Chapter 23

**Chapter 23**

"So the student panicked and kicked his slipper into your bowl?"

Jin Ran couldn't help but chuckle.

Thanks to her vivid imagination, Wang Chen's description alone painted a clear picture: imagine eating noodles when suddenly a slipper descends from the sky—

Pfft! She couldn't hold back and burst out laughing again.

Beside her, Xu Zhen watched her introverted, homebody cousin suddenly transform into an outgoing and cheerful guy, and could barely look.

Although she hoped her cousin could win Ran Ran over, she had to admit that a girl as beautiful and outstanding as Jin Ran might not necessarily be interested in Wang Chen.

As she pondered this, the conversation quickly moved elsewhere.

Wang Chen sighed, "Our school has been a bit unlucky lately. First, it's hard to recruit staff, and now even the Dean of Students is leaving."

"Why is the Dean of Students leaving so suddenly?" Both Jin Ran and Xu Zhen were surprised. After all, the Dean of Students of a public school is usually appointed directly by the education bureau and is responsible for coordinating teaching management, curriculum implementation, and teacher development. In the school's organizational structure, this position is considered a mid-level administrative position and typically reports directly to the principal or the vice principal in charge of academics. (Note 1)

Jin Ran considered one possibility: "Could it be a staff change?"

Wang Chen nodded but then shook his head: "It seems he failed the assessment, lost the school's partnership, and with changes in the leadership, the previous Dean of Students was reassigned. From what I heard, the principal plans to have the school nominate someone this time, which will then be submitted to the education bureau for review and approval."

As a fellow young teacher who had been at the school a year longer, Wang Chen had already built his own information network. Seeing their interest, he couldn't help but share a bit more.

"It's true. Originally, several companies were planning to donate labs to the school, but the Dean of Students, for some reason, intentionally stalled the signing process, causing them to pull their funding. By the time the principal found out, it was too late. So, in a rage, he declared that regardless of age or gender, anyone with ability would have a chance to become the Dean of Students."

Amid their surprised gasps, Wang Chen joked, "What do you think about me running for Dean of Students? Remember to vote for me when the time comes!"

Xu Zhen immediately rolled her eyes: "You as Dean of Students? Better not let the Dean teach you a lesson instead!"

The cousins didn't take the matter seriously, but Jin Ran's eyes sparkled—she was genuinely intrigued.

Compared to an ordinary teacher, the Dean of Students position naturally held more weight. Jin Ran had chosen to take the teaching credential exam for stability, but at the same time, she wasn't someone who pursued stability above all else.

She could change her college application decision on submission day itself, and she could just as decisively join the rush to take the civil service exams upon realizing limited job opportunities.

Although that decision had led to her unfortunate car accident and transmigrating into a novel, Jin Ran was never one to stubbornly cling to her own opinions. She wasn't afraid of hardship; she only feared efforts without returns. The teaching profession just happened to avoid such risks.

When choosing between two paths to cross a river—one clear and shallow, the other deeper and more challenging but without life-threatening risks, possibly even holding treasure at the end—she would undoubtedly choose the second without hesitation.

After all, life was short. Why not pursue limitless achievements within a limited lifespan? Even if there were no grand pursuits to speak of, who doesn't like a higher salary? The Dean of Students handles both teaching and management, with a salary twice that of an ordinary teacher!

The more Jin Ran thought about it, the more appealing it seemed. In a short time, she had already planned out a career path for promotion and salary increases: from substitute teacher to passing the exam to become a formal teacher, then rising to Dean of Students, and finally aiming for vice principal. Even if she failed, it wouldn't matter—aside from gaining valuable experience, she had nothing to lose!

So after Wang Chen finished speaking, she couldn't help but ask, "Are there any specific requirements for the Dean of Students nomination?"

Hearing this, Wang Chen was taken aback before realizing she was genuinely interested: "I'm not sure about the details. I'll help you find out when I get back."

Jin Ran happily thanked him.

To show her gratitude, she went to the counter and got Teacher Wang another helping of braised pork ribs.

"Snap."

At the small cafeteria table, the chopsticks in Jiang Xuli's hands suddenly broke in half.

Chen Xunliang, chewing on the last piece of cabbage, stared wide-eyed at the scene: "Jeez, the quality of the cafeteria chopsticks is terrible." With quick reflexes, he snatched the piece of braised pork that had been midway to its doom. "Don't waste it, I'll eat it for you!"

Jiang Xuli felt a vein throbbing at his temple.

How did he end up with such a friend who's always eating!

He glanced again at his stepmom, laughing and chatting with another man, hesitated for a moment, but decided to pretend he hadn't seen anything.

After all, his father wouldn't appreciate it anyway.

Remembering the confrontation at the hospital, Jiang Xuli's eyes gradually darkened.

Of course, the most important thing was that he knew there was nothing between Jin Ran and the young man. But at this moment, he couldn't help but secretly imagine his father being abandoned.

He wondered if that man could still maintain his composed, strategizing demeanor when that time came.

During the break, the class president of Class 3 asked a few strong boys to go to the office to move books.

Jiang Xuli, who had been lying on his desk, stood up upon hearing this: "Count me in."

/

The class president didn't know why Jiang Xuli, who never participated in such things, would volunteer, but seeing that he indeed looked strong, nodded: "The math office on the third floor. Don't go to the wrong place, and be quick! I saw Classes 5 and 6 already on their way when I came back!"

The school books were distributed in set amounts. Although every student would get one, those who arrived late would only get the leftover copies—either with creases, torn, or dirty. It didn't affect usability, but it was always frustrating.

A group of boys immediately headed out in a group.

Passing by Class 7, Jiang Xuli saw a crowd gathered at the door. The tall boy he had helped before was standing with his head down behind a young woman, while a man dressed in punk style was sternly saying something nearby.

Jiang Xuli glanced a few times before losing interest and looking away.

In the afternoon, Jin Ran asked around among her colleagues and learned that the principal indeed intended to hold an internal nomination for the Dean of Students position. However, no one knew who would be nominated or how the selection would proceed.

Though disappointed by this, Jin Ran remained calm. Her top priority was preparing for the upcoming teaching credential exam. Only by passing the exam and becoming a formal teacher would she be qualified to compete for the Dean of Students position later.

There was noise from outside, and Jin Ran looked up to see a group of students at the door. The boy leading them said, "Teacher, our homeroom teacher sent us to move books."

At that moment, Jin Ran was the only one in the office. She asked, "What books?"

"The newly ordered 'New Textbook Complete Guide' and 'Practice Problems Frenzy.'"

Jin Ran pointed to the desk on the left: "Over there. You can go get them, but remember to form a line."

The students came in one by one. The students from Class 3 were fine, having already met Jin Ran in class, but for students from other classes, it was their first time. Not daring to make noise, each waited politely in line.

Jiang Xuli bent over, pretending to pick out books, and when no one was looking, quietly approached Jin Ran. Lowering his voice, he said, "I saw you in the cafeteria at noon today."

Jin Ran looked puzzled: "Really? I heard the student cafeteria food was pretty good, so I went with a colleague to try it."

However, it had been too crowded, and she hadn't noticed Jiang Xuli.

With a curious expression, Jin Ran wondered what this awkward high school student wanted by approaching her.

Jiang Xuli, on the other hand, quickly zeroed in on the key point: "Colleague?"

"Yes, Teacher Wang from the senior second grade. He was the one who got me into the school in the first place." Her curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't help asking, "Jiang, is there something you wanted to ask?"

So it was a teacher from the school.

At this moment, Jiang Xuli didn’t know why he felt relieved. Though he claimed he wanted to see his father make a fool of himself, in the end, he couldn’t bear the thought. Now, at least, he no longer had to worry about coming home one day to find the old man having a meltdown.

With the matter he had been dwelling on finally settled, he felt a wave of relief. "It’s nothing, I just wanted to ask if the food was good."

"It’s alright."

Even so, Jin Ran wasn’t buying his excuse, though she saw no need to press further. Teenagers having little secrets was perfectly normal.

Seeing that he was about to leave, she naturally pulled a brand-new test paper from her drawer. "By the way, I heard you’re the top math student in our class. I just made a placement test—take it home and complete it."

Jiang Xuli: "…"

He regretted meddling.

/

Mingji Technology.

Jiang Mingsuo’s phone, lying to one side, suddenly buzzed.

Jin Ran: [Are you free right now? (peeking kitten emoji)]

[Are you busy?]

[If you see this, please reply. I have something to discuss.]

Jiang Mingsuo happened to catch the last message. Setting aside the document in his hand, he unlocked his phone. In that short time, Jin Ran had already sent three or four more messages. Additionally, a new group chat had appeared in his list.

He paused, then first opened Jin Ran’s chat window. [What is it?]

She replied instantly.

Jin Ran: [Well, Mr. Jiang, to help students experience the joy of learning math, I plan to implement a "buddy" learning system in class. Your son, Jiang Xuli, excels in math and has been appointed as the Math Team Leader. Starting today, he may need to stay after school for evening study hall sessions. May I ask if you, as a parent, have any thoughts on this?]

Looking at the words "Mr. Jiang" on the screen, Jiang Mingsuo’s mouth twitched, though he understood her intention.

Hmm, quite professional and clear.

If one ignored the adorable kitten emoji.

A faint smile touched the corners of his eyes. After a moment’s thought, he asked, [Will the parents’ opinions affect the final outcome?]

[Yes, it’s recommended that parents carefully consider whether they can support their child’s decision. It might occasionally run quite late, requiring parents to pick them up.]

Since she put it that way, Jiang Mingsuo reread the requirements.

In short, it was a "one-on-one" pairing system. For example, if Student A was strong in math but weak in English, and Student B was weak in math but strong in English, they could help each other and study together, potentially complementing each other’s strengths and achieving a "1+1 > 2" effect.

Jiang Mingsuo curled his fingers, his knuckles tapping rhythmically against the oak desk, the sound echoing in the empty room.

As a businessman, he prioritized profit. His first reaction to this matter was to assess it from a cost-benefit perspective. But upon careful consideration, he had to admit it was a decision with more benefits than drawbacks.

This slightly changed his perspective.

His view of the current "Jin Ran" also shifted.

If before he had been indifferent, treating her like an amusing novelty, now there was a bit of respect.

On the other hand, the key to this matter ultimately lay with Jiang Xuli.

To be honest, Jiang Mingsuo had always been distant with his only son.

The year Jiang Xuli was born coincided with the most difficult phase of Jiang Mingsuo’s startup—partners withdrew investments, the cash flow dried up, and he had a complete falling out with relatives back home over some issues. It nearly reached the point of losing everything.

By the time he finally weathered the crisis, it was already graduation season. He could only leave the child in his hometown under a nanny’s care.

Later, after establishing himself in City A, he remembered to bring his son over. But it was too late—the four-year-old Jiang Xuli was already old enough to remember and was highly resistant to him, his father.

And Jiang Mingsuo was never the affectionate type. His heart was colder than stone. Coupled with the old matter of the child’s mother, he simply adopted a hands-off approach toward the child.

[If Xiao Li is willing, I have no issues on my end.]

Jin Ran was holding her phone, waiting with bated breath. The evening sun streamed through the window, making her drowsy. In a daze, she saw the incoming message and jolted awake, fully alert.

Persuading an alpha executive required professional knowledge and theoretical data. Persuading Jiang Xuli only took one sentence: "Your father was never a Math Team Leader."

So, only after securing the cooperation of her stepson did she proceed to the next step.

Now, seeing Jiang Mingsuo agree, she was delighted. [Great! Mr. Jiang, thank you for your understanding! You’re such an understanding parent. Other parents should learn from you!]

Jiang Mingsuo raised an eyebrow, a thought popping into his mind: Flattery usually means she wants something.

Sure enough, after buttering up Jiang Mingsuo, Jin Ran immediately turned to the newly created group chat and sent a message.

[Thank you, Mr. Jiang, for supporting the teacher’s work. Behind every successful child is a parent who silently contributes. I believe Jiang Xuli’s grades will surely improve! (clapping emoji)(clapping emoji)(clapping emoji)]

[Other parents, don’t be discouraged. If you’re interested, you can still private message me. If it’s really inconvenient, that’s okay too—parents can supervise their children’s studying at home; the effect should also be quite good.]

She dropped two key points at once. To ensure no one missed it, she specifically @-ed all parents. As soon as she sent it, the parent group chat blew up.

Mr. Jiang? Which Mr. Jiang? It couldn’t be the one they were thinking of, could it?!

Scrolling through the member list, some in the know already recognized Jiang Mingsuo’s account, and their hearts were instantly filled with amazement.

—To be able to persuade Jiang Mingsuo and even pull him into the parent group, this Teacher Jin seemed somewhat extraordinary.

So they began inquiring about her background. Upon learning she was a top graduate from A Normal University, their admiration grew even more.

Capable people held intellectuals in high regard. The "buddy" learning method was inherently a good thing. Sensible parents wouldn’t refuse. Those who had found it troublesome and were still hesitating, upon seeing Jiang Mingsuo agree, immediately forgot about the hassle and agreed as well.

Following a big shot meant getting a share of the benefits. Even if they couldn’t directly benefit, having their child spend more time with Young Master Jiang to get to know each other was also a good idea.

Jiang Mingsuo, witnessing all this: "…"

If he couldn’t understand what was happening, he might as well not have been ten years older. The corners of his mouth tightened repeatedly, and finally, he couldn’t help but let out a wry laugh.

Special Assistant Wang, who had just reached the doorway, saw this scene and inexplicably shivered. Suddenly, his own matter didn’t seem so urgent. Maybe he should come back and report later.

Over there, after laughing, Jiang Mingsuo helplessly pinched the bridge of his nose.

Could he say her boldness was growing?

Before, she had been cautiously testing the waters. Now, she pretended to be a soft, harmless lamb, slowly approaching until you let your guard down, then suddenly revealing sharp claws to swipe at you.

Although, to him, those claws felt light and ticklish…

Amid the lively discussion among the parents, a message abruptly popped up in the group.

Jiang Mingsuo: [Teacher Jin is young and promising, with unique insights into mathematics. The "buddy" method is also an excellent approach within companies. If student grades improve subsequently, Mingji Technology will consider donating two tech labs to Wencheng High School.]

This served as the final word on Jin Ran's earlier remarks.

Right away, everyone’s trust in Teacher Jin’s “capabilities” grew even stronger.

Little did they know that the very Teacher Jin they saw as “quite something” was at that moment apologizing to CEO Jiang in a private chat, sounding totally pathetic.

Jin Ran: [I’m sorry, I was wrong! (bunny bowing apologetically)]

This was her first time being rich, like, ever. How was she to know that a big-shot CEO would even have two separate contact methods? And she had, well, accidentally and unintentionally—ahem—posted his private number to the group chat.

As a result, Jiang Mingsuo was blowing up with friend requests within just a few minutes.

Jiang Mingsuo let out a helpless sigh and rubbed his forehead: [No need for kowtowing. But strictly speaking, this was your error. Shouldn’t you take responsibility for it?]

Jin Ran replied immediately: [Of course! I’m not irresponsible!]

Since her goal had already been achieved and she had used him, it was only reasonable for him to want something in return.

But just in case Jiang Mingsuo was too out of touch to understand the struggles of ordinary people, she added a reminder: [It can’t exceed what I’m capable of, though. Otherwise, it doesn’t count.]

Jiang Mingsuo: [It shouldn't be anything too crazy.]

Yet he didn’t specify how exactly she should take responsibility. No matter how Jin Ran tried to probe, he wouldn’t budge, instead shifting the topic: [Is there ‘partner’ study tonight?]

[Although I’m looking forward to it, the ‘partner’ study plan is still in the works and hasn’t started yet.]

[Hmm, I’ve finished up with work too. I'm going to be in the area.]

This implied he was offering to pick her up.

A free ride? She wasn't about to say no to that. So Jin Ran agreed cheerfully and sent along a popular sticker of “Xiao Ba” making a cute face with pinched cheeks.

Then she exited the chat and turned to reply to other parents’ private messages.

By the time she finished addressing all the parents’ questions and returned to the original chat, she saw Jiang Mingsuo had sent a new message.

Jiang Mingsuo: [……]

Jiang Mingsuo: [No.]

She had no idea what he meant by “no.” After turning it over in her mind and still failing to understand the old man's logic, she simply put it out of her head.

/

The evening sky was painted with sunset colors, soaking the world in a warm light, while the streets buzzed with heavy traffic.

Having finished her first day of work, Jin Ran bid her colleagues goodbye, asked a few students to let Jiang Xuli know, and headed to the school gate to wait for her ride.

Although Jiang Mingsuo had said he was “passing by anyway,” Jin Ran didn't have the nerve to assume he was making a special trip just for her. Still, she figured if she notified him and he didn’t show, that wasn't her problem.

But what Jin Ran didn’t expect was that instead of a car or Jiang Xuli, the first person she ran into was Jin Jing, who had come to the school looking for Jiang Xuli.

She knew Jin Jing wasn’t there for her because no one else knew about her job at the school yet.

Huh?

Again?

Jin Ran, who'd been feeling kinda drained from work, suddenly perked up and got instantly curious—what new trick was the other party planning to pull this time?