Thanks to Jiang Fan's relentless efforts, he finally broke free from Mu Yuli's forceful embrace just before class ended. He rushed back to his beloved desk, longing for rest.

For some unknown reason, Mu Yuli didn't chase after him. Jiang Fan knew this calm was just the quiet before the storm. A fiercer tempest awaited him later.

But so what?

He'd sleep now. Last night, she'd kept him up so late. He'd had to wake early this morning, and barely napped on the bus before she rudely woke him. Now, Jiang Fan collapsed onto his desk instantly. The math teacher and classmates in the middle of class could only stare in speechless disbelief.

He'd barged in without warning, said nothing, and flopped straight onto his seat. The middle-aged, balding math teacher—Mr. Hu—shook with anger, his chalk duster trembling in hand. Chalk dust drifted down like snow. Luckily, the classroom AC had no fan; otherwise, front-row students would've faced a "snowstorm" disaster.

Seeing Jiang Fan seemingly asleep, Mr. Hu hurled a chalk piece from his other hand. But his aim was off—it hit Jiang Fan's neighbor instead.

That poor guy was innocently solving problems when the chalk slammed into his head out of nowhere.

Mr. Hu knew class wasn't over. He couldn't let Jiang Fan disrupt everyone. Fuming, he pointed at Jiang Fan and scolded helplessly, "How can someone his age sleep so soundly?!"

A few students who'd heard similar lines burst into laughter but quickly masked it with serious faces.

The minor incident didn't escalate. Less than ten minutes later, the sweet bell for break finally rang. Mr. Hu threw his chalk down mid-problem, stormed out of the classroom.

Xia Yining, arriving perfectly on time, bumped into him. She asked curiously, "Mr. Hu, what happened? Which student upset you again?"

"Don't get me started," he grumbled. "That Jiang Fan in the back—he's always daydreaming or sleeping. This time, he was late, didn't even report in, and just charged to his seat eyes shut. What kind of behavior is that?! No respect for teachers or values at all. Sigh!"

After venting, Mr. Hu shook his head and left.

Xia Yining held her lesson plans, silently surprised.

No wonder Shu Yue often complained he was "giving up on himself." He really was a uniquely spirited student.

Most teachers arriving early would kill the relaxed break vibe. But Xia Yining made the classroom livelier.

As she entered, the noisy students instantly greeted her warmly.

Her popularity at Yizhong High was undeniable. Though many young teachers worked there, few taught senior year classes. Xia Yining's youth and skill in teaching English proved her talent.

Young, beautiful, kind, and highly capable—who wouldn't like such a teacher?

Rumors said Miss Xia was still single. Some love-struck boys grew even more restless.

"Miss Xia, what song are we playing today? We're all waiting!"

Playing one or two English songs during breaks was her habit. It helped students ease into English mode. So far, it worked well.

"Someone's catching up on sleep today," she said gently. "Let's skip the music. We shouldn't disturb them."

Everyone knew who she meant. All eyes turned toward Jiang Fan.

He'd redone his look—long hair flowing loose, radiating "keep away" negative energy. His area felt like a barrier zone, leaving him utterly alone.

Some boys couldn't accept missing songs because of him. They started toward Jiang Fan to wake him.

Xia Yining stopped them just in time.

"If you have song requests, tell me. I'll play them softly on my phone. Disturbing someone over this? That's no different from bullying. Remember this lesson well."

"Don't do any bad thing no matter how insignificant it looks," she added earnestly. "Never neglect small evils."

Seeing the students give up, she nodded with a smile. Then casually, she asked about Jiang Fan.

"Actually, I've noticed Jiang Fan before. Teachers in the office find him quite troublesome. Could you all share what you know about him? He always seems so exhausted."

Her words sparked a chorus of chatter about Jiang Fan.

Most rumors involved yesterday's gossip with Lin Mengyao. As a day student with few friends, Jiang Fan spent nearly 80% of his time napping at his desk. Beyond the Lin Mengyao rumors, others knew little about him.

Xia Yining silently sorted the accounts. Knowing Lin Mengyao well, she easily judged what was credible. Soon, she formed a clearer picture of Jiang Fan.

Realizing no more useful details would come, she smoothly changed the topic. No one sensed her true intent.

After chatting briefly with students, the class bell rang. Everyone returned to their seats.

Compared to Mr. Hu's math class, Senior 3 Class 5 was far more energetic in English. Students eagerly raised hands to answer—like elementary schoolers competing. The classroom atmosphere was on another level entirely.

Xia Yining kept glancing at Jiang Fan. But he lay motionless, corpse-like. She knew deeper understanding in class was impossible now.

She abandoned her initial plan and focused fully on teaching.

The morning flew by. The last class was Chinese with homeroom teacher Shu Yue. When the bell rang, students rushed for lunch. Just then, Jiang Fan finally woke up. He lifted his head to find Shu Yue standing beside him, giving him a death glare.

Still groggy, Jiang Fan blurted out, "Good morning, Miss Shu..."

"Good morning?" Shu Yue snapped, amused and annoyed. "Next, will you rush off for breakfast too?"

"Uh, I already ate breakfast..."

Seeing he wasn't fully awake, Shu Yue flicked his forehead hard. Once he was alert, she beckoned him.

"Come here. Let's talk about your girlfriend. Don't even think of running."