“Thank you, classmate.”
After putting away the fallen items, Ye Xinyan thanked him again.
“You’re welcome. I’ve seen your posts on the school forum. You sing very well. You should perform more at school in the future.”
Even Gu Chen couldn’t help but compliment her.
“Mm…”
Ye Xinyan nodded slightly.
She seemed not very good at interacting with strangers, standing there not knowing how to respond.
“You have things to do, so go ahead.”
Gu Chen noticed she was a bit embarrassed, so he waved and said.
Otherwise, she might mistaken him for a malicious flirter, and that would be truly unfair.
“Okay, goodbye.”
Watching her hurried figure, still carrying a bag, he wondered what urgent matter she had.
But Gu Chen didn’t have time to think about that.
The homeroom teacher was waiting for him at the Discipline Office, so he had to hurry over.
He swept his gaze around and suddenly noticed something at the corner of the wall.
Out of curiosity, he crouched down and picked it up.
“It looks like a ring, kind of strange.”
Gu Chen murmured.
The gem on it was engraved with strange patterns, looking valuable, not something a student could afford.
Could it be something Ye Xinyan had dropped earlier?
He wanted to call her back and ask, but she was already out of sight.
Plus, he had to get to the Discipline Office, so he decided to pocket it for now.
He would ask her about it when he had time.
Soon, Gu Chen arrived at the Discipline Office.
As soon as he entered, he saw Hao Lijuan sitting on the sofa with a sour expression, as if the whole world owed her five million yuan.
Li Yanqiu was also there, giving him a wink.
“You’re here.”
“Hello, Teacher Li.”
Gu Chen responded.
“What, you only greet your homeroom teacher and can’t see anyone else?”
Hao Lijuan immediately grew displeased, questioning in a deep voice.
“Wishing Teacher Hao good fortune and long life. May you never die.”
Hearing this menopausal woman’s voice, Gu Chen felt physically uncomfortable, but he still forced a smile and offered greetings.
‘May you suffer from all ailments and never die…’
“You!!”
“Director Gou, look at his attitude. He dares to act like this right in front of you. Imagine how unruly he must be normally.”
This woman could certainly hear the sarcasm, gritting her teeth.
She was already dissatisfied with the mere apology punishment, and now she seized this chance to cause trouble.
“Gu Chen, she is a teacher after all. You should be very clear about the school rules. Respecting teachers is a fundamental principle. Originally, this kind of behavior would get you probation. Do you understand?”
Gou Huo had no choice but to back her up to save face.
“Where did I disrespect her? Was what I said not a blessing?”
Gu Chen looked innocent, spreading his hands.
“Well…”
“Forget it. We’ve decided to give you one chance. Apologize to Teacher Hao, and we’ll let this go.”
Gou Huo couldn’t find any real fault.
Plus, Gu Chen knew about his relative’s matter and hadn’t leaked it yet, proving he wasn’t spreading rumors.
So he didn’t dare go too far.
“That’s right. Listen to Director Gou and apologize.”
Li Yanqiu also urged.
“Fine, got it.”
Gu Chen rolled his eyes.
He cleared his throat and formally apologized:
“I’m sorry, Teacher Hao. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that in class.”
“Hmph!”
“This apology lacks sincerity. Reflect on what you actually did wrong!”
Hao Lijuan’s expression finally relaxed a bit.
She rarely got to have Gu Chen under her thumb, so she wasn’t going to let him off easily.
“Uh, I shouldn’t have said you’re not as pretty as Teacher Li, and I shouldn’t have said that if you were even half as pretty as Teacher Li, you’d be able to study English well.”
“You!!”
Hao Lijuan’s face, which had just calmed down, flushed red again. It was really hitting where it hurt.
Even if it was the truth, he couldn’t say it like that!
“What’s wrong? I was wrong. You’re prettier than Teacher Li, okay?”
With Gu Chen’s temper, how could he apologize sincerely?
Even if he admitted fault, he had to annoy her.
Snicker
Li Yanqiu couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
But realizing it wasn’t the right place, she quickly covered her mouth and held it in.
“Director Gou, I told you this kind of student won’t realize his mistake. He must be punished. I don’t accept this apology!”
Hao Lijuan broke down on the spot, glaring with a menopausal face.
“Gu Chen, even now you’re not being honest. It looks like today…”
Just as Gou Huo was about to hand out a punishment, Gu Chen interrupted him with a sigh and a meaningful look.
“Ah, I suddenly miss Teacher Wu. I wonder where he is working now.”
If Gou dared to punish him, they would see who gets kicked out of school first.
“Well… ahem, I think Gu Chen’s apology is sincere enough. This matter is over. Don’t bring it up again. Everyone leave.”
“What? Director Gou, why!”
Hao Lijuan couldn’t accept it, raising her voice.
“What, are you dissatisfied with the decision?”
Gou Huo was getting annoyed too.
He really didn’t dare offend Gu Chen now.
If the matter about Wu Peng got out, he would be the one kicked out.
“No… no.”
No matter how arrogant Hao Lijuan was, she wouldn’t dare to snap at the Dean of Instruction.
After all, she knew who was in charge.
In the end, she could only glare hatefully and leave.
Then Gu Chen and Li Yanqiu also walked out of the office.
The evening self-study bell rang.
They were probably late, but it didn’t matter.
“Hey, you. I told you to come apologize, but you just had to stir up trouble, didn’t you?”
On the way back, Li Yanqiu stopped, hands on her hips, complaining.
“What’s there to be afraid of? Gou Huo wouldn’t dare punish me. He was just looking for an excuse to back down. You know that.”
Gu Chen looked relaxed, hands behind his head.
“Even so, offending a teacher isn’t a wise choice. It’s easy for her to find trouble with you. Why do you have to go against her?”
Li Yanqiu knew the reason, but she didn’t understand.
Gu Chen also stopped walking.
“Because she goes against you. That pisses me off.”
He didn’t want to conflict with teachers either, but thinking about that menopausal woman planting a camera in the homeroom teacher’s dormitory—such a despicable act—made his blood boil.
Hearing this, Li Yanqiu’s eyes flashed with emotion.
She was silent for a moment.
Then she let out a wry smile, bent down, and patted Gu Chen’s head with her small hand.
“Alright, I know you want to stand up for me, and I appreciate it. But this is between her and me. Don’t get involved.”
Smack
“But…”
Gu Chen wanted to say more, but his cheek was suddenly kissed.
He froze on the spot.
“Here, this is your reward. Don’t act impulsively from now on, okay?”
Li Yanqiu’s eyes were soft like water, her tone gentler.
‘Holy crap!!’
This move really caught Gu Chen off guard. His face felt hot.
Fortunately, no one was around.
If someone had seen that, it would be the biggest news tomorrow!
“Mm, got it.”
In a daze, Gu Chen agreed.
“And, you said earlier that you study hard because the teacher is pretty. What if a prettier teacher shows up? Will you forget about me?”
Li Yanqiu quickly calmed down, raising an eyebrow.