Chapter 10

Currently, several accelerated classes at the school are holding remedial lessons, and there are few teachers on duty, with only two sets of teachers present at the school, which is why there are not many people in the office

Cheng Yin's fame has indeed penetrated deeply into the hearts of the people. Zhou Hongjie didn't even need to ask to know who it was, and he smiled: "Perhaps it is, it does look a bit like her, but it's hard to say"

Zhou Hongjie tidied up his already very neat and clean desk, placed the books he had just borrowed from the library onto his study table, and carefully organized them by category. He then poured a glass of water for Qi Yu and subsequently inquired about Qi Yu's academic experiences

"Ah? What class are we attending?" Xi Yu opened her eyes wide

Moments later, she shook her head and left without looking back

It seems that Nandu No. 2 Middle School, like the school where Qi Yu's father works, spares no effort in providing extra tutoring. Although the education bureau has issued orders prohibiting summer classes and has encouraged students to report any instances of such classes, the school always finds ways to circumvent these regulations—specifically by offering tutoring only to experimental or advanced classes. At the very least, the parents of students in the experimental classes recognize the importance of extra tutoring and are not inclined to report it.

"Teacher Zhou," she said instinctively in a low voice

Of course, it depends on your schedule," Zhou Hongjie advised her, "but it is best to finish before mid-August, as the supplementary classes will end after that, and the school will be on vacation.

She suddenly turned her head and gazed at the school where she had spent less than a year

She returned along the same route, and when she reached the school gate, her phone beeped twice with a text message notification. Qi Yu had been back in the country for a relatively long time, and it was essential to have her own contact information. The day after she got home, she went to the telecommunications company to purchase a SIM card.

Regardless of whether the host is a student from No. 2 High School, it does not matter. Your work is far more meaningful; the importance of scientists surpasses that of those celebrities. It is individuals like you who drive social development

Teacher Zhou, I must respectfully disagree with your statement. A teacher is like a gardener, patiently waiting for the young saplings to grow; it is impossible to see immediate results. At the time you taught us, you had only recently graduated from university, and the oldest student among us was about the same age as I am, just beginning to enter society. It is hardly appropriate to discuss whether or not we would be successful, but I believe that all your students possess limitless potential

That may not be the case. Today's children are much more restless than you were back then, always thinking about playing, playing on their phones, playing games... And you are the most down-to-earth student I have ever seen. Of course, I do not believe that just by attending classes with them, they will study harder, but having a living, breathing example of success right in front of them is still different; it is more useful than the teachings found in books.

But why doesn't Cheng Yin recognize her? Has her appearance changed so much that even her old classmates cannot recognize her? Unlike Cheng Yin, she has neither a makeup artist nor has she undergone any cosmetic surgery

Not wanting to cause the teacher too much worry, Xi Yu immediately complied: "Teacher Zhou, I... just wanted to come and take a look"

The classroom office is very quiet, with only a female teacher in her thirties preparing her lessons in the corner. Qiu Yu knows at a glance that she definitely does not know this teacher. Nandu No. 2 Middle School has grown larger; back then, there were ten classes per grade, but now there are thirty classes per grade, and there are more and more new teachers on campus, most of whom she is unlikely to know.

"I wouldn't consider myself a role model..." Xi Yu said, waving his hand repeatedly, "Moreover, the children nowadays are certainly much stronger than we were back then."

The teachers' office is larger than the students' classroom, capable of accommodating more than twenty teachers. Zhou Hongjie’s desk is positioned by the window in the teachers' office. Outside the teaching building, a row of lush camphor trees grows vibrantly, their trunks standing upright like iron pillars. Sitting next to Zhou Hongjie’s seat, one can see a canopy of deep green leaves.

Zhou Hongjie’s gaze fell upon the bouquet of lilies in the flowerbed, and he instantly understood Qi Yu’s intentions, the smile on his face vanishing in an instant

Ironclad evidence, with no room for doubt, perfectly proves that this television host is indeed a former classmate from middle school.

The police certainly have the authority to check an individual's basic information, but Li Yufei's authority does not extend that far; he can only check household registration information, which is sufficient for his needs. Li Yufei searched for the city's birth population from twenty-six or seven years ago based on Qi Yu's description, and this task was easier than expected—because "Cheng Yin" is not a common name. Among all the children born in those two years, there was only one baby girl named "Cheng Yin"; in August of the year she turned fourteen, her household registration information was transferred out of the city. Li Yufei then conducted further searches and discovered that Cheng Yin's current household registration is in the capital, listed under the collective household registration of a television station.

Zhou Hongjie is not unaware of her feelings; as a party involved in the tragic events of that year, it is likely that even after thirty years, he will not truly find peace.

I understand," Xi Yu nodded in agreement, "My dad's school is the same; the middle school only provides extra classes for the fast track.

Xu Yu waved his hand apologetically: "However, Teacher Zhou, there should be classmates among us who have achieved even greater success. A couple of days ago, I saw Cheng Yin on television... I'm not very sure, but she should be my classmate Cheng Yin, right?"

Since the former teacher extended such a warm invitation, Qi Yu could not refuse and could only agree to the teacher's request—though the timing would be discussed later, as Qi Yu had other matters to attend to.

Subsequently, Li Yufei made another phone call, providing a general explanation of the entire matter.

Zhou Hongjie looked at Qi Yu with satisfaction: "Indeed, a graduate with a doctor's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology speaks with such conviction."

Xu Yu completely agrees with the teacher's opinion, but she does not feel that she can represent the group of "scientists." She quickly said, "Teacher Zhou, someone like me has barely just touched the threshold of the academic circle, and there is still a long way to go before becoming a true scientist"

The text message was sent by my brother-in-law Li Yufei. The message is very brief, consisting of only one sentence: Your middle school classmate Cheng Yin is the well-known program host Cheng Yin.

Nandu No. 2 Middle School is a prestigious institution with a history of over a hundred years. Throughout this century, it has produced numerous notable alumni. If the famous alumni were to line up, they could stretch for two miles. Even though the host Cheng Yin is a former student of Nandu No. 2 Middle School, the school does not need to rely on this connection. In fact, apart from the teacher who once taught Cheng Yin, it is likely that no other teachers at the school would remember a transfer student named "Cheng Yin".

Xi Yu was momentarily lost in thought while holding her phone, and when she came to her senses, she found herself standing at the entrance of No. 2 Middle School

Xu Yu, I will emphasize once again that what happened back then was never your fault

A familiar voice came from behind, and Qi Yu suddenly raised her head and turned around to look. The campus was empty, and there was only one person behind her. After ten seconds, she finally recognized the middle-aged man in front of her, holding a thick stack of books, with a gentle expression and slightly graying hair. He was Zhou Hongjie, her middle school homeroom teacher. When Zhou Hongjie was her homeroom teacher, he was very young, having just left university three years prior, at the age of twenty-five, even slightly younger than Qi Yu is now. After fourteen or fifteen years, Teacher Zhou was now nearly forty, and a few wrinkles had appeared on his once youthful face, which is why Qi Yu did not recognize him at first glance.

Over the years, Qi Yu has experienced quite a bit in the United States, transitioning from the initial confusion upon arrival to subsequent research advancements, all of which serve as excellent conversation topics. The two, teacher and student, engaged in a very pleasant discussion.

Looking at the current Qi Yu, the old haze has indeed disappeared. Zhou Hongjie no longer dwells on those unpleasant past events and smiled as he spoke of something else: "Classmate Qi Yu, would you like to join the teacher in the office for a while?"

Yes, teacher, long time no see. Xi Yu reined in her expression and quickly revealed a smile

Chatting with her former teacher was quite pleasant; Qi Yu conversed with her teacher for an entire hour before she took her leave from the school

After thanking Li Yufei and hanging up the phone, Qi Yu felt a great weight lift from her heart—then more questions began to surface in her mind

Xi Yu nodded obediently: "Of course, I also wanted to come and see you."

Zhou Hongjie truly appears to be quite happy, a look of satisfaction on his face akin to that of a tree planter watching his saplings thrive: "Xiao Yu, I indeed did not mistake you. You have returned to school, haven't you"

After Xu Yu transferred schools, she basically lost contact with everyone from No. 2 High School, except for Zhou Hongjie. He was a very responsible and good teacher, as well as one who was skilled in communicating with students, showing considerable concern for her current situation and academic progress. During her high school years, Xu Yu would often receive his calls every few days. After entering university, the communication between the teacher and student gradually decreased, but there would still be two or three calls throughout the year. It was not until Xu Yu went to the United States that their contact completely ceased. Although they had not been in touch for five years, there are some people with whom, even after a long time apart, the sense of familiarity immediately returns upon meeting again. After entering university, the communication between the teacher and student gradually decreased, but there would still be two or three calls throughout the year. It was not until Xu Yu went to the United States that their contact completely ceased. Although they had not been in touch for five years, there are some people with whom, even after a long time apart, the sense of familiarity immediately returns upon meeting again

Upon reflection, Cheng Yin now is quite different from years ago. She is, after all, a nationally renowned host, with a busy schedule and numerous responsibilities. It is likely that her hourly income surpasses what she earns in a month. Moreover, having not seen each other for many years, it is understandable that one might forget the appearance of an old classmate.

Upon careful calculation, she indeed spent less than one year at No. 2 Middle School

"If you have time, could you spare half an hour to give a lesson to my class?" Zhou Hongjie asked her

Zhou Hongjie smiled happily and said: "I have confidence in you. Xiaoyu, how many more days will you stay in the country?"

It is estimated that there will be some time left

As the saying goes, "A scholar's worth is recognized after three days apart." After so many years without seeing each other, Xiaoyu, you have truly changed completely. Zhou Hongjie was extremely pleased, saying, "Among all the students I have taught, you are the most successful one."

Tell your junior classmates how you came to the United States to pursue a doctor's degree, and share your personal experience with them, " Zhou Hongjie encouraged Xu Yu, " Be their role model, the power of a role model is limitless "

Is this Qi Yu

In fact, even she herself, apart from a few friends from middle school who still remember her appearance, has mostly forgotten the looks of others.