With five students present, Yan Chi certainly wouldn't just give milk tea to Sethia alone. So, in the office, the two teachers and five students each filled their paper cups with milk tea and slowly sipped them.
Sethia drank the fastest, still wanting more. Seeing that Li Huai's cup still had a lot left, he stared at him longingly. Just as Li Huai was about to share some with her, Feng Wang domineeringly held him down, "No sharing."
Li Huai: "But I can't finish it either."
"Then give it to me."
Li Huai could only look apologetically at Sethia. Sethia's little head drooped. Just then, a paper cup with more than half left was placed in front of him.
Sethia looked up happily, "For me?"
Tan Mo said expressionlessly, "Yes."
Sethia happily took his cup of milk tea, this time drinking it slowly, afraid of finishing it again.
Yan Chi watched their interaction, his gaze sweeping over Sethia and Tan Mo, then turning to the brothers Feng Wang and Li Huai. He noticed that Feng Wang's protectiveness towards his younger brother was a little too strong.
Then his gaze fell on the boy with dark green eyes. Looking into those eyes, he inexplicably thought of Shen Mingsu, and upon closer inspection, the two looked remarkably alike.
If Yan Chi remembered correctly, this child's name was Shen Chang Le.
Both surnamed Shen.
Could they be relatives?
Suppressing his doubts, Yan Chi asked, "Is there something you need from me?"
Instantly, Feng Wang stiffened for a moment, looking at Yan Chi with a hesitant expression. It was Tan Mo, who had been quiet all along, who spoke first, "I'm sorry."
Yan Chi was taken aback, realizing he was referring to what happened that morning.
Shen Chang Le also admitted his mistake, "I shouldn't have hit him on the head."
Li Huai nudged Feng Wang's arm, urging him on. Feng Wang muttered softly, "I know, I know."
He walked up to Yan Chi, bowed his head, and said, "I'm sorry, we accidentally hurt you and put you in the infirmary."
After listening to each of their apologies, Yan Chi remained silent for a moment, then looked at the children. "Feng Wang, can I know why you fought with Tan Mo?"
Feng Wang remained silent, glaring angrily at Tan Mo.
Yan Chi patiently awaited their answer.
Finally, Li Huai stepped forward and apologized to Tan Mo, "I'm sorry, it's my fault. My brother hit Tan Mo because of me. Tan Mo, I apologize to you."
Feng Wang, like a lit firecracker, pulled Li Huai back, "You deliberately mentioned your father in front of him, and... you made him cry, and you're pretending to be innocent?! Have you no shame?"
As he spoke, Feng Wang glanced at Yan Chi. Shen Mingsu had come to their class earlier to warn them not to display their abilities in front of Yan Chi, so he could only address part of the issue.
Tan Mo's tone was calm. "I didn't know about your family situation, and I didn't intentionally bring it up in front of him. Besides, I've already apologized to him, and he said he forgives me."
Feng Wang persisted, "Anyway, my brother cried because of you!"
"It has nothing to do with you. You're not real brothers."
"We are!"
"You're not related by blood."
"So what!"
Seeing the two kids about to start arguing again, Yan Chi quickly stopped them. Perhaps worried that Yan Chi might faint again if he got angry, Feng Wang and Tan Mo both shut up.
Yan Chi had already guessed what had happened from their argument. Li Huai's father might have had an accident, and Tan Mo had unintentionally reminded Li Huai of a painful memory, causing Li Huai to cry. Feng Wang, the older brother, then stood up for his younger brother.
Yan Chi sighed and called all three children over. First, he said to Feng Wang, "When you went to stand up for your brother, did you ask for his opinion?"
Feng Wang silently shook his head.
Yan Chi patted Feng Wang's head. Feng Wang initially resisted and tilted his head slightly, but in the end he did not refuse, though there was still a hint of defiance in his eyes.
Like a puffing-up little leopard.
“Violence won’t solve anything. Perhaps you could ask your brother’s opinion before making a decision?” Yan Chi guided Feng Wang, using a joking tone. “Didn’t you tell your brother this time before you attacked Tan Mo?”
Feng Wang then recalled that when he and Tan Mo were fighting, Li Huai had tried to stop him. He had been very scared then, and he seemed to have cried.
He had frightened his brother.
Feng Wang immediately hugged Li Huai with remorse. “I’m sorry, I… I’m sorry.”
Li Huai patted Feng Wang’s shoulder. “It’s okay, but you must listen to me next time. You’re always like this, too impulsive. I’m not that easily hurt.”
Feng Wang was silent for a moment, then mumbled an “okay.”
Judging solely from the children's personalities, Yan Chi found it hard to believe they were brothers. Just as Li Huai had said, Feng Wang had a terrible temper and could easily lose control, while Li Huai was too soft-hearted, the type to only secretly shed tears when bullied.
Thinking about it this way, Yan Chi could understand Feng Wang's overly protective instincts towards Li Huai.
Feng Wang apologized to Tan Mo, and it was time for class. The children said goodbye to Yan Chi and returned to the classroom.
After they left, Xi Chang spoke, "Feng Wang was also afraid something would happen to Li Huai; he was terrified."
Yan Chi: "But the school is safe."
"No, there will always be...bad guys sneaking in." Xi Chang's expression turned serious as she took a sip of her milk tea. "So, Xiao Chi, if you see anyone acting strangely, you must be careful."
Yan Chi was surprised. "But the director said the school gates are always closed. How did those people get in?"
"They always find a way, but don't worry too much. Students patrol the school every day. Oh, by the way, the patrols are currently being conducted by second-year students. Divide your class into groups and submit the lists."
Yan Chi nodded, but became even more worried. "Why not hire some security guards? The students are still children. What if they accidentally come face-to-face with a sneaky person while patrolling and get hurt?"
Xi Chang smiled. "Don't worry, trust them."
If the sneaky players actually bumped into their students, they would definitely be the ones who were devastated. The afternoon passed uneventfully. Yan Chi only remembered he hadn't assigned homework during the last class, so he quickly went next door to explain the day's tasks.
He knew his actions were a downer, but there was nothing he could do; the children's foundation was too weak.
Meanwhile, he met two other teachers in the office: a short-haired female teacher named Bai Ruo, who taught physical education, and a male teacher named Youyou who always had a troubled expression.
When Yan Chi asked which subject he taught, Youyou lowered his head and said softly, "I... I go to whichever class the principal tells me to teach."
Yan Chi looked puzzled. Were there teachers like this in the school?
"Youyou is a counselor," Xi Chang quickly added, "So he helps whichever class has students who need it."
Looking at Youyou, who had inexplicably started to cry, Yan Chi deeply believed that he might need counseling more than the students. "I see..."
Xi Chang nodded like a chicken pecking at rice.
Youyou's workstation was right across from Yan Chi's. In two hours, Yan Chi watched him go through an entire pack of tissues, his entire being shrouded in sadness.
Yan Chi couldn't help but ask, "Teacher Youyou, are you alright?"
Youyou looked up, his eyes still blurry with tears. "I...I'm fine. Thank you, Teacher Xiao Chi. You're the first colleague who's ever cared about me. I'm so touched, sob sob sob."
Yan Chi opened his mouth, about to say something comforting, when the school bell rang. Youyou immediately stood up and rushed towards the door, muttering, "Time to go home, time to go home."
He showed no trace of sadness.
Yan Chi: "..."
His worry seemed a little unnecessary.
Xi Chang packed his small satchel and beckoned to Yan Chi, "Come on, it's your first day here, I'll take you to the classroom apartment. By the way, we're neighbors."
Yan Chi pulled out his suitcase and backpack, and exclaimed with delight, "That's great! You can come over for meals anytime!"
Xi Chang was happy and offered to help Yan Chi with his bags.
Yan Chi refused, "It's okay, I can manage."
"Alright."
The Yunzhou teachers' apartment complex was located at the foot of the mountain at the northernmost part of the school. Each teacher was allocated a two-story duplex apartment with a small garden.
Yan Chi's eyes widened with delight when he saw his apartment, incredulous, "I really live alone?"
"Of course." Xi Chang pointed to the apartment on the left, "This is my home. Come visit me anytime you have time."
Yan Chi agreed, but as they parted ways and headed towards their respective homes, Yan Chi suddenly felt that something was amiss.
"Oh dear, Xiao Chi."
Xi Chang suddenly turned back, handing the house key to Yan Chi apologetically. "The principal asked me to give this to you. I have a bad memory, sorry."
Yan Chi chuckled. "I forgot I didn't even have a key."
After waving goodbye, Yan Chi took the key, pushed open the yard gate, and looked around. Clusters of blooming water lilies filled a small, clear pond. Ornamental trees lined the gravel path, but because no one tended to them, flowers and weeds grew together in the flowerbeds.
Yan Chi was overjoyed and eagerly dragged his suitcase into the house.
Someone must have cleaned it beforehand; the house was spotless, and all the furniture was there. Yan Chi opened the refrigerator, which was even filled with fruits and vegetables. The flowers in the vase on the coffee table in the living room were still fresh, and the oil, salt, and seasonings in the kitchen were all neatly arranged.
Yan Chi looked around the first floor and then went up to the second floor.
The second floor consisted entirely of living rooms, a master bedroom, a second bedroom, and a study.
Yan Chi, naturally, wouldn't compromise on his comfort. He chose the spacious and well-lit master bedroom. He took his belongings out of his suitcase and arranged them appropriately. When he opened the wardrobe, he even found various styles of new clothes, all in Yan Chi's size.
The benefits at this school are ridiculously good.
Yan Chi sighed inwardly, unable to hide the joy in his eyes. He plopped down on the soft bed, rolling around excitedly a few times, his hair a mess, hugging his pillow, his eyes crinkling with laughter.
He finally had a house all to himself!
Back in the orphanage, Yan Chi lived with five other children. Later, when he got older and went to school, he lived in the school dormitory.
Owning a house was Yan Chi's biggest dream. It didn't have to be small, just big enough for him.
That dream had come true today. Yan Chi couldn't contain his excitement. Like a kitten newly arrived in a strange environment, he checked every spot, surveying his territory, while simultaneously planning where to hang a painting here, put a doll there.
As he strolled downstairs, he took a quick look around the small courtyard. Squatting by the pond, he gazed at the beautiful water lilies and muttered, "You're all so pretty, but why aren't there any fish? Hmm… I'll see when I have time to buy some goldfish to put in there. The little fish wagging their tails are so cute."
"A rocking chair could go under this tree."
Then he hopped over and touched the blooming roses.
Just as Yan Chi was happily planning his territory, he suddenly sensed a gaze. Turning around, he saw a boy with dark green eyes standing in the neighboring yard, holding a watering can. His serious little face was full of confusion, seemingly bewildered by Yan Chi's unusual behavior.
Yan Chi's mind went blank. He stood there, staring blankly at Shen Chang Le.
Help! Why is this student here? How long has he been watching? Has he already seen his entire stupid expression?
Yan Chi's smile was stiff. "Hello, Shen."
Shen Chang Le nodded. "Hello, teacher."
"Um... I was just asking casually, nothing more." Yan Chi's mind was a mess. "Well, what are you doing here?"
Shen Chang Le's tone remained unchanged. "I live here."
"Chang Le, who are you talking to?"
A casual voice rang out, and Shen Mingsu, dressed in pajamas, walked out. He was visibly startled to see Yan Chi on the other side of the yard. "Yan Chi?"
Yan Chi had already suffered a huge blow; his dignity as a teacher had shattered completely.
Shen Mingsu's appearance was an even heavier blow. His boss lived next door—something no working person could even dream of.
Yan Chi felt like crying. He glanced at his house, wishing he could lift it up and move it far away from the two of them.
"Hello, Principal Shen."
Shen Mingsu found it amusing and echoed the polite greeting, "Hello, Teacher Yan too."
Yan Chi didn't know what to say. His desire to leave was ridiculously strong. His mouth moved faster than his brain, "I want to see you again, goodbye."
He turned and left.
Shen Mingsu: "...?"
Shen Chang Le blurted out, "It seems the teacher doesn't want to see you. Are you some kind of bad luck?"
Shen Mingsu casually smacked him on the back of the head. "Do you think you're some popular kid? You have the nerve to talk to me like that?"
Shen Chang Le snorted defiantly.
Meanwhile, Yan Chi returned home and only then realized what he had done. He immediately collapsed to the ground in despair, unable to imagine what Shen Mingsu's expression would be. Was he going to be fired so soon after arriving?
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