Shi Jihan had deliberately put on a pair of non-prescription glasses, gotten a fresh haircut, and dyed his hair black again, looking neat and well-behaved. He wore a blue knitted sweater embroidered with little bears and jeans. His backpack was covered in plush charms that swayed with every step as he entered the classroom.
Shi Jihan greeted everyone as soon as he walked in, dimples appearing on both cheeks. "Hello, uncles and aunties. I'm the new subject teacher."
His smile was like cotton candy soaked in sunlight—sweet without being cloying.
Amid enthusiastic applause, he looked around. Which one is Ms. Shen?
Ms. Shen was late.
This was her ninth time being late this semester.
"Sorry, sorry, I'm late!" Ms. Shen came to an abrupt stop at the door and let out a long breath when she saw class had just begun.
Great, this time didn't count. She hadn't reached ten late arrivals, so she wouldn't have to call in her parents.
No, her kid.
Shen Zhao straightened her appearance and returned to her poised, elegant persona.
[Ding, mission issued: Initially get closer to Ms. Shen. Reward: Malice Points +10.]
Shi Jihan saw the stack of promotional posters in her arms and deliberately asked, "What are those?"
"Oh, these. I was so busy handing them out that I didn't hear the class bell," Ms. Shen said. Her eyes lit up at the sight of a new teacher, and she elegantly stuffed flyers into his hands with wild enthusiasm. "Teacher, take one too. I've handed these out all over the school. The promotion's been very thorough. Since you're new, you should learn about it too."
"What is it?" Shi Jihan asked with a smile, picking one up.
He saw an official announcement photo of himself kissing Zhou Jingcheng.
There were