"Jiang Ning, how about becoming the Chemistry Class Representative?"
Teacher Guo Ran set down her disposable paper cup and looked over with a smile.
The pure water in the cup gently swayed, its ripples growing smaller and smaller until they finally neared stillness.
There were only two people in the office.
Time seemed to freeze, then suddenly rolled backward in a rush. Jiang Ning abruptly recalled the past. How long ago had that been?
Teacher Guo Ran had once handed him a cup of water like this too, smiling at him in the same way.
Back then, Jiang Ning had merely been a student who had suddenly entered the city from a remote rural town.
Inferior, timid, poor—he had been full of flaws.
It had been under those same circumstances that Guo Ran chose him as the Chemistry Class Representative.
That time, it had been sympathy. This time, it was probably gratitude.
Jiang Ning's gaze fell on her. "Are there any benefits to being class representative?"
Guo Ran froze. She had not expected a student to bargain with her.
Fortunately, Guo Ran was quick-witted. She pressed a finger to her cheek, tilted her head slightly, and replied:
"You can mooch some snacks off me. There are pine nuts, almonds, pecans, dried mango, and beef jerky. Want some?"
"Yes." Jiang Ning felt an indescribable emotion in his heart.
"Good." Guo Ran clapped her hands and solemnly announced:
"From now on, you are the Chemistry Class Representative for Grade One, Class Eight."
"This is your payment." Guo Ran opened a cabinet in her desk and pulled out a white tote bag packed to the brim.
Jiang Ning did not refuse. He had eaten Guo Ran's snacks countless times before.
"Once school resumes after the break, I'll officially announce it to the class