Chapter 33: A SECRET.
Hua Rong sat in the cramped office for what felt like the hundredth time this month, her gaze fixed on Teacher Jiayi with the kind of hopeful expectation one usually reserved for lottery results.
"Teacher Jiayi, please—there has to be another way, right?" she pleaded, leaning forward as if sheer proximity could change the woman's mind.
The teacher sighed, rubbing her temples. "Hua Rong, you should go back to class."
Hua Rong's face twisted in determination. "Not until you tell me there's another way!"
Jiayi stared at her for a long moment, then finally exhaled in defeat. "Fine," she muttered, pushing her chair back as she stood up.
Hua Rong perked up, eyes practically sparkling. "Really?!"
"Wait for the announcement that Headmaster Jian will make," Jiayi said, brushing imaginary dust off her sleeve.
Hua Rong's excitement screeched to a halt. "What?" she deadpanned. "Is he finally done plotting against us?"
Teacher Jiayi's narrowed eyes told her she had pushed her luck.
Hua Rong quickly grabbed her bag and bolted out of the office, expertly avoiding her teacher's piercing gaze.
"Back to class, Hua Rong!" Jiayi's voice followed her down the hall.