When the Side Character Gets a System and Travels through Difference Worlds-Chapter 21: Tingting 19

"To be so loved by your students makes a lifetime of teaching worthwhile." The Chinese teacher from the neighboring class smiled. Educating students was their profession, but earning their respect and adoration was more satisfying than any amount of money.

The math teacher from Class 1 made a fair point. "Teacher Shi deserves it. We all saw Han Tingting’s math grades back then—they were truly awful. Only Teacher Shi had the patience and never saw her as a bother."

"She knew Han Tingting came by often, so she even prepared a little stool for her. That was really thoughtful. And she was always preparing all sorts of practice tests for her, which takes a lot of effort."

Tan You, of course, had no idea what the teachers were discussing in their office. Following Mr. Qin, she smoothly entered the high school division. In Han Tingting’s memories, she had never once set foot in the high school division.

Tan You was naturally unfamiliar with the place as well, but the mere thought that Teacher Shi was in that academic building made her steps feel light and quick.

Mr. Qin was amused. "What’s got you so happy?"

Tan You counted on her fingers. "I haven’t seen Teacher Shi since before the final exams. It’s March now, so it’s been over two months."

Mr. Qin said, "Teacher Shi was hospitalized back then. But aren’t I bringing you to see her now?"

As they spoke in low voices, they arrived on the third floor of the academic building. Mr. Qin gently pushed open the door to the westernmost classroom on the floor. Teacher Shi glanced over.

Mr. Qin made a gesture, and Teacher Shi put down her pen and walked out. Tan You stood at the doorway, suddenly feeling a little nervous. ’On the way here, all I felt was excitement, pure joy. But what am I supposed to say now that I’m seeing Teacher Shi?’

’I’m not great with words; I could never bring myself to say something like, "Teacher, I missed you."’ Seeing Han Tingting’s unease, Mr. Qin sighed. ’She’s still just a kid.’

So in the end, he had to take charge. Mr. Qin handed the report card to Teacher Shi. "This is from the first monthly exam of the new semester. Here’s the report card. Han Tingting is a student you put a lot of thought into. We all wanted you to see the fruits of your labor."

Teacher Shi took the report card. The first thing she saw was Han Tingting’s name. When she saw her city ranking was now third, she couldn’t help but be surprised. She studied the report card carefully. "Han Tingting, you are truly amazing."

"Teacher Wang told me about your final exam results. Congratulations. All your hard work has paid off."

Tan You didn’t know what to say; she just looked at Teacher Shi and smiled. Han Tingting had large eyes, and when she smiled, it was as if they were filled with stars. She looked so sweet and gentle. Where was the stubborn girl who had argued with Mr. Qin in the office earlier?

Even Mr. Qin couldn’t help but sigh. ’We’re both math teachers, so how come Han Tingting has never smiled at me so sweetly?’

Teacher Shi smiled as well. She patted Tan You’s hair. "You have always done so well. I am incredibly proud of you. It was my great honor to be able to teach you for a time."

Tan You said earnestly, "It is I who feel exceptionally honored to have been your student. Teacher, one day, I will become a person just like you. If I have the chance in the future, I want to light up other people’s lives too."

Teacher Shi was very moved. "If that day truly comes, Tingting, you will be the greatest pride of my teaching career. I will look forward to it very much."

Tan You bit her lip. "I will strive to become your crowning achievement."

Mr. Qin watched the scene unfold and suddenly felt that a student-teacher relationship like the one between Han Tingting and Teacher Shi was truly rare and precious. For one person to become another’s role model is an incredibly precious and rare thing.

He tapped Tan You on the head. "Lunch break is almost over. If you want to follow your Teacher Shi’s example, then study hard and strive to be her student again in the future."

Tan You nodded emphatically. "Teacher, when the midterm exams come, I’ll ask Mr. Qin to bring me to see you again."

Teacher Shi was clever. Her gaze flickered over to Mr. Qin, and she understood the meaning behind Tan You’s words. Therefore, she smiled. "Alright. You work hard. I’ve also collected quite a few practice tests and worksheets during this time. They’re all in my office, and I was just thinking of asking Mr. Qin to pass them on to you this afternoon."

Tan You was thrilled. "Really? Thank you, Teacher!"

If it were anyone else receiving these tests and worksheets, they would probably be groaning in despair. But not Tan You. The thought that Teacher Shi was still thinking of her even after she was no longer her math teacher filled Tan You with joy.

Even while hugging that huge stack of papers, Tan You’s eyes crinkled into a smile, and her steps were much lighter. Seeing her like this, the smile in Teacher Shi’s eyes deepened.

To be so sincerely adored by a student was a first for her as well. As a teacher, receiving such sincere adoration was deeply moving for her.

The smile never left Tan You’s face, even after they had left the academic building. It made Mr. Qin’s eyes hurt just looking at her. "Do you have to be like this? All those papers, and you’re not the least bit unhappy or annoyed?"

Tan You retorted, "Of course not! This shows Teacher Shi is thinking of me. One should always treasure another person’s kindness."

Mr. Qin threw cold water on her enthusiasm. "If I remember correctly, you’re still studying third-year junior high content. Your coursework is already heavy. With all these extra papers, can you even manage?"

Tan You didn’t hesitate. "How about I stop going to gym class from now on? Teacher, can you help me ask for leave? Just say my math is poor and I need time for extra tutoring?"

"Absolutely not," Mr. Qin rolled his eyes. "You’re going to say your math is poor now? I’m very good friends with the gym teacher. I’m not helping you cheat."

Tan You sighed. "Then I’ll just have to figure something out myself. You can always make time if you just squeeze it in. I’ll just have to improve my problem-solving speed. As long as I’m fast enough, I can finish all of this."

Mr. Qin was helpless. "So stubborn. Stubborn as a mule."

Being called a stubborn mule didn’t anger Tan You in the slightest. ’Why would I get angry at Mr. Qin? I’m still counting on him to take me to see Teacher Shi next time. Of course I have to stay on his good side.’

But the thought that Teacher Shi had said Teacher Wang contacted her after the final exams left Tan You with an indescribable feeling. Emotionally, she was grateful to Wang Lanfeng, but when she thought about Han Tingting’s past circumstances...

Despite this, when she followed Mr. Qin back to the second-year junior high office, Tan You still very quickly said a "thank you" to Wang Lanfeng. Wang Lanfeng was baffled, but Tan You had already scurried off like a rabbit.

Mr. Qin chuckled. "Teacher Shi said you specifically told her about Han Tingting’s situation."

Wang Lanfeng froze, a storm of mixed emotions swirling within her.

Returning with such a huge stack of worksheets and practice tests, Tan You immediately became the star of the class. The girl in the seat in front of her turned around and flipped through the stack. "So much? Will you have time to do it all?"