Chapter 14: A Challenge in the School Backyard Next Monday! (1/2)

Teacher Yan always carried a stern face but was deeply respected by the students.

This was in line with the saying: “The silkworm dies when its silk is exhausted, and the candle’s tears dry only when it’s burnt to ashes.”

Having been a homeroom teacher for many years, Teacher Yan never accepted any gifts from parents and was always willing to help students with their problems, even if it meant using his personal time.

Three feet at the podium.

With two sleeves of integrity.

And a body full of righteousness.

Zhao Qingfeng, who met many people later in life, never again encountered someone as pure as Teacher Yan.

Regrettably.

Three years after Zhao Qingfeng graduated from high school, Teacher Yan passed away due to late-stage lung cancer, beyond medical help.

At that time, both Zhao Qingfeng and Shen Lingyao attended the funeral.

They only then learned that Teacher Yan’s lungs had been problematic for a long time. He had delayed treatment, not willing to leave his students’ education.

“What is it? You don’t intend to show off in front of the City No. 1 Middle School leaders and teachers during this afternoon’s open class, do you? Let me tell you, it’s impossible!”

Teacher Yan lit a cigarette, coughing twice.

“No, Teacher, I want you to help me write two sample essays for Chinese. Everyone knows your samples are fantastic, and I want to learn properly.”

Zhao Qingfeng flattered sincerely.

Flattery, they say, never wears thin.

Teacher Yan, pleased, and knowing about the incident at Zhao Qingfeng’s home last night, thought for a moment and quickly agreed, “Okay, I’ll write two just for you and mark the key points. I hope you can do as you say.”

Zhao Qingfeng thanked him and wanted to specify the topics.

Teacher Yan, however, waved his hand and refused, “Learning to write essays is about understanding their framework and structure, not blindly following templates. Go back to self-study now. Remember not to raise your hand this afternoon. The last thing I want is for you, a student who has been held back, to embarrass yourself in front of the City No. 1 High Middle leaders. This is also for the sake of your dignity.”

The morning self-study session passed quickly.

At lunchtime.

The three went to the cafeteria as usual.

Zhang Yang loved pancake rolls.

Shen Lingyao went to get food.

Zhao Qingfeng opted for beef noodles.

“Uncle, good afternoon, I’m really hungry today, can you give me some extra meat?”

Shen Lingyao leaned over and asked playfully through the serving window.

Her youthful charm.

Effortlessly appealing.

This was a sight that would soften any middle-aged man’s heart. The middle-aged chef nodded affectionately, quickly giving her almost twice as much meat as the other students.

On the other side.

Zhao Qingfeng was at the beef noodle window, unabashedly flattering the middle-aged lady there.

“Sister, I’m back again.”

“The beef noodles at City No. 1 Middle School were so bad, less meat, less noodles, and terrible taste.”

“What I can’t stand the most is that they don’t have a beautiful and gentle sister like you, it’s just not tasty.”

“Oh, wow, so much beef!”

“Thank you, sister, you’re the prettiest, I knew coming back was the right choice, you’ve always taken such good care of me!”

Back at the table.

Shen Lingyao pushed a full plate of food towards Zhao Qingfeng.

Zhao Qingfeng handed his beef noodles to Shen Lingyao.

Zhang Yang watched as usual.

Since high school, the two had always used this tactic to ‘get more’ at various counters.

Shen Lingyao would go to counters manned by men.

Zhao Qingfeng would go to those served by women.

Zhang Yang, who followed them, benefited the most.

But he envied them, wishing he had a childhood sweetheart by his side…

Watching the two joke and laugh, Zhang Yang’s gaze drifted towards Fu Xiaoli.

He grew fonder of her, leaning forward, laughing stupidly with one hand propping up his donkey face. In his distraction, he accidentally knocked over Zhao Qingfeng’s meal.

With a crash.

The food scattered.

Zhang Yang was startled and wanted to get another serving.

“No problem, no problem.”

Zhao Qingfeng quickly waved his hand, seizing the opportunity!

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