The Academic Affairs Office.
Teacher Yang stood on the balcony sipping tea, her gaze naturally drifting toward the school gate. There, she spotted Rong Yu and Ji Zhouye walking side by side. Their striking looks weren’t the only reason they stood out—the bouquet of flowers in their hands was impossible to miss.
With a smirk, she remarked, "Teacher Pei, are Rong Yu and Ji Zhouye from your class dating? They’re flaunting their puppy love so openly, and you’re not even bothering to intervene?"
Pei Yaru replied calmly, "No, they’re just close friends."
Having been a homeroom teacher for years, she could tell at a glance when two students had something more going on. But between Rong Yu and Ji Zhouye, there was none of that sticky, lovey-dovey tension.
"The monthly exams are coming up. You should really tighten discipline in your class," Teacher Yang said mockingly. "If Class 20 ranks last again, Teacher Pei, your performance bonus will be gone this month."
Pei Yaru remained unfazed. "No need for you to worry about that."
Just then, Chen Nian burst into the office in a panic, sweating profusely. "Teacher! Something bad happened—"
Pei Yaru shot to her feet. "What’s wrong? Speak slowly!"
"They’re fighting! Ji Zhouye and Rong Yu are fighting!" Chen Nian grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the door. "Hurry, Teacher, or Wild Brother might get beaten to death!"
Teacher Yang froze for a second, then laughed.
No wonder Pei Yaru was so sure those two weren’t dating—they were rivals! Fighting in the classroom first thing in the morning? The discipline in Class 20 was truly getting worse.
Curious, she followed to see what was happening.
Pei Yaru let Chen Nian drag her all the way to the classroom door.
She couldn’t help but wonder—what on earth had Ji Zhouye, that troublemaker, done to provoke even someone as composed as Rong Yu?
But the moment she stepped inside—
BANG!
Confetti exploded in the air, shimmering fragments raining down on her. The entire class had gathered, shouting in unison, "Happy birthday, Teacher!"
The class monitor stepped forward, presenting her with a massive bouquet.
Pei Yaru stood frozen.
The arts committee member led the class in singing "Happy Birthday," their voices spilling out into the hallway.
Teacher Yang, who had followed to watch the commotion, stopped in her tracks, her expression souring.
Last month, on the final day, had been her own birthday.
She had poured her heart and soul into the elite class, dedicating every minute to her students—yet not a single one had wished her a happy birthday.
Comparing herself to Pei Yaru was downright infuriating.
Without another word, Teacher Yang turned and left.
Pei Yaru’s heart swelled, her nose tingling with emotion. To hide it, she put on a stern face. "The monthly exams are next week! Instead of studying, you’re making such a fuss?"
The class monitor stuck out her tongue playfully. "Forty is a milestone birthday, and since we’re the ones here for it, we had to make it special. That way, you’ll never forget us—your worst class."
Pei Yaru’s eyes reddened. "Who said you’re the worst? You’re not. Study hard, get into good universities, and when you come back to visit, I’ll be proud."
The students returned to their seats, and morning self-study began.
The school day ended.
While Ji Zhouye stayed for evening self-study, Rong Yu headed straight home.
But as she approached her doorstep, she froze—a familiar car was parked outside.
Wasn’t that the Rong family’s car?
She stepped into the living room and, sure enough, found Rong Wangtian seated on the sofa.
Old Master Ji chuckled warmly. "Rong Yu is an outstanding student. If my fifth grandson were even half as capable, I’d have far fewer worries. Many must envy you for having such a daughter, Mr. Rong."
Rong Wangtian’s expression was complicated.
In the past, people had always praised Yaoyao in front of him, calling her exceptional.
Now, it was Rong Yu.
Even Old Master Ji, the founder of the Ji family, spoke so highly of his eldest daughter…
A thought struck him—long ago, Hai Corporation had suddenly partnered with the Rong family, citing his daughter’s excellence. Had they actually been referring to Rong Yu?
He looked up as Rong Yu entered and said stiffly, "Since Old Master Ji holds you in such high regard, behave well here. Help out where you can—"
Old Master Ji cut him off with a frown. "Rong Yu won a gold medal in physics and joined the aerospace research institute. She should focus on her studies. There’s no need for her to lift a finger at home."
"Of course, of course." Rong Wangtian immediately sensed Old Master Ji’s displeasure.
He had been planning to bring up a potential collaboration, but now didn’t seem like the right time.
Rong Yu spoke coolly. "Don’t worry, I’m fine here. Was there anything else?"
Her tone made it clear: if not, he could leave.
Rong Wangtian sighed.
How had things between father and daughter come to this?
He pulled a photo from his briefcase and handed it to her. "This is a picture of you and your mother. I thought you should have it."
Rong Yu took it. "Thank you."
With nothing left to say, Rong Wangtian stood and left.
The moment the door closed, Old Master Ji grumbled, "What a lousy father. The only reason the Ji family hasn’t crushed him is because I’m generous. And he still dares to hint at collaboration? As if."
Rong Yu smiled faintly. "Next time he comes, just pretend you’re not home. Ignore him."
She returned to her room and placed the photo of her and her mother on the desk. Another picture sat there—one of her younger self with her late husband.
She had always kept that photo face down, unable to bear the memories.
Now, she turned it over.
The face in the faded image was exactly as she remembered.
She had met him the day she decided to study abroad.
And lost him forever the day she returned home.
Those few, scattered years together were her most treasured memories.
Her fingers traced the man’s face in the photo, a quiet sigh escaping her.
Then, suddenly, she froze.
There was something she had overlooked.
A mole on her husband’s neck—in the exact same spot and size as the one on He Jingchuan’s neck.
Pieces of a puzzle began clicking together in her mind.
She turned and strode out of the room, heading upstairs to Ji Liuguang’s door on the third floor.
Knock, knock.
Ji Liuguang was sprawled on his bed gaming when the sound interrupted him. Instinctively, he wanted to snap at the disturbance—
But for some reason, he held back and asked, "Who is it? What do you want?"
"It’s me."
At the sound of Rong Yu’s voice, an inexplicable chill ran down his spine.
Reluctantly, he paused his game and opened the door.
Rong Yu walked straight in and sat on the sofa, her tone casual. "Nanny Zhang took care of you for so many years. It must be hard adjusting now that she’s gone?"
