As several people looked toward the "Staff Recruitment Notice," a voice suddenly cut through the air: "Sherry, why are you here? Is it that..."

The speaking voice abruptly stopped, as if interrupted by something.

"Teacher Elena, you're back!" Sherry exclaimed with sudden joy, not expecting to run into Elena, who had just returned, right here.

But Elena said no more, only because she saw two people: Zhong Shenxiu and Robin!

Her face was etched with astonishment, as if she had witnessed something utterly unbelievable! She was generally a very composed person, but ever since meeting Zhong Shenxiu and Robin, she found that particular aspect of herself growing increasingly fragile!

How could those two be here?

"Teacher Elena?" Sherry called out again when she saw Elena standing there in a daze.

Elena finally snapped back to awareness, but her expression remained somewhat vacant; clearly, she still couldn't process the reality of the situation!

"Hello, you must be Teacher Elena?" Keni interjected at that moment, walking over with a bright smile, perfectly poised and showing none of the constraint typical of a first meeting.

Hearing the voice, Elena quickly shifted her gaze. Upon seeing Keni, she couldn't help but freeze. She had never encountered such a sexy and captivating woman. Every glance and smile seemed to tug at the hearts of others.

"Hello!" Elena managed a polite smile, though her mind raced, trying to figure out who this woman was and why she acted as if she already knew her.

As Elena sized Keni up, Keni was doing the same.

Objectively speaking, Elena was younger than Keni, yet she exuded a sense of steadfast maturity. She was shorter than Keni, but the parts unique to a woman were fully formed—what should protrude did, and what should curve did, showcasing perfect lines.

However, Elena's beauty differed from Keni's; hers wasn't the allure of mature sexiness, but rather a gentle, sunlit grace!

This truly proved the old saying: Flowers come in myriad forms, each with its own unique fragrance and allure!

"My name is Keni, and you are even more beautiful than I imagined," Keni said, extending her hand in a friendly gesture.

In terms of quick-witted response, Elena was clearly a step behind Keni. After a slightly embarrassed "Thank you," she shook Keni's hand merely as a formality.

"Teacher Elena, where were you off to?" Only then did Sherry, standing nearby, finally interject.

"I went out to buy a few things!"

Although Elena was answering Sherry, her gaze kept drifting toward Keni. Relying on a woman's sixth sense, she sensed an indescribable mystery emanating from the woman before her.

"Teacher Elena, don't you teachers get a break during the holidays?" Keni smiled, maintaining a measured distance from Elena.

Interacting with different people required different approaches, and Elena was clearly an expert in that area!

"No, I just came back early because I had nothing going on at home," Elena replied lightly.

Many things had happened in the days she had been back home, one after the other, leaving her feeling overwhelmed.

Of course, there was another reason for her early return to school: she wanted some peace and quiet to organize her thoughts; secondly, she simply did not want to encounter the son of her Uncle Laurie, Yarva!

"Teacher Elena, how are the benefits for the teachers at this school?" Keni repeated the question she had just asked Sherry, clearly showing great interest in Zhong Shenxiu.

Elena visibly faltered, completely unprepared for Keni’s sudden inquiry, and for a moment, she didn't know how to respond.

Just then, a sharp shhhrrrrip sound tore through the air—Zhong Shenxiu had ripped down the "Staff Recruitment Notice."

Elena looked over, puzzled, but Zhong Shenxiu walked toward her, heading straight in her direction.

Elena’s heart gave an involuntary lurch. She watched the approaching Zhong Shenxiu with a tense expression.

Though she had only interacted with Zhong Shenxiu a few times, she knew this young boy was not one to waste his time ("He never climbs the precious hall for no reason"). If he walked straight toward her like that, it must be important. What could it be?

Zhong Shenxiu stopped less than half a meter from Elena, looking up at her quietly, remaining silent for a long moment.

Elena felt an immense pressure and found herself at a loss for words, forced into an awkward staring contest with Zhong Shenxiu, all while worrying that he might be looking for trouble!

Keni observed the exchange, her eyes darting between them. Seeing Elena's tense demeanor, she couldn't help but smile faintly. "Teacher Elena, do you know Shenxiu? You don't need to be so nervous; Shenxiu just wants to ask you a few questions!"

Shenxiu? Questions?

Elena instantly froze, turning an even more incredulous gaze toward Keni!

It was then that Zhong Shenxiu finally spoke: "Is this you?" He asked, pointing at the "Recruitment..."

Elena followed the direction of Zhong Shenxiu's finger and indeed saw her name written there. After a brief pause, she finally understood; she had only written that down in her capacity as an interviewer.

When Elena submitted the list of specially recruited students, she had learned that the academy was hiring new teachers. Thinking she had nothing pressing at the academy anyway, she proactively offered to help out.

Given her competence and sharp judgment, the academy appointed her as an interviewer, responsible for receiving candidates for further trials.

Of course, Elena wasn't the only interviewer; she was merely assisting, with the final decisions resting with the school leadership.

Elena found it strange why Zhong Shenxiu would ask this, but she still nodded honestly.

Zhong Shenxiu asked no further questions, handed the "Staff Recruitment Notice" to Keni, and walked away without looking back.

Keni offered Elena an apologetic smile, then returned the "Staff Recruitment Notice" to her hand, saying, "Excuse me, let's chat later," before hurrying after him.

Staring at the departing figures of Zhong Shenxiu and Keni, and then down at the "Recruitment Notice" in her hand, Elena’s body gave a sudden jolt. She finally guessed Zhong Shenxiu's intention.

"Teacher Elena, I'll be going now!" Sherry called out a farewell and followed after them.

However, just then, another familiar voice drifted from further away.

"Sister Linna, why are you walking so fast? Wait for me!" The speaker was none other than Malxyn, who had once taught both Zhong Shenxiu and Robin.

But she was no longer a teacher; she was now a student at the 'Fung Shui Magic and Martial Arts Academy,' apparently having already completed her enrollment procedures, just waiting for the official start date!

She had gone out with Malkoxin, but since she had never been to a big city before, everything was novel to her, causing her to lose sight of Malkoxin amid the crowd.

As Malkoxin walked quickly toward them, her body suddenly stiffened, followed by an almost unbelievable shriek.

"Ah! It's... it's you?"

Malkoxin looked at Zhong Shenxiu with eyes filled with terror. She had long endured humiliation because of him. She had truly believed that by coming here, those unbearable memories would become history, yet here she was, running into this little nemesis again! How could she not be shocked!

Zhong Shenxiu ignored her completely, merely glancing over before walking past her indifferently, as if he had never known her.

After Zhong Shenxiu and the others were long gone, Malkoxin stood foolishly rooted to the spot, as if she hadn't recovered from the shock.

After some time, Elena walked over, concern written on her face. "Kexin, are you alright?"

Malkoxin mechanically turned her head toward Elena, then stammered out after a long pause, "Sister Linna, I... I think I just saw an illusion!"

Elena helplessly pursed her lips. Knowing Malkoxin's history of feeling utterly suppressed, she didn't know how to comfort her.

The two stood in silence for an unknown period until Malkoxin finally spoke again: "Sister Linna, was what I just saw an illusion?"

"No," Elena replied, unwilling to lie to her.

Another silence descended, and then Malkoxin suddenly grabbed Elena's hand, asking with immense agitation and tension, "Why... why are those two here?"

Elena glanced at Malkoxin. Although she vaguely suspected Zhong Shenxiu's goal, she couldn't bring herself to tell Malkoxin, fearing the shock would be too much for her. Her only hope now was that if Zhong Shenxiu really did become a teacher here, he absolutely must not be assigned to teach Malkoxin, or she might just hang herself!

Meanwhile, Norman, after leaving the 'Fong Shao Manor,' began searching for his sister, but he scoured every area without success. Finally, upon inquiring with a servant, he learned she had gone out!

His mind was entirely preoccupied with the events inside the 'Fong Shao Manor.' The more he thought about it, the more bizarre it seemed, especially that little girl who wouldn't leave his thoughts.

Although sensation had returned to his arm, the thought of what might have happened if he had reacted a fraction of a second slower sent a chill down his spine!

What was going on?

How could his third sister know such strange people??

And what secrets were hidden in that room? Why were there such peculiar sounds?

Just as he was overwhelmed by this barrage of troubling questions, a servant approached and respectfully informed him, "Young Master, the Young Miss has returned!"

"Is that so?" Norman's expression brightened, and he shot up from his chair with a swift whoosh.

However, just as he was about to go find Sherry, her voice drifted in:

"Second Brother, were you looking for me?"