CHAPTER 72: CHAPTER 70 [FATE AH!]

Chapter Seventy: Oh, Fate!

Jiang Yingzi woke up the next day.

Without further contact with the poison, her high fever had subsided. She just felt weak and powerless—everything looked just like a severe cold.

A deputy director from the Department of Commerce even came to visit her, bringing along the deputy chief physician from the district hospital. The physician gave Jiang Yingzi another check-up before they took their leave.

And so, the incident seemed to have passed quietly.

Chen Nuo and Li Yingwan reached an agreement: they would not tell Jiang Yingzi about the poisoning and murder attempt.

Otherwise, given this woman’s extreme character and paranoid thoughts, if she knew she had been subjected to another assassination attempt, out of fear, she would probably forcibly send her daughter to Chen Nuo’s bed.

Well, let her think she just had a severe cold, Chen Nuo thought.

Leaving Li Yingwan to play the dutiful daughter in the hotel, Chen Nuo went off to school to play the good student.

The long-legged young woman seethed internally. He’s going to find that Sun Fatso again! What’s so good about her! Is being large that important?

Of course, Chen Nuo was not a good student.

But for the past couple of days, he felt he needed to go to school and sweet-talk Sun Keke a bit.

The young girl was being forced by Old Sun to attend extra lessons, which made her extremely frustrated.

Coupled with not having seen Chen Nuo for the past few days, her eyes were brimming with tears the moment she caught sight of him at school today.

Chen Yanluo felt a pang of sympathy.

Sun Keke has actually slimmed down a bit! How could she! She should be plump! Even her chin has become a bit pointier!

Chen Nuo inwardly criticized Old Sun. So clueless!

However, during the following physical education class, when the young girl took off her jacket and started running with the group...

Chen Yanluo was reassured.

Thank goodness, she hasn’t slimmed down.

Sun Keke was in a great mood today.

Chen Nuo had finally come to school; they hadn’t seen each other for a couple of days, and even his phone had been unreachable.

In Sun Keke’s heart, Everything about Chen Nuo is perfect. He’s so handsome, he knows how to talk, and how to make me happy; sometimes, he’s even so gentle. There’s just one thing that isn’t good—he’s always so secretive and sneaky. Oh, and there’s another thing: that Li Malang. But as long as that Li Malang isn’t at school, then the skies are clear!

Chen Nuo was unusually present at school the whole day, and Sun Keke finally got to monopolize him, without that annoying long-legged girl by his side.

Halfway through physical education class, the teacher, as usual, tossed out some volleyballs and basketballs to the students and then let them be.

The students scattered, playing and fooling around.

Chen Nuo found the thickest, softest patch of grass to lean against, basking in the warm spring sunlight that made him feel pleasantly lazy.

School belle Sun sat beside him, her body almost snuggling into Chen Nuo’s embrace... only holding back because they were at school.

Ever since our first kiss, I’ve already considered Chen Nuo my boyfriend,

Sun Keke thought. We’ve hugged, we’ve kissed. If he isn’t my boyfriend, then what is he? A molester?

School belle Sun felt completely justified.

The girl snuggled up to Chen Nuo, a sweet smile on her face, plucking blades of grass and twirling them between her fingers. When her hands were covered in green juice, she casually wiped them on Chen Nuo’s school uniform.

The two youths leaning against each other created a picturesque scene from a distance.

Chen Nuo was feeling quite content and, as he lay there, he began to feel sleepy...

Just then, Sun Keke suddenly leaned in closer, whispering with a giggle, "My dad’s not home today. He’s gone on a business trip."

Huh?!

Chen Nuo jolted, immediately sitting up to look at Sun Keke.

Well, if you’re going to talk about *that*, I’m definitely not sleepy anymore!

"Where has Old Sun gone?" Chen Nuo asked calmly.

Sun Keke briefly explained.

I understand, Chen Nuo thought.

The education company had organized a business trip, summoning leaders from several affiliated schools for a meeting. Old Sun, designated to be in charge of the school’s academic research a few months later, was also invited. They were to discuss restructuring academic affairs and student promotions for the next year.

The destination was Wuzhou, the one with Golden Rooster Lake on Guanxian Street.

It was a three-day trip.

Chen Nuo’s eyes flickered. "Then..."

"I have to go to Teacher Jiang’s house tonight for a Chinese tutoring session, focusing on essay writing."

Chen Nuo nodded. He was pretty clear about School belle Sun’s tutoring situation now.

This Teacher Jiang who gave Chinese tutoring was from their school and taught a graduating senior class. His teaching quality was decent – not great, but not bad. However, he was a good person with solid character and considered Old Sun a friend.

If everything went as expected, next semester, when they moved up to senior year, Teacher Jiang would be taking over their Chinese class.

And the designated class advisor is my father-in-law, Chen Nuo mused. Yes, Old Sun will make a glorious return, while Old Wu will gracefully retire to the sidelines to continue nursing his leg.

So, starting this semester, Old Sun had already requested Teacher Jiang to tutor School belle Sun in Chinese. It was also a way to get acquainted in advance so that they could have a smooth transition next semester and she wouldn’t fall behind in the curriculum.

What a pity! Chen Nuo thought. Such a great opportunity with Old Sun on a business trip, yet School belle Sun still had to attend tutoring classes at night. The chance to be alone is lost. Actually, even without tutoring, it wouldn’t be convenient. School belle Sun still has a mother, after all.

However, in Chen Nuo’s heart, he couldn’t quite respect a woman like Yang Xiaoyi. As far as I’m concerned, it’s as if she doesn’t exist!

"We haven’t gone shopping together in a long time," Sun Keke murmured, pouting. "We also talked about watching a movie together before."

Poor thing, Chen Nuo thought, looking at her. Even though we’re classmates in the same school, it feels like we’re the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.

Chen Nuo looked at School belle Sun’s face.

Oh well, I did kiss her, after all.

"I’ll keep you company tonight," he said.

"Huh? But I have tutoring."

"No worries, just leave it to me."

After school, Chen Nuo told School belle Sun to go home first to have dinner and grab her books. He, on the other hand, took a quick trip out.

Half an hour later, Chen Nuo knocked on the door of the Sun family’s home.

Sun Keke was already waiting impatiently. As soon as she saw Chen Nuo, she immediately pulled him out the door.

Yang Xiaoyi, who was at home, wanted to remind them to be safe, but before she could finish her sentence, the door was already closed.

There wasn’t really much to remind them about. Teacher Jiang lived very close by. The Sun family lived in apartment 504, and Teacher Jiang lived in apartment 302, in the same building.

Teacher Jiang’s full name was Jiang Gang. He looked to be in his late forties or early fifties. He had the kind, affable face of a friendly neighbor.

When Sun Keke knocked on the door, it was just after dinnertime, seven o’clock.

Inside Teacher Jiang’s living room, two other students were already seated. One was Chen Nuo and Sun Keke’s classmate, the class president who was essentially a background character—yes, the one who sat next to Li Yingwan. The other was a girl from another sophomore class named Du Xiaoyan.

That’s right, she was the girl who had brought Chen Nuo bottled water when he was playing basketball, before the Asura Field 1.0 incident. This girl looked okay, not stunningly beautiful, but she possessed a charming, youthful cuteness. Unfortunately...

Chen Nuo glanced at her. Too skinny!

When Teacher Jiang opened the door, he first saw Sun Keke and greeted her warmly, "Keke, you’re here."

Then he noticed Chen Nuo standing behind her.

Oh? I recognize him! The school’s celebrity, huh, Teacher Jiang thought. Although the boy hadn’t done anything particularly noteworthy at school, every teacher knew him. Such nerve! Flirting with Old Sun’s daughter right under his nose. At school, he practically parades around with Sun Keke as if they’re a couple. Many teachers are aware of this. Old Sun himself has tried every way to suppress it, but he can’t control it. Sheesh! In my opinion, Old Sun is simply too bookish! What does he mean he can’t control or suppress it? Just drag the kid home, give him a beating with a stick, and he’d straighten out! Spare the rod, spoil the child, right? Jiang Gang did not agree with Old Sun’s approach to parenting. But what surprises me is... why did this kid follow Sun Keke to tutoring?

Sun Keke entered first, with Chen Nuo slipping in right after her, bowing his head slightly. "Good evening, Teacher Jiang!"

"You’re Chen Nuo, right? What are you doing here?" Teacher Jiang frowned.

"Well, I heard Keke was coming here for tutoring, and I wanted to pay you a visit," the young man said with a grin, "and also to wish you a happy Dragon Boat Festival in advance."

Dragon Boat Festival? It’s only April; the Dragon Boat Festival is still far off. If anything is recent... Qingming Festival just passed not long ago. He’s talking utter nonsense with a straight face!

"Chen Nuo, just be straightforward with your purpose," Teacher Jiang said, not wanting to beat around the bush with the boy.

Chen Nuo first ushered Sun Keke towards the desk. The class president and Du Xiaoyan were both looking over curiously, but Chen Nuo pretended not to notice, giving Sun Keke a look. The girl sat down.

"Teacher Jiang, may I speak with you in the kitchen for a moment?" Chen Nuo asked politely.

Jiang Gang was also a bit curious. "Alright then," he said.

The two of them went to the kitchen, Chen Nuo following behind and gently closing the door.

Inside the kitchen, Chen Nuo pulled an envelope from his pocket.

"Teacher Jiang, next year you’ll be taking over our class. You see, I really want to study hard. I’ve heard from Keke that your tutoring is top-notch, so, do you think I could study with you as well?" As he spoke, he placed the envelope on the stove beside him.

Jiang Gang was stunned.

Tutoring? Every teacher in the high school department knows this Chen Nuo is famous for constantly skipping classes! Does he really want to study hard? He... He’s just here to keep an eye on his little girlfriend, isn’t he!!

Teacher Jiang was in a quandary. Running this little private tutoring class at home was actually characteristic of the era; many school teachers offered extra lessons to students in their own time at their homes. It was all about making a living. The compensation at No. 8 Middle School wasn’t high; after all, it wasn’t a key school, and the teachers’ income was quite ordinary. Besides... Teacher Jiang had some special circumstances at home and was in constant need of money.

He could take Chen Nuo in... but the problem was... this kid obviously had ulterior motives. And, if Old Sun found out and asked about it, wouldn’t that be awkward?

While he was still deliberating, Chen Nuo, very alertly, suddenly turned and called out towards the living room, "Hey, Keke! Oh, there was something I forgot to ask you."

With that, Chen Nuo nodded at Teacher Jiang, opened the door, and stepped out of the kitchen, leaving Teacher Jiang by himself.

Teacher Jiang was momentarily startled, then glanced at the envelope on the table and immediately understood the young man’s intention.

This kid is pretty shrewd, he thought. He pressed his hand on the envelope. Hmm, not thin! I can tell by the feel; it’s thicker than what the other students’ families gave. Sigh... what am I going to do?

Moments later, Teacher Jiang emerged from the kitchen and approached the living room table.

"Let’s start the class," Teacher Jiang said slowly. "From today, Chen Nuo will also join you for the supplemental lessons." Glancing at Chen Nuo, he asked, "Have you brought your Chinese textbook and workbook?"

"It’s okay, I can share with Keke," Chen Nuo said with a smile.

...Alright then! He’s clearly not here to study, Teacher Jiang thought, feeling somewhat helpless. If I’m being honest with myself... I didn’t want to agree, but he offered so much.

After a short lesson, Chen Nuo realized that Teacher Jiang actually knew his stuff. His lecturing style was detailed and solid, and he definitely had substance, speaking eloquently. In the teaching process, he guided the students with patience, proving to be a rather good teacher.

"The character we’re discussing today has several meanings. Are you all clear on them?" Teacher Jiang began. "One meaning is ’to lift up,’ like raising something. Another is ’behavior,’ as in gestures or actions. A third is ’to initiate,’ like organizing an event. A fourth is ’to propose,’ like listing or giving examples. A fifth is ’to elect,’ as in an election. And a sixth meaning is ’all,’ like in ’throughout the nation’ and ’world-famous.’"

Having finished, Teacher Jiang looked at the four students. "Now, each of you give a phrase demonstrating one of these meanings, and explain it."

The class president (still a tool in the narrator’s eyes) said, "For the idiom ’one’s every move,’ the character’s meaning here is ’to lift’ or ’an action.’"

Du Xiaoyan said, "In ’to draw inferences from one example,’ the character’s meaning here is ’to propose’ or ’to cite.’"

Sun Keke said, "For ’to handle heavy tasks with ease,’ it also uses the meaning of ’to lift.’"

It was Chen Nuo’s turn. He paused for a moment, then said, "For ’to lift the tray to eyebrow level’—it’s also ’to lift’!"

Teacher Jiang rolled his eyes. Just say your piece! Why are you looking at Sun Keke?!

"The next character we’ll discuss has several different meanings and uses," Teacher Jiang continued. "First is... second is... third is... Now, each of you provide an example and explain the meaning of the character in it."

The class president offered, "In ’to be mentioned in the same breath,’ the character indicates a mutual action."

Du Xiaoyan said, "In ’to be on par with each other,’ the character means ’mutually’ or ’reciprocally.’"

Sun Keke said, "For ’to see someone in a new light,’ the character here means ’to treat’ or ’to look at.’"

Chen Nuo, looking at Sun Keke, said, "In ’to treat each other with mutual respect as guests’..."

Teacher Jiang: "..."

"Alright, the character for ’white’ has meanings like the color itself, brightness, and it can describe purity, among other things," Teacher Jiang said, then quickly added, glaring at Chen Nuo, "Chen Nuo! If you dare say ’to grow old together with white hair,’ you can get out!!!"

Before the class was over, Teacher Jiang finally understood why Old Sun had recently taken to clutching his chest so often.

I took the money, I took the money... Teacher Jiang consoled himself.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Teacher Jiang went to open it. The young people inside saw a burly man standing in the entryway. His appearance was rugged; he wore a jacket, but there were traces of motor oil on his clothes.

"Teacher Jiang, sorry to trouble you!" The middle-aged man handed over a plastic bag filled with some fruit. Then he turned and forcefully pushed the young man standing behind him through the door.

"Study well with the teacher! Hear me! If you don’t behave, I’ll beat you to death!" The middle-aged man glared at his son, then nodded politely at the teacher. "Please take care of him, Teacher! If he can get into a junior college, I’ll be more than satisfied!"

The middle-aged man gave his son another stern talking-to before saying goodbye and leaving.

Teacher Jiang sighed and said to the young man at the door, "Come in. Go on, don’t just stand there. Go and take a seat."

Zhang Linsheng had entered with his head down. Upon looking up, he saw four young people seated around the living room table.

The first thing he saw was that smiling face he hated most!

WHAT THE FUCK!!! I’m actually classmates with this bastard now?! Brother Haonan was instantly distraught!!!

[KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK, seeking recommendation tickets! Going VIP Sunday night at twelve, please come and support! I’m counting on your first-day subscriptions.

Also, I’d like to request your monthly tickets for the 1st. As a new book, it’ll be competing on the new book monthly ticket leaderboard in its first month on the shelves.]