Picking Flowers in the Morning, Recalling in the Evening

Target of detection: Gu Yiming

Host affinity level: jealousy, malice

"Huh?"

Zhang Yang blinked, then looked at the seemingly harmless school uniform-wearing boy in front of him.

This hatred is without any reason.

Wow, this kid's got delicate features, yet he's thinking about this? Does he think he's the male lead in a teen romance novel?

Thinking about a teacher-student relationship? Young man in love, huh?

"Teacher Meng, I won't disturb your meal any longer. I'll head back now." The boy named Gu Yiming greeted him politely, glanced at Zhang Yang again without making a sound, and then turned and left.

Zhang Yang watched the boy's departing figure, lost in thought.

The lunch was a great success, with everyone enjoying themselves. Meng Baoliang, in particular, got completely drunk. When his mother helped him to his room to rest, he kept calling him "General Manager Zhang" and apologizing for the poor hospitality.

Inside Teacher Meng's room:

"That's just how my dad is; he gets drunk whenever he's happy," Teacher Meng whispered to Zhang Yang, leaning on his shoulder.

"Looks like Uncle really had a good time today," Zhang Yang said with a smile. "By the way, your student is quite informal, is your family acquainted?"

"No way," Meng Baihan said. "They just moved here this year."

"Just moved in?" Zhang Yang said "Oh," and added, "Why do I feel like that guy's gaze towards you is a little strange? Could he have a crush on you?"

"How is that possible?" Meng Baihan's mouth dropped open.

"Why not?" Zhang Yang smiled. "With such a beautiful teacher like you in front of him, it's no wonder he, a teenager in the throes of puberty, has some fantasies. It's just youthful infatuation."

"He'd better not. If he dares to do anything like a confession, I'll definitely yell at him and send him packing!" said Teacher Meng.

Zhang Yang laughed as he pulled Meng Baihan onto his lap and began to grope him.

"Just give him a scolding?"

"Then... then..." Meng Baihan trembled slightly, "Then I slapped him across the face... Zhang Yang, no..."

She began to beg for mercy.

··

Later that evening, Meng Baoliang was awakened by the urge to urinate. He got up groggily and bumped into Zhang Yang, who was coming out of Meng Baihan's room.

"Huh? Mr. Zhang?"

He looked at Zhang Yang's hands; they were wet and glistening.

"Uncle's awake? You didn't drink too much, did you?" Zhang Yang nodded and smiled, casually squeezing out some hand sanitizer before turning on the tap.

The hand sanitizer dissolves into foam and evenly coats the hands.

Between his fingers, on his palms, on the back and sides of his hands... Zhang Yang carefully washed every part.

"It's alright, it's alright. Please excuse the embarrassment, Mr. Zhang." Meng Baoliang smiled sheepishly. "Mr. Zhang, you absolutely must stay for dinner tonight!"

"No, I have something to do this afternoon," Zhang Yang said politely.

"That's true... Your business is so big." Meng Baoliang quickly said with a smile, "Mr. Zhang, then if you have the chance... I'll definitely come again next time. My daughter often talks about you."

"Okay, I'll come again next time." Zhang Yang smiled. "Uncle, I won't bother you any longer, I'll take my leave now."

"Let me see you off."

A moment later, at the villa entrance.

Meng Baoliang respectfully saw Zhang Yang off as he boarded the Cullinan, then slowly drove away from his doorstep.

On his way home, the scene he had just witnessed kept replaying in his mind... What had those hands done? Why were they so wet?

··

On the way back, Zhang Yang called Anderson of the Four Seasons Hotel and asked him to contact Yinghai Middle School on behalf of the hotel to discuss the donation.

Zhang Yang has too many identities.

However, since the donation is for my alma mater in my hometown, I'll donate in my capacity as the owner of the Yinghai Four Seasons Hotel.

As for how much to donate?

"Let's start with a donation of 30 million. I hope to use this money to establish an education fund at the school. You can discuss the details," Zhang Yang instructed. "We can consider increasing the size later, depending on the fund's purpose and development."

Anderson received the instructions and immediately went to carry them out.

A campus donation of 100 million yuan, flowing steadily over time, 30 million in the first year, and about 10 million yuan every year thereafter.

With this money, Zhang Yang's reputation would be widely praised by his younger schoolmates.

Back when I lived in the dorms, there wasn't even air conditioning. In the sweltering summer, I'd get so hot when I got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom that I'd pour water from a basin onto the toilet. I know those days will never come again.

This money could be used to improve the school's facilities, support impoverished students, or even reward outstanding teachers to encourage them to passionately nurture the next generation of excellent students.

"I guess this is my way of giving back to my alma mater?" Zhang Yang shook his head and chuckled.

Yinghai Middle School has produced countless graduates who have made a name for themselves, but who else possesses such a heartfelt desire to repay kindness?

Even if this 100 million yuan donation was provided by the system.

··

The donation process was handled quickly and smoothly.

The current principal of Yinghai Middle School, along with all the school leaders, was overjoyed and devoted themselves to this matter with utmost enthusiasm.

With the full support of both sides.

In just a few days, the matter was completely resolved.

This donation of up to 30 million yuan is unprecedented, not only for Yinghai Middle School, but also for high schools across the country.

The entire leadership team of Yinghai Middle School was in an uproar.

That morning, Zhang Yang drove to Yinghai Middle School to attend the donation ceremony.

His idea was actually to keep a low profile and not make a big fuss.

However, his idea clearly contradicted that of the leadership of Yinghai Middle School, who wanted to promote the school properly.

Of course, when expressing this meaning to him, it was done in a very tactful way.

"Mr. Zhang, your good deed deserves to be widely publicized and remembered by all the students of Yinghai." That's what the principal said to him on the phone.

Alright then, let's go along with them.

On the main building square of Yinghai Middle School.

Zhang Yang stepped off the Cullinan, looked up at the main building in the distance, and felt somewhat dazed.

Time flies, and many years have passed in the blink of an eye.

In a daze, he was back in high school many years ago.

He stood in the same spot every Monday, at every group meeting, and at the 100-day countdown rally before the college entrance examination. He was lost in the crowd, looking up at the school leaders speaking, occasionally letting his mind wander to look at the vibrant young girls.

Or it may specifically refer to Meng Baihan.

Back then, she was full of youthful energy, occasionally wearing a jet-black ponytail, standing at the very front of the group, while I was just a nobody in the group.

And now?

Zhang Yang smiled as he recalled the moments he had spent with Teacher Meng.

Not far away, the school leaders from his alma mater were walking briskly towards him with warm smiles on their faces, and the way they addressed him felt unfamiliar.

"Welcome, Mr. Zhang, to our alma mater! We welcome you!"

Yes.

He was no longer an invisible figure lost among the students. The school leaders who used to listen obediently or even Yangwang up to him now only offered him flattery and respect, their words full of warmth and attempts to get close to him.

It's a bit of a shame that the school leaders in front of us are no longer the same group as back then.

Composing himself, Zhang Yang smiled and stepped forward to shake hands with each person.

From the principal to the vice-principals, as well as the grade directors and the dean of studies.

A sum of 30 million is worth any amount of hospitality.

"Oh? Teacher Zhou?" Zhang Yang smiled, looking at the somewhat reserved middle-aged man in front of him, and said with a smile, "Long time no see."

He had a deep impression of the person in front of him; he was his homeroom teacher in his second year of high school, who took good care of him. Back then, his classmates affectionately called him Lao Zhou.

I never expected that Old Zhou would have aged so much after all these years; his temples are all white.

"Hello, Mr. Zhang." Teacher Zhou quickly shook hands with him.

"Teacher Zhou took great care of me back then, and I've always wanted to find an opportunity to thank him," Zhang Yang said with a smile. "Teacher Zhou, let's get together sometime, have a chat."

Teacher Zhou was taken aback, and a warm feeling instantly welled up in her heart.

"Okay, okay, definitely."

Instantly, all eyes turned to him, and everything changed.

"Haha, a great teacher produces outstanding students." The principal gave Teacher Zhou a deep look and laughed heartily. "Teacher Zhou truly has students all over the world."

Teacher Zhou straightened his back.

A short while later, a group of people escorted Zhang Yang to the office building.

Along the way, Zhang Yang chatted with the principal and talked about the follow-up donation plan.

"We'll see how the fund is used, and then we'll donate another ten million every year," Zhang Yang said casually.

"Don't worry, Mr. Zhang, the funds will be used for their designated purpose, and every penny will be used effectively." The principal quickly patted his chest to assure him, then looked at Teacher Zhou, "Teacher Zhou, go back and prepare well. I'm thinking of giving you more responsibilities."

A wave of envy immediately swept over them.

Teacher Zhou's eyes widened in disbelief, her heart filled with shock.

Who is to blame for all this?

This isn't the former student standing right in front of me.

In that instant, his eyes were filled with gratitude, his heart overflowing with mixed emotions, and his eyes welled up with tears.

"Teacher Zhou is qualified and capable; it's only right."

"Yes, yes, yes, Teacher Zhou should have been given more responsibilities a long time ago!"

A chorus of agreement erupted from the surrounding crowd.

Judging from the reactions of the school leaders in front of him, Zhang Yang understood the situation.

Logically speaking, after so many years, Teacher Zhou should have been promoted by now, and I've just added fuel to the fire. But often, many people just need that one spark in their entire lives.

Inside the meeting room, a banner for the donation ceremony was unfurled.

The outstanding teachers of Yinghai Middle School gathered together to witness the donation ceremony.

The scene was filled with cameras and microphones snapping away.

These promotional photos will later appear on the school's official website and even in the district education bureau's website news.

As the ceremony ended, Zhang Yang's gaze swept across the crowd and met the eyes of a figure standing among a group of young female teachers.

"Look, Mr. Zhang is looking at me!"

"She was clearly looking at me."

A group of female teachers, who had only graduated from teachers' college a few years ago, chatted shyly in hushed tones.

This wealthy and handsome man is exactly the image of the perfect boyfriend they fantasize about.

As they were talking, Zhang Yang pushed through the crowd and came over.

"Old classmate."

He stood in front of Meng Baihan and blinked gently.

Feeling the various gazes around her, Teacher Meng's face flushed crimson.

Anyone with eyes could see that.

"Mr. Zhang, you and Ms. Meng seem to be high school classmates, right?" the principal asked with a smile as he approached.

"Yes." Zhang Yang smiled, his gaze never leaving Teacher Meng. "Teacher Meng and I are very close. I even went to their house for dinner a few days ago."

The principal suddenly understood, as if he had seen a clear picture in his mind.

"I see."

He didn't need many words; a few simple words were enough for him to know what to do.

It's nothing more than making things convenient for him, big or small, and not forgetting Xiao Meng when there's good news. In the principal's eyes, these are just a matter of lifting a finger or opening his mouth, so there's naturally no problem at all.

"Principal Wang, Teacher Meng and I are going out for a walk," Zhang Yang said.

"Okay, no problem, Mr. Zhang, please feel free to look around." Principal Wang quickly said, "Teacher Meng, then please accompany Mr. Zhang as he walks around."

Meng Baihan gave a soft "hmm" and walked out of the conference room side by side with Zhang Yang.

Principal Wang gently pushed open the door and glanced into the corridor, just in time to see Zhang Yang wrapping his arm around Teacher Meng's waist.

··

"So what you said was true." Meng Baihan's pretty face flushed red. "Thirty million, you're really willing to donate! I thought you were just donating a little bit casually."

"How can a small donation protect you?" Zhang Yang laughed. "You won't have to worry about taking time off anymore, right?"

"But I can't keep treating you like that, or I'll have to go to class." Meng Baihan's expression was cheerful, with a girlish fondness. "At most, once a month. Any more than that wouldn't be right."

"I forgot to tell you, I plan to donate ten million every year from now on."

Teacher Meng's eyes widened, and she froze.

"Is it... is it still for... me?"

"Protecting you for a year is nothing," Zhang Yang looked at the face in front of him, reaching out to run his hand across her cheek and fair chin. "For as many years as I can, I'll protect you every step of the way. Isn't that fair?"

Meng Baihan pursed his lips and a smile instantly bloomed.

She tiptoed up and gave him an irrepressible kiss and hug.

The kiss was hot, just as hot as the temperature of Teacher Meng that he felt on his fingers in Teacher Meng's room that day.

"Zhang Yang... when will you... with me?" she asked coquettishly.

"With you what?" Zhang Yang asked with a smile.

"Hmph... Zhang Yang... I've been so proactive, I've said all this, don't girls have any pride?" Teacher Meng gently bit Zhang Yang's ear, "If you keep pretending to be clueless and flirting with me, I'm not going to talk to you anymore!"

Seeing Teacher Meng displaying such girlish shyness, Zhang Yang was filled with mixed emotions.

Could he have imagined this scene so many years ago?

Meng Baihan acted coquettishly towards him, even taking the initiative to beg...

"Come with me for a walk around the school, the old teaching buildings, the old classrooms," he said, taking Meng Baihan's hand with a smile.

"Okay," Teacher Meng chuckled.

The familiar campus, day after day, year after year, seems to have never changed much.

A wisteria trellis for parking bicycles, Harvard's red teaching buildings, boys and girls running in the corridors during breaks.

Everything about it resembles the essence of youth.

Returning to this familiar place evoked many emotions.

It is said that youth and the feeling of youth cannot coexist.

But what can I say at this moment?

Teacher Meng was right beside me.

During her school days, she was the white moonlight and youth of countless boys. Zhang Yang, at this moment, at least already possessed someone else's youth.

"That floor upstairs is where our old classrooms were, remember? That corridor over there is my office, want to go take a look?" Meng Baihan asked Zhang Yang with a smile as he turned around.

"Go ahead, reminisce about your youth," Zhang Yang said with a smile.