Study Monster Cultivation System

Chapter 184 - 183 are all your people!

Every Monday at noon was the time for Tang Zhifei to interact with the students.

You should know, homeroom teachers also come in different types.

There are classic intimidating types like Hu Chunmei.

And there are also laissez-faire types like Zhu Hongbo.

Of course, there are bound to be approachable types like Tang Zhifei.

However, approachable types tend to fare quite tragically.

Simply because, the more approachable you are, the less students fear you, and they might even turn to bully you.

Therefore, whether in schools or in companies, the survival rate of the approachable types is often quite low.

Tang Zhifei managed to survive till this day because she employed a specific tactic which involved focusing on certain points to cover the surface.

To control a general class, you only need to control 5 core individuals, and these 5 entities should be able to influence over 20 others, which would stabilize the foundation.

Currently, the five core individuals in the class were Jiang Qinghua, Li Zheng, Zhang Xiaoke, Liu Yuexuan, and the discipline monitor.

They were all

Tang Zhifei’s people.

Besides, there would always be those who were impossible to control no matter what.

Like the English class representative, Chen Jinyu, despite her young age of only seventeen or eighteen, her mindset was akin to a middle-aged woman in society, proud and arrogant, not submitting to anyone, much like a Yu Hong among the students.

For such students, it’s best to stick to the principle of ’you don’t trouble the waters of my river, and I won’t trouble the waters of your well.’

The other troubles, like those with Zhang Yue, were just within the charm range of Jiang Qinghua, and indirect management through the class president was sufficient.

The classroom was like a battlefield, and during the lunch break, it was all mind games.

Tang Zhifei only needed to set up her strategies, then being approachable was enough.

Indeed, this tactic was effective, for every Monday at noon, the students would gather and chat about this and that.

Even if there was nothing to talk about, Jiang Qinghua and Zhang Xiaoke would still force a conversation to keep the atmosphere lively.

Like right now.

Tang Zhifei was sitting at Li Zheng’s desk, next to her Zhang Xiaoke was eagerly putting on an expectant look, "Isn’t there any event for Christmas, Teacher Tang?"

"The principal doesn’t advocate celebrating Christmas, and besides, aren’t we collaborating with City First School for the New Year’s gala this year?" Tang Zhifei turned and asked, "By the way, how are the two performances we sent for selection coming along?"

"Just talking about this makes me angry, as they are all unreported," Zhang Xiaoke complained about those around her before sighing, "No choice, in the end, Qinghua and I had to take it up."

From behind, Liu Xin joined in the conversation, "I remember, Qinghua is performing a solo on the flute, right?"

Next to him, Jiang Qinghua flicked her hair and chuckled with her hair flying, "Hair Like Snow," I’ve already practiced it."

"Really looking forward to it," Tang Zhifei flicked off the hair on her sleeve and commented earnestly, "But with the flute, perhaps ’Hair Like Snow’ might be more suitable? It’s definitely more… ancient-style."

"I… don’t like that song…" Jiang Qinghua’s face stiffened, then she turned to face Zhang Xiaoke, "Xiaoke, what have you prepared?"

"Oh boy, I just randomly put together a solo dance~" Zhang Xiaoke licked her lips and tapped her own head, "Such a crude program might just get eliminated."

"Hey, don’t sell yourself short," Jiang Qinghua flipped her hair back and laughed, "Let’s all try our best, hoping both performances make it through. We can’t let No. 1 Middle School in the City overshadow us."

As they were speaking, Zhang Yue leaned over and glanced at the empty seat by the window, "Anyway… Didn’t the principal ask Lin Yujing to come up with a performance? Isn’t she supposed to be able to do anything?"

"Exactly," seated opposite and filing her nails, Chen Jinyu also scoffed, "Despite always being top ranked, she’s never there when it’s time to earn honors for the school."

Tang Zhifei frowned, finding such provocative class gossip rather annoying.

But as an approachable homeroom teacher, since she had chosen to chat with the students, it wasn’t appropriate to overtly suppress them.

At times like this, it was necessary for the spokesperson hidden among the masses to step forward.

Tang Zhifei quickly signaled Jiang Qinghua with her eyes.

Go!

Jiang Qinghua immediately got the gist, she too furrowed her brow and said, "Lin Yujing prefers to keep a low profile, and she’s also preparing for the physics competition, let’s not talk about her anymore."

Zhang Yue retorted, "Don’t you have to prepare too?"

Upon hearing that, Jiang Qinghua only stiffened her face, "Hmm?"

Now sounding quite authoritative.

Seeing this, Zhang Yue immediately blushed, waved her hand, and shrank back, "Let’s forget about Lin Yujing."

"Hmm." After accomplishing her task, Jiang Qinghua didn’t forget to pass a look to Zhang Xiaoke.

Next up, go!

Zhang Xiaoke immediately grabbed Tang Zhifei’s arm and started cooing, "Teacher Tang, when exactly is the final exam?"

"It’s not set yet, around January 15th though."

"It’s the big comprehensive science exam this time, right?"

"Mmm-hmm."

After some cooperation, the topic quickly shifted, and Tang Zhifei’s routine worked once again.

She didn’t hesitate and took the opportunity to talk about the arrangements for the final exam.

"This final exam will be a district-wide test, so you all need to take it seriously."

"The final rankings are very informative and can even indirectly show everyone’s rankings in the entire city."

"Moreover, our school’s ranking will also have some impact on next year’s evaluation for becoming a model school."

"You all want your alma mater to become a key school in the city, right?"

After her speech, Tang Zhifei was ready to answer the students’ questions, but nobody spoke up.

The classroom had somehow become silent.

Everyone was staring blankly at one spot.

Tang Zhifei could feel that they were looking behind her.

What’s going on?

Tang Zhifei suddenly turned around.

All she saw was a face with a faint stubble, the face of a burly man.

There were also a leather jacket and leather boots.

Is… is this a student?

"Li Zheng?" Tang Zhifei exclaimed as she stood up.

"Don’t worry about me, did you just mention district-wide rankings?" Li Zheng couldn’t help but rub his hands and lick his lips, "So, does that mean we will be ranked with No. 4 Middle School, the Experimental School, and Normal University Affiliated School?"

"Yes..." Tang Zhifei hurriedly moved aside, "Sorry for taking your seat."

"No problem, you sit, continue chatting." Li Zheng simply sat on his own luggage, then subconsciously looked towards the window.

Lin Yujing’s backpack and down jacket were there, but she was not.

!

He glared.

She couldn’t have taken advantage of my absence.

To occupy the garden gazebo, right?

Damn, what a loss.

While he was glaring, Jiang Qinghua also stood up and started glaring.

"How come you... again... again... changed your style…"

"Oh, this?" Li Zheng casually stroked his spiky short hair, "This tryout, I have to thank Zhang Tai…"

"Wow, Master!" Zhang Xiaoke suddenly leaped forward, using the amnesia tackle again.

Li Zheng was sent flying again, landing straight into Liu Xin’s arms.

Luckily, Liu Xin was a good cushion.

Falling down, felt comfortable.

"Xiaoke, you…" Tang Zhifei forcefully patted Zhang Xiaoke’s head, "You can’t do this even if you’re happy."

"Ah ha." Zhang Xiaoke quickly stuck out her tongue, stepping forward to help Li Zheng up, "Sorry, sorry, got too excited."

Others didn’t know, but Li Zheng saw clearly.

As Zhang Xiaoke said these words, her facial expression was rigid, her eyes sharp, as if saying, "I’m going to kill you."

Li Zheng swallowed hard, barely got on his feet.

Liu Xin, however, did not see this look, only asking, "What’s Zhang Tai? Why should you thank him?"

"...Zhang Tai Department Store, it’s pretty famous." Li Zheng responded stiffly.

"Hey." Chen Jinyu across put down her nail clipper, casually asking, "A joint New Year’s event with City First School, aren’t you doing a performance?"

"Oh? City First School?" Li Zheng looked quite surprised.

Mount Hua Sect actually lowering themselves to hold a disciple conference together with our Lake Ying Fishermen Gang?

"It’s all because of you," Chen Jingyu laughed. "Because I helped Shi Yang, their principal insisted on returning the favor. They claimed it was a joint New Year’s event, but actually, they were the ones who paid for the venue."

"That’s pretty good, too," Li Zheng nodded. "Forget about the act; aside from studying, I don’t really have any special talents."

"Do you play any instruments?" Chen Jingyu turned his head and continued, "I play the piano... if you want to perform, we could collaborate."

"No, I don’t."

"How about singing?" Chen Jingyu asked further.

"No, I don’t."

"If all else fails... how about reciting poetry?" Chen Jingyu could hardly contain himself. "It’s better than playing the flute anyway... seriously, ’Hair Like Snow’..."

Jiang Qinghua shook his head, feeling offended.

At this time, Zhang Xiaoke bounced in front of Li Zheng, raising her arm to protect him.

"Enough already, give my master a break. The selection for the act is tomorrow, and we’re running out of time," she said.

"I was just asking..."

Just then, a rare character suddenly appeared at the classroom door.

"Heh, Li Zheng, you’re back and didn’t say a word," Liu Xiaodong waved and called out cheerfully, "Come on, come on, Xiao Tang, you come too."

Out of respect for the principal, Li Zheng had no choice but to go out with Tang Zhifei, following Liu Xiaodong to the principal’s office.

As they walked, Liu Xiaodong hugged Li Zheng and started chatting.

"That Yu Hong told me everything."

"First in the national competition, the second in the training camp, not bad at all!"

"Thank you for making history for our school."

"ICHO, it’s just destiny, don’t take it to heart if it doesn’t happen."

"Forget about their stupid rule of one student per province, I’ll figure something out."

"But the chances aren’t great, just focus and study at your own pace, that’s fine."

"And then..." Liu Xiaodong turned to Tang Zhifei, "we will definitely support you all-out in the physics competition too, and if necessary, we can even stop classes for training."

"Yes, I’ll make sure to inform all the teachers as well," Tang Zhifei responded.

"That’s not necessary," Li Zheng declined. "I actually prefer the school environment; I feel more comfortable studying here."

"Of course, that’s fine," Liu Xiaodong laughed, patting Li Zheng on the back. "I get it, I understand everything, after all, it’s only in school where... right, haha!"

"Only at school... what?"

"Oh," Liu Xiaodong turned back to Tang Zhifei again, chuckling, "You see, he’s still pretending."

"..." Tang Zhifei turned his face, feeling an urge to swear.

At first, it was you who asked me to crack down on puppy love.

Now, you’re the ones furiously giving your support.

From classmates to parents.

From the boy’s father to the girl’s mother.

From the vice principal to the principal.

It’s all people from Li Zheng’s circle!

Even Sun Xiubin has gone off to stir the pot.

So, I’m the villain here, right?

Fine!

I don’t care anymore.

Do whatever you like.

...

Meanwhile, at the library on the first floor,

a girl in a large white hoodie was dozing off.

But,

the size was not the point.

The color was not the point either.

Not even the girl was the point.

The focus was all on the hood.

More precisely,

on the cat ears on the hood.

Because of the presence of two upright fluffy cat ears on the hood,

this was bound to be a milestone of a nap.

For Lin Yujing, every Monday at noon, the classroom was very noisy.

She had to come to the library to nap just to avoid Tang Zhifei.

Listening to earphones, dozing off with her hood on.

Falling asleep.

The left cat ear on the hood was suddenly tugged.

She didn’t care.

She twisted her head and continued to sleep.

Soon.

The right ear was tugged again.

"Um..." She was annoyed and twisted her head again.

Then, both ears were tugged at the same time.

Whoosh!

She got angry.

She sat up straight.

She looked at the old man opposite her, rubbed her eyes, and then glared back at him.

Her eyes were full of sleep inertia.

"You’re back," the old man leaned back in his chair and quietly started peeling an apple.

"???"

"He’s back," the old man raised his eyebrows.

"What’s that got to do with me?" Lin Yujing face-planted on the table, put her hood on, and continued to doze off.

"Hey... you should at least care about your classmates," the old man muttered, sighing. "Men have their vulnerable moments... During such times, they are often in most need of... never mind, I won’t say it."

Lin Yujing lay there, not speaking.

The old man also fell silent.

After a minute of deadlock,

Lin Yujing suddenly took off her earphones, lay in her original spot, and intermittently asked, "Most in need of... what?"

"I can’t quite explain it... but they just really need someone to care," the old man continued to suggest. "I can imagine he’s pretending to be strong now, but inside, he’s probably hoping for comfort more than anyone... alas, what a pity!"

"What a pity about what..." Lin Yujing asked as she lay there.

"Come on, sit up and have an apple," the old man extended the peeled apple.

"..." Lin Yujing hesitated for a moment, then reached out for the apple, grabbed the chair and turned 180 degrees away from the old man, and started munching on the apple, "What exactly is the pity?"

"Hehe~" the old man picked up another apple and started peeling, "This kid, he finished second in the training camp, far ahead of third, but because only one person per province can join the national team, he still got eliminated and had to come back. Seems he won’t be going to the ICHO anymore."

"~~~~~" Lin Yujing’s body shook, her mouth full of apple as she excitedly turned back, "Hmm, really hmm?"

"Why are you so happy about this?"

"Tsk!" Lin Yujing turned back around, biting harder into the apple, "I hate chemistry hmm."

"What’s your hate got to do with him?" the old man asked, puzzled.

Lin Yujing, munching on her apple, mumbled, "Hmm, if he went to the ICHO, he’d get noticed by foreign schools hmm, and if he couldn’t resist, he’d end up in Magnesium Country hmm? Magnesium Country and chemistry, the worst of the worst hmm."

"Ah, you’ve already thought this far ahead..." the old man smacked his lips, "but he must be feeling a bit down, right? At a time like this, you schadenfreude might not be very nice."

"Not like he’s seeing it hmm."

"True... It would still be better to offer some comfort though."

"I don’t care! His insistence on studying chemistry deserves it hmm."