Chapter 19: It’s Just Too Sweet!

When Ruan Cha noticed the puzzled look on the dean’s face, she offered him a gentle smile. Her bright, innocent features radiated pure harmlessness.

She was clever, certainly—but cleverness should be used where it matters. Since returning to the plotline was inevitable, she’d rather follow the trajectory of the character in the novel and perform accordingly. In the book, Ruan Cha had scored eight points on her exam. So, with careful calculation, she would ensure she too scored exactly eight points.

This way, she could also meet the homeroom teacher of Class Seven—a wealthy heir hidden in plain sight at Mo City No. 2 High School…

The dean gazed at the girl’s obedient face, a picture of the model student, and sighed. What a waste of a good face, he thought. Otherwise, she’d be another star gracing the school’s honor wall.

Li Junmei, naturally, would not relent. As one of the school’s top senior teachers, the students she mentored were all destined for the nation’s best universities. A student who scored only eight points didn’t even register on her radar.

Seeing Li Junmei’s unyielding stance, the dean called the homeroom teacher of Class Seven, Shen Jie.

In less than three minutes, Shen Jie appeared at the office doorway.

Li Junmei had yet to leave, sitting on the sofa with a look of disdain as she glanced at Shen Jie. "Mr. Shen, this student seems to fit right in with the atmosphere of your class. You can take her," she remarked, her tone laced with sarcasm.

Hearing that mocking voice, Shen Jie lowered his gaze, then looked at Li Junmei with a calm indifference. He didn’t argue, merely turning to the dean. "Director, why did you call me here?"

The dean forced a smile. "Well, the thing is, we have a new transfer student. Her grades are… average, but she’s strikingly pretty. Considering how you always say that students’ spirit and appearance can inspire your work, I thought I’d let you—"

As the dean fumbled through his explanation, Shen Jie instantly understood. So, she’s got nothing going for her but her looks.

His eyes swept the room and soon landed on the dainty girl standing quietly behind him. Her eyes were bright and round, shimmering with jet-black brilliance; her delicate features evoked a sense of tenderness. To call her beautiful was an understatement—she was easily among the most dazzling faces in all of Mo City No. 2 High.

Noticing his gaze, Ruan Cha curved her eyes at him, her clear, lovely face aglow with eyes sparkling like a starry sky.

On the surface, Shen Jie remained composed, but inside, waves of emotion surged.

She’s so good! So sweet!

Absolutely an earthly little sweetheart!

Ahhh, she’s too adorable! Darling, your old father adores you!

"Director, say no more. I know you must have your reasons. I’ll take this student," Shen Jie announced. "Her entrance exam…" As his eyes drifted to the test paper in Li Junmei’s hand, the glaring score of eight points caught his attention.

His breath caught in his throat. This affection… truly was a heavy burden.

After regaining his composure, he gritted his teeth and said, "It’s fine, Director. We’re just starting the third year of high school. There’s still plenty of time. Even if I have to work myself to the bone, I’ll make sure she becomes one of our school’s top talents!"

As soon as he finished, Li Junmei let out a cold laugh. She rose from the sofa, approached Shen Jie in her mid-heeled shoes, stuffed the paper into his arms, and looked at him haughtily. "Then I look forward to your early success, Mr. Shen?"

Every word dripped with sarcasm.

The dean, unwilling to prolong the awkwardness, concluded, "Since it’s settled, take Ruan Cha back to your class. I have a meeting to attend."