CHAPTER 36: “The End of a Chalk Line

As Nian and Xuanye entered the classroom, Yichen was already seated in the first row. He turned and called out to Nian, but she didn't respond—her mind was completely lost in the thoughts of DK's latest message.

Yichen's face fell slightly, and just then, Professor Xi walked in.

The class immediately stood and greeted, "Good morning!"

Xuanye nudged Nian. "Nian, now watch—he's definitely going to say it."

As if on cue, Professor Xi spoke, "Students, I believe this project must have given you both experience and joy. I'm proud of you. You took on a real-world task and completed it on time. Give yourselves a round of applause."

Xuanye grinned and whispered, "See? Told you." She and Nian burst into quiet laughter, clutching their stomachs. Nian gave her a thumbs-up mid-laugh.

Professor Xi paused. "Who's laughing over there?" His gaze locked onto Xuanye. "Xuanye—is that you?"

Xuanye froze and peeked at him innocently. "Sir, what did I do?"

Meanwhile, Nian was struggling to hold back her laughter, her hands covering her mouth. Professor Xi raised an eyebrow. "And I can clearly see through my glasses that Nian is failing to hide her laughter too."

Nian slowly lifted her head with an awkward smile. Xuanye turned to her in disbelief.

The professor tapped the table. "You two—still acting like kids in your final year. When will you mature?"

Xuanye muttered under her breath, "We are mature... but your presence brings out our inner children. What can we do?"

"What was that?" Professor Xi asked sharply. "Say that again."

Xuanye stammered, "I-I was just saying how we did the project, sir!"

The entire class laughed. The professor chuckled too, shaking his head. "Anyway, you all did a great job."

Nian and Xuanye exchanged a proud handshake, still smiling.

Professor Xi grew serious. "Students, you already know—next month is your semester exam. Once it's over, many of you will graduate and step into the working world. Please take this exam seriously. This subject isn't too difficult or too easy. Understand the concepts and express them well."

The classroom fell silent, his voice echoing through the room.

He continued, his tone growing emotional, "Even though many of you are playful and mischievous... you're truly good students. You've been obedient, hardworking. And you two," he said, glancing at Nian and Xuanye, "you've been a challenge—but I won't forget you."

The girls smiled quietly, eyes beginning to water.

Professor Xi added, voice trembling, "Be proud of what you've accomplished. Don't lose confidence. Study hard, and when the results come, I want to see your smiling faces. Tell me proudly that you passed, that you got a job. That's what I want to see."

Tears shimmered in students' eyes—and in the professor's, too.

He chuckled softly, wiping his eyes. "Ah... I think I broke my own character today. That's enough emotion for now."

He clapped his hands. "Alright. Can we crack this final exam?"

"YES, SIR!" the class shouted in unison.

They stood up and bowed deeply. "Thank you for your teaching, sir! We'll never forget you!"

Xuanye peeked up. "Sir, we'll miss your lectures! And we're fans of your... iconic glasses!"

The professor laughed and playfully threw a piece of chalk at her. "Ye! Don't be like this at work. No one else will tolerate you like I did."

Xuanye gave him a thumbs-up.

The professor smiled and looked around. "Now... study hard, everyone."