that these rules had already been approved and issued by the Department of Education. They werent my personal decision.

If I made that call, their teaching careers would be over before they even began. No matter how angry I was, I couldnt destroy two young peoples futures on impulse.

Seeing that I stayed silent, Mildred seemed emboldened. She lifted her chin and stared at me provocatively. What? Scared now? I knew it! Youre just a hypocrite pretending to be virtuous. You claim all those cameras are for the safety of teachers and students, but really, you installed them so you could spy on people. Youre a sick pervert!

That accusation hit like a bolt from the blue.

The crowd outside the gate erupted. So did the livestream.

Within minutes, tens of thousands of viewers flooded Giselles stream. The screen was filled with nonstop accusations and abuse.

[Holy shit, what kind of monster is this? Looks decent, but does disgusting things. This is really what a wolf in sheeps clothing looks like in real life.]

[And hes a Top Ten Principal? Suit and tie on the outside, but drooling over footage of female teachers and students in the surveillance room. How havent you choked on your own saliva yet?]

[Why hasnt anyone reported him yet? This trash still gets to teach? Go learn how to be human in prison first.]

[Im ashamed to be in the same profession as him. People like this are what pollute the teaching community.]

Gregory's POV

Outside the school gate, the crowd completely lost control.

Spying? Mr. Miles is that kind of person? My God! Has he been watching our kids, too?

That animal in human skin! No wonder he never lets those useless girls go home. So, this was what he was planning all along. He deserves to be torn apart!

And he calls himself a teacher? How could he do something like this? Thank God those two young teachers saw through him. We need a new principal, or we pull our kids out of school!

Thats right! Withdraw them! Let the two teachers out!

The shouting grew uglier by the second. Rotten vegetables and foul-smelling eggs soon flew through the air, slamming into me.

I was filthy, reeking of garbage, when a stone struck the back of my head with a loud crack. Immediately, my vision went dark, and I nearly collapsed.

Something warm then streamed down my neck and into my spine.

I wiped it away, only for my palm to come back red with blood.

Mildred and Giselle only paused for a split second before continuing to close in on the gate.

Mr. Miles, open the door now. If you dont, youll pay for it, Mildred warned.

Despite that, I showed no sign of backing down. Instead, I spread my arms wide and coldly commanded, Go back! Dont force my hand.

They hesitated for a moment and exchanged uncertain glances.

That was when Connie spoke up.

What are you afraid of, teachers? she said calmly. The villagers are backing you. If he so much as touches you, its sexual assault. You can report him then.

At those words, the look in their eyes changed to a twisted, emboldened one. Step by step, they advanced toward me.

Behind me was the furious mob, while in front of me were two teachers itching for a fight.

I couldnt retreat, and I wouldnt retreat.

I straightened my spine and spoke clearly, each word sharp and heavy. If you dont want to be suspended, stop right now. There are cameras everywhere. Think carefully. What matters more to you, chasing some adventure, or your careers?

At that, their steps faltered. For a moment, they looked completely at a loss.

But Connie deliberately shoved forward from behind.

The next instant, Mildred crashed straight into my chest.

Aah! He assaulted a female teacher! Connie screamed. The audacity!

That single cry shattered the last trace of restraint.

Mildred and Giselle completely let go, clawing and lunging at me like wildcats.

They kicked, punched, and scratched with no restraint or hesitation.

Slaps landed again and again. Sharp fingernails tore across my brow, carving a long gash. As such, blood immediately gushed out and blurred my vision.

Still, I endured the blows, each one far from light, but I did not move. My feet felt rooted to the ground as I stood firm in front of the gate.

I stared at them coldly and evenly said, If you want out, there are two options. First, sign the liability waiver.

I paused, the chill in my eyes deepening, and continued, Second, step over my dead body.

My unyielding stance stunned them for a brief moment.

Mildred stamped her feet in rage, screaming hysterically. Then tell us! Why are you locking us in? We just want to go out for a walk! Whats wrong with that?

She pointed behind me at the massive iron gate, which was taller than a prison wall, with her emotions spiraling out of control, and shrieked, You built a gate this high. You put cameras on every wall. You keep a dog fiercer than a wolf. You monitor us like criminals and lock us up like prisoners! Our entire world is this campus. The moment we step outside it, that damn dog charges at us like were thieves!

Her chest heaved violently as tears streamed down her face. Mr. Miles! What exactly are you trying to do? What did we female teachers ever do to deserve this?

Giselle was shaking with anger as well, and she chimed in, Fine. If you wont let us out, then at least give us a reason today. If its reasonable, well accept punishment, no matter what. But we will not allow you to keep us locked up without an explanation!

Gregory's POV

The moment the livestream showed the towering iron gate, the internet exploded.

[Are we sure this is a school? Not a prison? Is this idiot principal mentally ill or something? Some kind of confinement freak?]

[Clocking out looks like a prison break. Does he have a warden fantasy? Is this cosplay or what?]

[Honestly, Im shocked. This isnt just a moral issue anymore. This looks illegal. Is anyone from the Department of Education here? Do rules like this even exist?]

[Department of Education staff here. Weve never seen rules like this. Schools also arent allowed to keep guard dogs.]

[Dont ask why. Old shameless men like this just need to be dealt with. Ma'ams, just go for it! Hit him!]

Outside the gate, some villagers were reckless enough to try climbing over.

Unfortunately for them, when the gate was built, I had specifically instructed the factory to install barbed spikes on top. If they wanted to climb, theyd pay the price.

Unable to get in, the villagers grew even more enraged, hurling stones while shouting abuse.

Mr. Miles, you sick old pervert! Youre in your forties and still single. Cant keep your eyes off young female teachers. Dont you feel disgusting?

Mr. Miles, Im speaking as a parent right now! Open the gate! Im taking my kid home and pulling them out of this school. With a principal worse than an animal, who would dare leave their child here?

Mr. Miles, you dirty old lecher! How many female teachers and students have you harmed over the years? Turn yourself in now, or Ill come in there and kill you myself!

Why else would he do this? Hes just a thug, locking up female teachers to satisfy his filthy desires!

Each filthy insult slammed into my chest like a sledgehammer, sending waves of dull pain through my heart.

I came here at twenty-four as a volunteer teacher. I could have returned to the city in my second year, but I chose to stay, determined to put down roots in the mountains so more children could have an education.

Ten years of teaching. Ten years as principal.

I poured my youth and every cent I had into this school.

Over twenty years, hundreds of students from these mountains had gone on to university.

I endured nonstop pressure from my family and stayed single for two decades, dedicating myself to raising children from the mountains, working carefully, tirelessly, without complaint.

And this was the result. I was called sick old pervert, dirty lecher, and a "thug driven by lust."

It felt like an invisible hand crushed my heart, leaving me barely able to breathe.

Still, I clenched my teeth and forced the words out, almost on a breath alone. There is no reason. You are not allowed to leave.

That sentence completely ignited the crowd.

Stop talking to him! Grab the keys and get the teachers out!

Stones slammed again into my back and legs, and soon blood streamed from the back of my head.

I curled up, clutching my head, as Mildred and Giselle rushed forward together, trying to snatch the keys from me.

Outside, the villagers grew bold enough to bring ladders and climb in. Then, five or six strong men pinned me to the ground, and more than a dozen hands were fighting to pry the keys from my tightly clenched fist.

At that moment, Brutus came charging in, teeth bared, barking furiously as he threw himself in front of me.

Mildred, Connie, and the others froze in shock.

Mildred turned to Connie and surprisingly asked, Wasnt the dog locked up? How did it get out?

It hit me then.

I had thought Brutus was off hiding somewhere, slacking off. But it turned out that they had locked him up.

So, this violent attempt to break through the gate hadnt been spontaneous. It had been planned.

To be honest, when Mildred and Giselle had questioned me earlier, their words had shaken me deeply.

I knew what I was doing was unfair and cruel, even.

But now, the last trace of guilt I felt toward them had completely vanished.

And as for their actions and the villagers attack, I would show no mercy.

Gregory's POV

I pulled out my phone, ready to call the police. But before I could dial, a stick smashed down hard on my hand. The phone flew from my grip and skidded across the ground.

Brutus lunged forward to attack the men restraining me, but someone quickly threw a sack over his head then clubs came down mercilessly.

Brutus let out a piercing, agonized howl, and my heart clenched violently.

I struggled with everything I had, trying to break free and stop them. But my body was pinned to the ground, completely immobile.

Let Brutus go! I shouted desperately. If youve got a grudge, take it out on me! What kind of people torture a dog?

Giselle gave a cold, twisted smile.

We were never claiming to be decent people, she said calmly. That dog is just as disgusting as you. Ive hated it for a long time. Before, you were the principal, so we didnt dare touch it. But now...

She sneered and continued, What you did to us has already blown up online. An investigation is coming, and youll be fired soon enough. Mr. Miles, your career is over.

I stared at her, panic burning in my chest. Fighting to stay calm, I forced out my words. Giselle, do you even know what youre doing right now? This is a crime. Let me go. Let Brutus go. You still have a chance. Otherwise, the law will catch up to you.

But Mildred only laughed mockingly and scoffed, The law? Mr. Miles, do you think we dont understand the law?"

She then turned to Brutus while pointing at him, and continued, "This vicious dog attacked first. I was just acting in self-defense.

Turning her gaze back to me with eyes filled with righteous fury, she added, And as for you, were victims breaking out of a cage. These villagers are heroes helping us escape a living hell. Youre the real criminal here. Youre the one who deserves to be judged.

With that, she kicked me hard in the stomach.

I doubled over in pain, cold sweat dripping onto the ground.

Then, without hesitation, she picked up a wooden stick and slammed it down onto the writhing sack.

Hand over the keys. Let us leave, and well spare this vicious dogs life. Otherwise...

She paused as she struck again and again.

Brutuss cries grew weaker and weaker until all that remained was a broken, wheezing whimper.

Brutus my Brutus.

For ten years, he had stood guard beside me, protecting this school. Every inch of this campus bore his footprints.

He was a loyal sentinel, lurking in the shadows, fearlessly exposing countless people with ill intentions.

He played with the children. He was gentle with the teachers.

Only in front of real danger did he bare his fangs.

And now this loyal dog, with his head trapped in a sack, was being beaten to death, branded an evil beast.

I watched as bright red blood dripped steadily from the sack, each drop stabbing into my heart like an icy blade.

At that moment, tears surged uncontrollably as I asked myself if it was worth sacrificing my most loyal companion for people this heartless.

The answer was clear. No. It wasnt.

I sucked in a sharp breath and clenched my teeth.

Fine, I said hoarsely. Ill give it to you.