Zhang Zhaomu had not expected even these teachers to know about his makeover business.
But it made sense when he thought about it. It would be a mistake to assume these teachers knew nothing about gossip among students. In fact, the average student might not know as much about what went on at school as the teachers did. Most of the time, the teachers simply kept one eye open and the other shut.
"Yes, that's him."
Chen Yongchao gave a soft snort through his nose. "I hear business is booming. People have practically worn through our classroom's doorstep."
He stared at Zhang Zhaomu. "No wonder you don't want to come to school. With a skill like that, if I were you, I'd just drop out and focus on making money. Wouldn't you agree?"
Keep up that snide tone and I really will scratch you! Can't you talk normally?
The [cat] part of Zhang Zhaomu's mind was clamoring wildly, but outwardly, he obediently apologized. "I was wrong, sir. I overslept this morning."
"As class monitor, I've set a bad example and had a negative influence on everyone. I'm willing to resign so a more suitable classmate can manage the class."
Chen Yongchao rolled his eyes.
Resigning at the drop of a hat? In your dreams.
It was not as though he did not know Zhang Zhaomu had spent every class this week playing on his phone, but he really was useful. Whenever Chen Yongchao needed him to announce something to the class or coordinate with his classmates, he was very efficient. Most importantly, the students in the class... mainly the girls, were willing to listen to him.
Who else could command that kind of support? The girls in class would probably revolt the moment he proposed removing him.
"Not bad. At least your attitude seems sincere enough." Chen Yongchao tapped his fingers against the desk and said:
"I won't say any more about you being late. I don't care whether you overslept or had some other reason. Go back and write a self-criticism, and hand it in before the end of today."
"The main reason I called you here is the impact you've had at school."
He hesitated before saying, "In principle, as long as they don't break the law or violate discipline, the school doesn't prohibit students from making money through their own abilities."
"But this business of yours has caused quite a stir. The higher-ups are paying close attention. They're worried your actions will foster a frivolous atmosphere at school and make everyone focus solely on appearances. Ultimately, students need to focus their attention on their studies."
That was why Chen Yongchao was in a bad mood. The boy had really landed him with a major production.
He could not disregard the leadership's wishes, but the school was genuinely in a difficult position too. If the boy's business involved selling snacks or other unlicensed, unlabelled, uncertified products prohibited by the school, they could order him to stop. But all he did was makeovers, which fell under skilled services.
His actions had not crossed any of the school's red lines, and both sides were willing participants. Surely the school could not tell him he was forbidden from helping female classmates look better?
"That was an oversight on my part," Zhang Zhaomu said hastily. "This happened through a chance coincidence. Originally, I only wanted to give my classmates a few suggestions and earn some pocket money. I didn't expect such a big response."
"So now I only take three orders a week to avoid affecting my studies."
The corner of Chen Yongchao's mouth twitched.
Affecting your studies? Don't think I don't know what you're like. With that attitude toward studying, is there anything left to affect?
Still, if he only took three orders a week... that would just about suffice as an answer to the leadership.
But the formalities still had to be said. He sighed. "There's nothing shameful about making money through your own abilities. As a teacher, I support it too, but you need to know where to draw the line."
"First, whether it's you or the other students, this absolutely must not affect your studies. You may only do it outside class hours."
"Second, this so-called image styling must meet the school's dress standards. No outlandish clothing, no perms or dyed hair, and no ostentatious styles."
"Third, while everyone loves beauty, dating at school is strictly forbidden. You understand what I mean, don't you?"
Is he worried I'll use my position to conduct a grand selection of consorts?
Zhang Zhaomu was a little speechless. Who would do something that pointless? Rather than worrying about me, you'd be better off keeping an eye on those spider spirits in Class Nine's Silk Web Cave.
"Rest assured, sir!" Zhang Zhaomu nodded rapidly. "I'll be sure to keep your teachings firmly in mind!"
Chen Yongchao leaned back slightly, looking a little more relaxed as he returned to his usual veteran salted-fish demeanor. "All right. Don't forget to hand in your self-criticism today. I hope being late, or even skipping class, won't happen a second time. Especially something like the Monday flag-raising ceremony... I even had to cover for you and say you'd asked for leave beforehand."
"Thank you, Mr. Chen." Zhang Zhaomu could not help feeling a little touched.
Fine, I'll forgive you for all that snide talk earlier. We're both salted fish, after all. Let's get along from now on.
"All right, class is about to start. Go back to your classroom."
"Yes, Mr. Chen."
Zhang Zhaomu left the office, and the teacher beside Chen Yongchao immediately leaned over.
"That's it? You're done talking?"
"Same old style as ever, Chen. You turn big problems into small ones and make small ones disappear. One token self-criticism and it's all over. If he were in my class, there's no way I'd let him off without making him fully recognize his mistake."
Chen Yongchao merely smiled. "I don't think punishment necessarily makes students recognize their mistakes, does it? Besides, our class monitor is quite mature. He listens to what I say."
"His attitude was decent enough." The teacher smacked his lips. "But I get the feeling he's a troublemaker at heart. School's only been in session for a week, and he's already caused such a stir. And he's a good-looking lad, too. I've heard the girls in my class secretly talking about him plenty of times... You'll have your hands full."
Chen Yongchao sighed.
"I'll get used to it. He's not the only source of trouble in our class."
"You mean the girl who transferred here from No. 3 High School?" The teacher raised an eyebrow. "Did her mother come to the school and make a scene again?"
"She gave me a thorough tongue-lashing right in front of the leadership, as though being assigned to my class had ruined her future." Chen Yongchao looked helpless. "Her daughter is actually very well-behaved and works hard at her studies. If it were possible, I wouldn't mind letting her transfer to another class."
"Tch." The teacher scoffed. "There was a chance before, but now, who knows? The leadership are people too. After she's made a scene that many times, who would still want to help?"
Chen Yongchao picked up his thermos and took a sip. "Let's not talk about that. A parent's issues have nothing to do with the student, after all. Since she's my student, I still have to take responsibility for her to the end."
"Being a teacher is hard," the teacher remarked. "It's bad enough having students drive you mad, but then the parents do it too. And the worst part is, we only get this little bit of pay each month... I heard your class monitor makes several hundred per order? A few orders would easily match our monthly salary, wouldn't they?"
"If you're that envious, how about I introduce you so you can become his disciple?" Chen Yongchao joked.
"Forget it. I still need to preserve a little dignity." The teacher paused, then lowered his voice. "Still, I hear he really knows his stuff when it comes to image styling. I wonder whether he could style someone my age..."
Chen Yongchao: "?"
The teacher gave an awkward laugh. "It's been quite a while since my ex-wife and I split up, and my family arranged a blind date for me..."
"Oh, so you're looking to enjoy a second spring!"