The next day, six in the morning.
Math Office.
All the math teachers had arrived. They looked listless and yawned nonstop as they organized the test papers they would discuss in class.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
The office door was knocked on and pushed open.
A sharp-looking girl with a buzz cut bounced inside. It was Qiu Lingshan!
"Auntie!" Qiu Lingshan called sweetly as she happily ran to Zhai Zhu's side.
Teacher Zhai Zhu was Qiu Lingshan's biological aunt, as well as her math teacher during her first year of high school. Although Qiu Lingshan had later changed classes and teachers, she was naturally closer to her aunt and often came to Zhai Zhu to ask about math problems.
"Morning, Shanshan." Zhai Zhu smiled affectionately. "Have you had breakfast?"
"I have, Auntie. I came to get my books!" Qiu Lingshan looked expectant and chattered excitedly. "Those books arrived yesterday, right? I'm so excited! I've been looking forward to them for half a month! Waiting for the stars and the moon!"
"Where are they? Where?" Qiu Lingshan excitedly craned her neck and searched the surroundings.
Zhai Zhu's smile stiffened. She looked away, her expression awkward.
Qiu Lingshan failed to find the delivery box and froze. "Where are the books? Haven't they arrived yet, Auntie?"
"Shanshan, there was a little accident with those books." Zhai Zhu carefully chose her words and picked up her cup to take a tactical sip of water.
"What accident? Did the delivery truck get into a crash?" Qiu Lingshan froze.
"I... I gave the books to another student last night." Zhai Zhu put down her cup, her face full of guilt.
Silence.
Qiu Lingshan's eyes widened as she stared at her aunt in disbelief.
The next second, she began laughing. "Auntie, you're such a joker. I'm your favorite