"Fine... It's just a meal, isn't it? If you pass the exam, I'll admit you're good. But scoring 120 points? That would only happen if your ancestors' graves spewed green smoke. Oops, I mean... emitted fire..." Cao Ying said scornfully.
Lin Feng swiftly wrote a pledge on the office desk and handed the pen to Cao Ying, "Teacher Cao, could you sign here as well?"
"Sign?"
Cao Ying was taken aback, perplexed by the request for her signature. She had written the pledge, and that should have been enough, right?
"This pledge is equivalent to our wager. Since it's a bet, it shouldn't be only me signing; you're one of the parties involved too."
"You mean, if you win the bet, I'll go back on my word? Are you doubting me?!" Cao Ying was speechless at Lin Feng. "Do you think I, Cao Ying, am that sort of person?!"
Lin Feng quickly gave her a mysterious smile and shook his head, "Who knows? In this era, mice marry cats, sows climb trees, and even celebrities get caught in scandals with transsexuals..."
"Give it to me!"
Cao Ying gave Lin Feng a deadly glare, snatched the pen from him, and bent down to sign her name on the pledge.
She didn't believe Lin Feng could really score over 120 in English unless he cheated. No, during this monthly exam, I'll have my colleagues watch him like a hawk. Let's see what tricks he tries to pull, hmph!
Lin Feng took back the signed pledge and glanced at it. Cao Ying's handwriting possessed a certain elegance and Spiritual Energy. It seemed lively and suited her well, clearly indicating she was an attractive woman with deep emotions and a zest for life.
After handing a copy of the pledge to Cao Ying, Lin Feng turned to leave, "Teacher Cao, enjoy your weekend!"
"Hold it! I didn't dismiss you!"
Feeling completely disregarded by her student, Cao Ying fiercely scolded Lin Feng's retreating figure.
However, as soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them. Earlier, she had questioned Lin Feng about why he sat down, and Lin Feng had replied that she hadn't told him not to. Now, she hadn't told him not to leave either...
But Lin Feng didn't respond as she expected. He merely stretched lazily and walked off without a backward glance, saying, "Teacher Cao, when nature calls, it's urgent. Besides, I'm quite shy and don't make a habit of performing live in front of a beauty…"
「…」
With the pledge safely secured, Lin Feng walked out of Cao Ying's office with feigned indifference. Behind him, he could still hear Cao Ying's voice, simmering with an anger that could kill.
Stretching lazily, Lin Feng brushed past a man, nearly bumping into him.
"Hmm…"
Seeing the man, Lin Feng was momentarily stunned.
Isn't that Teacher Hao Zhuang, the gym teacher?
The man was no older than thirty and at least 1.9 meters tall. True to his name, Hao Zhuang, he had a very sturdy build. Rumor had it that he used to be on the city's basketball team before becoming a gym teacher at No. 1 High School. Since Lin Feng often skipped gym classes, he only had a vague impression of Hao Zhuang.
Hao Zhuang, wearing a pink checkered shirt, didn't recognize Lin Feng either and went straight into Cao Ying's office.
"Hao Zhuang?" Inside the office, Cao Ying, still fuming about Lin Feng, was startled when Hao Zhuang entered without knocking. A flash of displeasure crossed her face.
Hao Zhuang, who had a square, rather handsome face, said cheerfully, "Teacher Cao, it's the weekend. You've worked hard all week. How about dinner together tonight?"
"Teacher Hao, I'm sorry, I have plans this evening," Cao Ying firmly declined.
Ever since she arrived at No. 1 High School last year, Hao Zhuang had made frequent visits to her office, sparking rumors. People began saying they were romantically involved, gossip that even reached the students, creating a very awkward situation.
Although Cao Ying was single, she found Hao Zhuang more annoying than likable. Rumors circulated that Hao Zhuang had been quite the playboy on his city basketball team, involved with several models. He hadn't changed his ways after coming to No. 1 High School and was still a troublemaker, frequently seen in disreputable places with local thugs. If not for his family's connections, the school would have fired him long ago.
Cao Ying was raised with proper values. Besides her own feelings, her family would never approve of her being with such a person.
"What plans? Can I help?" Hao Zhuang persisted. He was indeed set on wooing Cao Ying and was determined not to give up until he succeeded.
"It's nothing, just some personal matters."
Cao Ying had no interest in continuing the conversation with Hao Zhuang. She sat down at her desk, gathered her belongings, and asked without looking up, "Teacher Hao, is there anything else? If not, I'll be leaving."
Having said her piece, Cao Ying grabbed her bag, adjusted her clothes, and started to leave the office.
Hao Zhuang, surprised by Cao Ying's cold demeanor, quickly stepped forward to block her path, "Cao Ying, why must you treat me this way? Am I really that repulsive?"
Cao Ying was shocked by Hao Zhuang's sudden action. Caught off guard, she could only retreat as Hao Zhuang advanced step by step, cornering her against the wall.
"What-what are you doing! This is a school!" Cao Ying's face flushed with embarrassment. She wanted to push Hao Zhuang away but didn't even want to touch him. "I... I don't dislike you… but…"
"You don't dislike me? That's great! Be my girlfriend," Hao Zhuang interrupted.
Cao Ying was dumbfounded. Just because she didn't dislike him meant she liked him? What kind of logic was that? It was just like Lin Feng's... Ugh... Cao Ying didn't know why, but at that moment, she found herself thinking about Lin Feng, who had just left.
"We're not a good match. I don't like your type, and I'm not your type either," Cao Ying said, holding her purse in front of her like a shield, trying to keep her distance from Hao Zhuang.
However, Hao Zhuang didn't back off. Instead, he grabbed Cao Ying's hand holding the bag, saying agitatedly, "Why? I have a house, a car, and money! How am I not good enough for you?"
"You—let go..." Her bag fell to the floor as she struggled forcefully. But Hao Zhuang's grip on her hand wouldn't loosen. Instead, an unusual glint appeared in Hao Zhuang's eyes, his expression extremely agitated.
Just as Hao Zhuang's adrenaline surged and his lust ran wild, as he was about to make a move on Cao Ying, the office door was suddenly pushed open.
"Teacher Hao, you've dropped your moral compass."
Lin Feng leaned against the office doorway, a blade of grass dangling from his mouth, the very picture of a carefree, roguish young master.
"Romance should be consensual. As a teacher, to think you'd try to use force... Teacher Hao, if word of this gets out, I don't think you'll be able to keep your job at No. 1 High School," Lin Feng said as he walked into the office.
Cao Ying quickly broke free from Hao Zhuang and hurried to the other side of the office, slightly flustered as she tidied her clothes and hair. She was about to berate Hao Zhuang when she saw him charging at Lin Feng!
"You're just a student, right? Who the hell do you think you are, lecturing me? Are you looking for a beating?!"
Hao Zhuang rushed over and threw a punch at Lin Feng.
"You're asking for it!"
Lin Feng was surprised Hao Zhuang dared to attack him in the office. Not one to be trifled with, Lin Feng countered with a punch of his own!
SMACK!
With a crisp sound, Lin Feng's fist connected heavily with Hao Zhuang's face. His nasal bone cracked and was knocked askew. Blood gushed out, and he clutched his nose, howling in pain like a pig being slaughtered.
Hiss~ This body is a bit too weak!
Lin Feng looked at his own wrist, quite annoyed.
After his rebirth, despite being 1.8 meters tall, this body was too frail. Lin Feng's quick punch should have allowed him to dodge Hao Zhuang's. But due to his body's clumsiness, his fist only grazed Hao Zhuang's. Hao Zhuang wore a ring, and the impact sliced a four to five-centimeter gash on Lin Feng's wrist, from which blood slowly seeped.
"You dare hit a teacher! What's your name?"
Hao Zhuang, half of his face swollen, spoke menacingly. He was tall and brawny and knew a group of thugs, so he'd never been beaten up before. To be hit by a student slimmer than himself was utterly humiliating, especially if word got out.
"Lin Feng, Year 3, Class 3," Lin Feng stated, not backing down.
Don't I teach PE to Year 3, Class 3? How come I've never seen this guy?
Hao Zhuang sized up Lin Feng carefully. Then, a sinister smirk appeared at the corner of his mouth. Good. Since you're my student, that makes it easy. Just wait and see how I deal with you in the next PE class!
"Lin Feng, you'd better watch yourself!"
This incident couldn't be blown out of proportion; if word got out, his reputation would be ruined. Hao Zhuang clutched his face, shot a glare at Lin Feng, then another at Cao Ying, snorted, and stumbled out of the office.
The office quieted down. Cao Ying had never imagined Hao Zhuang would dare to try something like this at school. Although he hadn't succeeded, the thought still made her shudder.
But this concerned her reputation. If rumors spread, they could easily be twisted. So, after some thought, Cao Ying turned to Lin Feng and said, "Lin Feng, you are not to tell anyone what happened just now."
Lin Feng nodded, smiled, and said, "Teacher Cao, don't worry, my lips are sealed. I haven't even told anyone about the wet dream I had last night..."
"Ugh..." Cao Ying's eyebrow twitched; she was visibly exasperated.
Her eyes then fell on the bloody mark on Lin Feng's right forearm. She gasped, "Your hand is bleeding!?"
"It's nothing, just a scratch from Hao Zhuang's ring. The wound will heal in a few days."
He was used to such minor injuries. In his past life, he had navigated jungles, fought drug lords, trekked deserts, and battled bandits. What kind of injury hadn't he endured?
However, in a woman's eyes, even a small cut could seem like a big deal. Cao Ying, very worried, took Lin Feng's wrist. Her dark eyes, full of apology, fixated on the wound. "Lin Feng, I'm so sorry. If it weren't because of me…"
"Teacher Cao, it's really just a minor injury, just a scratch on the skin."
"How can a scratch be a minor injury? If you're not careful, it can get infected. If it's not treated properly, you could even get tetanus," Cao Ying looked up at Lin Feng, her expression serious. "How's your wrist feeling now? Can you move it? Oh no, it's your right hand... Will it affect your writing? The monthly exam is next week..."
Lin Feng quietly observed Cao Ying, her beautiful face etched with concern. A warmth spread through him. This teacher, who was like an older sister, might be stern in class, but now she was showing genuine concern for him. It was a pure, sincere care—the kind rarely seen from teachers these days, especially a substitute.
"Teacher Cao, really, it's nothing. Don't worry, our bet is still on. I'll definitely take the monthly exam next week." Lin Feng gently pulled his hand back from Cao Ying's grasp and smiled sheepishly, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"No, we can't be careless." Cao Ying blinked her dark eyes, thought for a moment, and said, "I have disinfectant and gauze in my apartment. Come with me, and I'll treat it."