"So you're not planning to visit the Geological Museum after all, is that it?"
Xue Jian was really playing favorites. The moment Lin Li pulled Chen Yuying over, he immediately put on a much gentler smile.
"Yes, Teacher." Chen Yuying nodded. "Lin Li just calculated it. Even if we walk very, very slowly, we'll definitely reach the Outdoor Base before noon and meet up with you then. We'll only miss the museum.
"I actually considered hiking up before making the plan, but everyone probably wouldn't have accepted it, so I arranged for the cable car instead."
"Fine. But you must watch your safety. Just hike up the mountain—don't go wandering off to see any other attractions along the way.
"If we don't see you by noon, the two of you will each have to handwrite at least a two-thousand-word self-criticism. If the situation is serious, I won't go easy on you. I'll report it to the school and have a demerit placed on your records."
Xue Jian had been speaking to Chen Yuying at first, but his final sentence was immediately directed at Lin Li.
His smile turned stern at light speed.
It was almost laughable.
Still, Lin Li nodded obediently.
"Alright. Yu Ying, you have the teacher's number anyway. Keep your ringer on. If those two cause any trouble, just call me."
"Okay. Thank you, Teacher. Sorry for the trouble."
"No need. Hiking is good. It really is more meaningful than taking the cable car. I loved hiking when I was young too. If I didn't have to lead everyone at the museum, I might've gone with you." Xue Jian waved them off.
Lin Li and Bai Bufan stood to the side, watching their noses and contemplating their hearts as they obediently served their punishment.
Why hadn't he talked