Sending Lu Xiaoxiao Away

The door to the room opened, and Lu Xiaoxiao flew out, throwing herself onto Chen Zhao.

"You're finally here! You're the best, Teacher!" Lu Xiaoxiao hugged Chen Zhao fiercely, rubbing her head back and forth against his chest. No ten-thousand-word self-criticism—she was deliriously happy.

Chen Zhao felt like all the air was being squeezed out of his lungs. He struggled desperately and pushed Lu Xiaoxiao away.

"Every day, you give me something to worry about." Chen Zhao frowned at her.

Lu Xiaoxiao grinned, lowered her head and pretended to feel ashamed. After keeping it up for a few seconds, she gave up the act and reached out to tug on Chen Zhao's sleeve.

"Teacher, I'll take you to eat. The cafeteria got a new pastry chef, and the food is great!"

Chen Zhao gently freed himself. "I ate at home. Go ahead. Come to the lab after you're done—I have work for you."

Lu Xiaoxiao froze for a moment, then nodded and ran off with a patter of footsteps toward the cafeteria.

Chen Zhao returned to the laboratory and copied some data to take with him. The door was suddenly shoved open, and Lu Xiaoxiao jumped inside with a plastic bag in her hand, filled with several oddly shaped pastries.

"Teacher, try some!" Lu Xiaoxiao opened the bag and held it before Chen Zhao. "It smells amazing! So amazing! Smell it!"

Chen Zhao somewhat regretted getting her out. This girl was far too carefree every day. He should have kept her locked up to write a self-criticism, let her properly reflect on her mistakes, turn over a new leaf, and become a new person.

"No, no. Let's talk business," Chen Zhao said.

Lu Xiaoxiao set down the bag and obediently sat in a chair, hands on her knees, her big