Chapter 88: The Emperor Remains Calm, but the Eunuch Is Anxious
In the next moment, his trembling hand propped itself against the desk, and the little figure inside his heart burst into tears.
How on earth did this child end up with such a problem in her head?
Li Junmei had just returned from the classroom and saw Shen Jie and Ruan Cha deep in conversation. The corners of her lips lifted in a mocking smile. “Oh, Teacher Shen, your class has produced a real celebrity student now.”
Shen Jie remained silent and didn’t respond.
“Since Gu Jiayan started attending our school, no one has ever dared to openly challenge her for the top spot in the grade. Teacher Shen, you really are impressive—your student hasn’t been under your wing for long, and already she’s inherited your bold spirit, hahahahaha.”
Li Junmei laughed heartily as she took her seat, feeling immensely satisfied.
Now, not only had Ruan Cha become a laughingstock at school, but her situation had even made its way online. Who knew how many people were waiting for the Hell Exam at Second High to watch Ruan Cha make a fool of herself.
This time, Shen Jie truly had no way to refute Li Junmei. Even though her laughter was shrill and grating, he…
Just thinking of Ruan Cha’s glaring eight-point test paper made Shen Jie’s headache throb all the more violently.
He spent a full five minutes giving himself a psychological pep talk before finally opening his eyes—only to see that the girl who had been standing smartly before him was now lounging comfortably in the teacher’s seat beside him, resting her delicate chin on her hand, watching him with lazy amusement.
Truly, the eunuch is more anxious than the emperor!
“Ruan Cha, here’s what we’ll do: from today on, every evening after school, you’ll come to my office. I’ll tutor you.”
This was the only remedy Shen Jie could think of, even if the results would likely be negligible.
“Teacher Shen, with her foundation, cramming at the last minute is nothing but wishful thinking, isn’t it?” Li Junmei scoffed when she heard him, picking up the cup on the table and taking a slow sip, her calculating eyes full of ridicule.
Her words stabbed Shen Jie in the chest like an invisible sword.
Pfft—
“Teacher Li, could you please not interrupt?” Shen Jie’s tone was drained of all energy.
“Am I not just stating the truth? This is a hopeless situation—no matter how much effort you put in, the outcome will be the same. What, am I not allowed to say that? Teacher Shen, are you really that thin-skinned?”
“Teacher Li, I’m only showing care and concern for my student. How does that make me thin-skinned?”
Ever since Li Junmei had been put in her place by Ruan Cha, Shen Jie had completely fallen out with her; they could no longer even be bothered to keep up the pretense of civility.
“I never said you weren’t caring. I’m just speaking from experience, warning you not to waste your efforts on someone unworthy, or else in the end—”
“Teacher Li, that’s not right. Every student is equal; every one of them deserves their teacher’s care. Why, in your eyes, do struggling students not even qualify for a teacher’s concern?”
Li Junmei sneered, “That’s the sort of thing only a young hothead like you would say.”
Shen Jie clenched his fists, his tongue pressing irritably and roughly against his palate.
Damn it.
This wretched woman!
For the first time in his life, Shen Jie was so furious he nearly cursed aloud, and his breathing turned heavy.
“Teacher Shen, don’t be angry. I promise I won’t let you lose face.” Ruan Cha blinked her bright, clear eyes with perfect obedience.
Looking into her gaze, Shen Jie, though inwardly exhausted and thoroughly wounded, managed to pull himself together. “It’s all right. Go back to class now, and remember to come to my office after school.”