During the National Day holiday, the sky was clear and boundless. Chi Nuan took Little Wutong to the park for a picnic, as they had agreed in advance.
The park connected to a large amusement park, and on holidays, it teemed with crowds. Chi Nuan found a shady spot on the lawn and spread out the picnic mat together with Little Wutong.
Little Wutong picked up the basketball they had brought. “Mom, you sit here first and eat some fruits and snacks or whatever. I’ll play ball for a bit, then come back to keep you company, okay?”
Chi Nuan smiled. “Sure.”
Little Wutong went down to the walkway where people strolled and started dribbling the ball. Other kids saw him and gathered around, and soon they were all playing together.
Kites filled the sky in countless numbers. Chi Nuan squinted up at them. Not long after, she heard someone call her: “Teacher Chi?”
Chi Nuan turned around and saw Wu Zhe and his mom.
She stood up from the mat with a smile. “What a coincidence. You guys are here at the park too?”
Wu Zhe’s Mom said to Chi Nuan, “Oh dear, Teacher Chi, I feel too embarrassed to even face you. Last time you returned the stuff, I was mortified. How about this… no time like the present. Let me treat you to lunch today? Don’t refuse again, okay? It’s just one meal. You’ve been taking such good care of our Wu Zhe, and it’s hard work.”
Chi Nuan replied, “Wu Zhe’s Mom, you’re too polite. Look, I’ve already prepared lunch… Wu Zhe, want some sushi? Teacher made it this morning, and it tastes pretty good.”
Chi Nuan took out a pair of disposable gloves and handed them to Wu Zhe. Wu Zhe was mad at Chi Nuan for snitching to his mom, which got all his game consoles confiscated. He sullenly turned his head away. “I’m not eating.”
Wu Zhe’s Mom’s face darkened as she poked his head. “Zhe Zhe, is that how you talk to your teacher?”
“Hey, don’t.” Chi Nuan stopped her.
Little Wutong got thirsty from dribbling and ran back to Chi Nuan. “Mom, I want some water.”
Chi Nuan casually handed him a water cup. Wu Zhe’s Mom stared at Little Wutong, her eyes widening. “Teacher Chi, you just graduated from college not long ago, right? One year? Or two? …And you already have a son this big?”
Little Wutong sipped his water, sneaking glances at Chi Nuan from the corner of his eye.
Chi Nuan smiled inwardly. “Chi Zheng, this is a little brother from Mom’s class, Wu Zhe. And this is Wu Zhe’s little brother’s mom. Say hi to Auntie and Brother.”
Little Wutong shyly smiled, hugged his water cup, and rubbed his head against Chi Nuan’s waist. “Hi Auntie, hi Brother.”
Wu Zhe rolled his eyes indifferently. Wu Zhe’s Mom said, “Hello, hello.”
Chi Nuan wouldn’t agree to lunch, so Wu Zhe’s Mom didn’t push it. She chatted idly for a bit more. Wu Zhe urged them to go to the amusement park, so his mom took him and left first.
Chi Nuan thought it was just a harmless chance encounter. Who knew that when the holiday ended and school resumed on the first day back, she was summoned to the principal’s office.
“Teacher Chi, you were highly recommended by Teacher Mo and Teacher He from the high school division. Our school values your development highly, and you’re excellent yourself. To be honest, I personally admire you a lot.”
Chi Nuan couldn’t quite grasp the principal’s intent, so she could only say, “Thank you, Principal Lu.”
Principal Lu tapped his Fountain Pen on the wide desk. “But now some parents aren’t satisfied with you. They’ve jointly submitted a petition demanding a change of math teacher for Class 26. The petition just came to me.”
“…” Chi Nuan never expected this. She was stunned for several seconds before asking, “Why?”
Principal Lu scrutinized her. “The parents say you have a big appetite, that ordinary gifts no longer satisfy you. The deeper reason is they think you had a child while underage, questioning if you even have basic ethics and morals. They’re worried their kids will be led astray under your guidance.”
Principal Lu paused, then continued, “Teacher Chi, I called you here first to hear your explanation.”
Wu Zhe’s Mom’s face immediately flashed in Chi Nuan’s mind. These two baseless accusations would anger even the best-tempered person.
Chi Nuan took a deep breath and said steadily, without arrogance or servility, “Principal Lu, not long ago, a parent sent me mall shopping cards, and I returned them intact. They tried to treat me to a meal, and I declined. If that’s what they mean by ‘big appetite,’ I have nothing to say.”
Principal Lu nodded.
“…As for having a child underage, I spent all three years of high school at No. 1 Middle School. You know both my teachers, so it’s not something I could hide even if I wanted to.”
Principal Lu thought for a moment, tossed his Fountain Pen onto the desk, and said, “Alright, you can go back to your office for now.”
When she left the principal’s office, the brilliant autumn sunlight poured down on Chi Nuan. Far away on the playground, the little students were playing tug-of-war, their joyful cheers echoing loudly.
Chi Nuan slowly walked back to the office, picked up her cup to drink, took two sips, and realized it was empty.
After finishing the day’s work, that evening around eight o’clock, Chi Nuan was preparing breakfast for the next day in the kitchen when she heard intermittent sounds at the front door.
She peeked through the peephole and immediately opened the door.
As the door opened, Mr. Ji looked up from outside. He reeked of alcohol, but his mind was still somewhat clear. “Nuannuan, I was passing by and came up to check on you.”
Chi Nuan let him in. Mr. Ji rubbed his temples. “Sorry, I had a business dinner tonight, and I think I drank too much… Where’s Little Wutong?”
Chi Nuan said, “He’s asleep. Let me make you some honey water.”
Mr. Ji mumbled, “Honey water… Your brother used to make it for me too.”
Chi Nuan went to the kitchen. When she came back out, Mr. Ji had fallen asleep on the sofa.
Chi Nuan set down the honey water and called Mr. Ji’s wife to come pick him up. After Chi Qingchuan passed away, Mr. Ji’s wife occasionally met up with Chi Nuan for heart-to-hearts. They were both good people, just like Mr. Ji.
…
A few days later, Chi Nuan was called to a small conference room at school. Almost all the school leadership was there. Principal Lu said to Chi Nuan, “We’ve discussed this situation and communicated repeatedly with the parents. Teacher Chi, of course we trust your professionalism, but the parents feel bad for causing this misunderstanding and worry it might affect your teaching mood. They’ve repeatedly requested we change your teaching environment.”
Principal Lu’s words were so grand and lofty, making it sound like the parents were considering Chi Nuan’s feelings, but in the end, they were still removing her from Class 26. She had anticipated this outcome and calmly asked Principal Lu, “So what’s the school’s decision?”
Principal Lu said, “We’re preliminarily considering swapping your teaching classes with Teacher Wang Lili. Next, we’ll meet with Teacher Wang.”
