After all, there was a reason Chen Dao took Gu Lian’s clothes.

He just never expected she’d tell her parents so quickly.

Waiting for him in the office should’ve been a trio: Class One’s homeroom teacher, Teacher Zhu, and Gu Lian’s family.

But Chen Dao was utterly unprepared for the fourth person—the rooftop maintenance staff.

Facing the office entrance, the waiting area seated four people.

Left side: Teacher Zhu and Class One’s homeroom teacher.

Right side: presumably Gu Lian’s relative and the school equipment officer—name unknown.

They surrounded a transparent glass table with a tea set, yet no tea was poured.

The moment Chen Dao stepped in, every eye locked onto him.

Naturally, classmates had gathered to watch—especially Bai Qiaoqiao and her friends.

“I heard the guy in the suit is Gu Lian’s dad?”

“Whoa! All designer brands!”

Whispers reached the three girls. They stared at Chen Dao’s back, suspicion flickering in their eyes.

Meeting his own homeroom teacher was one thing. Class One’s teacher? Gu Lian’s *“dad”*?

If it were about grades, how could Chen Dao compare to Gu Lian?

He must’ve messed up—but he walked in calm, almost like he owned the room.

“Chen Dao, come—"

Teacher Zhu Zhan raised a hand, but Chen Dao lifted his palm: *wait*.

He strode to the water dispenser, picked up the wooden tray, grabbed four disposable cups, poured water with practiced ease, then approached the four solemn-faced men.

(Each teacher had personal mugs; disposables were for guests.)

He placed cups in order: Gu Lian’s relative first, then the two unfamiliar teachers, finally Teacher Zhu.

Standing quietly aside, he murmured, “Please take your time. It’s a bit hot.”

Zhu Zhan blinked. *Since when is Chen Dao this composed? He used to be so impulsive.*

Gu Lian’s “dad” offered a faint smile, downed his cup in one gulp—casually flashing the Patek Philippe on his wrist.

The others sipped slowly. Their anger softened, just a little.

“Alright, explain what you did yesterday,” Zhu Zhan pressed.

*(His student stole clothes, kicked in the rooftop door, even chased girls into Class One…)*

“Tripped yesterday. Got drenched. Found a tracksuit outside the infirmary—borrowed it,” Chen Dao said, trimming truths, filling gaps.

He heard Li Fang mutter “liar” behind him before being dragged away.

*Hope Bai Qiaoqiao doesn’t blurt out Xia Jiuli…*

*…Though part of me hopes she does.*

“Easy now, Teacher Zhu,” the “dad” waved, cutting in. “He didn’t mean harm. Necessity happens. It’s just clothing.”

Decked in luxury brands, he sat stiffly, barely touching the sofa.

His “casual” display of the Patek Philippe and gold chain felt forced—like he was *trying* to be “Gu Lian’s dad.”

Chen Dao had met real business magnates. This man lacked that weight.

But judging faces versus sharp insight? Two sides of one coin. No rush to conclude.

After all, the timid Gu Lian—mouse-quiet—never said “dad.” Only “someone from home.”

“But he *took* Gu Lian’s belongings,” Teacher Li insisted, pointing at the red tracksuit on the table.

“Ignorance isn’t a crime,” the “dad” countered. “He returned it clean. Let it go.”

Teacher Li: discipline must hold.

Teacher Zhu: mistakes can be mended.

The “dad”: sweep it under the rug.

Stalemate.

Then—a sharp cough.

The equipment officer stepped in. “Apologize for the clothes? Fine. But the *roof door*? Unresolved.”

All eyes snapped back to Chen Dao. *This* was the real issue.

Taking clothes? Poor manners. Breaking school property? Serious.

“Explain,” Zhu Zhan demanded, gaze shifting to Chen Dao still holding the tray.

Chen Dao turned abruptly and pointed at the doorway crowd—Bai Qiaoqiao.

“What’s Bai Qiaoqiao got to do with it?” Zhu Zhan frowned. *Weren’t they practically a couple?*

“I tried confessing to Bai Qiaoqiao yesterday,” Chen Dao said evenly. “Got rejected. Stormed to the rooftop to cool off… tripped. Ended up soaked.”

Silence.

The four adults. The gawking students. Even teachers at their desks—stunned.

Most turned a blind eye to “early romance,” but *this*? Out loud?

Bai Qiaoqiao froze, utterly speechless. *You were carrying that pretty girl downstairs—how is this MY fault?!*

Chen Dao wasn’t done. He leaned in, voice brightening:

“But Bai Qiaoqiao stands firm in her studies! So I’ve sworn off romance too! From now on—*only learning*! Teachers, please supervise me!”