Wife, I’ve Been Reborn (GL) - Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Academic Progress and Shifting Dynamics

Mu Nan’s tutoring plan proceeded methodically. Despite her initial complaints, the results were quite good. In just one month, her grades had significantly improved.

During this month, Mu Nan and Chen Jiao spent less time together. Mu Nan’s days were packed. Xu Liangchen seemed unable to tolerate her having any free time, constantly squeezing every bit of energy out of her. Every day, she complained bitterly. Soon, she realized she wasn’t the only one suffering.

At the end of the month, they had another monthly exam. This time, Mu Nan didn’t disappoint. Having a top student by her side certainly helped; her grades had successfully squeezed into the top fifteen. The homeroom teacher then realized that mutual aid truly worked, so she issued a directive to the entire class: during evening self-study, students who needed help could choose to sit next to high-achieving students to discuss problems from the day or those they didn’t understand. After all, communication between students was indeed much better than with teachers.

Consequently, Mu Nan quickly found herself out of favor. Her usual fixed seat was sometimes no longer hers. Because Xu Liangchen generally assigned herself test papers to do during evening self-study, she didn’t have many questions, which led to many people coveting her “throne.” She couldn’t refuse to move, so even her own battleground was lost. Mu Nan sat next to Chen Jiao resentfully, glaring at Xu Liangchen. Chen Jiao looked at Mu Nan, seeming to have something to say, but finally bit her lip and remained silent.

Mu Nan couldn’t sit still. After finishing a test paper, she asked Chen Jiao, “Jiaojiao, why don’t you let Xu Liangchen tutor you too?” She thought that if Chen Jiao also became busy, she might not be so obsessed with Zhao Shi. Chen Jiao quickly shook her head and waved her hands. “No need.” In truth, she hadn’t said it, but every time Xu Liangchen saw her, her expression was quite cold, especially those phoenix eyes, chilling. She was actually quite scared of being around Xu Liangchen. Zhao Shi was better, gentle and warm. Chen Jiao poked her math textbook with her pen, her gaze drifting to the boy sitting not far from her. In fact, they didn’t meet in private very often. Chen Jiao didn’t know how she had fallen under his spell, her entire mind consumed by him. Actually, Zhao Shi had secretly asked her to meet several times later. The first few times were under the pretense of wanting to apologize and ask Nannan out, which she did. The later times were simply to meet her. But he didn’t talk much to her. She could tell that Zhao Shi wasn’t very interested in her, yet she was strangely obsessed with just watching him. Even… even if he only needed her in bed, she felt happy. Chen Jiao felt a little sad. If Zhao Shi didn’t want her anymore, what would she do? Thinking this, she turned her head to look at Mu Nan. Mu Nan was doing the next set of test papers, lost in thought, looking completely untroubled by emotional worries.

“Nannan.” Chen Jiao called out, leaning on her desk, looking at her. Mu Nan bit her pen and tilted her head to look at her. “What’s wrong?” Chen Jiao felt a little wronged, yet couldn’t say it. This bitter fruit was hers to eat; she couldn’t blame anyone. Her eyes were slightly red, her voice a little choked. “Nothing, just wanted to call you.” Mu Nan chuckled, revealing her dimple and canine teeth, looking carefree. “You’re crazy!” Chen Jiao also felt she was crazy. She quickly shook her head, sweeping away all the chaotic thoughts in her mind.

…

A Subtle Glimpse and an Unspoken Understanding

Xu Liangchen was explaining a problem to a classmate. She turned to look towards Mu Nan and happened to see her smiling brightly, her familiar canine teeth, her eyes narrowed in a smile. She was lost in thought for a moment. Until a classmate beside her quietly called out, “Xu Liangchen?” Xu Liangchen snapped back to reality and continued explaining to her, but her thoughts had already drifted to a certain someone.

When class ended, Mu Nan carried her books back to her seat. Looking at the relaxed Xu Liangchen, she felt a surge of frustration. “It’s good for you, sitting here all the time, while I have to keep changing seats.” Xu Liangchen looked up at her sparkling eyes, which held a hint of annoyance. She suddenly smiled faintly, her phoenix eyes like a bright moon, her brows curved, her tone gentle. “Alright, no more changing seats now.” Mu Nan was momentarily breathless, her breathing uneven for a few seconds. Then she didn’t dare to look at Xu Liangchen, still muttering, “I… I was just saying.” Xu Liangchen sighed. “I’m serious.”

Xu Liangchen’s promise of no more changing seats was indeed kept. For the remaining few days of evening self-study, Mu Nan’s tasks were adjusted: one test paper to be done at home each night, and the three periods of evening self-study were dedicated to explaining formulas and difficult problems. Mu Nan breathed a sigh of relief, looking at the other students with eyes full of envy, suddenly feeling very proud.

“Are you listening seriously?” Xu Liangchen’s soft voice sounded, interrupting Mu Nan’s thoughts. Mu Nan’s face flushed, and she lowered her head. “I didn’t hear clearly.” Xu Liangchen frowned slightly. “Mu Nan, what I teach you, you must remember firmly.” Mu Nan nodded haphazardly.

…

An Unexpected Confrontation and a Calculated Risk

After evening self-study, Chen Jiao called Mu Nan out, saying she had something to talk about. Xu Liangchen was tidying up her desk, so she let Mu Nan go first. Zhao Shi then slowly approached Xu Liangchen. “Oh, quite capable, aren’t we?” His infuriatingly cool tone sounded, Zhao Shi smiling gently. Xu Liangchen stood up. Although not as tall as Zhao Shi, she wasn’t much shorter, and her aura completely overshadowed him. Although Zhao Shi smiled faintly, there was no smile in his eyes. He spoke through gritted teeth. “Xu Liangchen, don’t think no one knows about your past…”

Zhao Shi’s words were cut short by Xu Liangchen’s calm interruption. “Zhao Shi, I still have a saying for you.” Zhao Shi was choked. He asked, “What saying?” “You reap what you sow.” Xu Liangchen finished speaking and left her seat, not caring if Zhao Shi understood. How could she not know what Zhao Shi was trying to say? But what evidence could a mere boy like Zhao Shi produce? If he spoke out, not only would the teachers probably not believe him, but if the principal of No. 1 High School found out, he would probably immediately find someone to silence him!

Xu Liangchen had indeed been an escort who was later sent into a man’s room. That man was the school’s dean of studies. He also happened to be the brother-in-law of the principal of No. 1 High School. After Xu Liangchen woke up in the hospital that day, the principal of No. 1 High School did go, but not to comfort her. Instead, he secretly asked her to transfer schools and gave her a hush money. Xu Liangchen naturally accepted it, as she was just about to transfer to No. 3 High School anyway. What a perfect opportunity. Later, the principal repeatedly stated that this matter could only be known by heaven, earth, and the three of them. No one else could utter a word, and Xu Liangchen agreed. So, when Zhao Shi came to her with those documents, Xu Liangchen knew he only knew some superficial details and was trying to scare her. She absolutely wouldn’t believe that the principal would dare to tell a fourth person about this. Even if he didn’t care about his brother-in-law’s fate, he would still protect his own position. The rumor of a student and a teacher mingling at No. 1 High School, just that rumor alone, he couldn’t afford. Plus, with that teacher’s special status, others would probably say that the principal’s brother-in-law abused his position for improper conduct. And the target was a child who had just reached adulthood. He couldn’t bear that charge.

But Zhao Shi… it seemed he couldn’t be kept around either.

…

A Lingering Scent and a Dangerous Thought

Xu Liangchen walked out of the classroom and met Mu Nan, who was waiting for her at the doorway. As soon as Mu Nan saw her come out, she grabbed her arm, half her body leaning on her. “Xu Liangchen.” Xu Liangchen let her act familiar, replying faintly, “Hmm?” Mu Nan tilted her head to look at her. “What shower gel do you use? You smell so good!” Xu Liangchen walked faster, her steps not pausing as she spoke. “Soap.” Mu Nan struggled to keep up with her pace. “Hey, what kind of soap? I want to buy it too!”

Xu Liangchen turned to look at her. Under the streetlights, Mu Nan was wearing only a blue off-the-shoulder T-shirt, her long hair tied high, revealing her fair forehead, and below that, a small, delicate nose, and incessantly chattering lips. She kept staring at the corner of her lips, where there was a small black mole that would disappear when she smiled. Mu Nan waited for a long time without a reply, then shook her arm again. Xu Liangchen clenched both hands, fiercely suppressing the sudden surge of thoughts in her mind.

She was thinking. If I knocked Mu Nan out right now, what position would be best?