After Shu Yue’s sudden jab, Jiang Fan’s drowsiness vanished instantly, replaced by a whirl of confusion.

“My girlfriend? Since when did you get so nosy, Teacher Shu? I thought you didn’t care about this stuff.”

Jiang Fan sensed something off. He’d never told her about having a girlfriend—which meant Shu Yue must’ve heard about Lin Mengyao’s classroom visit yesterday.

But why track him down now?

He pressed her as they walked.

“Me? Oh, you’ve got it wrong. It wasn’t me who wanted to see you—it was Yining. She’s worried dating might distract you from studies.” Shu Yue glanced back, scrutinizing him. “Wait… is that *why* your grades crashed?”

If guilty, he’d flinch. But after countless rebirths, even Mu Yuli’s pressure couldn’t shake him—let alone this.

“Nah. Just busy earning cash to clear debts. No time for textbooks.”

He met her gaze squarely, spinning a tall tale without blinking. Shu Yue couldn’t tell truth from fiction.

“Even so, you can’t abandon your education! What about your future after the debts?” Her expression tightened. Young teachers burned with idealism. As homeroom teacher, she’d even offered loans—useless drops in the bucket. Jiang Fan always refused gently.

“Surviving today’s hard enough. Don’t sweat the future, Teacher Shu. Things aren’t as bad as you think—I’m doing fine.”

He couldn’t drag well-wishers into his mess with Mu Yuli.

“That mindset’s healthy… but…” She sighed. “Just promise you’ll speak up if trouble hits. I’ll help however I can—it’s my duty.”

“Got it. You’re the best, Teacher Shu.”

His playful grin made her chuckle.

“Brat. I’m ‘best’ yet you ignore me? Still won’t cut that hair? Trying to annoy me?”

Jiang Fan scratched his messy head, grinning sheepishly. Shu Yue knew scolding was pointless.

Soon, they reached the office. Xia Yining had just finished class, setting down her lesson plans.

Spotting them, she beamed—a warmth revealing their close friendship.

“I’ll grab lunch. What’ll you have?” Shu Yue turned to leave.

“No rush. This won’t take long.” Xia Yining stopped her, then smiled at Jiang Fan. “Relax. Just a few questions.”

“When did you start dating?”

“August 15th. Last day of summer break. I asked her out. She’s a senior here—grades better than mine. No dip since we got together. We only meet off-campus. It’s… serious. Her idea. We were careful. Can’t share her name. Anything else, Teacher Xia?”

Jiang Fan dumped every detail bluntly. No lies—but the overshare left Xia Yining’s smile strained.

“I see… You’re remarkably candid.”

Her planned questions evaporated. How to proceed?

“Answer what’s asked! Dumping all that—testing Yining because she’s nice?” Shu Yue snapped, defending her friend.

“Nope.” Jiang Fan shrugged. “Just hungry. You haven’t seen the lunchtime warzone.”

“It’s fine, Shu Yue. Jiang Fan was helpful.” Xia Yining’s tone stayed warm, but her eyes sharpened. She’d expected Shu Yue’s presence to pressure him. Instead, he stood unshaken—no ordinary student.

“Can I go now, Teacher Xia? I’ll miss lunch.” Jiang Fan peered anxiously at the door.

He needed out. Xia Yining’s probing felt dangerous. If she tangled with Mu Yuli… one phone call could shatter these teachers’ careers. Mu Yuli respected no authority.

“Starving ghost?” Shu Yue teased. “You laze in class but sprint for food? How’d you even get a girlfriend?”

Xia Yining’s smile never wavered. “Join us for lunch? Fourth floor—no lines. My apology for wasting your time.”

“No need—”

“Perfect.” Shu Yue clamped a hand on his shoulder. “You skip good meals to save cash. Today, you eat properly. No arguing.”

Trapped by their sugar-coated smiles, Jiang Fan became campus gossip again.

Under October’s southern sun, Jingjiang No.1 High witnessed a bizarre sight: between the school’s two most beautiful teachers walked a boy with dreadlocked hair and slumped shoulders.

*Wasn’t he tangled with Lin Mengyao yesterday? Now two teachers? Is this bastard playing the field without commitment?*

Every male student’s eyes blazed with fury.

Meanwhile, in the student council room, Mu Yuli frowned at her laptop.

A wave of irritation crashed over her. *He’s causing trouble again.*

…No matter. Her cat might roam, but it always returned to lick her palm.

He couldn’t run.