A Cunning Mind and a Reluctant Master

Listening to Jiang Zhe, Wang Yi’s thick eyebrows shot up. A roguish smirk played on one side of his lips, and his eyes held a hint of surprise as he watched Jiang Zhe with keen interest.

Wang Yi often felt he wasn’t exactly a qualified physical education teacher. Yet, to have a student actively approach him, asking to learn how to fight…

Was this student implying he wasn’t corrupting the nation’s youth fast enough, and now wanted to accelerate the process themselves?

However, had he met Jiang Zhe before this particular PE class, Wang Yi might not have given it much thought. He would have simply assumed Jiang Zhe was a naive youth, unwilling to be bullied and brave enough to resist. But after personally witnessing the basketball game, the Jiang Zhe in Wang Yi’s eyes was certainly no obedient student.

Hearing the full story from other students, Wang Yi knew Jiang Zhe and Cheng Li had been at odds in the classroom for a while. Their animosity hadn’t escalated significantly until the physical education class, when accumulated friction ignited a much fiercer blaze.

On the surface, Jiang Zhe appeared to be in a passive position, never actively provoking trouble, yet repeatedly targeted by Cheng Li. In reality, however, the situation was not so straightforward.

Perhaps the trouble had indeed started with others, but later, it became clear that Jiang Zhe had meticulously planned each step, deliberately allowing the conflict to escalate.

Wang Yi had been forced to retire from the military and switch professions due to health reasons, but this didn’t mean his mind had atrophied with his peaceful new life. Even if he hadn’t noticed anything amiss initially, a closer reflection now revealed several suspicious points.

For instance, Jiang Zhe had the ability to incapacitate Cheng Li from the start. Yet, he chose to ‘toy’ with him for a while, only proposing the basketball challenge to the teacher in front of everyone once the situation had inevitably escalated.

He chose basketball, a game where everyone expected him to lose, first letting Cheng Li shoot, then systematically shattering his confidence shot after shot…

Hiss. This Jiang Zhe kid was truly cunning!

His schemes twisted and turned like mosquito coils.

Such a mind full of tricks!

It was like a sieve.

Unaware that Jiang Zhe’s true ‘mosquito coil’ mind games were reserved for Ning Ran, Wang Yi, despite sensing Jiang Zhe was not as harmless as he appeared, harbored no ill will towards him.

As a seasoned veteran with extensive life experience, Wang Yi was no hot-headed youth obsessed with fairness. After all, society was rife with injustice, yet few ever complained.

Because complaining was futile.

Someone as sly and intelligent as Jiang Zhe would thrive in society, like a fish in water, ensuring a joyful life. Even if he was currently a humble student with no background, given time, he would undoubtedly achieve greatness.

Thus, Wang Yi did not immediately refuse. Instead, he gestured with his eyes, prompting Jiang Zhe to continue.

The basketball incident was over. What did Jiang Zhe want now, talking about learning to fight?

Wang Yi was rather curious.

“Through today’s events, I feel my own strength is far too weak. If not for the support of the teacher and my classmates, I might not have obtained a fair resolution to the problem.”

Seeing Wang Yi’s gesture, Jiang Zhe showed no timidity. He spoke earnestly and deliberately.

Upon noticing Wang Yi’s distinctly different expression, Jiang Zhe’s mind raced, swiftly confirming that Wang Yi had discovered his methods against Cheng Li and had already formed his own conclusions.

‘It seems this PE teacher isn’t just a muscle-bound oaf. His mind works quite fast.’

Despite Wang Yi having uncovered his stratagem, Jiang Zhe remained unperturbed. After all, he hadn’t treated Cheng Li with the same meticulous care and effort he reserved for Ning Ran, so being discovered was normal.

From the outset, he had observed that Wang Yi wasn’t someone who rigidly adhered to rules. Now, seeing his continued friendly demeanor, it was clear Wang Yi didn’t dislike intelligent and capable individuals.

In that case, why should he be afraid? Instead, he would use this opportunity to present his ‘letter of allegiance.’

He would make sure Physical Education Teacher Wang Yi noticed him.

With this thought, Jiang Zhe continued, “Therefore, compared to strategizing for the future, I currently need martial prowess. This will ensure my safety is in my own hands, rather than relying on others or fate.”

Listening to Jiang Zhe’s blunt words, which practically screamed ‘fight fire with fire,’ Wang Yi couldn’t help but twitch his lips. He then scanned Jiang Zhe’s slender and delicate physique, shaking his head regretfully.

Truth be told, Wang Yi, who typically disliked weaklings, not only didn’t detest Jiang Zhe but found himself somewhat appreciative of him.

After all, who didn’t admire smart people with quick wits?

However, even if Jiang Zhe wanted to fight fire with fire, his physical conditioning was a significant drawback. At best, he could use speed and agility to create distance, but any thought of retaliation was out of the question.

Therefore, Jiang Zhe’s idea was too naive and impractical.

“Teacher, if I don’t try, I’ll always feel a sense of regret.”

Wang Yi’s clearly disapproving expression did not faze Jiang Zhe. If it were his past self, before transmigrating into the game, he too would have scorned this frail body, with its underdeveloped muscles, much like a effeminate male star from a certain country.

Thus, Jiang Zhe said little else; more words would have been futile. It was better to simply express his unwillingness to give up.

After all, he was still just a teenager, unaware of the vastness of the world, and bound to hit some walls before truly knowing himself. Jiang Zhe used this angle as his point of attack.

Upon hearing Jiang Zhe’s words and seeing his gritted teeth, his face full of unwillingness, Wang Yi paused, then sighed with emotion. ‘Ah, youth truly has such vitality!’

Although Wang Yi felt Jiang Zhe was unlike ordinary teenagers—clever and deeply cunning—his age was a factor. He was, after all, not as steady as a mature man like himself.

The youthful spirit of defiance was on full display, making Wang Yi suddenly feel that no matter how much he looked down on Jiang Zhe’s frail body, he had to give him a chance to try.

He would simply fulfill Jiang Zhe’s stubborn desire.

Beyond that, he also wanted Jiang Zhe to hit a wall and learn a lesson, to temper his arrogance and prevent him from thinking he was invincible, lest he suffer a great fall in the future.

Wang Yi had seen many geniuses; some became successful and served their country, while others went astray and sought revenge on society. Now, as a teacher, even if only a physical education teacher, he didn’t want to see this clever young man, Jiang Zhe, go down the wrong path.

“In that case, I can teach you a few moves. Let’s see how you do!”

Having made up his mind, Wang Yi did not refuse. Noticing a few students still lingering in the gym, he immediately motioned for Jiang Zhe to follow him to a small courtyard behind the building.

Without the gaze of others, Wang Yi wasted no more time and directly demonstrated a few techniques before Jiang Zhe.

Unlike the brutal moves of regular soldiers, Wang Yi, a retired special forces operative, executed each move with speed, precision, and ruthlessness. Even without an opponent, the fierce techniques generated a gust of wind that was enough to make one tremble.

Jiang Zhe silently stood by, dutifully applauding with a look of admiration that delighted Wang Yi, who usually had little to do at school. He had initially intended to teach only a few moves, but his enthusiasm grew, and he demonstrated more and more techniques.

After completing an entire set of moves, an excited Wang Yi, without bothering to wipe his sweat, extended a hand and beckoned to Jiang Zhe. “Kid, come over here and practice with me.”

Jiang Zhe, however, seemed hesitant. He started to speak, then stopped, his fidgety manner causing Wang Yi to frown.

“Teacher, wouldn’t that be inappropriate?”

“Hurry up, what are you dawdling for? I’ll hold back my strength; I’m not actually going to hit you.”