Most tutoring teachers only specialize in one subject, as handling multiple subjects would be too demanding.
But when it comes to Teacher Zheng’s classes, it was made clear from the start—she would cover all subjects.
Teacher Zheng was the instructor Auntie Qin had found. She was quite elderly and had previously taught in Beijing, nurturing countless students over the years. In her early teaching days, the top scorers of the national college entrance exams consistently came from her class. Later, as she grew older, she transitioned into writing exam papers.
A true educator whose students spanned the nation.
She was once a legend in her field, and even after retirement, she was rehired.
But now, at seventy-three, her health had declined, making it difficult for her to continue in education.
While in Beijing, she was constantly approached by students she couldn’t refuse.
Eventually, her husband, Mr. Wu, took her back to their hometown in W City, allowing her to officially settle into retirement.
After resting for a full year, her health improved slightly this year, and the lifelong teacher began itching to teach again.
She didn’t plan to take on many students—just three. When Madam Qin found out, she immediately secured a spot for Chu Sheng.
Next, Li Sitong managed to enroll Xue Jiao. As for Yi Tianyu, after mentioning it to Yi Dafa, there was no need for Li Sitong’s help—Yi Dafa eagerly pulled strings to get him in.
And just like that, all three spots were filled.
On the first day of Qizhong High School’s break, Xue Jiao packed her bag and books and headed to the tutoring session.
The classes were held at Teacher Zheng’s home. When she knocked on the door, Yi Tianyu was the one who answered.
“Huh? You’re all here already?” His voice carried surprise.
Xue Jiao glanced around but didn’t see Teacher Zheng.
“Grandpa Wu went in to help Teacher Zheng get ready. We’re supposed to wait here first,” Yi Tianyu explained.
Chu Sheng gave her a faint smile, which she returned.
Yi Tianyu, noticing this exchange, felt a pang of irritation. What was with these two flirting right in front of him?!
He plopped himself between them and said, “Now that we’re in this tutoring class, what about our homework? Copying?”
Given the sheer volume of assignments—enough to nearly burst their backpacks—how were they supposed to find time to do them while attending extra classes?
Both of them rolled their eyes at him simultaneously. Chu Sheng adjusted his glasses and said, “Copying homework is worse than not doing it at all.”
Yi Tianyu’s eyes widened in exaggerated shock. “Damn! Who knew Scholar Chu was this bold—daring to skip homework! You’re even braver than me!”
Chu Sheng: “…”
Xue Jiao rolled her eyes again. “What Chu Sheng means is, we’ll do it in the mornings and evenings.”
Chu Sheng nodded in agreement.
Yi Tianyu: “…”
So they weren’t planning to rest at all in 24 hours?
“Haha, how could we possibly let you young students skip homework?” A kind, cheerful voice chimed in, sounding quite spirited.
The three of them looked up abruptly.
Standing before them was a gentle elderly woman with a benevolent expression, wearing gold-rimmed glasses. Her hair was graying, and her posture slightly stooped.
Supporting her was another elderly man, also advanced in years but appearing more energetic than Teacher Zheng.
Xue Jiao, familiar with this teacher’s background, regarded her with deep respect and admiration.
In her youth, Teacher Zheng had volunteered to teach in rural areas. Some impoverished families couldn’t afford schooling, so they kept their children from enrolling.
This teacher had trekked alone through desolate mountains to find those students, persuading each family and even covering their tuition fees out of her own pocket.The children were brought back to school, but the hardships Teacher Zheng endured along the way left their mark on her body.
As a result, the elderly couple never had any children of their own in their lifetime.
Xue Jiao admired this teacher, as well as Mr. Wu, who had always supported her.
"Hello, Teacher Zheng! Hello, Grandpa Wu!" The three of them stood up together and greeted them respectfully.
They all held great respect for such a teacher, their attitudes reverent to the utmost.
An elderly woman who was willing to dedicate her entire life to education was someone worthy of everyone's admiration.
Grandpa Wu helped Teacher Zheng sit down on the sofa across from them. She looked at the group with a smile and said, "I'm Teacher Zheng. You'll probably be spending your entire vacation with me here~"
"It's our honor," Xue Jiao replied sincerely, her bright, sparkling eyes fixed on Teacher Zheng.
Chu Sheng also nodded eagerly.
Yi Tianyu glanced at Xue Jiao before nodding happily as well.
Teacher Zheng smiled and said, "Then, little students, why don't you introduce yourselves? Mainly your academic situation."
"My name is Chu Sheng. I'll be a senior in high school soon, studying at No. 7 High School. My total score usually ranges between 710 and 730. I'm ranked second in my grade, and I've already self-studied through one round of review," Chu Sheng said, adjusting his glasses.
Xue Jiao was slightly surprised—so Chu Sheng had also been reviewing high school material in advance?
The thought only flickered through her mind briefly before she began her own introduction.
"My name is Gu Xue Jiao. I'll be a senior in high school soon, studying at No. 7 High School. My total score usually ranges between 710 and 730. I fluctuate between first and second in my grade, and I've also self-studied through one round of review."
Yi Tianyu: "???"
Teacher Zheng nodded in satisfaction, and everyone's gaze simultaneously turned to Yi Tianyu.
He scratched his head, looking embarrassed, but still managed to force out a sentence—
"I-I'm Yi Tianyu. I'll be a senior in high school soon, studying at No. 7 High School. My total score… uh, 500 to 600. I study… wherever the class has reached…" Yi Tianyu suddenly felt that squeezing himself between these two academic gods might have been… a questionable decision?
Teacher Zheng still nodded with a smile, showing no surprise. "That's fine. I know No. 7 High School's curriculum—by the end of sophomore year, you've already covered all of high school. Today, I'll guide you through a review of high school knowledge. Of course, I won't focus too much on English and Chinese—mainly math and the science subjects."
The three of them nodded obediently.
"Then let's head to the study," Teacher Zheng said. The group quickly stepped forward to help her to the study.
The room was already well-prepared—just the right setup for three students and one teacher, complete with a blackboard. The spacing and layout were perfect.
Teacher Zheng wasn't the type to force-feed knowledge. She wouldn't cram everything into their heads but would instead guide them.
So rather than saying she was reviewing for them, it was more accurate to say she was guiding their own review.
They started with math that day. She would give them a hint here and there, but the rest relied entirely on their own recollection.
They had lunch at Teacher Zheng's house. Grandpa Wu was an excellent cook, and after eating, they helped wash the dishes before taking a short nap and resuming their studies in the afternoon.
The pace wasn't too fast or slow—by the end of the day, they had only covered the first semester of high school math.
"That's all for today. Tomorrow, bring your math homework. I won't let you skip assignments just because of tutoring, haha," Teacher Zheng said cheerfully.
Yi Tianyu scratched his head sheepishly, but truth be told, he was starting to like this little old lady.Compared to many teachers he had met, she was much more likable.
After school, the three of them went their separate ways.
The next morning was also dedicated to review, but in the afternoon, Teacher Zheng took a sip of tea and smiled, saying, "This afternoon, you’ll work on your own test papers. Once you’re done, bring them up, and I’ll see where your problems lie."
Yi Tianyu: "..."
Underachievers generally disliked exams. Though he was no longer one, deep down, he still...
"Okay." Xue Jiao and Chu Sheng nodded and each took out Simulation Paper Three.
Yi Tianyu paused when he pulled out Simulation Paper One: "Aren’t you guys doing Paper One?"
Xue Jiao and Chu Sheng both looked at him silently.
Yi Tianyu scratched his head: "What’s wrong?"
Xue Jiao sighed and said, "It’s been two days since the break. One paper a day—today should be Paper Three."
Yi Tianyu: "…………？？？"
"You’ve already finished Papers One and Two?!"
Both nodded.
"Hahaha, Xue Jiao and Chu Sheng, did you bring Papers One and Two? Let me take a look. Yi Tianyu, you can start with Paper One for now," Teacher Zheng said with a smile.
Xue Jiao and Chu Sheng handed theirs over, and Teacher Zheng examined them carefully.
She didn’t skip reviewing their papers just because both had perfect scores. Instead, she meticulously checked their problem-solving steps.
Below, Xue Jiao and Chu Sheng scribbled furiously.
Yi Tianyu: "..."
He truly regretted this! Why had he, an underachiever, squeezed himself into tutoring with these top students?!
Was he here to experience the full force of their overwhelming prowess?!
"Yi Tianyu, don’t space out," Teacher Zheng said, glancing at him with a smile.
For some reason, though Teacher Zheng seemed very kind, Yi Tianyu felt even more nervous around her than he did with Yin Fang.
He quickly lowered his head and began scribbling away.
Soon, just as Yi Tianyu started the fourth major math problem, Chu Sheng handed in his paper.
Yi Tianyu: "..."
Five minutes later, Xue Jiao submitted hers.
Yi Tianyu: "..."
By the time he finished his paper and took out the next one, the other two were already on the final question of their fourth paper.
Before he could even finish the multiple-choice section, they handed theirs in again.
Yi Tianyu: "..."
"Alright, I’ve got a clear picture of your progress now. Xue Jiao and Chu Sheng have completed four papers, while Tianyu has done one. Chu Sheng scored full marks on three and 145 on one. Xue Jiao also scored full marks on three and 145 on one. As for Tianyu, you got 138." Teacher Zheng adjusted her glasses, and the three of them sat up straight, serious.
"Xue Jiao and Tianyu, you’re outstanding. Among all the students I’ve taught, you two still rank among the best. Chu Sheng lost five points on the last major problem of the fourth paper—you used the wrong calculation method, leading to excessive workload and a slightly off answer. That’s why you lost five points. Ultimately, it’s carelessness, which is a big taboo in the college entrance exam!" She sounded tired, her voice soft as she leaned back in her chair.
After she finished, Chu Sheng nodded solemnly, his brow slightly furrowed.
She then picked up Xue Jiao’s paper and said, "Xue Jiao, you got the last multiple-choice question wrong. It wasn’t that you didn’t know how—you just used the wrong method, didn’t you?"
Xue Jiao nodded, her frown even deeper than Chu Sheng’s.
Yi Tianyu didn’t get it. These two had only lost five points—why were they acting like the sky had fallen?
"As for Tianyu..." Teacher Zheng paused.
Yi Tianyu looked up at her, his heart tightening.Teacher Zheng said, "You have talent to spare, but lack diligence and are too careless."
Yi Tianyu: "..."
"I'm clear about your issues now, and you need to be aware of them too. When doing test papers in the future, play to your strengths and avoid weaknesses. Pay attention to your problems—for example, Chu Sheng..."
Teacher Zheng began giving examples, pulling out many practice questions for them to solve before explaining the answers.
That day, all three of them gained a great deal.
Rather than mindlessly grinding through more problems or being force-fed knowledge, recognizing their own shortcomings was far more important.
The session lasted until past nine in the evening before the three finally headed home, exhausted to the point of collapsing onto their beds as soon as they arrived.
Yi Household.
"Is our son asleep?" Yi Dafa looked up.
Yi's Mother nodded softly, closing the door gently before sighing as she came downstairs. "He's completely worn out. He went straight to bed after washing up—didn't even dry his hair properly and started snoring. How is this more exhausting than playing basketball all day?"
Yi Dafa frowned slightly before relaxing. "But his spirits are still good. You know our son—if he really couldn't handle it, he would've quit long ago."
Yi's Mother sat on the sofa with another sigh. "That's true, but... was it worth forcing him to take these exams? Look how exhausted he is. He doesn't even need this—his starting point is already different from others. Why—"
"Foolish!" Yi Dafa glared at her. "Look at someone like Lin Zhihua from the Lin Corporation! Our son may have a higher starting point now, but in the future, it could easily become lower. If he can't even manage to study properly after all these years, how can he excel in business later?"
"Well... that's also true..." Yi's Mother conceded.
Yi Dafa straightened up. "I've never expected him to become a top scholar or a bookworm. What I want is for him to learn focus—to be able to do anything he sets his mind to well. That's enough. No matter how much we leave for him, the world is changing, and times are progressing. Who knows what the future holds? Only his own abilities will truly belong to him. Everything I have today might just be a bubble in the future—who can say?"
Yi Tianyu was fortunate to have a father whose love was so earnest.
——
Lin Zhihua glanced at his phone and sighed softly.
Xue Jiao had barely exchanged more than a few words with him today before saying goodnight and going to sleep.
He knew she must be exhausted. No matter how strong-willed a person is, they aren't made of iron. Teacher Zheng's lessons were undoubtedly effective, but they were also the most intensive, requiring absolute focus. While studying, it might not feel overwhelming, but the moment you relax, the fatigue hits like a tidal wave.
He put away his phone and gazed out the window.
He didn’t want her to push herself so hard. If she wanted, she could stay at home, and he would deliver everything she desired right to her.
But what she wanted was to chase her dreams herself—something he could never do for her.
Lin Zhihua stared out the window, fingers tapping lightly against the armrest.
One more year.
Just one more year...
——
This routine continued for half a month. Then, just as they were about to leave one day, Teacher Zheng suddenly said, "Tomorrow, one of my former students is coming to visit. He’s an exceptionally remarkable person. You won’t have class in the morning—instead, you’ll spend time exchanging ideas with him."
The three of them froze.
Half a month was enough for them to understand Teacher Zheng’s temperament. During this time, many people had contacted Grandpa Wu hoping to visit Teacher Zheng, but all had been turned away. Moreover, Teacher Zheng had taught countless students—earning even a simple "remarkable" from her was already high praise.
Exceptionally remarkable?How extraordinary must that person be!
"Okay," the three quickly responded.
As they walked out of the neighborhood, Yi Tianyu couldn't resist gossiping.
"Who is it? Which academic heavyweight?"
Chu Sheng adjusted his glasses and shook his head. "My mom said Teacher Zheng once taught Professor Tan from Tsinghua, as well as Professor Li and others. Even the president of Renmin University was her student, including figures from political, military, and business circles. Teacher Zheng truly has students everywhere—it's no exaggeration."
Yi Tianyu rolled his eyes at him. After spending so much time together, Yi Tianyu had discovered something.
Behind this diligent bookworm facade of Chu Sheng's lay a very gossipy heart.
Bookworm... only his deskmate here was the real deal!
Xue Jiao nodded. "For Teacher Zheng to describe someone as 'very extraordinary,' they must indeed be a heavyweight. We should listen carefully tomorrow."
"Bookworm, you actually know how to socialize? I thought all you did was bury your head in books," Yi Tianyu teased with a grin.
Xue Jiao shot him a glare and fell silent.
The three exited the neighborhood gate and went their separate ways.
The next day, the three arrived early at Teacher Zheng's home to wait.
Even Teacher Zheng was dressed particularly sharply today, and Grandpa Wu had gone out early to buy plenty of groceries.
They had agreed to meet at nine, but at 8:50, the doorbell rang.
"They're here, they're here!" Teacher Zheng was delighted.
Grandpa Wu hurried to open the door, and in walked a man dressed in casual wear but exuding an imposing aura.
His face could only be described as "beautiful"—exquisitely refined, stern yet with piercing eyes. His limbs were long and lean, with subtle muscle definition that made it clear he was strong, ensuring no one would associate his "beauty" with anything negative. Instead, they'd find it hard to meet his gaze.
This man—radiated authority.
Lin Zhihua!
Xue Jiao felt as if struck by lightning, utterly stunned.
Chu Sheng and Yi Tianyu nearly jumped out of their skins. As natives of W City and children of influential families, they were no strangers to status.
Yet Lin Zhihua was still the "neighbor's kid" they looked up to—their role model and idol.
This man was born a legend.
"Uncle Wu, hello. Teacher, it's been a long time." Lin Zhihua shook hands with Grandpa Wu, then embraced Teacher Zheng, his expression filled with emotion.
Teacher Zheng also held his hand tightly, her eyes slightly reddened.
"You, child..."
He placed the gift box in his left hand on the table and gently patted Teacher Zheng, comforting her.
Teacher Zheng's eyes grew even redder, and she suddenly couldn't help murmuring softly, "You... poor child..."
Her voice was so quiet that Xue Jiao wouldn't have heard it if she hadn't been standing close and paying attention.
Poor child?
Well... from what she knew, this man's past had nothing to do with happiness.
"I'm doing well, Teacher," Lin Zhihua replied with a light smile, calm and composed.
His peripheral vision caught the girl's gaze, and he gave her a faint smile.
"Quick, sit, come sit." Teacher Zheng pulled Lin Zhihua to sit beside her.
Then she pointed at the three across from them. "These are my students this year—perhaps my last..."
"Teacher..." Xue Jiao and the others couldn't help speaking up.Teacher Zheng waved her hand dismissively. "I'm old and not in the best health—there's nothing I can't say. These three kids are all good children. Xue Jiao and Chu Sheng are very diligent, and Tianyu is sincere. I like them all."
Lin Zhihua looked up, his gaze sweeping casually over them before pausing almost imperceptibly on Yi Tianyu.
"Mmm... they're all very good."
Teacher Zheng chattered on for a bit, catching up with Lin Zhihua about recent events before saying, "Why don't you chat with these kids? I'm feeling a bit tired."
She leaned back, resting for a while.
Lin Zhihua turned his head and gently adjusted the cushion behind Teacher Zheng.
"Teacher, you should rest. I'll talk with them."
"Alright..." Teacher Zheng smiled affectionately.
Only then did Lin Zhihua turn to the three of them, giving a slight tug at the corner of his mouth.
"You're doing well. Keep working hard."
Chu Sheng was thrilled—being encouraged by his idol felt amazing!
"Yes!"
Lin Zhihua then asked, "Is the academic pressure heavy?"
As he spoke, his peripheral vision remained fixed on Xue Jiao.
They all shook their heads in unison. "It's manageable."
"That's good." Lin Zhihua smiled faintly. "Whether you plan to study abroad or stay in the country, since you've chosen the college entrance exam path now, give it your best."
"Yes!" The three nodded together.
Lin Zhihua's expression remained calm throughout, but both Chu Sheng and Yi Tianyu felt this attitude was already quite warm from him.
Only Xue Jiao seemed slightly puzzled, thinking that Lin Zhihua was being unusually polite today—completely different from usual.
"Are you hungry? I'll cook," Lin Zhihua suddenly said.
"No need, no need! Zhihua, you should sit and rest. I'll handle it!" Grandpa Wu quickly interjected.
Lin Zhihua stood up. Though his demeanor wasn't particularly warm, his sincerity was palpable. "It's fine. Let Teacher taste the skills I've been practicing."
Xue Jiao was surprised and couldn't help asking, "You can cook?"
"Surprised?" Lin Zhihua raised an eyebrow.
They had exchanged only a few words, but those brief sentences made Teacher Zheng glance over in astonishment.
Even Grandpa Wu couldn't help looking their way. Only Yi Tianyu and Chu Sheng remained oblivious to anything unusual.
"A little," Xue Jiao admitted honestly.
"Then you'll know once you taste my cooking," Lin Zhihua said, straightening his clothes before heading to the kitchen.
The three followed Grandpa Wu inside to help, though they later insisted he rest.
Thus, it became Lin Zhihua cooking while the three of them assisted.
He really did seem skilled at cooking...
Xue Jiao watched in amazement as he frowned seriously, meticulously measuring out each seasoning.
His movements were slow but precise, carrying a methodical seriousness—as if every ingredient was added with exact measurement.
Dishes made with such precision... actually looked quite appealing...
And there was something reminiscent of that restaurant in Wuliu Alley?
Xue Jiao felt slightly puzzled.
By lunchtime, the first bite told Xue Jiao—it really did taste like that restaurant in Wuliu Alley!
"I never knew you had such culinary skills, Zhihua!" Grandpa Wu laughed.
Teacher Zheng nodded, swallowing a mouthful before smiling. "It's truly excellent. But why so many fish dishes?"
Out of the six dishes on the table, three were fish-based.Lin Zhihua smiled slightly, his gaze inadvertently sweeping past Xue Jiao beside him. He was seated between Xue Jiao and Teacher Zheng.
Soon, he withdrew his gaze and said lightly, "My cat at home loves fish, so most of the dishes I've learned to cook are fish-related. I hope that cat of mine will like them."
Xue Jiao nodded along with everyone else, still chewing on fish.
She loved eating fish too!
Absolutely adored it!
Lin Zhihua's cat is so lucky!! It even gets to eat such delicious customized meals!!
"It's seriously super delicious!" Yi Tianyu gave Lin Zhihua a thumbs up.
Lin Zhihua smiled and nodded, replying indifferently, "It's alright."
In front of Lin Zhihua was steamed fish. He picked up a particularly good piece and placed it in Xue Jiao's bowl beside him.
Instantly, everyone abruptly looked up, staring at him and Xue Jiao in unison.
Author's note: Yi Tianyu: What's the meaning of this?! You shameless couple! Hmph!
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