Never Unwilling

"After reviewing your exam results over the past three years of high school, without exception, you have consistently ranked at the bottom of your class." Wen Ruxiang adjusted her glasses, her expression a mix of disdain for the underperforming student, dissatisfaction with their intelligence, and the frustration of having to restrain her emotions.

Chi Yu found it amusing, thinking that Wen Ruxiang's talents as a teacher seemed somewhat wasted.

With such a rich display of emotions, she ought to be in acting.

If her looks were a bit more refined, she might have had a chance at fame.

"Is this why you called me here, Teacher Wen?" Chi Yu asked with a lazy tone, addressing her as a teacher but showing no respect.

Wen Ruxiang's eyes, sharp behind her glasses, glinted with resolve. "I understand your family's prominence, but this school is not your home; arrogance is unwelcome here. This afternoon, I need your parents to come in for a discussion about your attitude towards learning."

Chi Yu raised her brows in surprise. "You want to see my parents?"

Her expression was truly infuriating.

Wen Ruxiang slammed the table with force and said sternly, "You need to correct your attitude! Submitting blank papers for every exam—am I wrong to call your parents?"

Inviting parents was not an issue.

However, she was the first to dare to ask Chi Yu's parents to come in.

Chi Yu suddenly became interested; she wanted to see Chi He being scolded by the teacher—it must be quite a spectacle.

"Does Teacher Wen mind if I make a phone call now?"

Wen Ruxiang's face remained cold. "Go ahead, but put it on speaker. Don't try to put on a show in front of me."

Chi Yu called Chi He right in front of her.

Chi He was in a meeting when his assistant approached with the phone and said quietly, "It's Miss Chi."

Usually, Chi He did not answer calls during meetings, but Chi Yu was always an exception.

The numbers from last quarter's report were dismal, and several executives had been reprimanded. As they all kept silent, the CEO, who had been sternly rebuking them just moments ago, was now holding the phone, smiling with a warmth that was almost gentle.

"What's wrong, Yu'er? Why are you calling Uncle all of a sudden?"

The man's voice was deep and melodious, with a leisurely pace that hinted at affection, making one's heart race and cheeks flush.

Wen Ruxiang's eyes fell on Chi Yu's phone, curiosity evident.

"Our new homeroom teacher believes my attitude towards studying is improper and wants you to come to the school this afternoon. Can you spare some time, Uncle?"

Chi He had never encountered such a situation before and remained silent for five seconds.

Wen Ruxiang cleared her throat, her voice softening considerably compared to her earlier harshness.

"Hello, Mr. Chi. I am the new teacher, Wen. With the college entrance exams approaching next year, your niece's learning issues are pressing. I hope you understand my concerns as a homeroom teacher."

Chi He glanced at his secretary, who promptly informed him, "The afternoon schedule isn't crucial; it can be rearranged."

"Teacher Wen, I should arrive at the school around two in the afternoon."

"Alright."

After the call ended, Wen Ruxiang instinctively looked at the phone screen.

The number was saved under "Uncle," and she was left without knowing the name.

Chi Yu didn't notice her curiosity and put away her phone with a smile. "Can I leave now?"

Wen Ruxiang's face returned to its usual indifferent expression. "Yes, you may go."

It was not until the break between the second and third periods that Chi Yu found the opportunity to look for Qi Zhao.

He hadn't gone anywhere else but was aimlessly wandering at the stairwell.

Chi Yu prided herself on not being a particularly demanding employer.

When Qi Hui had been with her, she had been lenient, allowing him to roam outside during her classes.

Recent events had caused her to be slightly more restrictive with Qi Zhao, but she had not ordered him to be at her side constantly.

"You graduated from Simo as well, so you must know where the enjoyable places are in the school. Why aren't you downstairs? What are you doing here?"

Qi Zhao replied sincerely and immediately, "Of course, I'm here to protect the Miss."

Chi Yu was about to say that Simo's security system was top-notch and there was no danger in the school.

But thinking of Jin Yao, she couldn't bring herself to voice the words.

It was Qi Zhao's presence that saved Chi Yu; otherwise, Jin Yao's uncontrolled slap might have resulted in a mild concussion.

The old acquaintance who had been by her side for many years was indeed more reliable than a newcomer who had only been here for half a month.

Chi Yu questioned herself once more why she had chosen Qi Hui over Qi Zhao.

A fleeting image crossed her mind, and Chi Yu looked at Qi Zhao, narrowing her eyes.

"I remember, you used to have quite a temper."

The sudden shift in topic made Qi Zhao pause, his expression thoughtful. "Has the Miss remembered something?"

Indeed, Chi Yu had recalled.

After almost being abducted by traffickers in her childhood, she had decided to have a bodyguard.

Since it was a personal guard, she needed to know them well.

When Chi He was twenty, he adopted four orphans, all with clean backgrounds.

Chi He had them stand before Chi Yu, letting her choose.

Chi Yu knew that Hu Ming and Shi Chen were close as brothers and inseparable. She didn't want to split them up, so she focused on Qi Hui and Qi Zhao.

At that time, Qi Hui was already eighteen, tall with a layer of thin muscle, giving him a sense of security.

In contrast, Qi Zhao, standing next to him, was shorter and notably thin, with only his handsome, fair face standing out.

However, the reason Chi Yu chose Qi Hui was not due to their physical differences but rather Qi Zhao's aloof demeanor.

He seemed to hope Chi Yu would not choose him, maintaining a stiff face and avoiding eye contact with her.

Ordinary spoiled young ladies would have been provoked by his unpretentious performance, wanting to conquer him.

But Chi Yu was not an ordinary person; she had no interest in forcing those around her.

The four had practically grown up with her, and there was a bond.

Since he was unwilling, there was no need to force him.

Thus, she chose Qi Hui.

Looking back now, Chi Yu found it hard to connect Qi Zhao's current face with the aloof young man from back then.

She smiled and teased Qi Zhao, "I remember when I was ten, Uncle asked me to choose one of you as a personal bodyguard, and you seemed very unwilling."

Qi Zhao did not smile along with her; his expression remained serious. "I was not unwilling."

Chi Yu raised an eyebrow. "Don't lie to me; my memory is quite good."

"…If I said it was a misunderstanding, would you believe me?"

Qi Zhao's eyes were filled with emotions so complex that Chi Yu could not discern them all.

The class bell rang at an inopportune moment. Chi Yu tilted her head towards the stairs.

"Jin Yao, that troublemaker, won't be returning to class anytime soon. The others wouldn't dare act up in front of me even if they had ten times the courage. Go downstairs, have a smoke, and relax a bit. Consider it a revisit to your alma mater."

(End of Chapter)