Chen Shi immediately began the lecture after reaching the podium. I was glad she didn't introduce me or anything; I hate that kind of attention.
The material was from the first year of high school, and I had studied the first two chapters quite a bit, so the lesson wasn't difficult to follow. I understood most of it.
What impressed me most about the class, besides Chen Shi's insightful and easy-to-understand explanations, was her incredibly loud voice. My goodness, I finally understood why she spoke so loudly! I suspected it was because of her teaching style, which was spirited throughout.
However, it was completely different from Mistress Extinction's tone. Chen Shi's voice was loud but not severe; it was full of emotion and infectious enthusiasm, which somehow made the complex math formulas more interesting. I figured if she ever hosted a motivational "Grateful Heart" speaking event, countless students and parents would probably reflect, shed tears, and embrace each other weeping. If she then brought out a book to sell, the sales would be phenomenal.
The Power of Self-Acceptance
When class ended, Chen Shi strode directly toward me on her long legs, under the envious or curious stares of many students.
"So, what do you think? Was Sister Chen's lecture okay? Could you follow it?"
"It was excellent, very good. I understood most of it," I nodded.
"That's great. If there's anything else you don't understand, just ask me. I'll be here to answer questions for the students," Chen Shi smiled. She was then called away by a girl holding a notebook to explain a problem.
Chen Shi was very popular. Students even had to line up to ask questions, one after another. "Sister Chen, Sister Chen," their calls were constant.
While she was answering questions, a lot of people looked at me, giving me side-eyes. Some looked confused, as if wondering why such a pretty teacher like Chen Shi would even know such a large, heavy person. For a moment, I even felt like an embarrassment to Chen Shi.
But I quickly snapped out of it. I secretly cautioned myself: Why are you thinking so much? Why do you like worrying about and considering others so much? Since Chen Shi doesn't care, why should I? As soon as I thought this, the mental pressure gradually faded, and a sense of courage began to rise in my heart again.
In this place where no one knew me, I slowly raised my head and met the doubtful and questioning stares. I looked each one of them in the eye.
Immediately, their eyes started to dart away. In that moment, I tasted the power that comes from standing firm.
Since so many people were asking questions, I decided to meticulously review the concepts Chen Shi had taught in my notebook instead of joining the crowd.
Honestly, I couldn't tell if those students were genuinely asking questions or just trying to show their faces in front of the beautiful teacher. The need to show off is in everyone, especially these teenagers, who were all undoubtedly looking up to and admiring Chen Shi, who was like a big sister to them.
I felt similarly, but I knew she had a boyfriend, so it was best to keep my distance.
Soon, the second class began. Chen Shi went to the podium and reviewed the most frequently asked questions before starting the next section of the textbook.
The second class was equally beneficial for me. For someone with a poor academic foundation like mine, her teaching was a lifeline.
The class time flew by, and it was soon lunchtime.
A Glimpse of the Future
Class ended promptly at 11:30. The students slowly dispersed. Chen Shi stayed at the podium, organizing her teaching materials. Eventually, I was the only student left in the classroom.
"How was it?" Chen Shi asked while tidying up. "How did your studies go today? Could you follow along?"
"You lectured so well," I couldn't help but give her a thumbs-up.
Chen Shi was incredibly gentle. Comparing her to Mistress Extinction, whom I involuntarily thought of, their personalities were night and day—one was an old witch, and the other was a gentle older sister. There was no comparison.
"You don't need to worry about anything. I let anyone who wants to try come in for an audition; I treat everyone the same. After all, I have to make money, too," Chen Shi finished organizing and looked up, smiling playfully at me. Being a teacher in class and a friend to students after class—that was her motto.
"You still need to teach to make money?" I couldn't help but chuckle in surprise. Chen Ge's Mercedes clearly indicated that money wasn't an issue. I thought Chen Shi could easily relax as a rich wife, just eating, drinking, and having fun every day. Why would she need to work?
"What's wrong?" Chen Shi looked at me. "His money is his money. My money is the money I earn. Do you think I have to rely on him to support me?"
"Uh..." I was taken aback. I hadn't expected Chen Shi to say that. In my naive mind, the man earned the money outside, and the woman managed the home.
"Besides, I really love teaching, but I don't want to be overly managed. There are too many rules in a school. Even though I could have stayed to teach at the university, I refused and opened this tutoring center instead. I work when I want to, and I leave when I want to, hehe," Chen Shi chuckled. For a second, I thought she might be as down-to-earth as me, but looking at her fair, delicate face, I returned to reality.
"I see," I nodded, thinking how impressive she was. Being able to stay at the university as a teacher spoke volumes about her ability.
"And I only come to teach in the mornings. In the afternoons, I'm at the gym, helping Chen with the store. I don't know if it's because I manage the money, but he's so clingy," Chen Shi covered her mouth and laughed.
I couldn't help but frown slightly. Isn't this the ultimate form of humblebragging? Looking at her radiating happiness, I wanted her to move away. Her happiness was too overwhelming for a dark, gloomy rat like me.
"Oops, I said too much." Chen Shi seemed to catch my expression and gently patted her mouth.
"I have a big mouth, haha. Don't tell me any of your secrets, or I'll definitely spill them. That's probably why I couldn't be a psychological counselor," Chen Shi laughed.
I couldn't help but smile. Chen Shi was very skilled at interacting with people. She didn't have the arrogance of a superior and treated everyone equally, which made her incredibly approachable. I felt as comfortable as if I were bathed in a spring breeze.
"Let's go. We don't want to keep Chen waiting."
Chen Shi walked out, leaving a trail of perfume.
I already had a suspicion, and now it was growing stronger. Chen Shi kept calling him "Chen kid." Giving a nickname to someone close is normal, but the tone she used and the unconscious tenderness and doting when she spoke of him sounded exactly like an older sister talking about her younger brother.
I quickly suppressed the thought, deciding not to guess anymore. They had already helped me so much. I could think whatever I wanted, but I certainly wouldn't voice it.
When we reached the ground floor, Chen Ge's black Mercedes was waiting. Seeing the car again brought a feeling of awe. I never expected the owner of such a car to be so friendly, and I certainly never thought I'd be riding in such a luxury vehicle. It felt like a dream.
Chen Shi opened the passenger door, held her long skirt down, and gracefully sat inside. I got into the back.
"Let's head back and cook," Chen Ge said cheerfully, taking Chen Shi's bag.
"Did you buy the groceries?" Chen Shi handed over her bag, then buckled her seatbelt while asking.
"Of course. How could I forget that?" Chen Ge put the bag away, stepped on the gas, turned the steering wheel, and headed out.
The barrier opened, and the stable black vehicle slowly drove onto the road. Although the owner didn't boast, the hood ornament said it all.
Chen Shi and Chen Ge chatted casually on the way, talking about daily life without holding anything back from me.
However, when they started discussing private topics, like lingerie, I felt embarrassed. I quickly turned my head to look out the window, pretending not to hear.
Chen Shi finally realized there was a student in the back seat. She glared at Chen Ge and said, "Focus on your driving."
"Alright, alright," Chen Ge nodded with a smile, stopping the intimate conversation and switching to small talk.
We soon arrived at the Syrian Gym. Chen Shi and I got out first. Chen Ge returned after parking the car.
"Want to stay and eat with us?" Chen Ge looked at me.
Chen Shi just smiled and didn't say anything.
"No, no..." I quickly waved my hands in refusal. I had already inconvenienced them too much today. They might not say anything, but I needed to be mindful.
Without further ado, I quickly walked away.
"Am I really that scary?"
Watching my hasty retreat, Chen Ge pointed at his face with an innocent expression.
"That's just his personality. He was definitely too embarrassed to stay, so I didn't press him to," Chen Shi said.
"Is that so? I thought I looked too fierce," Chen Ge rubbed his chin, looking thoughtful.
"Who says you're not fierce?" Chen Shi gave Chen Ge a charming glare. "Did you just figure out you're intimidating? Especially at certain times."
"Oh really?" Chen Ge's eyes lit up, and he smirked.
Chen Shi immediately realized the implication and quickly ran into the gym.
"Where are you going?" Chen Ge quickly caught up, tackling her in a bear hug.
"It's broad daylight! What are you doing?" Chen Shi struggled in Chen Ge's arms.
"Running inside is just asking for it, isn't it? Hehe," Chen Ge said with a laugh.
Fortunately, the gym was empty, as most people had gone home for lunch. Otherwise, their public flirting would have been witnessed.
But this fueled Chen Ge's audacity. Seeing no one around, he became reckless. He bent down, scooped Chen Shi up, and carried her toward the back.
"Ah!"
A shriek rang out, but it wasn't a seductive sound; it was a cry of pain. Immediately after, Chen Ge was chased out by Chen Shi, who was pinching his ear.
"You brat, are you absolutely consumed by lust? Getting bolder and bolder, aren't you? Do you want a beating, hmm?"
"Ow! I'm sorry, Sis!" Chen Ge managed to wrench his ear back, only to be chased by Chen Shi with a funny toy sword, which she used to playfully whack and poke his butt.
This comical scene unfolded in the gym. Luckily, no one was around, or Chen Ge's reputation for being "afraid of his wife" would have been even more cemented.