“Can you two pause for a moment?”
The two immediately looked towards Jun Jiuli.
“Wanru, don't misunderstand, she and I truly have no relationship.”
“I don’t want to hear about your issues. I’m just asking if I knew you before, and if I ever agreed to be in a relationship with you.”
“Yes, it was love at first sight for me, and I am pursuing you. Wanru, I hope you can consider it, I really like you.”
“Stop right there. We’re not that close; calling me a classmate is fine. Your liking me is your business, and the trouble it brings should be resolved by you. I don’t want to be pointed at when I walk down the street.”
“I’m sorry, Xiaoli just can’t accept our breakup. I’ll make it clear to her. Xiaoli, apologize quickly.”
Zhao Zeli looked unconvinced, “Why should I apologize? I didn’t misunderstand anything; you’re just covering for her.”
“You weren’t like this before. What’s wrong with you? Why are you targeting student Song? She did nothing wrong.”
Shui Wa said, “Neither of their brains are quite normal. Their desire to perform is too strong. Don’t they feel any shame?”
Jun Jiuli replied, “Just treat it as watching monkeys perform. My Bao Qingtian is arriving soon.”
“I’ve figured it out. Song Wanru is just a cannon fodder. Getting caught in this breakup drama is so disgusting.”
“This cannon fodder is too outstanding. What a misfortune! I feel unlucky for her. If she hadn’t called people over to clarify things, who knows what rumors would be spread.”
“Being too pretty isn’t good either, to be liked by someone like this.”
The people in the cafeteria were discussing animatedly when a gruff voice cut through the air, “What are you all making a fuss about here? Aren’t you supposed to be resting?”
The cafeteria instantly fell silent. Some lowered their heads to eat, while others quickly grabbed their trays and scurried away.
“Why is no one talking? You were all chattering happily just now. Did I disturb you?”
“No, no.”
“Good afternoon, Teacher Xu.”
“Yes, good afternoon to you too.”
Jun Jiuli said, “Teacher, these two students are in a relationship and have broken up. The female student insists I interfered with them. I’m really not familiar with this male student.”
Teacher Xu nodded, “I believe you. You’re always in Class One; how could you possibly go to the third floor to have a relationship?”
Zhao Zeli retorted, “Teacher, grades aren’t everything. How can you be so biased?”
Her words made Teacher Xu’s brows furrow so deeply they could have trapped a fly. He disliked being interrupted when speaking.
Zhao Zeli’s statement also resonated with some students who didn’t have good grades, causing them to feel uncomfortable.
“I am not biased towards anyone; I am simply addressing the situation. If you want to slander a student from our class, you need to provide evidence. Dating is not something to be proud of, and I trust my students’ judgment.”
Zhong Yujin looked down at his toes, too scared to say a word, thinking, ‘It’s over.’
Zhao Zeli exclaimed, “Teacher, you are insulting us. We are your students too.”
“Let’s not waste everyone’s time. The two of you, come to my office.”
“Why can’t Song Wanru come too? I’m not convinced. Is it only because her grades are good? Does High School Number Seven only care about grades and not character?”
“This student of yours has a very sharp tongue. This is your private matter with this male student; don’t drag others into it.”
Zhao Zeli was about to speak again when Zhong Yujin grabbed her.
“Teacher, I know I was wrong. Can you let us off this once?”
“You scumbag, why are you admitting fault on my behalf? I did nothing wrong, she’s just a homewrecker.”
Jun Jiuli stated, “Student, please watch your words. Don’t speak without evidence.”
“Which class are you in, and who is your homeroom teacher?”
“Class 10, Grade 11, Zhou Xuewen.”
Teacher Xu took out his phone and immediately contacted Teacher Zhou. “Song Wanru, do you have anything to do during lunch?”
“No.”
“Alright, then come to my office together.”
Zhao Zeli, completely unfazed, followed Teacher Xu with an arrogant air, as if she were going to receive an award.
“Looks like Old Xu is angry. He’s the most protective of his students. And she’s the top student in their class. This will definitely lead to a school-wide criticism.”
“But that woman also has a point. I find her to be completely unreasonable.”
“Old Xu’s temper is really good today. That woman talked back to him so much, yet he still spoke politely.”
“If she were a guy, she’d definitely get kicked.”
“Let’s slip away. Going back to sleep.”
In the office.
“Teacher Zhou, your students. Not only are they dating, but they’re also openly calling our students a homewrecker.”
Teacher Zhou looked at Zhao Zeli and asked with disbelief, “Teacher Xu, is what you’re saying true?”
“Teacher, everything I said is true.”
Teacher Zhou’s brows furrowed even tighter. “Do you have any evidence?”
“Zhong Yujin’s confession is the evidence.”
“Is this the student? Which class are you in?”
“Class 18.”
“What’s going on between the two of you?”
“I just don’t want to be in a relationship anymore, and it has nothing to do with student Song.”
Teacher Zhou said, “Zhao Zeli, did you hear that clearly?”
Zhao Zeli stomped her foot in anger, “You’re still protecting her? Is she that good? We’ve been together for so many years, can’t you just tell the truth?”
“What I’m saying is the truth.”
Teacher Xu added, “Alright, how long are you going to keep this up? Let’s notify your parents. We don’t allow dating at High School Number Seven, and you should also apologize for slandering our students.”
Zhao Zeli started crying profusely, “You are biased. I will definitely find evidence. He and I have already broken up, and I will not invite my parents.”
“That’s not up to you. Teacher Zhou, please make contact on your end.”
Zhao Zeli looked pleadingly at Teacher Zhou, who sighed and went to find her parents’ phone number.
If she hadn’t been so stubborn, and if I had spoken to her a bit more, things wouldn’t have escalated to this point.
“Teacher Xu, I’ll make you regret this. I’m going to take the first place in the midterm exams next time.”
“Hmm, I’ll be waiting.”
Zhong Yujin exclaimed, “Are you crazy? With your ranking of over 500?”
“Song Wanru, don’t celebrate too soon. You’ll be crying during the midterm exams.”
“Okay, I’ll be waiting.”
“Song Wanru, you should go back and rest. You have classes this afternoon. I’ll handle things here.”
“Alright, thank you both, teachers. I’ll be going now.”
“You’re not allowed to leave! Teacher Xu, why are you letting her go? You’re all biased towards her. You say she didn’t do anything wrong, so prove it.”