A throng of people poured into the classroom, securing a large swath of seats in the back row. As Li Yundong settled in, he was surprised to see Ruan Hongling also sitting in the rear. He couldn't help but ask in astonishment, "Why are you here for this class too? Aren't you a freshman?"
Ruan Hongling replied slowly, "I just had a feeling something was going to happen with you all, so I came to watch the excitement."
Li Yundong felt so frustrated he could spit blood. He rolled his eyes dramatically at Ruan Hongling, then turned to the little foxes seated behind him and warned, "If any of you dare cause trouble, none of you are eating dinner tonight!"
The little foxes jumped, sitting up straight instantly, their mouths sealed tight.
Feng Na had always been curious about Li Yundong's relationship with so many beautiful women. Seeing how obedient these stunning beauties became the moment Li Yundong spoke, she couldn't help but ask, "Li Yundong, have you been trafficking people these past few days? Where did you find so many gorgeous women? You could start a modeling agency!"
Li Yundong threw his head back and laughed heartily, "My charm is just too great, you know. They throw themselves at me!"
Feng Na certainly didn't believe him and turned to the little foxes, asking, "What is your relationship with him?"
Frightened by Li Yundong's warning, the little foxes dared not speak, shaking their heads rapidly like rattles. Feng Na saw their shaking and assumed they were too afraid to answer. Feeling a pang of sour jealousy, she huffed, "If you won't say, then don't. Li Yundong, oh Li Yundong, you really are quite the rake, aren't you?"
Li Yundong coughed dryly, thinking to himself: A rake? Have you ever met a virgin as dedicated as me?
He didn't want to continue this line of questioning with Feng Na. Just then, the teacher entered the room, giving him a perfect opportunity to change the subject. "The professor is here, time for class," he said quickly.
Feng Na burst out laughing, "Class my foot! Did you bring a textbook? No, right? Notebook? Also no? Pen?"
Li Yundong managed a sheepish grin. "Esteemed President, please be merciful! The teacher is starting! Haven't you noticed the classroom is completely full?"
Feng Na then noticed that the large lecture hall was packed, with people even standing in the aisles. She gasped, "Why are there so many people?"
Li Yundong chuckled too, "If we could sell standing-room-only tickets, we’d probably make a fortune!"
Feng Na laughed, "You could make a decent profit selling those too! Though, I suspect the vast majority are here for you!"
Li Yundong looked around and indeed saw many gazes constantly directed toward his row. He couldn't help but smile, "If things ever go south, I could open an exhibition hall. At least I wouldn't starve."
Feng Na covered her mouth, giggling, "That would be great! Remember to call me; I'll help you collect admission fees and handle promotion."
A thought suddenly struck Li Yundong. Right, that tea house I opened—Feng Na could actually help there. Should I tell her about it?
Li Yundong paused, then mused internally, Better wait a while. What if it loses money? That would be utterly humiliating.
The teacher who walked into the room was also taken aback by the packed house. He grew visibly excited. In all his years of teaching, had any class ever been so sparsely attended, with students often leaving midway? When had there ever been this many people? Today was truly a full house!
What is happiness? Happiness is when cats eat fish, dogs eat meat, and Ultraman fights monsters every day!
Isn't a teacher’s happiness simply seeing a hall full of students eagerly attending his lectures?
The professor teaching Classical Literature was named Hua, a venerable scholar with a head full of white hair. He felt a surge of blood rush through him, as if the vitality of his youth had returned.
Professor Hua cleared his throat at the podium and announced excitedly, "Students, we shall now begin class..."
The students below buzzed and murmured amongst themselves, acting as if they hadn't seen him at all.
Professor Hua instantly felt awkward. With a look of embarrassment, he raised his voice slightly, "Class is starting, everyone!"
But the noise from below didn't diminish; it actually grew louder!
Professor Hua heard clearly. Among the chatter, he caught some girls whispering, "Hey, which one is Li Yundong?"
"That one, the tenth from the back row—you can't recognize him? He’s so easy to spot; he’s the one sitting among a whole group of beauties!"
"Oh, really! So that’s the real person. Last time on the stage, I couldn't see clearly, I just heard him arguing that we should eat feces..."
"Ugh, you eat feces!"
Professor Hua felt immensely frustrated. So, all these students aren't here for my lecture? They’re all here for Li Yundong?
This was such an insult to his dignity!
Professor Hua felt the passionate flame in his heart doused by a bucket of cold water; a chill ran down his spine. But then he thought again, No, what is a teacher for? Isn't it to educate students? The more this happens, the harder I must work to enlighten them!
Professor Hua regained his confidence at the podium, thinking, I refuse to believe my lecture material won't capture your attention.
Ignoring the commotion, he began his lesson using the wireless microphone. His voice boomed loudly and sharply, making the students wince and cover their ears. They muttered, "Damn, did the professor take a pill or use a cheat code today? Why is his voice so loud?"
A student immediately shouted, "Professor, your voice is too loud! We can't handle it!"
Professor Hua replied serenely from the podium, "If I don't speak louder, how can I drown out all of you?"
The students below roared with laughter. In a short while, order in the classroom significantly improved.
Seeing this, Professor Hua was instantly energized and lectured with vigor, weaving intricate explanations, spittle flying, truly embodying the spirit of an old scholar in a private academy.
Li Yundong had no intention of listening to the lecture; he was only here to sign in, lest too many absences result in his expulsion, which would be a genuine tragedy.
Being expelled was a minor issue compared to his parents cutting off his monthly allowance, while he himself hadn't earned a single cent. If his business ventures failed, he would have absolutely no safety net and would genuinely have to start a circus with the little foxes.
Li Yundong's mind wandered miles away while sitting down, but the little foxes, attending this type of class for the first time, were quite excited. They sat upright and attentive, as if listening to a venerable master in a private school.
From his vantage point, Professor Hua could clearly see which students were listening intently, which were whispering, which were putting on makeup, and which were texting. He thought internally, It’s rare to see these girls so beautiful and yet so diligent in class. Truly rare!
Professor Hua felt encouraged and taught even more passionately. When he reached an impassioned point, he would spontaneously recite poetry, shaking his head and swaying, genuinely possessing the air of an old private tutor.
Although Su Chan had attended a few such lectures with Li Yundong, she had always envied him for being able to study at such a grand university. Thus, she listened very seriously, especially when the teacher began discussing "the relationship between ancient literati and flowers," which captivated her interest.
Seeing Su Chan so engrossed, Li Yundong nudged her playfully with his elbow. "Hey, is it really that good?"
Su Chan smiled brightly. "It is! I'm learning so much!"
At that moment, the professor was vividly describing the relationship between literati and chrysanthemums, citing the chrysanthemum-praising works of famous figures like Tao Yuanming and Lu You. Carried away by the topic, he began reciting a poem: "Autumn threads wrap around the cottage like Tao's domain, circling the fence as the day grows long. It is not only the chrysanthemum I favor among flowers, for when this one fades, no other blooms."
Hearing him recite with such zeal, Li Yundong suddenly started laughing. He leaned over to Su Chan with a mischievous smile. "By the way, do you know why all these literati loved to write about chrysanthemums?"
Su Chan replied confidently, "Of course I do. Do you think your little girl here is uncultured? The chrysanthemum is pure and elegant, embodying the virtue of a gentleman. Therefore, ancient literati often used it to symbolize themselves, showing their lofty character and gentlemanly heart."
Li Yundong grinned wickedly and shook his head. "Wrong, wrong! That’s a huge misunderstanding!"
Su Chan’s mouth fell open in confusion. "Huh? That’s wrong? Then what is the reason?"
Li Yundong laughed. "Why do literati love the chrysanthemum?"
Su Chan blinked. "Why?"
Li Yundong stated deliberately, word by word, with a straight face, "Because they all have... heavy tastes!"
The moment Li Yundong finished speaking, Feng Na beside him couldn't help but burst into laughter.
As soon as she laughed out loud, she realized her mistake, quickly covering her mouth. She turned away, struggling to stifle her giggles, her shoulders shaking.
Li Yundong offered a dry, sarcastic remark, "Classmate Feng Na, you actually understood that? Your taste isn't light either!"
Feng Na was laughing so hard her stomach hurt, caring little to argue with Li Yundong.
Su Chan, however, was completely bewildered. Her eyes were wide as she repeatedly pondered Li Yundong’s words: Why is loving the chrysanthemum considered having heavy tastes? What kind of logic is that?
Feng Na’s previous outburst had been jarringly disruptive in the quiet classroom. Looking on from the podium, Professor Hua was displeased. He thought internally, This girl, how can she be so undisciplined in class? Look at the girls behind you, all so well-behaved!
Feeling disgruntled, after finishing his poem on the chrysanthemum, Professor Hua asked, "Does anyone know which poet wrote that poem, and what its title is?"
Many students were covertly sneaking glances at Li Yundong and the beauties beside him. Some were catching up on sleep, some were fiddling with their phones, and others were applying makeup. Hardly anyone was paying attention. Silence fell over the room; everyone exchanged confused looks. Furthermore, the poem was rather obscure, so no one knew its origin.
Professor Hua snorted. These slackers who don't pay attention are not good students. Look at those few in the back, perfectly attentive—they must be the good ones! They must know!
With that thought, Professor Hua pointed toward the little foxes in the back row. "The fifth student from the right in the back row, please stand up."
Li Yundong stiffened. He looked back and saw that the fifth student from the right in the back row was indeed one of the little foxes from the Fox Charm Sect. The little fox glanced at Li Yundong, then stood up looking utterly confused, staring blankly at the professor.
Professor Hua asked kindly, "Classmate, do you know the origin of this poem?"
The little fox thought: I do know, but the Sect Master told us not to speak!
So, she shook her head.
Professor Hua was severely disheartened. Looking glum, he pointed to another little fox next to her. "How about you? Do you know?"
The other little fox stood up. Seeing that her "senior sister" hadn't spoken, she naturally couldn't speak either and maintained a sullen silence, shaking her head.
Professor Hua felt incredibly frustrated. Unwilling to believe it, he called on several more of the little foxes beside them, one by one. The result was the same: every single one shook their heads and remained silent!
Professor Hua became furious and couldn't help but shout, "Why do you know nothing when asked? What kind of class are you taking? You all look so pretty, but are your heads completely empty!"
The little foxes felt deeply wronged internally. We aren't your students! We know, but the Sect Master forbade us to speak!
Professor Hua raged on the podium, breathing heavily with anger. Su Chan, down below, felt indignant on their behalf. She thought, This teacher, scolding my fellow sect sisters is essentially scolding me! And scolding me indirectly means scolding my Yundong! He is our Sect Master, and if we are reprimanded, it reflects poorly on him! I have to stand up for Yundong!
With this thought, everything else vanished from Su Chan’s mind. She reached out and said loudly, "Professor, I know!"
Li Yundong was startled and pulled her arm. "Hey, don't just say anything."
Seeing Li Yundong's action, Professor Hua immediately roared, "Classmate Li Yundong, you wouldn't speak yourself, and now you won't even let other students speak?"
Li Yundong was caught between laughter and tears. He wanted to say, She’s my girlfriend, not a student here...
But he saw the professor was already enraged and that speaking this would likely cause more trouble, so he swallowed his words.
Professor Hua pointed at Su Chan and boomed, "This classmate, don't be afraid. Stand up and answer the question loudly."
Seeing that Li Yundong was no longer stopping her, Su Chan jumped up and announced clearly, "This poem is from the Tang Dynasty, written by Yuan Zhen. The poem is titled 'Chrysanthemum!'"
All eyes in the classroom snapped toward Su Chan, and murmuring immediately broke out.
Professor Hua felt a surge of relief. Damn it, finally someone knows the source of the poem! That was hard-won!
Professor Hua looked pleased. Seeing Su Chan answer without hesitation, he decided to test her further and asked, "Then do you know why ancient literati loved the chrysanthemum?"
Hearing this, Li Yundong’s heart skipped a beat. His mouth dropped open. No way, could it be such a coincidence?
Su Chan heard the question and realized—wasn't this the exact question Yundong had just asked her?
The young girl’s face lit up with joy. Being quick-witted and outspoken, she blurted out without thinking, "Because they all have heavy tastes!!"