Chapter 8

In the evening, Chen Tianming touched his stomach—it was so hungry. If it weren't for the self-study session tonight, he would already be home in the county. Sighing, he decided to deal with a more immediate problem first and headed to the restroom.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of water coming from next door. Could it be Teacher He Tao taking a shower? Because they lived in a single-story building separated only by bricks without cement on the outside, the sound of water caught Chen Tianming's attention. Curious about what He Tao was doing on the other side, Chen Tianming squinted through the gap between the bricks.

"Ouch," Chen Tianming grimaced as a sharp pain flashed through his body. It only hurt for a moment and then disappeared without a trace. Strange, why does it hurt so often? I hope I haven't lost any function, he thought. Although everything still worked, it sometimes hurt inexplicably.

Checking his watch, he realized there were only thirty minutes left before class started. He wondered if he still had time to go out and get something to eat. As he stepped outside, he saw He Tao coming out as well.

Now, Teacher He Tao was wearing a pink sleeveless T-shirt and white jeans, making her look even more attractive. "Mr. Chen, have you eaten?" He Tao asked politely with a smile.

"No, not yet," Chen Tianming stammered, feeling a bit embarrassed as he recalled the scenes from just moments ago.

"I made some extra food tonight. If you don't mind, why not join me for dinner?" He Tao warmly invited.

"This… how could I possibly accept?" Chen Tianming was taken aback by He Tao's kind offer. His stomach, however, found it very appealing. He had been contemplating what to do, and now it felt like a free dinner had fallen from the sky—delivered by a beautiful woman, no less.

"Don't be shy, we're colleagues, just having a meal together. It's no big deal. You look like you're about to start self-study soon, come on over and join me before it gets too late," He Tao laughed gently.

"Yes, yes, thank you so much," Chen Tianming said and, realizing the time, decided not to decline any further.

"Eat up, just like last time, make yourself at home," He Tao said.

Seeing her saying so, Chen Tianming sat down and picked up his bowl.

Just then, the sound of a car could be heard outside. Who could it be? Chen Tianming wondered.

"Is Teacher He Tao here?" someone called from outside. It turned out someone was looking for her. Chen Tianming continued eating in silence. He Tao's expression turned impatient, and she said, "I'm busy, I'm having dinner."

"Teacher He, let me take you out to eat," the person said, stepping inside. Chen Tianming looked up and saw a handsome man, though not as handsome as himself. With his looks, he could probably only keep company with some older, unattractive wealthy women.

"I'm already eating; I'm not going out. Didn't I tell you on the phone?" He Tao's annoyance became more evident as she stood up angrily.

"Then I'll just sit here for a bit and leave later," the handsome man persisted despite her clear displeasure.

"And who might this be?" the handsome man finally noticed Chen Tianming, who was eating.

"My colleague," He Tao replied curtly, giving him a cold look.

Turning to Chen Tianming, He Tao said softly, "Tianming, haven't I told you to close the door while eating to avoid interruptions?"

Chen Tianming was stunned. When had He Tao ever called him Tianming, or told him to close the door while eating? What was going on? Was she drunk? But they hadn't had any alcohol during dinner.

Heaven help me! Chen Tianming realized now that coming here to eat was no accident; it had to be a setup. She was using him as a shield to chase away this man. He felt wronged but kept his thoughts to himself.

The handsome man's demeanor changed instantly. He glared at Chen Tianming as if he wanted to eat him alive. "Just him, a poor teacher?"

Chen Tianming felt a surge of anger and thought, What's with that look? Never seen a handsome guy before? If you mess with me, I'll turn you into a clown. Leaning closer to He Tao, he said, "Understood. Next time I'll remember to close the door so outsiders don't interrupt our meal."

He Tao gave Chen Tianming a grateful look. She had been worried he might ruin the act, but he played along quite smartly. However, as Chen Tianming leaned close, she blushed. His proximity brought the scent of a man, making her heart race. What she didn't know was that Chen Tianming hadn't showered for over a day and two hours.

Seeing her blush, Chen Tianming knew he had achieved his goal and gave a sly smile.

Guessing that Chen Tianming was teasing her, He Tao placed her hand on his thigh and gave it a hard twist, saying, "Next time, if you forget, see how I'll deal with you."

"Ah!" Chen Tianming nearly spat out his food from the pain.

The handsome man's face twisted in anger, seeing them seemingly flirting. He asked with evident contempt, "Teacher, how much do you make a month?"

"Nine hundred," Chen Tianming responded without thinking. This figure often consumed his thoughts as he dreamt of multiplying it.

"So little! I make over ninety thousand a month. Teacher He, how can someone like him support you? Such a person can never achieve anything," the handsome man exclaimed.

His words inflamed Chen Tianming's anger. Standing up, he retorted, "What do you mean by that, pretty boy?"

"Do you think you can achieve anything more than me?" The man, now equally furious, responded to being called "pretty boy."

"I'll surely achieve more than you, you meat-selling pretty boy," Chen Tianming declared loudly.

"Well then, I look forward to seeing how you, a poor teacher, surpass me," the handsome man said with a sly smile.

"Ye Dawei, get out. You're not welcome here," He Tao stood up, furious, and pointed towards the door.

Ye Dawei seemed a bit afraid of He Tao and didn't dare linger. He gave Chen Tianming a menacing look before leaving.

Chen Tianming glared back, thinking, Pretty boy, if you come again, I'll have the students deflate your car tires. He stewed over the insults he had just endured, growing angrier.

"Sorry to put you through this. It's all my fault for getting you involved and making you act as my shield. I couldn't stand him; he's been like a fly buzzing around me," He Tao apologized, feeling guilty.

"It's alright. You did help me by scolding that fly. Besides, I got a free meal from you. Honestly, if you hadn't invited me, I would have gone hungry tonight," Chen Tianming was initially suspicious of a setup, but He Tao's gentle apology made everything else seem unimportant.

"Oh no!" Chen Tianming suddenly shouted.