Old Qi was a principal truly worthy of every student's respect and heartfelt admiration.

With fifty years of teaching behind him, countless honors adorned his career, yet he was already sixty.

He should have retired to enjoy family life and peaceful golden years at home. But persuaded by the Education Bureau, he resolutely became principal of No.1 High. Under his leadership, the school soared from last place in city rankings to today’s number one.

His contributions were indispensable.

Most importantly, it was his attitude.

Unlike thugs disguised as teachers, Old Qi fully deserved the weighty title of "People's Teacher."

He knew how to bond with students, treating them as friends and blending in effortlessly. He never hesitated to learn from them about trendy ideas and lifestyles.

He truly embodied a teacher’s duty: to impart wisdom, instruct skills, and resolve doubts.

We saw him less as an elder and more as a special friend—even a brother.

A friendship beyond age, a unique old friend, an old brother—Old Qi.

But he wouldn’t remember me.

I was no longer Bai Su from my past life. Before him now stood a new identity, a new face—Bai Susu.

Old Qi looked up from his desk, eyes wide as he studied me. A vibrant curiosity sparkled there, utterly unlike his age.

I watched deep creases pile on his forehead. His unusually clear eyes shifted to Bai Su beside me, and a smile curled his lips. "Xiao Su, is this your genius little sister?"

My heart skipped.

Did this mean Bai Su had mentioned me to Old Qi?

I turned to glare fiercely at Bai Su.

Predictably, he was glaring back, face twitching with embarrassment. He grumbled, "Old Qi, you sold me out!"

The old man chuckled behind his desk, winking mischievously over his glasses. "Hey, don’t say that, young man. You used to chatter nonstop about your smart, adorable sister… How is that selling you out?"

He winked at me too.

I felt awkward—even among familiar people, being called "smart and cute" to my face was new.

Before, I’d only been praised for being mature and cautious.

I shot another fierce glare at the idiot behind me. He wore a painfully innocent "don’t blame me" expression.

"Hello, student Bai Susu—mind if I call you Su Su?" The old man extended his hand, a playful smile on his face. "In exchange, this old man won’t mind if you call me Old Qi."

I hesitated, then shook his bony, weathered hand—marked by time and hardship.

"Hello… Old Qi," I whispered.

Hello, old friend… old times.

Old Qi smiled contentedly, pointing to a chair. "Sit."

I obeyed. He raised an amused eyebrow at Bai Su. "Stop standing like a fool. There’s a stool behind the door—grab it and sit."

I turned to see Bai Su roll his eyes at Old Qi. "Why didn’t you say sooner?" he muttered, pulling out a folding stool.

He carried it beside me, unfolded it, and sat casually.

A wave of emotion hit me unexpectedly.

At this age, Bai Su had mild social anxiety. Around strangers, he froze into silence, appearing "mature and cautious."

Only with close friends or family did his quietly passionate side show.

This proved how unusually close he and Old Qi were.

"Su Su," Old Qi tapped the desk with his middle knuckle—his old habit. "Your brother often talks about you to me."

I nodded speechlessly. "Mm…"

Silently, I vowed: if Bai Su badmouthed me to Old Qi, I’d bash his head in at home. Or I’d write my name backward!

Beside me, Bai Su sneezed. He rubbed his nose awkwardly. "Why do I suddenly feel uneasy…"

Old Qi gave me a subtle glance, then adjusted the AC remote. "Probably too cold in here."

Bai Su shrugged. "Yeah."

Old Qi returned to the point. He gathered the documents on his desk, tapped them neat, and set them aside. Hands clasped, his face turned serious.

He sighed. "Since learning you applied to No.1 High two nights ago, Su Su, I’ve been troubled."

I blinked in confusion.

What was troubling about this?

Not boasting, but a zhongkao champion volunteering here was perfect. It’d promote the school and boost our teaching standards—killing multiple birds with one stone. A total win.

Old Qi seemed to read my thoughts. He shook his head, locking eyes with me. "Su Su, your grades deserve more than No.1 High. You need a broader sky to fly—but we might not offer that vastness."

His expression held regret, yet firm resolve. "You’re an eagle. Don’t let No.1 High clip your wings."

I stared, stunned.

Old Qi… what did he mean?

His regret was clear, but his steadfastness moved me deeply.

Not everyone chases profit. Some guard precious, fading ideals with naive stubbornness.

Like Old Qi before me—guarding "teacher ethics."

Guarding… students’ futures.

Qi Shoudao. Qi… Shou-Dao!

He rustled through the documents, handing two sheets to Bai Su and me. He grabbed pens from a holder.

I wondered what he planned.

He tapped the papers. "Su Su, this is Provincial Experimental High’s application and my recommendation letter. I know their principal well—that old guy’s wanted you, our zhongkao champion, for ages."

He pushed the pens forward.

"Sign this. You’ll enroll at Provincial Experimental today—with full tuition waived."

Bai Su and I froze.

This… what did it mean?

[To be continued]