The free-spirited Scholar said nothing more.
As for what came next, perhaps he needed to consider how to keep the scope of the disaster under control.
At this moment,
A few faded cherry blossom petals floated in the roadside drains, reflecting the streetlights gradually flickering on.
Sweet, cloying bean paste wafted out from the wagashi shop around the corner, while the brush-written "Sakura Mochi" on its signboard blurred into ink stains beneath the evening sun.
The automatic recycling bin beside the mailbox emitted a steady mechanical hum. Several elementary school students passed by with backpacks, the clack of their wooden sandals against the stone pavement echoing through the empty alley.
Before long,
After they had crossed three blocks,
Steam from stalls selling Oden and countless other foods rushed toward them, carrying the fragrance of kelp dishes.
Catching that familiar scent, the little girl suddenly stopped in front of an old-fashioned vending machine.
She fumbled through the few pitiful coins left in her pocket. Her slender fingertips hovered hesitantly over the buttons for a moment before she finally pressed the button for the cheapest can of Orange Soda.
Just like that,
Accompanied by the clink of coins dropping into the vending machine and the crisp sound of a cheap can of Orange Soda popping out,
The girl took out the drink and earnestly handed it to him.
"Shinonome Teacher, you're the first teacher who's ever talked to me this much. You must be thirsty, right?"
Hearing her say that,
Perhaps for the first time, Su Wen truly felt what it was like to be a teacher. The feeling was somewhat weighty, but it was also good.
Even when he had taught Joyce, Norma, or Qin before, he had probably only felt like an older brother.
After all, Energetic Girl and the