As Fu Hua closed her textbook and prepared to leave, a voice called from the back door.
"Teacher Fu Hua, please wait."
She turned, expression unchanged.
"Yes? What is it?"
The head teacher stepped in, clipboard in hand.
"There's a big class scheduled next, but the playground's under construction. Could you supervise self-study here? I have a meeting to attend."
Fu Hua nodded.
"Understood. Go ahead with your meeting."
"Thank you, Teacher Fu Hua. Your lectures are excellent—truly great."
Fu Hua sighed softly and returned to her seat at the podium.
She pulled out a second book—this one on Hollow disaster theory—and began reading.
The class, now in self-study mode, buzzed with quiet conversation.
"Hey, this teacher's really good at lecturing." Mona whispered.
"Even Ruby paid attention. That says a lot." Rin added.
"What do you mean? I was serious!" Ruby protested.
"She barely says anything besides the lesson." Rin noted, flipping through her notes.
"That's the best kind of teacher. No bragging, no fluff." Mona said.
Rin adjusted her glasses.
"Ellen, you've been quiet. You know her or something?"
Ellen blinked, trying to play it cool.
"Ahaha… maybe. Let's not talk about it. I need sleep. I held out too long."
"Even Ellen didn't nap. That's suspicious," Rin muttered.
Ellen groaned.
"You think I dare sleep? She was clearly sent by the boss to monitor me."
Just then, Fu Hua stood up again.
The room fell silent.
Ellen tensed.
Oh no. I have a condition… I can't sleep unless someone's talking in class…
Fu Hua looked around, then spoke plainly.
"Did I forget to introduce myself?"
The class blinked.
"Yes, teacher! You didn't say a word when you came in," Ruby said.
"I have a classmate who spoke—then tripped over her own feet, spun midair, and fell." Fu Hua added, deadpan.
Pfft—
Laughter exploded across the room.
"Left foot mixed with right foot, heel kick, spin and fall—Ruby, you're immortalized!" Mona cackled.
Rin wiped tears from her eyes.
Even Ellen chuckled behind her hand.
"Ahh, teacher, don't call me 'classmate.' My name's Ruby."
"Alright, Ruby. Didn't I say earlier that I carried the burden for you?"
"That doesn't count! You didn't introduce yourself!"
Fu Hua tilted her head.
"Why not? I spoke."
Ruby waved her hands.
"Okay, okay! You win. Just introduce yourself properly."
Fu Hua paused, then stood straight and adjusted her posture.
"Hello everyone. My name is Fu Hua."
She sat back down and resumed reading.
"That's it? No resume? No background?" Ruby asked.
"Ruby, please stop. It's self-study time," Fu Hua replied calmly.
"Yeah, Ruby, quiet down. I want to sleep," Ellen added, flopping onto her desk.
Fu Hua looked up.
"Ellen, please come forward and summarize the last class."
"Hahaha! Round shark, you're doomed!" Mona teased.