Raymond probably felt that Ye Lan was a good listener, because Ye Lan was one of the few people who didn’t show annoyance when he rambled.
As class time approached, the spacious multimedia classroom gradually became lively.
Students began entering from the doorway, taking their seats one by one.
When the warning bell rang, the homeroom teacher of Class E also walked in.
“All right, everyone, quiet down.”
Ye Lan looked at the man standing at the podium—the young homeroom teacher of Class E, Gongsun Shen.
He was called young because he really was only twenty-four, not much older than the students.
No one knew exactly what background Gongsun Shen had; it was said that if not for his limited teaching experience, he should have been assigned to a higher-level class instead of Class E.
This young teacher, with his handsome appearance, clear voice, and mysterious background, won the admiration of many female students at the academy.
“I believe most of you already know me. But out of courtesy, I will introduce myself again. My surname is Gongsun, and my given name is a single character, ‘Shen.’”
Gongsun Shen snapped his fingers, and a holographic projection appeared in the classroom.
Three ornate characters appeared above the projection.
Even the lowest-tier classrooms of Class E were equipped with multiple holographic projectors to ensure full functionality.
After all, the academy didn’t completely neglect Class E; who knew if someone would rise above them later?
Gongsun Shen glanced around the students of Class E, his gaze lingering briefly on Ye Lan before moving on.
Ye Lan gave a wry smile; he knew why Gongsun Shen was introducing himself again—he was the only student late, after all.
Even though he had visited the office moments ago, he was still forced to appear in front of the class.
…Half an hour earlier…
Ye Lan stood in front of the Class E homeroom office.
He took a deep breath, calming his nerves, then began knocking on the door.
“Knock knock knock—”
“Please come in.”
The door automatically opened, and when Ye Lan entered, it automatically closed behind him.
Inside the spacious office, there was only a single desk.
The young man seated behind it was focused on the computer screen, typing on the keyboard.
In his previous life, Ye Lan had visited Gongsun Shen’s office many times.
As the bottom student of Class E, Gongsun Shen had scolded him countless times, though always in vain.
But as the homeroom teacher of Class E, Gongsun Shen treated every student equally, and even fought with the grade director at meetings to secure more resources for Class E.
Though Gongsun Shen was young, Ye Lan sincerely respected him.
Unfortunately, Gongsun Shen only stayed with Class E for slightly over half a year—one and a half semesters.
In the second half of the first school year, he was suddenly transferred away from Zhanhun Military Academy.
At least, that was the academy’s explanation.
Gongsun Shen’s mysterious background was known very little, even to Ye Lan.
Ye Lan hadn’t failed to investigate; it was simply impossible, as Gongsun Shen’s files were highly classified.
For now, Ye Lan didn’t need to worry about the future; all he needed to know was that he and Gongsun Shen were once again in a teacher-student relationship.
Ye Lan spoke, “Hello, teacher. I’m here to check in.”
“So you’re Ye Lan?”
Gongsun Shen paused his work, pushing the computer aside and looking at Ye Lan.
His gaze wasn’t condescending; it was warm, like sunlight.
Ye Lan didn’t mind meeting such a gaze and replied, “Yes, I’m Ye Lan.”
“Mm, Ye Lan.” Gongsun Shen nodded, “I thought you wouldn’t come to report, considering what happened.”
“…”
Ye Lan was silent.
He knew exactly what Gongsun Shen was referring to—his retreat in front of the mech.
Though the full story was more complex, on the surface it appeared to be Ye Lan’s cowardice.
Ye Lan wasn’t sure what scolding awaited him.
Unexpectedly, Gongsun Shen said firmly, “I hope the academy will provide a fair explanation to clear these baseless accusations.”
“!” Ye Lan was genuinely surprised.
Seeing Ye Lan’s shock, Gongsun Shen smiled, “What, surprised?”
Ye Lan nodded without denial.
Gongsun Shen explained, “If you truly were guilty, even I couldn’t defend you. But I’ve investigated and found you’re not that kind of person. Moreover, the speed of the rumors spreading about you could not have happened without some behind-the-scenes influence. Yet, after that, the academy has made no further statements except to indirectly protect your reputation.”
“The academy’s ambiguous attitude, combined with the rapid spread of rumors, makes one suspect something is being hidden.”
Ye Lan had to admire Gongsun Shen’s reasoning.
The mech incident had been censored; even the Class E teacher wouldn’t normally know.
Yet Gongsun Shen inferred that something untoward was behind the smear against Ye Lan.
Seeing Ye Lan’s hesitation, Gongsun Shen said, “It’s up to you whether to fight back. If you want to, I’ll do everything I can to help.”
Ye Lan replied regretfully, “But doing so might affect your career, right?” Moreover, based on his knowledge of bystanders, defending his innocence would only create more trouble.
“You worry a lot,” Gongsun Shen said, surprised a student would speak this way.
“Teacher, thank you for your concern.” Ye Lan bowed in thanks.
But as a genuine weakling, he knew any argument was powerless against absolute strength.
He lowered his head, looking at his palm, and said, “But I believe, teacher, if my strength is sufficient, these rumors will naturally fade.”
Ye Lan’s words left Gongsun Shen momentarily stunned.
Just as he was about to say more, he saw Ye Lan clench his fist and lift his head, meeting his gaze.
In Ye Lan’s eyes, Gongsun Shen saw burning anger and a resolve for vengeance.
Ye Lan wasn’t indifferent, nor unashamed, nor unangered.
But he needed to bury these emotions deep within to gain greater strength and determination.
Gongsun Shen shook his head with a smile, sighing as he realized he had underestimated the student.
“All right, I understand. Since you have such awareness, just introduce yourself normally when you get to class.”
“Uh… isn’t that a bit awkward?” Though Ye Lan had the resolve to endure humiliation, the thought of socially embarrassing himself in front of everyone was still unpleasant.
“So what? These are your future companions.” Gongsun Shen walked beside Ye Lan, patting his shoulder jokingly, “You were two days late. Should I make a big scene in a military academy?”
…