Chapter 10

Shen Zhuo retorted, "Then why don't you just call me Shen Zhuo?"

I did not expect Shen Zhuolai to arrive so quickly, even earlier than her

What place?

Jiang Luting awkwardly smiled: "I cannot, goodbye!"

The two individuals were savoring their tea, without engaging in conversation, yet Jiang Luting felt no sense of restraint whatsoever; being with him was a completely different experience compared to being with Huo Yiting

Jiang Luting turned her head and smiled apologetically at Shen Zhuo, saying, "I will step out for a moment." Then she took her phone and left the private room.

Shen Zhuo smiled, waved his hand, said goodbye, and then drove away

Jiang Luting was almost faint with anger; this lecher truly had the audacity, daring to act inappropriately in such a setting. Gritting her teeth, she took off her high heels and swung them back at the man.

At that moment, the elevator doors closed and then opened again, and the man hurriedly made his escape.

Caught off guard, he was suddenly struck on the head by a high heel, letting out a cry of pain as he hurriedly protected his face, the effects of the alcohol momentarily shaken off.

After having breakfast, Zhang Chi took her and Tong Tong to school

Jiang Luting watched as the sports car glided into the night, feeling somewhat unsettled. She had clearly stated that she did not wish to pursue a romantic relationship at this time, yet judging by the events of the evening, it seemed he had not given up.

Jiang Luting's cough has become increasingly severe

Jiang Luting was captivated when suddenly her phone rang. She quickly answered it, and Huo Tongtong's childlike voice asked, "Teacher Jiang, why didn't you call me today? It's already past 8:30."

With a thud, the shoes fell heavily to the ground, and Jiang Luting's heart sank heavily with a thud.

Jiang Luting did not expect that at such a young age, he would have such preferences, but then he thought that perhaps he was indeed meant to be such a person

I apologize, tomorrow marks the tenth anniversary of the school's establishment, and in the evening our principal has invited everyone to a dinner gathering

It is a pity that due to his excessive indifference and aloofness, the girls did not dare to approach him casually, but only secretly observed him with admiration.

Jiang Luting's face was as red as if it had been stained with rouge, "It's too late, I must go back"

Jiang Luting was well prepared to spend a considerable amount. However, the restaurant that Shen Zhuo took her to was a relatively elegant private dining establishment, and the proprietress was his friend, who absolutely refused to accept any payment. In name, Shen Zhuo had Jiang Luting treat him, but in reality, it was Shen Zhuo who treated her.

Shen Zhuo looked at her and said: "My family heard that Gu Miao introduced me to a teacher, and they are all exceptionally supportive, saying that you can educate children in the future. As expected, you will definitely be a good mother in the future"

As she vividly finished telling the story over here, on the other side, Huo Tongtong reluctantly hung up the phone

Jiang Luting rushed out of the elevator and threw her shoe at his back. Just then, another elevator door opened, and the shoe fortuitously struck a man's hand.

Jiang Luting did not expect that Huo Yiting, who usually lived a reclusive life, would also be present. There are three shareholders of Shuxing: besides Huo Yiting, there is one surnamed Xu, and the other is Principal Zhang's husband, Kou Zhigang

Jiang Luting sensed a malicious gaze, feeling quite displeased. Frowning, she looked at the fluctuating numbers on the elevator, and finally, it reached the first floor

Jiang Luting, who is tone-deaf and sings off-key, has always kept a respectful distance from such activities. Moreover, having forgotten to tell Huo Tongtong a story last night, he cannot afford to miss the appointment again today. Thus, he sets off first, carrying the packaged meat bones for the little coal ball.

After brewing the tea, Shen Zhuo poured a cup and handed it to Jiang Luting

Jiang Luting put away her phone and turned around in surprise, not expecting to see Shen Zhuo standing not far down the corridor

If he had not saved her, she could have easily refused and never seen him again. However, the fact remains that he did save her, and she cannot simply ignore him or treat him with indifference, as that would be too ungrateful and heartless

To her surprise, Shen Zhuo took her to a teahouse named Jinghuayuan. Jiang Luting secretly laughed at herself for underestimating his character with a narrow-minded perspective.

After finishing his run, Huo Tongtong enjoyed a hearty breakfast. Jiang Luting, who was typing until midnight, is now feeling quite hungry, with his stomach growling, and is greatly tempted by the sumptuous breakfast.

Jiang Luting suddenly remembered that he had forgotten such an important matter and quickly apologized

This black teddy bear, named "Little Coal Ball," is a small dog raised by our neighbor, Wei Jing, and is essentially considered a shared pet among everyone. Wei Jing has been hospitalized due to illness these past few days and has entrusted the care of Little Coal Ball to Jiang Luting for a few days

Shen Zhuo rested his arm on the window and asked her with a smile, "Are you free tomorrow"

The following day marks the school's tenth anniversary celebration, during which the school organized a large-scale cultural performance. Parents and children gathered in the auditorium to enjoy the program, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the day. In the evening, a gathering for the faculty and staff was arranged at the Jinbi Club. Everyone dressed elegantly, and the event was as grand as the annual meeting

Every time at this moment, as she sat in the car and watched the Huo residence gradually recede in the rearview mirror, she felt a sense of ease and joy. How wonderful it was to not have to see Huo Yiting for five days

Shen Zhuo arranged to meet her at the school gate at 6 o'clock

Jiang Luting nearly choked on a mouthful of rice porridge, his face turning bright red

Shen Zhuo's family background is quite good, not inferior to Huo Yiting's, yet he does not carry himself with arrogance or haughtiness. Being with him feels comfortable and natural, unlike being with Huo Yiting, where one always feels that time drags on.

Jiang Luting said with a busy smile: "Just call me Jiang Luting."

Huo Tongtong's ears were very sharp. He asked, "Teacher Jiang, are you singing in a karaoke hall? How come I can hear music?"

Shen Zhuo sighed and said softly, "I waited for two days, yet I did not receive an invitation from you to have a meal." The tone was filled with a sense of grievance and disappointment, almost like that of a wronged woman

In the tranquil night, the performers on the stage seem to be enveloped in a misty cloud, their melodious lyrics weaving in and out, full of twists and turns, resonating deeply, creating a beauty that is dreamlike and enchanting, captivating all who behold it

Jiang Luting huffed as she ran past him, throwing a series of disdainful glances along the way

Jiang Luting smiled apologetically and said, "As a kindergarten teacher, storytelling is a fundamental skill"

The employee benefits at Shuxing are excellent. The dormitory building is located in the southeast corner of the school, in a separate small building that features fitness equipment and a small garden

Jiang Luting brought the small coal ball back to the dormitory, then changed into a different outfit, prepared the bank card, and walked to the school gate

Fu Mingcong must have sent it to someone long ago. The wish to be together for a lifetime ultimately fell through. Fortunately, the real world is full of helplessness, yet there remains an endless life and eternity to write about.

As the elevator doors opened, she stepped inside and was immediately hit by a strong smell of alcohol. Standing in the elevator was a man with a flushed face, clearly having had a bit too much to drink.

Mr. Shen Zhuo, what are your instructions?

Jiang Luting hurriedly exclaimed that he was wronged, explaining: "I have long wanted to invite you to dinner to express my gratitude, but all the most expensive restaurants require advance reservations, and the dates are fully booked until next week"

Shen Zhuo kept them in suspense, smiling without answering

Jiang Luting was originally very happy, but when she reached the first bridge, she found Huo Yiting had finished running and was leisurely walking onto the bridge, crossing his arms and watching her and Tong Tong.

Amidst the bustling crowd, Huo Yiting still maintained an air of aloofness and pride, rarely smiling and speaking sparingly, valuing each word as if it were worth a thousand gold pieces.

Jiang Luting held up her high heels and struck several times. This move was taught to her by Gu Miao, and today was the first time she used it in practice; unexpectedly, its power was immense

In stark contrast to Principal Zhang, her husband Kou Zhigang

The young unmarried female teachers were naturally attracted to Huo Yiting. Although he was a divorced single father, he was young and handsome, with substantial wealth, standing tall and distinguished among the crowd, exuding an almost mesmerizing aura.

He smiled and apologized: "I am sorry, I did not mean to eavesdrop on your phone call. I was a bit worried since you haven't been around for a while, so I came to check on you. I didn't expect you to be telling a story. I was about to leave, but I found myself captivated without realizing it."

Shen Zhuo smiled and asked, "Can family members come along?"

Jiang Luting still thought it was some kind of entertainment venue, feeling a bit uneasy in his heart, but since it was an invitation, he could only brace himself and accompany the gentleman at the risk of his own life

Jiang Luting did not spend a single cent, and felt even more guilty about it, so he asked him what leisure activities he usually enjoyed, hoping to invite him to spend again

Mr. Kou stood behind Principal Zhang with a wine glass in hand, wearing a charming smile and kind eyes, resembling a man standing behind a successful woman. It is said that he is quite skilled in the kitchen at home, earning the envy of many middle-aged female teachers.

How to refuse Shen Zhuo, this question is indeed a bit tricky

Huo Yiting unprecedentedly praised Tong Tong with the same sentence, then paused and added: "Teacher Jiang has also made progress"

It is not singing. Please wait a moment. The teacher will tell you a story right away

Shen Zhuo brings a sense of relaxation and ease, akin to basking in a spring breeze. In contrast, Huo Yiting instills a feeling of walking on thin ice, as if sitting on pins and needles

Shen Zhuo smiled and said, "There is indeed a place I quite like, but I fear you may not appreciate it."

Hello, Mr. Shen

The man initially thought that the young girl would be so frightened after being assaulted that she would quickly run out of the elevator. However, he did not expect Jiang Luting to be no ordinary girl; not only did she not run away, but she also turned around to fight back.

Shen Zhuo politely addressed her as "Miss Jiang" over the phone

Jiang Luting was about to return to the dormitory with Xiao Meiqiu to type when her phone chimed, and it was unexpectedly another call from Shen Zhuo

While waiting for the elevator, she glanced at her phone; it was not yet 8:00, and taking a taxi back would be just in time

Shen Zhuo smiled as he reached out to gently pat her back

On Monday morning, Huo Yiting still had Jiang Luting take Tongtong for a run. Perhaps it was because he had heard Jiang Luting complain, he showed great kindness by allowing Tongtong to run only two bridges

Jiang Luting felt a sense of emotion; wealthy people truly know how to enjoy life. Who would have thought that there would be such a wonderful place on a street in the city

He was already tall and handsome, exuding an extraordinary presence, and behind him was a beautiful red sports car, making him so eye-catching that passersby couldn't help but turn their heads.

Since Shen Zhuo is a friend of Huo Yiting, Jiang Luting did not want him to misunderstand the relationship between herself and Huo Yiting, so she truthfully explained the circumstances of her taking care of Huo Tongtong.

Jiang Luting was walking in circles in the small garden with the little coal ball, watching it mischievously and incessantly. Unknowingly, she recalled the little dog 502 that she had once given to Fu Mingcong.

The two of them left, and Shen Zhuo accompanied her to the school gate. Jiang Luting got out of the car and said goodbye to him

Alright, I will take you back

Huo Yiting's appearance is already stunningly beautiful, surpassing that of thousands, yet he is like the ice on the snow peak, the wind in the deep valley. Compared to him, Shen Zhuo embodies a different kind of warm and approachable handsomeness, akin to the spring water at one's fingertips, and the gentle sunlight of March

Shen Zhuo remained silent on the phone for a long time. Jiang Luting thought he might have accidentally dialed the wrong number, or perhaps the signal was poor, so she gently said "hello" again.

Shen Zhuo hurriedly said: "This is a matter for another time, this is a matter for another time"

The courtyard features winding paths that lead to tranquility, providing a serene escape amidst the hustle and bustle. The two-story building, exuding an antique charm, houses over ten private rooms, each adorned with classical elegance, furnished with chicken wing wood sofas and tea tables. Opposite the small building, there is even a theater, where a performance of "The Peony Pavilion" is currently taking place.

Jiang Luting was immediately choked by the tea, coughing with a flushed face and tears in his eyes

After the gathering, Principal Zhang led everyone to the KTV upstairs to sing.

Jiang Luting readily replied: "It is an immense honor."

The astute Jiang Luting truly said to those young colleagues who harbor romantic notions: "Ladies, you have all been deceived by his appearance"

As the elevator doors opened, Jiang Luting stepped forward, intending to walk out. Unexpectedly, the man, emboldened by his intoxication, suddenly reached out and touched her shoulder.

He leisurely leaned against the railing, while a glass lantern in the corridor shone brilliantly, resembling a splendid firework. Not far away, on the stage, a beautifully dressed performer in ancient costume danced gracefully with flowing sleeves.

The man gazed at her with a pair of eyes imbued with the influence of alcohol, filled with a lecherous glint

The attendant brought the tea bricks, and Shen Zhuo personally brewed the tea with skilled techniques that greatly opened Jiang Luting's eyes. His hands, adorned with prayer beads, were long and clean, and his movements were extremely elegant and composed

Jiang Luting instinctively held her breath and reached out to press the door close button, but unexpectedly, the man also reached to press it. Their hands accidentally touched each other, and the short, stout man grinned at her in a somewhat lewd manner

As today is considered a relatively formal occasion, Jiang Luting wore the newly purchased blush pink flower bud dress from her blind date. This dress is not only beautiful in color but also particularly flattering to her figure, accentuating her slim waist and ample bust, with skin as smooth as jade

The two of them walked back to the private room, and Shen Zhuo poured her a cup of new tea

She walked to a secluded corner at the end of the private room, leaned against the railing, and told Huo Tongtong a story about a hunter and a white fox, which happened to be an article she had submitted to "Little Fairy Tales" a few days ago

Thursday marks the tenth anniversary celebration of the school's establishment. The talented teachers in singing and dancing have been organized to rehearse performances, while Jiang Luting, who is tone-deaf, did not participate. After work, upon returning to the dormitory and opening the door, a bundle of dark little creatures rushed over, hugging her feet and bouncing around.

A friend of mine has opened a store and asked me to support it; please invite me to go with you

What kind of perverse pleasure is this, watching her jump rope for no reason, then watching her run, does she not want to be seen in such a breathless and disheveled state, as if she were about to die?