Chapter 29: Exclusive to Jinjiang 1/2

On the podium, Song Fuzhi held a blue folder and announced, ‘The registration for the autumn sports meet has now begun. The events include these; let me read them out.’

long-distance running, sprinting, high jump, long jump, relay races, fun games, and more than ten other events, each requiring several students to participate.

After finishing the long list, Song Fuzhi summarized, ‘Everyone can freely sign up, and the sports committee will help tally the registration results.’

There was a not-too-loud but not-too-quiet stir in the classroom.

Although not everyone liked sports, having a sports meet was generally a happy occasion. No classes; just being a spectator and having some fun was quite good.

A student raised their hand and asked, ‘Teacher Song, is the participation reward the same as last year? ‘

The students immediately got excited, their mouths chattering about whether there would be rewards this year.

Last year, after the sports meet ended, Song Fuzhi suddenly announced in the class that any student who participated in the sports meet competition events would get treated to bubble tea, and those who won would get to watch a movie, with any price range, all on him.

At the time, some students were happy, some worried, complaining that Teacher Song didn’t announce it earlier; they would have signed up! Even if they got the last place, they could at least earn a cup of bubble tea.

Song Fuzhi said at the time: That was the meaning behind what he did.

Many things in life, before you actually do them, you don’t know their returns. Effort doesn’t necessarily yield results, but if you’re unwilling to try, you’ll definitely end up with empty hands.

Sometimes, the effort you casually put in might bring unexpected returns.

This year, the students learned by asking Song Fuzhi in advance if there was such a reward system.

So, they still didn’t understand the meaning behind Teacher Song’s actions.

Song Fuzhi stood on the platform and, with the most serious tone, made the most heartless joke: ‘You guys guess.’

Amid a wave of sobs from the audience, Song Fuzhi added, ‘And there’s one more thing, the opening ceremony of the sports meet.’

There was a sudden silence in the room.

‘Including the entrance and performance time, each class has about eight minutes. The form of the performance is not limited.’

Song Fuzhi searched the audience and said, ‘This, the cultural and entertainment committee, will be in charge, right? ‘

Everyone started chattering again, this time with more excitement.

Outgoing students whispered, ‘Let’s make it lively! ‘

Song Fuzhi added, ‘You can rehearse during your free time, but pay attention to safety.’

After class, Song Fuzhi returned to the office, and the teachers waved at him when they saw him.

‘Song Teacher is here! We’re counting on you for the long-distance run, two kilometers.’

This year, the sports meet not only involved students but also teachers. The emphasis was on teacher-student enjoyment, with teachers playing a role model.

Regardless of the age group, long-distance running was always the least popular event because it was tiring.”

“Girls run 800 meters, boys run 1,000 meters, and male teachers run 2,000 meters.

Teacher Song looked like someone who exercised regularly. In his absence, other teachers naturally bestowed this honorable task upon him.

‘We are very democratic.’ Teacher Zhou patted his beer belly. ‘Teacher Song has the power of veto. If you don’t want to run, no one will force you.’

Song Fuzhi nodded. ‘I can do it. Write my name.’

Teacher Zhou added, ‘And, here’s an interesting fact: if the teacher wins, the points are added to the collective score of the class.’

Song Fuzhi jokingly said, ‘Then I’ll start training today.’

The Chinese teacher chuckled. ‘I always feel that Teacher Song has become much gentler after getting married.’

Song Fuzhi still smiled. ‘Really.’

At the end of the last semester, on the first day Song Fuzhi wore the ring to school, other teachers spotted it. They were so excited, surrounding Song Fuzhi with enthusiasm.

Teacher Song was usually low-key, but due to his handsome appearance, he had his share of admirers. There were a few who pursued him, like Qiao Xuyang, who even sent flowers to the office. However, when Teacher Song suddenly got married, definitively off the market, everyone was surprised.

‘It’s been a while; Teacher Song hasn’t let us meet your husband yet. Is he handsome? ‘ The homeroom teacher from the adjacent class gossiped.

Song Fuzhi said, ‘He is.’

The Chinese teacher blinks. ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder? ‘

Song Fuzhi teased, ‘Really handsome. You’ll see when you meet him.’

Song Fuzhi didn’t know when other teachers would get to meet Shizhang’s friends. Nevertheless, when Song Fuzhi came home in the evening, the aroma of the meal filled the entire house. Shizhang was sitting in the dining room under warm yellow light, casually talking on the phone, looking very homely and mild-mannered.

Song Fuzhi thought it wasn’t just his beauty in the eyes of his lover; Professor Shizhang was exceptionally handsome.

When Shizhang saw Song Fuzhi coming back, he stood up naturally, took out a pair of slippers from the shoe cabinet, and bent over to place them in front of Song Fuzhi.

He held the phone and said to the person on the other end, ‘My husband is back; let me ask him.’

After a few words on the phone, Shizhang looked at Song Fuzhi and smiled, replying, ‘I knew you would bother me… Okay, both bosses, choose your seats, and send them to me after you decide.’

‘I won’t talk anymore; it’s time to eat. Goodbye.’ Shizhang finished this sentence and, without waiting for a second, hung up.

Shizhang spoke in a casual tone throughout, indicating a good relationship with the other person.

Song Fuzhi was a bit curious. ‘What did they want to ask me? ‘

‘Let’s eat first. I’ll tell you while we eat.’ Shizhang took out two pairs of chopsticks. ‘It might get cold later.’

Every day at school felt like a battle. Song Fuzhi was really hungry and quickly started to devour the food.

After a few bites, Song Fuzhi raised an eyebrow.

‘Is this from that private chef last time? ‘ Song Fuzhi asked. ‘It’s really not bad; it tastes better.’

‘It’s okay.’ Shizhang picked up some vegetables. ‘I gave them feedback, and they adjusted the taste.’

Song Fuzhi vaguely praised, ‘Delicious.’ Then he asked, ‘Earlier, you mentioned that you wanted to ask me something? ‘

Shizhang asked, ‘My friend wants to go out for a break and find a secluded valley for hiking during the National Day holiday. Do you want to go? ‘

‘I can.’ Song Fuzhi replied without hesitation. ‘When exactly? Our school is going to have the sports meet just before National Day.’

Shizhang provided a date. ‘If you have other plans, we can adjust the time.’

‘No need.’ Song Fuzhi said, ‘It’s perfect. We can leave after the sports meet.’

Song Fuzhi hadn’t met Shizhang’s friends yet and asked, ‘How many people in total? ‘

Shizhang introduced them to Song Fuzhi, mentioning Ouyang Xi and Zhong Ziyan, saying they had known each other since high school and took an annual trip together.

Originally, it was just the three of them, but later, Ouyang Xi got married, and his wife, Chang An, joined. Then they had a child. So, it became a three-member family plus two singles.

This year was different; Shizhang, the professor, was finally bringing a family member.

They were joking earlier, saying that this year the number of participants in the three families formed an arithmetic sequence: three, two, one, and Zhong Ziyan stood alone at the pinnacle like a lonely hero.

‘So they asked me to treat them to dinner.’ Shizhang shook his head. ‘These two are not easy to please; their taste buds are demanding. They could bankrupt me.’

‘Is there anyone who can bankrupt Professor Shizhang? ‘Song Fuzhi laughed and suddenly thought of Luo Luli. He didn’t know if she had escaped the abyss of deadlines. ‘When I have time, I’ll introduce my friends to you.’

After they finished eating and packed up, Song Fuzhi was ready to go take a bath.

Tomorrow morning was the Chinese class early self-study, but the Chinese teacher had something to attend to. So, Song Fuzhi planned to help and check for a while. Therefore, he needed to go to sleep early tonight.

Song Fuzhi looked at Shizhang, who was also preparing to enter the bathroom, and stopped. ‘I have to say, Professor, it seems like you’ve never used this bathtub since you bought it.’

‘I plan to take a bath tonight.’ Shizhang shook the bath bomb in his hand. ‘I was too busy these past few days.’

Song Fuzhi said, ‘Then you should try if it’s comfortable.’

Shizhang went into the bathroom, and his voice came out. ‘It must be comfortable.’

Song Fuzhi, after finishing his shower, came out. The bathroom door of the master bedroom was still closed, and Professor Shizhang was evidently still enjoying the bathtub.

A ringtone sounded in the living room, and Song Fuzhi walked over to see.

Someone was calling Shizhang, and the screen displayed an English name.

Song Fuzhi held his phone and knocked on the bathroom door. ‘Shizhang, your phone.’

A bit of water came from inside, probably Shizhang sitting up.

‘Can you come in, Teacher Song? ‘Shizhang paused. ‘I mean, I’m not revealing anything.’

Actually, the second half of that sentence didn’t need to be said. It felt awkward once mentioned. However, the dynamics between the two had indeed changed a bit after they kissed. If it were before, Shizhang might have asked him to hang up directly.”

Song Fuzhi hesitated for a moment and opened the bathroom door.

There wasn’t much to see. Shi Zhang was sitting in the bathtub, his chest submerged in water filled with white bubbles and his arms relaxed on the edge of the tub.

Though not much was revealed, it was still quite stimulating. The half-hidden aspect left more room for imagination.

Fluffy bubbles squeezed against the man’s full chest, outlining a valley, while the area below was covered by the bubbles.

Song Fuzhi glanced for a moment, then averted her gaze, handing him the phone. Shi Zhang took it, putting it on the speaker directly.