Chapter 5: The Fifth Dimension 2/2

He wanted to pull them all apart and make sure that junior’s eyes only had him in them.

Shi Zhang wanted to intervene, to control, to flatten the person in his hands, like making a specimen, to press and confine them in a room.

But reason suppressed these crazy thoughts firmly.

Song Fuzhi is a living person, not a lampwick grass that can be picked and cut freely in the mountains.

Shi Zhang was like a criminal; he dared not show up in front of Song Fuzhi. He even smoked cautiously, unwilling to be caught by him.

Because if caught again, Song Fuzhi would ask him his name.

Shi Zhang was afraid he wouldn’t answer “Shi Zhang,” but would nervously stare at Song Fuzhi and say, “I want you.”

Both emotionally and logically, Shi Zhang knew he couldn’t take another step forward. He was far inferior to Song Fuzhi in every aspect—personality, family upbringing—everything was not on the same level.

After the college entrance examination, Shi Zhang applied to universities outside the province. Before the summer vacation was over, he went to another place alone.

It was almost like running away.

Escaping from the unbearable past, avoiding his own madness.

He didn’t tell anyone about these thoughts, and Song Fuzhi was completely unaware.

These thoughts should rot in his stomach alone.

Over a decade passed in a blink of an eye. Shi Zhang happened to meet him in a cafe, thinking he had improved a lot.

Although the physiological reaction was unexpectedly deeply rooted, Shi Zhang was confident that he could control himself completely.

He was now a stable adult with a decent job and would not do those foolish things in adolescence.

Before visiting the retiring Mrs. Wang, Shi Zhang deliberately styled his hair and bought a new set of clothes.

Old classmates hadn’t gathered so neatly in more than ten years. When they first met, everyone was trying to recognize each other.

Someone saw Shi Zhang, who had just entered, and hesitated before calling out, “Hey, who is this? Did you come to the wrong place?”

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Xi walked towards us in the middle of the crowd, chatting and laughing with everyone, already getting acquainted.

When someone noticed Shi Zhang, Ouyang Xi, on the way here, suddenly stopped halfway, locked his gaze on Shi Zhang, and stayed stunned for a long time.

“Damn…”

Ouyang Xi couldn’t help but swear, “Not bad, you.”

Usually, Shi Zhang either wore casual clothes or a lab coat, except when cosplaying, which is always so plain and simple.

But today, he wore a very stylish windbreaker, open, with a meticulously neat black shirt inside. His long legs made the Oxford boots look tasteful, gentlemanly, and casual.

“Professor Shi, a bit too handsome.” Ouyang Xi scrutinized him. “Did you dress up?”

Shi Zhang nodded candidly.

Ouyang Xi seemed to have more to say but was interrupted by other classmates.

“Wow, Professor Shi, now… I really didn’t recognize you!”

“What’s this, Professor Shi? Have you really become a professor?”

“Damn, Shi Zhang, you’re a professor now; is it true or not?”

Many people were surprised by Shi Zhang.

Once upon a time, they were the kings and queens of their era. They appeared lazy, but they were actually very loyal. Whenever a classmate faced trouble, Shi Ye would step in to help “resolve” the issue. As a result, he gained the nickname “Shi Ye,” becoming one of the most troublesome students for Teacher Wang.

Who would have thought that now he is a distinguished professor at a prestigious university, with several papers published in top-tier journals and national awards under his belt, contributing to the advancement of human civilization every day in the laboratory? He became knowledgeable and charismatic.

Teacher Wang arrived shortly after, and everyone rushed to greet her, calling out to her from every direction. Despite nearing sixty, she still stood straight, her slightly graying hair neatly pinned behind her ears. Aside from a few more wrinkles on her face, her aura was almost indistinguishable from her younger self.

Former youthful boys and girls had grown into towering trees, and the teacher had become the shortest among them. Teacher Wang looked at each student one by one, calling out their names with a smile.

Before her arrival, she had dug out the old graduation photo and matched faces with names. Now, looking at them, she could hardly recognize the children who had grown too much.

They were working in various fields. Some became small business owners on Taobao, some climbed the corporate ladder in the internet industry, and others pursued freelance careers in the media. Perhaps there were differences in “achievements” as defined by society, but everyone was living their own small lives.

Teacher Wang’s eyes welled up with tears; time had passed too quickly.

The students standing in front of her were quite tall, and Teacher Wang, looking up, jokingly said, “Who is this? You’re so tall I can’t see clearly.”

Shi Zhang moved aside, bent down slightly, and respectfully greeted, “Hello, Teacher Wang.”

After a pause, he added, “I caused you trouble before.”

With a sincere tone, the whole room burst into laughter, saying that Shi Ye had grown up.

Teacher Wang genuinely took a moment to confirm that this was Shi Zhang. He had changed so much, undergoing a transformation. In the past, Shi Zhang used to sleep in her class with his uniform carelessly draped over his shoulders, his slender arms clearly visible, and his skin obviously sun-kissed from spending time outdoors.

Now, he wore a shirt, coat, and leather shoes with a simple and clean hairstyle, donning a pair of glasses. His academic temperament couldn’t be disguised by clothes alone; it was cultivated through daily life in the laboratory and school.

Learning that Shi Zhang was now a professor of botany, Teacher Wang was slightly surprised but continued to chat with him.

Being in the education industry, Teacher Wang naturally enjoyed conversing with those who became teachers among her students. Many of her students became teachers, but few became professors. After all, pursuing research was tough, and many gave up midway. Achieving the title of professor was no easy feat.

Teacher Wang’s eyes showed undisguised admiration.

Shi Zhang could tell from Teacher Wang’s gaze that his choice of attire for the day was a success. Even though he would never see Song Fuzhi again, as long as he could leave a good impression on his family, Shi Zhang felt content.