South Yu’s fingers were pale, with prominent knuckles and neatly trimmed nails; just by looking at his hands, one could find them very pleasing to the eye.
Mu Chengguang particularly loved to kiss his ring finger, where his wedding ring was worn. However, South Yu always took it off before going to school, which meant that no one at school knew he was married.
When Shuaichang entered the office, Teacher Wu from the neighboring class immediately said, “Teacher Nan, my classmate’s friend’s cousin just graduated with a master’s degree. She’s also pretty; how about I introduce you?”
This time, Shuaichang did not find another excuse to refuse. With an apologetic look in his eyes, he said, “I’m sorry, Teacher Wu. Actually, I’m already married; I just didn’t find it convenient to say so before…” The ripple of pain flickered briefly in his amber eyes.
Teacher Wu’s heart suddenly tightened, thinking that he must have some untold difficulties, and quickly waved his hand, saying, “It’s okay, it’s okay! I’ll just decline the offer. I told you, with a handsome man like Teacher Nan, how could he not have a partner?”
By the time Shuaichang returned to the math office after the second class, not only the math teachers but also teachers from other subjects were aware that he was already married.
The head teacher of Class Three from the first year of high school, Tong Linghui, even confirmed this when he ran into him in the restroom. Shuaichang ignored Tong Linghui’s astonished gaze as he replied, “Yes, I’m married.”
While washing his hands, Tong Linghui, unwilling to give up, leaned closer and asked, “When did Teacher Nan get married? Did you have a wedding? Why didn’t you invite us…”
“Stop.” Shuaichang raised his hand to cover Tong Linghui’s mouth. “I got married last year. We only registered and didn’t hold a wedding. I promise I will invite you when we do, okay?” Once he finished speaking, Shuaichang lowered his hand.
Tong Linghui’s lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but he eventually didn’t. He turned to leave the restroom and after a few steps, turned back to say, “You said it, Teacher Nan; you must invite me.” He then walked away without waiting for a response.
Having just touched Tong Linghui’s mouth, Shuaichang washed his hands again.
Teaching first-year students was relatively easy for him. Shuaichang taught two classes, having four periods each day, covering the same material twice, and helping students with questions after class—a day’s work was thus completed.
The only busy moment was the grading after the monthly exams. Usually, South Yu would grade papers at school until after ten at night. If he wouldn’t finish, he would take the papers home and wake up two hours early the next day to continue.
Shuaichang arrived at a time just past the middle of the month, with still half a month to go until the monthly exams.
South Yu would eat at the teacher’s cafeteria at noon, take a short nap in the office after eating, and then teach in the afternoon.
Recently, South Yu had been inviting Xu Yu to join him for meals. As soon as the lunch bell rang, Shuaichang walked toward Class Three of the first year. The boarding students rushed to the cafeteria, while the day students hurried home, leaving a spacious classroom with only Xu Yu waiting for South Yu.
“Xu Yu, let’s go eat,” Shuaichang called to him from the teacher’s door.
Xu Yu approached with an English vocabulary book in hand. He was a diligent student and often memorized words while eating.
Xu Yu looked up and called out “Teacher Nan.” Shuaichang nodded; it was the first time he noticed Xu Yu—his skin slightly tanned, his eyes bright, with thin and light-colored lips, he appeared spirited and energetic, like a young leopard with fierce instincts fresh from birth.
On the way to the teacher’s cafeteria, Xu Yu continued memorizing words, so Shuaichang refrained from speaking. While eating, Xu Yu still wanted to open his vocabulary book, but Shuaichang stopped him, saying, “Don’t read while eating; it’s not good for digestion or your stomach.”
Xu Yu hesitated for a moment before putting it down but ate very quickly.
Shuaichang advised, “Eat slowly. How’s your studying going lately? Have you encountered any problems?” It was his routine to show concern.
Xu Yu swallowed his food and shook his head, saying, “Everything is great.”
Fellow teachers who recognized Shuaichang would greet him while they ate, as they all knew that South Yu was sponsoring a student.
Shuaichang enjoyed savoring his food, while Xu Yu quickly finished his meal, yet he wouldn’t leave until Shuaichang finished, keeping his vocabulary book open to review words. When Shuaichang finished eating, the two stood up to leave; Shuaichang headed to the teacher’s office, while Xu Yu returned to the dormitory.
Before parting, Shuaichang called Xu Yu back and took out a cafeteria meal card from his pocket, handing it to him. “There’s a thousand yuan in this. I might not eat lunch at school anymore, so take the card and use it yourself.”
Xu Yu was stunned for a moment, then extended his hand to receive the meal card, saying, “Thank you, Teacher.” He bowed slightly, his voice muffled.
“As long as you study hard, that’s enough for me. Go now; take a nap at noon. Rest well so you can be alert in the afternoon,” Shuaichang patted Xu Yu’s thin shoulder.
After addressing Xu Yu’s meal problem, Shuaichang returned to his office for a short rest; he still had two periods to teach in the afternoon.
The school recently held a faculty soccer tournament, and South Yu signed up. After five o’clock, the teachers gathered on the playground to practice.
Amidst a group of relaxed and casual teachers, South Yu stood out like a crane among hens. His figure sprinting across the field was the most striking scenery on campus.
Many unmarried female teachers stayed after work just to watch him.
Today, Shuaichang performed exceptionally well, scoring two goals. At halftime, the PE teacher, Ran Junan, placed one hand around Shuaichang’s neck, saying, “Well done, Nan Yu! Did you take performance-enhancing drugs today?”
Shuaichang was drenched in sweat, a faint blush crept onto his cheeks, and his gaze resembled a tranquil lake, occasionally rippling with melancholic echoes.
After Ran Junan spoke, Shuaichang looked up to meet his eyes, and Ran Junan’s face flushed bright red. Feeling awkward, he released his grip and stammered, “Nan, Nan Yu, why are you looking at me?” It was unbearable; just a single glance from South Yu made his heart race uncontrollably, nearly leaping into his throat.
Shuaichang replied, confused, “If you’re talking to me, who else should I look at?”
“Forget it, you wouldn’t understand.” Ran Junan covered his flushed face and ran off.
After a ten-minute halftime, the second half began.
In the first half, Ran Junan and Shuaichang had a great cooperation, but in the second half, whenever Ran Junan passed the ball to Shuaichang, it always went wrong. In the end, their team failed to score, while the opponents took the opportunity to score two goals, leaving both teams in a tie.
As the practice match ended and the sky darkened, the teammates pushed Ran Junan down onto the artificial turf, saying, “This is what you get for dragging us down.” Shuaichang took out his phone from his bag, recorded a short video, and sent it to the soccer group chat. Ran Junan gained the attention of the group for all the wrong reasons.