Watching the two of them fool around, Zhou Yi actually smiled. Although her aged face looked even worse when smiling than when crying, everyone could tell that she was in a very good mood. She really was smiling.
With a raised hand, Medusa's teacherly authority was on full display, and the laughter immediately fell silent.
"Alright, return to your seats." Zhou Yi waved her hand, showing the two unprecedented leniency.
"Ah?" Jiang Yuheng and Wang Dong froze instinctively, raising their heads in disbelief.
The moment they had arrived late, they had already prepared themselves to be punished—running laps, doing backflips, whatever was harshest.
Yet Zhou Yi had not punished them at all and had even told them to return.
What was going on? Had the sun risen in the west?
Thinking this, Jiang Yuheng subconsciously looked outside.
Zhou Yi's eyes widened. "What, did oversleeping make you unable to understand human speech?"
Hearing Zhou Yi's words, Jiang Yuheng immediately grabbed Wang Dong's hand, and the two returned to their seats with their tails between their legs.
But the teasing looks around them never stopped.
Fortunately, this was a new student class, and everyone was only eleven or twelve years old. As for the matter of who had slept with whom, they merely found it amusing and did not think much of it.
If this had been among the upper grades, and they had run into a few fujoshi or guys into guys... they would definitely have topped the campus forum rankings today.
Zhou Yi returned to the podium and said calmly, "After three days, the Freshman Assessment has officially concluded. The final results were compiled last night."
"Congratulations. All of you passed the assessment. Well done. I am very pleased."
This was the second time today that Zhou Yi had revealed that unflattering smile.
But upon hearing the good news that everyone had passed, how could the students of Class 1 of New Students care about that? The entire classroom erupted.
Cheers rang through every corner of the classroom. This time, Zhou Yi did not stop them, merely watching the children cheer with a smile on her face.
They truly had the right to celebrate. Last night, all the assessment teachers had clearly stated that the students of Class 1 of New Students were more resilient than those of the other classes.
In the intense assessment matches, they had displayed astonishing willpower and combat strength. Among all the classes, they had pulled off the most comebacks from defeat.
Most notably, the students of Class 1 of New Students had won every evenly matched battle.
This was also the first time Zhou Yi had received public praise from Shrek Academy since becoming a teacher there. Class 1 of New Students had originally had fewer students, but after the Round-Robin Tournament, it had become the class with the most students advancing in the assessment.
No matter how strict Zhou Yi was, she was in an exceptionally good mood today. This was also an important reason Jiang Yuheng and Wang Dong had been let off so easily despite being late.
"Alright, do not become smug over such a small achievement. Passing the assessment only ensures that you can remain at the academy and avoid elimination for now. The upcoming Elimination Tournament is when you will prove your excellence."
"In this assessment, only one group in our class achieved a perfect record. I had intended to give them a reward, but since they were late today, let their merits and faults cancel each other out."
Upon hearing Zhou Yi's words, Wang Dong's expression visibly darkened.
It was all Jiang Yuheng's fault. If that bastard had not made milk tea last night, their team could have received that old hag Zhou's reward today.
At that thought, Wang Dong's anger instantly flared up. Without hesitation, she viciously pinched Jiang Yuheng's waist again.
In an instant, Jiang Yuheng hurt so badly that he twitched nonstop like an ant on a hot pan.
"Ancestor, that hurts! We're in class—go easier!" Jiang Yuheng whispered.
"Hmph, it's all because of the milk tea you made, you bastard. Otherwise, idiot, we could have gotten a reward today!"
Jiang Yuheng chuckled, his eyes carrying a hint of teasing. "I wonder who begged me to make another cup last night."
"Jiang Yuheng, I think you have a death wish!" Wang Dong clenched her fists and gave his face an affectionate, friendly jab.
Just as she was about to strike, a bang sounded from the front of the classroom, like an iron pestle shattering. It instantly startled the two whispering to each other.
They looked up and met Zhou Yi's angry gaze head-on.
Damn, why is that old hag Zhou looking over here?! they both thought at the same time.
"You two, getting smug over the slightest achievement? Put on iron clothes and run laps!"
Neither of them dared to argue. They knew Teacher Zhou's temper. If they dared say another word, it would not be as simple as running laps.
With a soft sigh, they obediently left the classroom and returned to the dormitory to get their iron clothes.
Seeing their dejected appearance, Zhou Yi snorted and said, "All of you, remember this. No matter how great your achievements are, you must remain humble and cautious. Arrogance will not only make you regress—it may cost you your lives. The Elimination Tournament begins tomorrow. I will briefly explain the rules and points you need to pay attention to."
Jiang Yuheng and Wang Dong were destined to miss Zhou Yi's explanation. Fortunately, Huo Yuhao was inside, so things were not too bad.
"It's all your fault, bastard!" The moment they left the teaching building, Wang Dong exploded, glaring at Jiang Yuheng resentfully.
Jiang Yuheng looked utterly wronged. "How is this my fault? You were clearly the one who pinched me first, alright? How did you end up dumping the blame on me?"
"What did you say?! I'm going to beat you until you can't take care of yourself!" Wang Dong clenched both fists and glared at Jiang Yuheng through gritted teeth.
Seeing this, Jiang Yuheng immediately panicked and backed away. "Calm down, calm down, Wang Dong! We're a team—we need unity!"
"Unity my ass! It would have been one thing if you only made me late and got me punished, but you made me late too. If you don't give me an explanation today, don't even think about entering the dormitory tonight!" Wang Dong said angrily.
Jiang Yuheng walked behind her with a grin and flattering expression, kneading her shoulders. "Alright, we're brothers, aren't we? Don't be angry. We should hurry up and complete Teacher Zhou's task, or she might fly off the handle again later."
"That's more like it, but that still isn't sincere enough." Wang Dong lifted her chin proudly.
"Then what do you want?" Jiang Yuheng asked.
"Milk tea. I want to drink milk tea again. You have to make me a double portion!" Wang Dong held up two fingers and said without the slightest politeness.
"I thought it was something serious. Wang Dong, aren't you afraid of oversleeping again?" Jiang Yuheng said with a smile.
"None of your business! You promised me this. You have to make it whether you want to or not!" Wang Dong's attitude was extremely firm.
Jiang Yuheng smiled indulgently. "Of course. I never break promises with you. I'll give you as much as you want—even my life, if you want it."
Wang Dong's pretty face reddened, and she instinctively turned away. "Who—who wants your life?! Bastard, keep it yourself. I don't want it!"
Jiang Yuheng slowly stepped forward, leaning slightly toward her as he whispered, "Are you embarrassed?"
"Get lost! Who's embarrassed? I'm just hot!" Wang Dong said stubbornly.
"Oh? You're really hot? Why don't I feel it?" Jiang Yuheng chuckled.
"You!"
Just as Wang Dong was about to retort, an angry roar rang out from a teaching building window not far away. "What are you two doing over there, dating? Hurry up and put on those iron clothes and run laps!"
Before you continue