IWHBDR Chapter 16

Two bowls of seafood noodles were brought to the table, and the owner also offered a complimentary dish of sour and spicy clams—a signature appetizer of this cat café. The clam meat was tender and springy, paired with a refreshing and tangy sauce, making it particularly appetizing with rice.

Rong Shu smiled and thanked the owner. When he turned back, his gaze met Shen Huaixiu’s eyes as he asked, “Do you come here often to eat?”

“Not really. I just come here sometimes when I’m in a bad mood to pet the cats. It’s therapeutic. Don’t you think they’re adorable?” As Rong Shu said this, his beautiful peach blossom eyes were filled with a gentle affection for the cats.

Shen Huaixiu glanced down at the chubby cat obediently lying on his lap and responded, “The food is good.”

“Right? Their seafood noodles and this sour and spicy clam dish are both delicious.”

When something you like gets approval from someone else, it’s a happy feeling, especially when that person is somewhat special to you.

After they finished eating, the weather outside had completely cleared up.

Rong Shu and Shen Huaixiu left the shop and went straight back to their class. Chen Jing saw the two of them enter one after the other, shook his head, and hummed, “New friends come and old ones are forgotten, huh?”

Rong Shu reached out and ruffled his hair, “What’s with the whining? Haven’t seen me for just one afternoon, and you already miss your dad?”

Chen Jing swatted his hand away, “You should be worrying about yourself. Old Zhang asked you to see him when you got back.”

Shen Huaixiu frowned slightly, “I’ll go with you.”

“Better not. If the two of us go together, Old Zhang’s anger will definitely double. I’ll go by myself.” Rong Shu said this and immediately walked out of the classroom.

Zhao Yan had lost face twice because of him, so there was no way he would just let it go. He probably ran to Old Zhang to complain as soon as class ended.

When Zhang Zhicheng saw him enter, he waved him over, “You and Shen Huaixiu seem to get along pretty well?”

“Teacher, did you call me here just to ask about this?” Rong Shu smiled and nodded, “Yes, we get along well. After all, he’s my chosen deskmate, so naturally, I should get along with him. Besides, he’s not hard to get along with. Don’t worry, teacher, I’ll definitely work hard to maintain harmony between the two schools.”

Zhang Zhicheng was amused by Rong Shu’s words, “Enough with the jokes. It’s fine to build friendships, but what’s going on with the English class? The English teacher already came to me once before, and I didn’t bring it up with you. But now, you’ve been kicked out of class again today?”

“Teacher, can our class request a different English teacher? I feel like the current English teacher is not conducive to the harmony between the North and South campuses. Could you bring this up with the principal?” Rong Shu spoke in a manner that was both tactful and direct, knowing that Zhang Zhicheng was well aware of what kind of person Zhao Yan was.

Given that the school management had specially assigned Shen Huaixiu to the South Campus as if he were a hostage, it was clear that the leadership was very concerned about maintaining good relations between the North and South campuses.

Sure enough, as soon as Rong Shu finished speaking, Zhang Zhicheng’s expression turned serious, “I’ll think about it. Don’t mention this to anyone else.”

“With your assurance, I’m relieved. I was originally thinking of reporting it privately, but it’s more appropriate for you to handle it.”

Zhang Zhicheng felt a jolt of concern upon hearing this and instinctively looked at Rong Shu, who always had a smile on his face. Most students at the South Campus of No. 1 Middle School came from families with some degree of influence. Although Rong Shu, the universally acknowledged school heartthrob, had never flaunted his family background and had remained low-key and approachable for the past two years, the only person who could truly be considered his friend was Chen Jing. This was the first time Zhang Zhicheng had seen him display such an assertive side.

“Let’s drop the idea of reporting. Even if the English teacher has issues, they haven’t committed any real offense. The most that would happen is a change in teachers. You should avoid direct conflict with him. I’ll report this to the higher-ups. You can go back now.”

“Thank you, teacher. You’re the best!”

“Don’t flatter me. Regardless of the outcome, you’re not allowed to act up during English class next time.”

“Understood, teacher!”

As Rong Shu left the office, a satisfied smile tugged at his lips. In fact, even if Zhang Zhicheng hadn’t sought him out today, Rong Shu had already planned to find an opportunity to discuss the situation with Zhao Yan.

Reporting the situation wasn’t very realistic, after all, Zhao Yan was just being obnoxious. But there are ways to deal with obnoxious people. Zhang Zhicheng’s main concern right now is maintaining harmony between the North and South campuses. As long as Rong Shu exaggerated this potential crisis, it would undoubtedly catch Zhang Zhicheng’s attention. Having him report it to the higher-ups was the best approach.

When Rong Shu returned to the classroom, Chen Jing noticed his good mood and asked curiously, “How come you’re in an even better mood after getting called by Old Zhang? What did he want?”

“Nothing much. He just wanted to check on the friendship between me and my deskmate,” Rong Shu replied, not forgetting to ask, “Where is my deskmate, by the way?”

“He was called away by Jiang Huan.”

“Oh? For what?”

“How would I know!” Chen Jing looked at him as if to say, “Who do you think I am? Like I could keep track of what the big shots are doing!”

Shen Huaixiu didn’t return until right before class started. When he did, there was an indescribable coldness about him.

Great, just when Rong Shu had managed to cheer him up at lunch, he went out and reverted back. He better not find out what happened, or he’d be furious!

Sure enough, that afternoon, Jiang Huan proactively messaged him—

⌈Jiang Huan: School heartthrob, is the boss okay?⌋

Rong Shu looked at the message and sneered inwardly. ‘I haven’t even asked you yet, and you’re already coming to me!’

⌈Rong Shu: Not too well. What happened?⌋

⌈Jiang Huan: It’s hard to explain…⌋

⌈Rong Shu: Then don’t bother.⌋

⌈Jiang Huan: Don’t be like that, it’s not that I can’t tell you. It’s just some drama at the North Campus. Someone didn’t want to study anymore and wanted to drop out to mess around in society. They even tried to convince others to join them. The boss found out!⌋

⌈Rong Shu: He only found out because you went to him!⌋

⌈Jiang Huan: I was just trying to prevent trouble. I messed up; this had nothing to do with the boss, but I went and caused him more problems!⌋

⌈Rong Shu: What happened to that person now?⌋

⌈Jiang Huan: …The boss gave them a talking-to. They don’t dare anymore.⌋

⌈Rong Shu: Next time, tell me first if something like this comes up.⌋

⌈Jiang Huan: …That’s not really appropriate, though. After all, it’s a North Campus issue!⌋

⌈Rong Shu: Then why are you asking me about your boss?⌋

⌈Jiang Huan: …Alright, but, wouldn’t it be too much trouble?⌋

⌈Rong Shu: It won’t be.⌋

After finishing his chat with Jiang Huan, Rong Shu put his phone back in his pocket, feeling an inexplicable surge of irritation.

Finally, when school was over, Rong Shu stood up, tossed his bag to Chen Jing, and walked straight out of the classroom.

Shen Huaixiu watched him leave, frowning slightly. Before he could get up, Chen Jing spoke up, “Hey, do you have time later?”

“What is it?” Shen Huaixiu looked up at him, his gaze cold.

Chen Jing felt a wave of pressure under Shen Huaixiu’s stare, “Xu Shu didn’t want me to tell you, but I think you should know. Last night, Xu Shu didn’t come to tutor me; he came to find out who’s been badmouthing you on the forum. This morning, that person sent a message and arranged to meet him in the alley behind the school. He wouldn’t let me come with him. I’m worried something might happen to him. Can you come with me… hey!”

Before Chen Jing could finish his sentence, Shen Huaixiu had already strode out of the classroom.

Chen Jing sighed inwardly, ‘Bro, this is as much as I can do to help you!’

 

Author’s note: 

Rong Shu: Brother, you are so nice!

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