Chapter 26: Yun Shu's Heart Aflutter

“Teacher Ji, Teacher Ji, wait.”

Once they had left the school grounds, Shen Yi quietly moved closer to Ji Ling, who had not said a word. He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze and was just about to offer a few words of comfort when someone called out from behind them.

“Teacher Ji, I—I have something I want to tell you.” It was Yun Shu, Ji Ling’s colleague from the office. He had run after them, and a thin sheen of sweat glimmered on his forehead.

Yun Shu glanced at Shen Yi beside Ji Ling, hesitated, then said, “Could I speak with you alone?”

Ji Ling had intended to refuse, but Shen Yi had already stepped aside. She could hardly continue debating the matter in front of an outsider.

“Teacher Ji, I heard everything that happened just now. I’m sorry. I couldn’t speak up for you.” Yun Shu looked somewhat remorseful, and he was also deeply ashamed of Principal Wang and Bai Nana’s behavior.

“I know. Teacher Yun, was there anything else you wanted to tell me?” Ji Ling glanced at Shen Yi, her brows drawing together slightly.

Shen Yi felt a little displeased. He walked to the entrance of a nearby alley, casting occasional sidelong glances at Ji Ling and Yun Shu. To be honest, Yun Shu was rather handsome and carried himself like a proper scholar. And now, seeing him chatting and laughing with Ji Ling, Shen Yi found the sight increasingly unpleasant.

Leaning against the wall, he kicked a small stone at the roadside in irritation while toying with the lid of his lighter.

“Teacher Ji, I—I wanted to tell you that I’ve heard some news. It seems the national college entrance examination may be reinstated.” Yun Shu lowered his voice as he spoke, glancing around repeatedly, afraid someone might overhear and cause trouble. “I hope you can spend this period reviewing properly. If we could both get into the same school next year, that would be even better.”

Ji Ling suddenly came to her senses. Yes, a major event that would affect the entire nation was about to take place. Next year would be 1977.

After thinking for a moment, Ji Ling took a set of materials from the small bag she carried with her. “Teacher Yun, I compiled these notes some time ago. I think they may be useful to you.”

Yun Shu accepted what Ji Ling handed him and flipped through the pages one by one. The farther he read, the more astonished he became. By the end, he nearly leaped three feet into the air. After barely managing to restrain himself and steadying his emotions, Yun Shu used the papers to hide his mouth, which had stretched into a broad grin.

“Teacher Ji, everyone says you’re a gifted scholar. These materials are truly incredible. If I can fully understand them, I’m sure I’ll accomplish twice as much with half the effort.”

“Teacher Ji, could I share these with the other teachers and students? I promise I won’t give any to Bai Nana.”

Yun Shu thought it over. Apart from a few exceptions, he got along quite well with most of his colleagues at school. He could not bring himself to keep something this valuable all to himself. But Ji Ling had put the materials together, so he had to obtain her permission first.

Ji Ling nodded. “Of course. This is only about a third of the material. If you need more later, you can come back to me.”

Ji Ling was not doing charity, of course. Smiling warmly, she looked at Yun Shu.

Her smile set Yun Shu’s heart pounding. He swallowed, then hurriedly looked away. “Teacher Ji, my uncle works at a printing plant. If you ever need anything, I can give you his contact information.”

Ji Ling’s smile became even more genuine. “All right. Thank you, Teacher Yun. I’ll treat you to a meal one of these days.”

Yun Shu’s heart fluttered like a startled deer. In a muffled voice, he said, “I—I’ll treat you. I’ll treat you to a meal, Teacher Ji.”

After bidding Yun Shu farewell, Ji Ling slung her small bag over her shoulder and walked step by step toward the disgruntled figure waiting at the mouth of the alley.

She stopped in front of Shen Yi, glanced at the stones scattered across the ground, then looked at his awkward expression. Amusement stirred in her heart.

Ji Ling reached out, intending to cup Shen Yi’s cheek, but he swiftly dodged her and continued walking forward.

Ji Ling froze.

Well, well. This man was a little wolf cub after all.