Second Simulation

The next day at school, Mei walked to her seat and looked at the insults written on her desk, feeling terribly upset.

"Ribbit! How could they do this? How could they?! Who did it? If you've got the guts, step forward!"

Seeing how upset Mei was, Kiana exploded with anger and wanted to find the culprit. But none of the students in the class said a word; they merely watched the two with mocking expressions.

"You still dare come to school? Have you no shame?"

"Her dad's already in prison. There's no way his daughter is any better."

"Hey, my pen went missing yesterday. Don't tell me she stole it?"

"Haha, keep it down. Don't let our Queen of Thunder hear you."

The crowd slandered Mei without restraint. Kiana couldn't stand it any longer and rolled up her sleeves, ready to reason with them.

Mei grabbed Kiana and shook her head.

"It's okay, Kiana. Don't pay attention to them."

"But they..."

"If we fight, we'll be punished, Kiana. I still want to go to school with you."

"Okay. Then I'll listen to Mei."

Kiana sat down beside Mei and glared viciously at everyone.

"Oh, Teacher, you have to stand up for Mei! She clearly didn't do anything wrong!"

During lunch break, Kiana brought Mei to He Cheng-rui's office, complaining while she ate.

"Some people always like to put others down to make themselves feel superior. It's very common here in the Far East."

"Gossip never ends; ignore it, and it disappears."

Kiana didn't take in He Cheng-rui's grand words and asked him again.

"I understand all that, but don't you have any solution, Teacher?"

A solution? Just get rid of Cocolia and clear Raiden Ryoma's name.

That was what he thought, but He Cheng-rui shook his head.

"I'll do my best to help. If you can't handle things anymore, you can come here and rest whenever you need to."

As he spoke, He Cheng-rui handed the spare office key to Mei.

Holding the key, Mei gave He Cheng-rui a solemn bow.

"Thank you, Teacher."

Out of habit, He Cheng-rui reached out and rubbed Mei's head.

Feeling the warmth of his large hand atop her head, Mei was momentarily lost in a daze. He Cheng-rui sensed something was off and withdrew his hand.

He Cheng-rui felt a little awkward and didn't know what to say for a moment.

"Ahem. Class is about to start. You two should head back, or you'll be late."

"See you later, Teacher." Mei looked much happier than when she had arrived, and she pulled Kiana out with her.

After the two left, He Cheng-rui opened the simulator panel again and checked the time.

The simulation is tomorrow night at ten.

After the last simulation ended, it was already the next morning.

Then I'll push it back to eleven before starting the simulation.

Having arranged his schedule, He Cheng-rui picked up the tea on his desk and took a sip.

Summer in the Far East was unbearably hot, and the cicadas in the trees chirped as if in protest.

The office air conditioner blasted away, lulling He Cheng-rui into drowsiness.

I don't have class this afternoon anyway. I'll take a nap.

Knock, knock, knock.

Knock, knock, knock!

The incessant knocking woke He Cheng-rui.

Though he was annoyed, He Cheng-rui still forced a smile.

"Student, the door isn't locked."

The people outside pushed the door open after hearing that. At the front was the girl who had led the others in isolating Mei.

"Hey, Teacher, aren't you being a little too biased toward Raiden Mei?"

"Even though I quite like you, I'll still warn you: stay out of Raiden Mei's business."

"Her father is a criminal. Be careful not to get yourself burned."

"You don't want to lose your job as a teacher, do you?"

"So you're threatening me?" He Cheng-rui stared calmly at the leading girl.

"Of course. You can take it that way."

"So you went to all this trouble to come here and disturb my rest just to threaten me?"

He Cheng-rui stood up, a trace of anger in his voice.

"If that's the case, then please leave."

"You! I'm going to report you to the principal!"

"Make up whatever accusation you want."

"But are you sure you want to destroy the life I've only just managed to adapt to?"

"What are you even talking about? Just wait to be fired."

"Then I'll take that as you having prepared yourself."

After everyone left, He Cheng-rui took a sip of tea to calm himself down.

"Such uncultured trash. They're not even half as good as Mei."

Mei, who had been about to open the door outside, froze when she heard He Cheng-rui's words, then pushed the door open.

"Teacher, we're here. We aren't disturbing you, are we?"

"No. Sit wherever you like."

With that, He Cheng-rui raised his head, saw the unconcealed smile on Mei's face, and asked, "What is it? Did something good happen? You look so happy."

Mei shook her head and said nothing.

"Hehe, of course she's happy when she's with me! Right, Mei?"

"Yes, yes."

Mei affectionately patted Kiana's head, though her eyes were fixed on He Cheng-rui.

The next day, classes were suspended because some students had gone missing. Several wealthy and influential families had made a scene at the school.

"No classes! That's great! Mei, let's go out and have fun."

"Um..."

Faced with Kiana's invitation, Mei hesitated and looked toward He Cheng-rui.

"Going out and relaxing would be good for you."

"Then are you coming too, Teacher?"

"It's too hot outside. You two go ahead. I won't be going."

"Then Kiana and I are heading out."

"Mm. Be careful on the way, and remember to tell me if you don't have enough money."

To prevent any accidents, He Cheng-rui chose to spend the vacation he had secured for himself at home.

I originally just wanted to blow up their tongues so they couldn't speak.

But that would be too painful. Better to give them a quick death.

I'm really kind.

Ding-dong.

His phone received a message. He Cheng-rui picked it up and saw that it was a photo Kiana had taken of some food.

"It's takoyaki! Want some? Too bad you didn't come out, haha."

"I don't want any. I can make it myself."

"What?! Make some for me when I get back!"

"I'm back."

"Welcome back."

"Takoyaki! Let me try the takoyaki you made."

"Forget the takoyaki for now. How was your day, Mei?"

"It was very fun. Kiana and I spent the whole day at the amusement park." Mei answered with a smile.

"You must be hungry. I'll go make dinner for you two."

"Takoyaki! I want takoyaki."

"Stop rushing me. I'll make it for you, I'll make it for you."

"Yay!"

After dinner, He Cheng-rui washed the dishes and returned to his room.

Second by second, time passed. He Cheng-rui waited, feeling somewhat excited.

As usual, after exercising and drinking milk, He Cheng-rui lay down on his bed.

Ding, ding, ding.

The eleven o'clock alarm rang. He Cheng-rui opened the simulator panel and used one simulation attempt.

"Simulation, activate!"