Chapter 56-Part 1

It was probably because Shen Zhi’s actions were too audacious that Mr.Qiao belatedly realized something was wrong, though he couldn’t quite put it into words.

Mr.Qiao looked at Shen Zhi, standing there with a complex expression.

He felt like opening his mouth, but he did not know what to say.

He couldn’t directly tell Shen Zhi, “The reason I impulsively changed your seats was actually to separate the two of you because I suspected there was an issue between you.”

Although Mr.Qiao had just become the homeroom teacher this semester, he wasn’t new to teaching. He knew students hated this kind of behavior from teachers. If he forcibly separated the two, Mr.Qiao feared Shen Zhi might develop a rebellious attitude.

This young master had only just started behaving as a good student.

Mr.Qiao indeed felt a bit hesitant, so he decided to give a slight reminder instead.

He spoke earnestly, “Teachers have been through your age too, and we know it’s inevitable to have some confusion during adolescence. But we should be clear about what’s most important for you at this stage.”

Mr.Qiao genuinely cared for them, especially Shen Zhi. He was finally willing to work hard and improve his grades, and Mr.Qiao hoped these promising students destined for Tsinghua or Peking University would focus wholeheartedly on their studies.

After a slight pause, he picked up the teacup in front of him and took a light sip, controlling the pace of the conversation.

After all, dealing with students shouldn’t be all harshness; it should be gradual.

So he took another small sip of tea, planning to speak again, but unexpectedly, Shen Zhi looked down at him and said, “I think for us, studying is the most important thing.”

Mr.Qiao glanced at him and was so delighted that he almost applauded Shen Zhi.

He nodded with satisfaction and said, “Shen Zhi, I’m so glad you think that way. Yes, as high school students, studying should be your main focus. Your primary task now is to study.”

Shen Zhi nodded in agreement.

Seeing his teachable demeanor, Mr.Qiao felt truly happy. What could be more satisfying than educating and nurturing students?

Watching a previously wayward student gradually get back on track and improve bit by bit, the sense of accomplishment was indescribable.

At this moment, Shen Zhi asked calmly, “Teacher, do you think my academic progress is significant?”

Mr.Qiao was a bit taken aback, but he nodded. Shen Zhi’s progress was more than significant; it was astonishing, like crossing mountains and rivers. After all, going from last place to first place in the grade was no small feat.

Shen Zhi looked at Mr.Qiao seriously and said, “Mr. Qiao, all of this is thanks to Ji Ran.”

Mr.Qiao glanced at Ji Ran, who had remained silent. Ji Ran felt a bit helpless, thinking it might be better if she stayed silent, fearing Shen Zhi might drag her down with him.

She pursed her lips and lowered her eyes, avoiding Mr.Qiao’s gaze.

Luckily, Shen Zhi spoke again, drawing Mr.Qiao’s attention back. He said, “It’s because Ji Ran sits next to me. Although she only scored 22 points in math, she makes great progress in every mock exam, which greatly inspires me. That’s how I did well in the midterm exams.”

Shen Zhi usually didn’t like to talk much, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t speak well.

Ji Ran, listening beside him, was stunned.

Shen Zhi, when seriously talking nonsense, could spout all sorts of lies without hesitation.

And what did he mean by saying, although she only scored 22 points in math?

Ji Ran softly said, “Teacher, I think I deserve some credit for Shen Zhi’s improvement from 16 points in math to a perfect score.”

The young girl deliberately emphasized the 16 points, as if to say, “Come on, if we’re going to hurt each other, let’s see who suffers more.”

If Mr.Qiao wasn’t sitting in front of them, Shen Zhi really wanted to reach out and ruffle the girl’s soft hair. What was she thinking? He was earnestly maintaining their pure deskmate relationship, and she only remembered the 22 points.

If he hadn’t restrained himself, Shen Zhi would have laughed out loud.

Now, Mr.Qiao completely understood; these two definitely didn’t want to change seats. But the more they insisted, the more it showed there was something going on between them.

This was clearly evident.

He asked helplessly, “You two don’t want to switch seats?”

This time, they surprisingly answered in unison, “No.”

Shen Zhi glanced at Mr.Qiao and said seriously, “I still want to sit next to Ji Ran and continue to make progress together.”

Ji Ran was straightforward, saying, “Teacher, I want to sit with Shen Zhi because I want to beat him and take first place in the grade.”

Yes, the first place in the grade—she had to get it, even if it meant competing against someone she liked.

It had to be hers.

Mr.Qiao was completely dumbfounded.

Fortunately, Shen Zhi didn’t intend to beat around the bush. He calmly said, “If our grades drop, you can move us without asking for our opinion.”

His words were harsh, essentially saying that if he didn’t rank first in the next exam, Mr.Qiao could freely change their seats.

When the two walked out of Mr.Qiao’s office and slowly walked down the corridor, Ji Ran turned her head and asked, “Are you really that confident?”

Ji Ran was referring to what he had said in the office.

Shen Zhi finally couldn’t help it. He raised his hand and gently patted her on the top of her head. Her hair was soft, and his voice was particularly gentle. “Don’t you believe me?”

“Your future boyfriend has never failed to keep his word.”

Confident in his promise to Mr.Qiao, Shen Zhi confidently arranged to meet Ji Ran at the bookstore on Saturday under the pretext of improving their weaker subjects.

Who would have thought that on Saturday noon, Shen Jiming would personally visit?

When Shen Zhi came out of his room and saw Shen Jiming standing in the living room, his face immediately darkened. A hint of anger appeared in his brows, and he said in a low, angry voice, “Who allowed you to come in without my permission?”

Shen Jiming turned to look at him, surprisingly not angry but with a faint smile on his face.

Normally, he would have pointed at Shen Zhi’s nose and started yelling.

He glanced at Shen Zhi and directly said, “Change your clothes. I’m taking you to the main house for dinner tonight.”

The so-called main house referred to the place where the old master of the Shen family lived. The old master had three sons, and although they appeared harmonious on the surface, in a wealthy family like this, everyone wanted to secure the largest share of the inheritance.

Each son tried hard to win the old master’s favor.

When Cheng Hui couldn’t have children, Shen Jiming considered divorce.

After all, he wasn’t the one who couldn’t have kids. Without children, the old master wouldn’t just overlook him but might scold him relentlessly.

This was also why Cheng Hui was willing to take Shen Zhi back—she and Shen Jiming were a married couple, and their fortunes were tied together.

“I’m not going,” Shen Zhi replied without hesitation.