Chapter 19: Meng Fang's Kindness

After class, Luo Zhibin returned to the office and headed straight for Meng Fang's workstation.

"Teacher Meng, I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

Luo Zhibin's expression was quite serious, which immediately made Meng Fang feel nervous, wondering what had happened.

Meng Fang knew that Luo Zhibin had just finished teaching a math class to Class 14. The fact that he sought her out immediately after class made it look, in every sense, as if something had gone wrong in her class.

"Please, Teacher Luo, go ahead."

Despite her inner anxiety, Meng Fang did not proactively ask what was wrong; instead, she let Luo Zhibin speak first.

Before speaking, Luo Zhibin glanced around the room before saying in a low voice, "Teacher Meng, there is something I feel I should warn you about."

"If Wang Donglai's scores show such a massive increase again when the results of the next weekly exam come out, I'm afraid some people might start having ideas."

Meng Fang had not expected Luo Zhibin to say this, and a flash of astonishment crossed her eyes.

However, she reacted quickly.

Although the Education Bureau had always issued documents prohibiting the division of schools into "rocket classes," "key classes," and "ordinary classes," schools often chose not to follow this strictly in order to maintain high enrollment and promotion rates.

The Class 14 that Meng Fang managed was an ordinary class, known by everyone as a "weak class."

No teacher wanted to lead such a class, but to meet the requirements for professional title advancement, Meng Fang had chosen to take it on. Her plan was simply to guide one senior year class safely to graduation; that would be enough.

That had been Meng Fang's mindset.

But now, Class 14 had produced a Wang Donglai.

The situation had changed.

Based on Wang Donglai's recent grades, even if there were no further improvements, he could likely maintain his current level by the time the Gaokao arrived and pass the threshold for a second-tier university.

And for a head teacher like Meng Fang, having a student from an ordinary class get into a second-tier university brought significant benefits. Not only would she receive cash rewards, but she would also receive preferential treatment in performance evaluations. Even the other substitute teachers would benefit.

In an instant, many thoughts raced through Meng Fang's mind.

Inevitably, a bold thought surfaced in her heart.

*If Wang Donglai's grades continue to rise at this rate, wouldn't it be possible for him to get into a first-tier university?*

As for anything higher, Meng Fang did not dare to dream. At the thought that Wang Donglai might actually get into a first-tier university, her breathing became slightly rapid.

"Thank you for your concern and the reminder, Teacher Luo. I believe the school won't do that. Wang Donglai's current results are the collective achievement of our teaching. Although he hadn't shown his true potential before—perhaps because he was just playing around too much—his current grades show that he has realized the importance of the Gaokao and is studying hard. As his teachers, our job is to provide support."

"A sudden change in environment would inevitably affect Wang Donglai. For the sake of his grades, the school shouldn't do such a thing."

Meng Fang had been teaching since graduation and had twelve years of experience. Her mind quickly grasped the crux of the matter, and she spoke to Luo Zhibin accordingly.

Hearing that Meng Fang understood his meaning, Luo Zhibin nodded slightly and said, "You have a point, Teacher Meng. With the Gaokao only two months away, changing classes now would likely only disrupt the student. The school shouldn't do it; with the exam imminent, we as teachers should eliminate all distracting factors."

Meng Fang nodded in agreement.

Seeing her reaction, Luo Zhibin said no more and turned to leave.

Once he was gone, Meng Fang began to ponder.

Seeing a student like Wang Donglai, who brought such prestige to her class, being taken away by a teacher from another class would be a massive loss for her.

Sitting at her desk, she thought for a while before a plan formed in her mind.

...

Life in the senior year was extremely monotonous.

Even those who disliked studying would feel anxiety about the future and confusion about the unknown under such an atmosphere.

While some drifted through their days aimlessly, others worked hard for their future.

Following Wang Donglai's rapid academic progress, a small group gradually formed around him. Without exception, everyone in this small group wanted to study seriously.

Guo Xing had taken the initiative to become Wang Donglai's desk mate, while Chen Mengni sat behind them, sharing a desk with Xie Yaolin. Thus, a small group of four was formed.

Undoubtedly, Wang Donglai was the core of this group.

During evening self-study, while everyone was focused on solving problems and reading, Meng Fang walked up to Wang Donglai and signaled for him to come out for a talk.

Wang Donglai was bewildered, wondering what she wanted to say; he hadn't caused any trouble lately.

With a gentle smile, Meng Fang said warmly, "Wang Donglai, I called you out to chat. The Gaokao is coming up soon. Have you thought about which university you want to attend or what major you want to study?"

"I haven't thought about specific schools or majors yet. It would probably be something in finance, economics, or perhaps electronic software."

Wang Donglai was not constrained; instead, he spoke of his thoughts with poise.

In the past, due to his background and limited exposure, Wang Donglai's mindset had not been good. The latent inferiority and cowardice in his heart made him appear reserved and awkward when facing peers or teachers. This was not unique to him; most students from rural backgrounds shared this trait.

Meng Fang keenly noticed the change in Wang Donglai. A hint of admiration flashed in her eyes as she continued, "Mhm. With your current grades, if you maintain them, you'll likely just barely scrape into a second-tier university. That would be a waste for you."

"Every year, there are students like this—those who just barely meet the cutoff for second-tier or first-tier universities by only a few points. When they apply, they either miss their target entirely or are forced into majors they don't like through reassignment. And applying to a lower-tier school feels unsatisfying."

"So, while your grades look good now, you are definitely not at a point where you can relax. You must stay focused and keep up this momentum until the Gaokao is over."

"If you can continue to raise your scores, a second-tier university will be a certainty, and you won't have to worry about the embarrassment of just barely passing the line."

Wang Donglai nodded and said, "You're right, Teacher. I understand. I won't slack off."

"Besides, my goal isn't a second-tier university. I will keep working hard."

Hearing his words, the smile on Meng Fang's face deepened, and her eyes brightened.

"Yes, that's the spirit! An eighteen-year-old young man should have vitality and drive. Set your goals high; it gives you more motivation and keeps you inspired."

"I fully support your ideas. I've already spoken to the other substitute teachers. If you have any problems in the future, you can ask me anytime. I can even prepare specific practice problems tailored to your needs."

Meng Fang's tone was full of approval, recognition, and encouragement. Toward the end, she added seemingly casually, "By the way, do you want to change dormitories?"

Wang Donglai hadn't expected such a turn. He froze for a moment before reacting.

"Thank you for your support, Teacher. I will keep working hard."

"As for changing dorms, there's no need. I don't want to cause any unnecessary trouble or hassle."

In an instant, Wang Donglai understood the true intent behind Meng Fang's words tonight. She was expressing goodwill toward a promising student who had finally appeared in her class, while also testing his response.

With the experience and knowledge from his previous life, Wang Donglai naturally knew that Gaokao results were tied to a head teacher's performance and bonuses. It was said that for every student who got into an undergraduate program, the head teacher received 1,000 yuan, while substitute teachers received 500. The reward amounts differed for third-tier, second-tier, and first-tier universities.

He remembered from his past life that a teacher from a key class had immediately bought a car once the Gaokao results were released.

"The four people in your dorm aren't studying very hard. If they interfere with your studies, tell me immediately and I'll move you. Do you hear me? Don't let them affect your progress. At this stage, there can be no distractions; you must give your all for the Gaokao."

"Don't let being too polite or thinking it's a hassle prevent you from getting proper rest in your dorm. The more critical this time is, the more important rest becomes. A healthy body is the foundation of learning."

"I have a school meal card here that I don't use. Take it and eat at the faculty canteen. It's quieter there, and you won't have to deal with the crowds."

As she spoke, Meng Fang pulled out a meal card and handed it to him.

"Teacher, thank you for your kindness, but I really can't accept this."

Wang Donglai refused repeatedly, refusing to take the card.

"Enough! It's just a meal card, what's there to decline? You're an eighteen-year-old man, stop acting like a little girl and just take it."

"As your head teacher, your grades are the best way to repay me. As long as you study hard, that's enough. Understand?!"

Meng Fang feigned anger, using her words to pressure him.

Looking at her extremely serious expression, Wang Donglai thought for a moment and finally accepted the card. "Teacher, I will study hard and get a good score on the Gaokao. I will make you proud of me."

"Mhm, then I'll be waiting for your good news. Now, go back inside and get to your revision," Meng Fang said with a smile.

Wang Donglai nodded, clutching the card, and walked back into the classroom.