Strangely, the rest of the afternoon stayed calm and peaceful. If Physics teacher Xie Puyuan hadn’t wrapped up his lesson early—freeing up self-study time and calling the two out for a talk—Lin Jin would’ve thought nothing happened.
Logically, this wasn’t Xie Puyuan’s duty; he wasn’t their homeroom teacher. But warm-hearted by nature, he couldn’t help gently scolding the pitiful kids.
As for Liang Zengguang, he only summoned Qin Yi once.
Xie Puyuan hated how veteran teachers and leaders favored students by grades. Powerless to change it, he tried his best to fix First High’s culture, pushing for equal treatment. Years of effort yielded little. Though he felt good about himself.
Unlike Liang Zengguang, he didn’t play favorites—he called both out together. Since neither was in his class, he couldn’t lecture them in the office. He took them to the sixth-floor rooftop, patiently counseling them. With little effect. Though he felt good about himself.
“That’s all. Head back to class. I’ll speak to Director Xu when I can.”
“Goodbye, teacher,” Lin Jin said obediently.
“Goodbye, teacher,” Qin Yi nodded slightly.
“Mm, it’s minor. Focus on studying—Gaokao matters. Keep it up!” Xie Puyuan pumped his fist. Lin Jin smiled knowingly.
In the hallway, Lin Jin asked curiously, “Qin Yi, why were you so absent-minded earlier? Teacher Xie reminded you multiple times.”
“Thinking.” Qin Yi’s reply was terse, as always.
“About what?” Lin Jin pressed like a curious kid.
“How to pet yesterday’s little female cat.”
“…” He shouldn’t have asked.
Finally, at 10:10 PM, evening self-study ended. Lin Jin yawned, grabbed his backpack, and walked to Qin Yi’s window seat in the third row.
“Walk together?”
“You go first.” Qin Yi stayed terse.
“I’ll crash early,” Lin Jin said, knowing Qin Yi had private matters. “Remember: wake me gently this time. Or it won’t just be one cheek pinch.” Recent pinches had left him traumatized—he warned ahead.
Qin Yi stayed silent, flipping through Gaokao practice questions.
Warning delivered, Lin Jin rushed out energetically. Time was precious—wash early, sleep early.
