Chapter 5

Back in his room with nothing much to do, Chen Tianming picked up a book to read. The knock on the door interrupted him again, so soon. Impressed by He Tao's cooking speed, he thought, "Please, come in." This time, Chen smartly stood up, not wishing for He Tao to find his sitting posture unattractive. "Hello, Teacher Chen," greeted Xiao Hong, the student representative for the political science course that Chen taught. It turned out to be Xiao Hong, not He Tao, leaving Chen slightly disappointed. Yet, Xiao Hong was a star student of Chen, ranking first in class. Originally she could have opted out of being a class representative due to her role as study committee member, but insisted on taking up the additional responsibility for his subject. Chen was satisfied with her efforts, which saved him a lot of concerns, endearing Xiao Hong to him even more. Seeing Xiao Hong, Chen remarked, "Finished with school, eh?" "Yes, just finished. These are the assignments turned in by students today," Xiao Hong replied, placing the homework on the desk. Chen remembered Xiao Hong starting the term two days late, "Why did you start this semester two days late? Was there an issue at home?" After inquiring from Xiao Hong's close friend Xiao Li, Chen learned there was some family matter. "It was a minor thing, but it's resolved now. Thank you for your concern, Teacher," Xiao Hong beamed, touched by Chen's concern. "Of course, I care about my good student. If not you, who else would I care about?" teased Chen, seeing Xiao Hong's gleeful reaction. "Really, Teacher?" Xiao Hong blushed like a tempting red apple at his words. "Of course, would I lie to you?" Chen chuckled. "Teacher, am I really that good? What's so good about me?" Now Xiao Hong was intent on getting to the bottom of this. "Your grades are excellent, and you're well-behaved. Isn't that enough to be considered good?" Chen explained. "Oh, I thought there might be something else," Xiao Hong played with her clothes, slightly disappointed. "What are you thinking, you little rascal?" sensed Chen, feeling something was off. "I'm not a little kid anymore. After this year, I'll be 17," Xiao Hong protested upon hearing Chen's remark. Chen laughed heartily, "Right, Xiao Hong has grown up, and I, the old man, can't even recognize her anymore." Conversing with Xiao Hong felt relaxing, reminiscent of his school days. "How are you old, Teacher?" Xiao Hong disagreed at the mention of Chen being old. "What did you just call me?" Chen spoke with mischief. "I called you 'Teacher.' Isn't that right?" Xiao Hong looked puzzled. "Yes, you've been calling me 'old... teacher'," Chen dragged the word 'old', "so of course, that makes me old!" He burst out laughing. Realizing she'd been duped, Xiao Hong retorted while holding her tiny fists, "Teacher Chen, you're so cunning, letting me fall for it. I'll call you 'old man teacher' from now on." "That's not necessary; one 'old' is enough, or else I might really meet Marx," Chen joked. "And I'm not cunning; I'm smart. One is a negative term, the other positive. Didn't your Chinese teacher teach you proper word use?" Unable to out-argue Chen, Xiao Hong excused herself to wash her hands. Having a lively little girl around for some mild banter wouldn't be too bad, thought Chen. "Is your third-year study very burdensome, Xiao Hong?" Chen inquired as she emerged from the kitchen. "The studies really are intense; I feel somewhat overwhelmed," Xiao Hong seated opposite Chen confessed. "Then you must take care of your health, rest well, eat well. Haven't you eaten lunch? You look pale," Chen noticed Xiao Hong, a vibrant young girl, but her complexion was rather dull, a worrisome sight for someone her age. "Is something bothering you? Tell me, maybe I can help," Chen voiced his concern. "No, it's nothing," Xiao Hong brushed off the conversation. Shifting topics, she asked, "Teacher, is your family in the county city?" Chen affirmed her question. Xiao Hong's voice dropped, "I've only been there once, to the People's Hospital for a visit. But the county city is so prosperous, so beautiful!" she said wistfully. "Really? Our Fucheng Town is just ten kilometers from the county city, a mere few minutes by bus. You've only been there once?" Chen was incredulous. "Truly. My father is busy, and without a specific errand, we seldom go. But my younger brother has been there a few times," Xiao Hong was quick to clarify upon seeing Chen's disbelief. "Next time I have a chance, I'll take you there," Chen pledged firmly. "You won't back out, will you?" Xiao Hong clapped her hands in joy. "Of course not," Chen assured her. "Let's make a pinky promise," Xiao Hong extended her pale, tender hand. Chen, contemplating the propriety of a hand-to-hand touch with a student, hesitated. "You're not going to back out on a pinky promise, are you?" Xiao Hong challenged. Left with little choice, Chen complied, wrapping his fingers around her delicate hand. "There! You've made a promise with me. No backing out now," Xiao Hong beamed, yet she held on to Chen's hand without letting go. Feeling uncomfortable, Chen carefully withdrew his hand. Holding his hand felt comfortable, she mused. To which Chen replied, flustered, "What are you on about?" "Just that holding your hand feels as comforting as holding my big brother's," Xiao Hong explained. "You're really a handful," Chen found himself at a loss with this mischievous student, too dear to scold sincerely. "Dinner's ready, Teacher Chen!" He Tao called from the neighboring room—a perk of living in bungalows, direct communication without phones due to poor soundproofing. "Coming," Chen replied. "You're dining with that pretty teacher next door!" Xiao Hong's smile vanished, her expression souring. "Yes, I was fixing her fuse and missed my chance to shop for groceries, so she invited me over," Chen felt it necessary to explain, even to this cheeky young girl. "Oh, I see," Xiao Hong's mood seemed to lighten. "Aren't you heading home for lunch?" Chen noted the time, prompting her. "I will soon. Let me check if all the assignments are here. You go have your lunch; I'll lock up after," Xiao Hong suggested, eyeing the deskful of homework. "That works. Just help me lock the door when you're done," concluded Chen. "Aren't you afraid I might steal something?" Xiao Hong jested. "There's nothing of value in my room. If you fancy anything, just let me know," Chen wasn't intimidated, "That settles it. I should head over, don't want to keep He Teacher waiting too long." With that, Chen went over to He Tao's.