The staff member who acted like a lovesick fool

All of this was brought about by Shangguan Xiao! Of course, Ouyang Xianyu was no less impressive. Not only were his grades outstanding, but he was also strikingly handsome. Bringing him anywhere was enough to make one proud. The other teachers at the school were all envious that she had managed to recruit such brilliant students. As for herself—needless to say—she was so overjoyed that she smiled even in her dreams, feeling as though she had grown ten years younger.

Teaching these middle schoolers was a delight—effortless, yet full of endless rewards. There was also the highest honor every teacher coveted: the title of Master Teacher. Watching this golden pair, her heart brimmed with unbridled joy. Heaven truly rewards the diligent, she thought, gazing at Shangguan Xiao and Ouyang Xianyu with a foolish, lovesick smile, as if she could already see her bright future unfolding before her eyes.

Xiao sat off to the side, her heart filled with nothing but disdain for this so-called teacher. Why did she always look at them with the eyes of an old hen spotting a fat worm? It was deeply unsettling. Displeased, she scooted closer to Yu. Ouyang Xianyu, idly flipping through a book, noticed Shangguan Xiao inching toward him. He glanced at her, catching her persistent gaze, which kept darting meaningfully toward the teacher.

Following her eyes, he saw the teacher staring at them with a gaze so intense it made his skin crawl. He set his book aside with a flicker of annoyance and gave a cold, soft cough: "Ahem!"

At the sound, the teacher finally snapped out of her reverie. Seeing Ouyang Xianyu coughing, she hurried over with concern. "How are you feeling? It seems I really should call a doctor to check on you!"

She turned to leave, but Ouyang Xianyu spoke up, unhurried and cool: "I'm fine. Is there any water?" Propping his chin with one hand, his face was inscrutable, a mask devoid of expression.

It was impossible to tell what he was thinking. So young, yet already so unreadable—a child in age only. He possessed an adult's mind and an intellect far surpassing most grown-ups. Everything about him spoke of a talent beyond compare; even Shangguan Xiao was, in some ways, a step below him.

Hearing his request for water, the teacher hurried to fetch it herself, not forgetting to pour a glass for Shangguan Xiao as well, lest the spirited girl cause a fuss.

Watching the teacher leave to get water, Xiao turned to Ouyang Xianyu, her face full of scorn. In a disgruntled tone, she grumbled, "Honestly! Why does she always do whatever you ask? It's so unfair!"

Hands on her hips, her cheeks puffed in indignation. Their dressing room was far inferior to Liang Junwei’s—it lacked a restroom, a changing area, and even a water dispenser. All they had were a few battered mirrors, and the only half-decent sofa was the one they currently sat on. The rest were so dilapidated that sitting down might cause them to collapse instantly—one wrong move, and they'd be flat on their backs, injured and humiliated. The lighting was poor as well, just a few dim bulbs casting a gloomy glow. The walls looked damp, too—a setting entirely foreign to Yu and Xiao, who were accustomed to the highest standards wherever they went.