Following Gu Qingying all the way to the comprehensive building, Yang Haoran thought they were heading to the guidance office on the third floor, but instead, they ended up at Gu Laoshi’s private office on the second floor.
Gu Qingying was different from ordinary teachers. While her excellent teaching skills were one thing, the fact that Principal Gu Ping was her father added another layer of social dynamics, so other teachers didnβt dare question her privileges.
The office faced south, offering excellent natural light. Even though it was dusk, the fading sunlight streamed through the window behind her desk, casting a reddish glow on the potted plants.
The office was about thirty square metersβspacious and simply arranged. Upon entering, a small sofa set and a coffee table were on the left, with walls covered in awards. On the right was a rectangular desk with a chair. Besides the computer, a few potted plants, some neatly stacked documents, and books were arranged at the corner of the desk, alongside a water dispenser.
At Gu Qingyingβs gesture, Yang Haoran sat on the small sofa, facing her as she sat behind her desk. The atmosphere felt heavy, almost like a courtroom judging a criminal, especially since Gu Qingying seemed preoccupied with organizing some documents.
After five or six minutes in this tense silence, Yang Haoran, who had initially been relaxed, began to feel uneasy, shifting uncomfortably on the sofa.
What does Teacher Gu mean by this? Is she trying to assert dominance?
After organizing the documents, Gu Qingying went through them one by one, then poured herself a glass of water before sitting in front of her computer. Yang Haoran could only hear the sound of her scrolling and clicking the mouse, unsure of what she was doing.
He couldnβt take it anymore. From the moment he entered until now, he had been left waiting for ten minutes. Even a patient person would feel irritated. In a low voice, he asked, βTeacher, didnβt you say you had handled the situation earlier? Why is the school still punishing me?β
Yang Haoran was no fool. He knew Teacher Gu had used an excuse to call him here, which was why he hadnβt bothered asking earlierβit was just a minor detail. But now, he used this question to break the awkward silence, and it served its purpose.
As if suddenly remembering Yang Haoranβs presence, Gu Qingying slid her office chair to the side and looked at him sitting on the sofa. She smiled apologetically. βHaoran, Iβm sorry. I got caught up with work and forgot you were here.β
Her tone carried a sense of familiarity, shifting from the formal βYang Haoranεε¦β to the more intimate βHaoran,β as if to express regret for her behavior.
βItβs fine, Teacher. Please go on,β Yang Haoran replied. What else could he do? He had to act unbothered while looking at her, clearly waiting for her explanation.
βWell, initially, I was able to handle it for you,β Gu Qingying explained methodically. βBut later, the matter spread throughout the school. More and more people found out, and I couldnβt suppress it anymore. Given your past behavior, the school intended to deal with you severely.β
βBut you are my student, after all, and Iβve noticed the changes in you recently. Youβve been focusing more on your studies.β
She took a sip of water to moisten her throat before continuing, βI reported your recent progress to the school, and after a meeting, they decided to only issue a criticism and education.β
As he listened to Gu Qingyingβs explanation, Yang Haoran recalled Youxiβs words and sneered inwardly. Was she trying to play the emotional card now? He grew increasingly convinced that Teacher Gu must need something from him.
On the surface, Yang Haoran wore a grateful expression as he looked at Gu Qingying. βThank you, Teacher. I promise it wonβt happen again.β
He spoke righteously, as if he had truly turned over a new leaf.
βHaoran, I hope you continue to focus on your studies and live up to my expectations,β Gu Qingying said softly. βI also made mistakes in this situation. As long as you understand the criticism in your heart, thereβs no need for a written self-reflection.β
Teacher Guβs attitude was noticeably kinder, a stark contrast to how she had left him waiting for ten minutes earlier. Yang Haoran could only nod with a forced smile. Since Teacher Gu was avoiding stating her true intentions, he decided to help her along.
βTeacher, if thereβs nothing else, I should get going,β he said, making a move to stand up.
Gu Qingying sighed inwardly and hurriedly stopped him. βWait, Haoran. Donβt rush off. Thereβs one more thing. I asked for your help earlierβhave you thought about it? Are you willing to help me?β
Gu Qingying was truly at her witβs end. She hadnβt expected Yang Haoran to be so composed, which shattered her stereotype of him. Given that he often caused trouble and got into fights, she had assumed he would be impulsive and hot-tempered.
Yet, yesterday, he had simply left without another word. Today, he had waited all day until she called him after class, and even after leaving him waiting for ten minutes, he had still held his ground.
It was now clear to Gu Qingying that this little pervert wouldnβt budge without some incentive. So, after stating her request, she added, βOf course, if you help me, there will be benefits for you.β
βWhat benefits?β Yang Haoran, who had just lifted himself off the sofa, sat back down, this time with ease.
βAhemβ¦β Gu Qingying felt a wave of shame, her cheeks burning, but she met Yang Haoranβs gaze directly and asked, βHaoran, you like me, donβt you?β
Yang Haoran didnβt bother hiding it. He nodded and said, βTeacher, you have such a great body, and youβre so beautiful. Itβs not just meβplenty of guys in our class like you.β
βHeheβ¦ Itβs normal for you to be attracted to members of the opposite sex during puberty,β Gu Qingying said, attempting to justify their inappropriate teacher-student discussion. Her expression softened slightly. βBut after all, I am your teacher, and you are my student. If I were to become your mistress, it could only be in name. Actually being your mistress would be too absurd and unacceptable, donβt you think?β
Watching Teacher Gu trying to persuade him, Yang Haoran nodded obediently on the surface. He knew she was leading up to the benefits.
βYour family isnβt short on money. I doubt my annual salary even compares to what your mother makes in a day,β Gu Qingying said carefully. βEven though Iβm a lesbian, since you like me and are willing to help, I can give you some of my private photos as a benefit.β
As she spoke, she fought back her embarrassment and looked at Yang Haoran, waiting for his response.
Her stunningly beautiful face resembled the dazzling, captivating glow of the sunsetβbreathtaking and utterly mesmerizing.
Big breasts? Private photos? Yang Haoran couldnβt help but feel his heart race. If it werenβt for Ji Youxiβs warning, he would have agreed without hesitation.
However, under Gu Qingyingβs uneasy gaze, Yang Haoran shook his head. βTeacher, letβs be frank with each other. If it were just about helping you deal with the principalβs pressure to marry, Iβd be willing to accept your offer of photos. But I suspect thereβs more to this situation. Please donβt treat me like a fool. Tell me the real reason.β