UD: C02

Chapter: 2 | The brightest star in the night sky

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The brightest star in the night sky

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This novel was posted on cntranslationss [dot] blogsp0t [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{But, as the old saying goes: reality, was quite cruel. Without replying, Professor Yan glared at me, his eyes displaying his irritation as he tossed out the sentence which made my heart tremble before simply continuing with his lecture: "During self-study, come to my office."}
"The two of you aren't together, but what does my mom look like? Do you even remember?"

But, as the old saying goes: reality, was quite cruel. Without replying, Professor Yan glared at me, his eyes displaying his irritation as he tossed out the sentence which made my heart tremble before simply continuing with his lecture: "During self-study, come to my office."

_{Taking a gulp of air while still in the doorway, I then strode in with huge steps and made my way directly to Professor Yan's desk.}So to this request from Da Zhang, I refused without a hitch: "I'll break you two up."

Taking a gulp of air while still in the doorway, I then strode in with huge steps and made my way directly to Professor Yan's desk.

_{His deskmate is calling him Little Sweet because his name Tian(恬: calm/carefree) and sweet(甜) are homonyms.}"It was just a homophone! I was just playing around. But seriously, I'm begging you, that autograph is for my future girlfriend and all I have to rely on is your help. I promise, when it's all done, I'll treat you to a whole week's worth of barbecue!"

His deskmate is calling him Little Sweet because his name Tian(恬: calm/carefree) and sweet(甜) are homonyms.[] 宋慈:Sòng Cí (1186-1249): Physician, judge, forensic medical scientist, anthropologist and writer. Wrote the 'Collected Cases of Injustice Rectified' aka 'Record of Washed Grievances' (洗冤集录) in 1247 which is regarded as the world's first legal forensic text.[] Chrysanthemum is a slang for anus. So his eyes blossoming like a puckered butthole is a funny way of reading it.

_{But, once I thought about it, it might be that Professor Yan is impersonating a movie character; deliberately trying to make things difficult. So, just like Professor Yan, I pretended I never saw my file, and verified my age: "Twenty-three—"}
Are you kidding me? How the heck can I forget! Your mom's number one fanboy—was me! So as a fan, how is possible for me to ever forget? How can I ever forget them! It's been so many years since we've been separated, but despite that, every time I think about that kid's mother, I can't help but feel a faint throbbing ache from my chrysanthemum. That night was so tragic, it was beyond compare. I was such an ignorant young man then. I believed that as long as the one you're sleeping with is the one you love it would lead to that love of yours turning out just like the portrayed in books: painful, but with pleasure, a pleasure that will carry faint traces of pain, then following a wave of continuous gratification, a final and fulfilling climax. But, in reality, what you get is pain from your head to your tail-bone—the kind of pain that made this Laozi burst into tears until it was dawn with a trail of snot and a trail tears. If it were not for me being afraid of scaring that kid's mom away, I would have sworn I was sleeping with a wolf! Even if I wanted to cry out, back then I was the embodiment of endurance and perseverance, simply biting my lips and sticking it out until the end. Such a sentiment is surely worthy of praise, am I right?

But, once I thought about it, it might be that Professor Yan is impersonating a movie character; deliberately trying to make things difficult. So, just like Professor Yan, I pretended I never saw my file, and verified my age: "Twenty-three—"

_{Professor Yan must harbour some kind of special hatred for the number one-thousand, otherwise, why else would he be so fixated on that number like this?}Because the offices on the floor were all integrated, this office space was used by several different professors. The space was quite large so it had been divided into several cubicles, and because there were student assigned to clean things up, it was also neat and tidy; it had even been decked out with a few plants, making it all look fresh and delightful.

Professor Yan must harbour some kind of special hatred for the number one-thousand, otherwise, why else would he be so fixated on that number like this?

_{I had no idea what the point of this conversation was, but I did honestly give the answer: "I'm single." Why did that feel so weird?} "The two of you aren't together, but what does my mom look like? Do you even remember?"

I had no idea what the point of this conversation was, but I did honestly give the answer: "I'm single." Why did that feel so weird?

_{"Professor Xiao, can I have your autograph?! I really, really like you, I adore you! Kyaaa—" What, how could fess up I was trying this hard to get his signature because I was hung up on a few meals of barbecue?}
Remembering those past events, recalling all those feelings... Ahem. Repressing those flickers of excitement, I cleared my throat, slapping on a proper and graceful smile to ask her in a reserved tone: "Why are you so curious about your mother, hm? Anyway, that person is in fact quite good look—"

"Professor Xiao, can I have your autograph?! I really, really like you, I adore you! Kyaaa—" What, how could fess up I was trying this hard to get his signature because I was hung up on a few meals of barbecue?

_{Anyway, even though this was a giant mistake, no one gave me the chance to redress this injustice. But, based on Professor Yan's style of sticking to his guns and not listening to any explanations, even if Song Ci jumped out right now, in all his esteem, he would probably be unable to wash away these injustices against me too.}"No, come on... Can you really blame me for doing something like this? Just now, did I not warn you out of the goodness of my heart?"

Anyway, even though this was a giant mistake, no one gave me the chance to redress this injustice. But, based on Professor Yan's style of sticking to his guns and not listening to any explanations, even if Song Ci jumped out right now, in all his esteem, he would probably be unable to wash away these injustices against me too.

_{Answer me this, who, just who can refuse the enticement of food, hm? I still had some reluctance, but I need to just buck the heck up—it's a deal!}
Being the impatient child she was, Li You interrupted me: "No, what I mean is, I wanna know what kind of woman would fall for a man like you?" Did you hear that, the sound of something shattering? Well, that was my heart.

Answer me this, who, just who can refuse the enticement of food, hm? I still had some reluctance, but I need to just buck the heck up—it's a deal!

_{I froze, letting out a laugh to help ease the indescribable embarrassment as I added, "I was, just kidding..." before picking up a cup of water then handed it to the professor respectfully.}
"..." Is this what it feels like to be cut by a daughter's sharp tongue? Well, let me tell you, in that moment, it was like having a thousand arrows pierce through my heart—it made me want to sever our ties as father and child. But, on account of my soft-hearted nature due to being a father, even if my daughter is unfilial, I can not be as ruthless as her. I did want to cry though. Why would she demand this much from me? Was I that much of a disappointment? Is it because I like playing games a bit too much? Is it because I always get caught playing games in secret? Is that it? Am I really the cause of all of this? Because there is no image of me standing tall as her father, I've now been reduced to a lonely pile of grievances by my own daughter's ridicule and disdain.

I froze, letting out a laugh to help ease the indescribable embarrassment as I added, "I was, just kidding..." before picking up a cup of water then handed it to the professor respectfully.

_{God, his voice is so sweet on the ears! It's just so gosh-darn pleasant it made my muddled brain a blank slate. Making me think about that day I ran to his house with liquor I bought from outside and said to him: "Huaisu-ge, I have a problem, can you explain to me?"}"No, come on... Can you really blame me for doing something like this? Just now, did I not warn you out of the goodness of my heart?"

God, his voice is so sweet on the ears! It's just so gosh-darn pleasant it made my muddled brain a blank slate. Making me think about that day I ran to his house with liquor I bought from outside and said to him: "Huaisu-ge, I have a problem, can you explain to me?"

_{So can I dare refuse?}
Out of nowhere, I remembered that rebirth novels were currently all the rage. that daughter of mine was just a little over three years of age, so for her to be this fierce, this young, it's entirely possible she was a rebirthed human, right! Maybe in her last life she was some kind of devil, or maybe she was Dr. Who disguised as a genius young girl. When I thought about it like this, her coldness and snubbing seem pretty normal. After all, I'm not that talented, so the more I think about it, the more I think it is really possible. So once more I repress those excitable emotions of mine, donned a proper, serious face and looked at Li You, before asking her in a serious tone: "Li You, I have a question I'd like to ask you."

So can I dare refuse?

_{On top of all this, apart from a bald dude with professor Yan and a frizzy-haired professor outside; I, unfortunately, also did not lay eyes on that 'legendary' Professor Xiao, which means there will most likely be no chance of eating that week's worth of barbeque, and that realisation made me feel really sad—and I felt even sadder when I found out I had to write the same sentence a thousand times too..}Out of nowhere, I remembered that rebirth novels were currently all the rage. that daughter of mine was just a little over three years of age, so for her to be this fierce, this young, it's entirely possible she was a rebirthed human, right! Maybe in her last life she was some kind of devil, or maybe she was Dr. Who disguised as a genius young girl. When I thought about it like this, her coldness and snubbing seem pretty normal. After all, I'm not that talented, so the more I think about it, the more I think it is really possible. So once more I repress those excitable emotions of mine, donned a proper, serious face and looked at Li You, before asking her in a serious tone: "Li You, I have a question I'd like to ask you."

On top of all this, apart from a bald dude with professor Yan and a frizzy-haired professor outside; I, unfortunately, also did not lay eyes on that 'legendary' Professor Xiao, which means there will most likely be no chance of eating that week's worth of barbeque, and that realisation made me feel really sad—and I felt even sadder when I found out I had to write the same sentence a thousand times too.

_{So, with the burden of removing Da Zhang's stamp of singledom upon my shoulder's, as well as one beautiful week's worth of barbecue for me; I tenaciously, staunchly and resolutely made my way to the office to try and find that Professor Xiao and... oh no... I have to find Professor Yan too.}
Li You had settled herself on the couch, taking her time as she flipped through the extracurricular books I had bought her. Having heard what I asked, she lifted her head and stared at me confusedly.

So, with the burden of removing Da Zhang's stamp of singledom upon my shoulder's, as well as one beautiful week's worth of barbecue for me; I tenaciously, staunchly and resolutely made my way to the office to try and find that Professor Xiao and... oh no... I have to find Professor Yan too.

_{But, as the old saying goes: reality, was quite cruel. Without replying, Professor Yan glared at me, his eyes displaying his irritation as he tossed out the sentence which made my heart tremble before simply continuing with his lecture: "During self-study, come to my office."}I froze, letting out a laugh to help ease the indescribable embarrassment as I added, "I was, just kidding..." before picking up a cup of water then handed it to the professor respectfully.

But, as the old saying goes: reality, was quite cruel. Without replying, Professor Yan glared at me, his eyes displaying his irritation as he tossed out the sentence which made my heart tremble before simply continuing with his lecture: "During self-study, come to my office."

_{Because of the talk Li You and I had last night, my thoughts were still immersed in that past event today, making me have no idea what Professor Yan was currently saying.} Anyway, even though this was a giant mistake, no one gave me the chance to redress this injustice. But, based on Professor Yan's style of sticking to his guns and not listening to any explanations, even if Song Ci jumped out right now, in all his esteem, he would probably be unable to wash away these injustices against me too.

Because of the talk Li You and I had last night, my thoughts were still immersed in that past event today, making me have no idea what Professor Yan was currently saying.

_{"Professor Yan, I'm here." I try my best to force a smile with the intent of showing how harmless I am in order to invoke a spurt of tenderness to bloom within both the man and the beast, in hopes of reducing my upcoming punishment.}
"Rebirth or time traveller?"

"Professor Yan, I'm here." I try my best to force a smile with the intent of showing how harmless I am in order to invoke a spurt of tenderness to bloom within both the man and the beast, in hopes of reducing my upcoming punishment. That's because I once heard that as punishment for cutting class the first time by that man was writing a thousand lines of 'I cut classes, I am conceited. I don't need to study to place first'. Just hearing about it alone makes me feel like crap, and I can't help but shed a few tears for that poor fellow.

_{Are you kidding me? How the heck can I forget! Your mom's number one fanboy—was me! So as a fan, how is possible for me to ever forget? How can I ever forget them! It's been so many years since we've been separated, but despite that, every time I think about that kid's mother, I can't help but feel a faint throbbing ache from my chrysanthemum. That night was so tragic, it was beyond compare.}Being the impatient child she was, Li You interrupted me: "No, what I mean is, I wanna know what kind of woman would fall for a man like you?" Did you hear that, the sound of something shattering? Well, that was my heart.

Are you kidding me? How the heck can I forget! Your mom's number one fanboy—was me! So as a fan, how is possible for me to ever forget? How can I ever forget them! It's been so many years since we've been separated, but despite that, every time I think about that kid's mother, I can't help but feel a faint throbbing ache from my chrysanthemum. That night was so tragic, it was beyond compare. I was such an ignorant young man then. I believed that as long as the one you're sleeping with is the one you love it would lead to that love of yours turning out just like the portrayed in books: painful, but with pleasure, a pleasure that will carry faint traces of pain, then following a wave of continuous gratification, a final and fulfilling climax. But, in reality, what you get is pain from your head to your tail-bone—the kind of pain that made this Laozi burst into tears until it was dawn with a trail of snot and a trail tears. If it were not for me being afraid of scaring that kid's mom away, I would have sworn I was sleeping with a wolf! Even if I wanted to cry out, back then I was the embodiment of endurance and perseverance, simply biting my lips and sticking it out until the end. Such a sentiment is surely worthy of praise, am I right?

_{"I'll take it after you answer my question."}
With a face engraved with a "here we go again" expression, Li You stated: "Dad, go take your medication." To my shock, there was no trembling from her, nor any panic at all from having being discovered.

"I'll take it after you answer my question."

_{Remembering those past events, recalling all those feelings... {Ahem}. Repressing those flickers of excitement, I cleared my throat, slapping on a proper and graceful smile to ask her in a reserved tone: "Why are you so curious about your mother, hm? Anyway, that person is in fact quite good look—"}Whelp, this taught me one thing at least: don't read too many webnovels. Reading too much of those things will likely negatively affect our father daughter relationship.

Remembering those past events, recalling all those feelings... Ahem. Repressing those flickers of excitement, I cleared my throat, slapping on a proper and graceful smile to ask her in a reserved tone: "Why are you so curious about your mother, hm? Anyway, that person is in fact quite good look—"

_{Remembering those past events, recalling all those feelings... Ahem. Repressing those flickers of excitement, I cleared my throat, slapping on a proper and graceful smile to ask her in a reserved tone: "Why are you so curious about your mother, hm? Anyway, that person is in fact quite good look—"}
"I'll take it after you answer my question."

Remembering those past events, recalling all those feelings... Ahem. Repressing those flickers of excitement, I cleared my throat, slapping on a proper and graceful smile to ask her in a reserved tone: "Why are you so curious about your mother, hm? Anyway, that person is in fact quite good look—"

_{Whelp, this taught me one thing at least: don't read too many webnovels. Reading too much of those things will likely negatively affect our father daughter relationship.}
"I don't understand what you said." Li You knitted her brows, "I have homework today. Hurry and make dinner so I could go do my homework."

Whelp, this taught me one thing at least: don't read too many webnovels. Reading too much of those things will likely negatively affect our father daughter relationship.

_{"No, come on... Can you really blame me for doing something like this? Just now, did I not warn you out of the goodness of my heart?"}Professor Yan must harbour some kind of special hatred for the number one-thousand, otherwise, why else would he be so fixated on that number like this?

"No, come on... Can you really blame me for doing something like this? Just now, did I not warn you out of the goodness of my heart?"

_N/A "I don't understand what you said." Li You knitted her brows, "I have homework today. Hurry and make dinner so I could go do my homework."

N/A

_{Anyway, maybe it was the sounds of my screams were too unique, but all of a sudden, the crowd fell silent. Opening my eyes, I saw everyone looking at me, and when I turned my head, I saw Xiao Huaisu was looking at me too. I dropped my head in an instant, pretending I was shy and simply handed him the notebook.}
Whelp, this taught me one thing at least: don't read too many webnovels. Reading too much of those things will likely negatively affect our father daughter relationship.

Anyway, maybe it was the sounds of my screams were too unique, but all of a sudden, the crowd fell silent. Opening my eyes, I saw everyone looking at me, and when I turned my head, I saw Xiao Huaisu was looking at me too. I dropped my head in an instant, pretending I was shy and simply handed him the notebook.

_{But I was naïve to think that Professor Yan would just let me go after we were done with the matter regarding his niece. I somehow thought to myself that I was more special than the rest, that I would make him throw down his butcher's knife and become a decent person.}Because of the talk Li You and I had last night, my thoughts were still immersed in that past event today, making me have no idea what Professor Yan was currently saying.

But I was naïve to think that Professor Yan would just let me go after we were done with the matter regarding his niece. I somehow thought to myself that I was more special than the rest, that I would make him throw down his butcher's knife and become a decent person. Absolutely, never even thinking, that he would not let me go and that what would actually happened was me getting the same punishment as my dear fellow mentioned above, tasked to write "I will not be distracted in class again" one-thousand times.

_{"Li Tian, what did you just say?" Professor Yan asked me—word by word.}
After we were done talking, I made my way to the kitchen then took a gander at the ingredients in the fridge and couldn't help myself from sighing. Man, it really is a good thing Li You is still just three years old. If she were a bit older, it's very likely she'd go post the complaint of me in some forum: What's it like to have a retarded, wackadoo, videogame playing, webnovel reading lover of a dad which no medicine in existence can cure...

"Li Tian, what did you just say?" Professor Yan asked me—word by word.

_{"The two of you aren't together, but what does my mom look like? Do you even remember?"}
∽***∼

"The two of you aren't together, but what does my mom look like? Do you even remember?"

_{On top of all this, apart from a bald dude with professor Yan and a frizzy-haired professor outside; I, unfortunately, also did not lay eyes on that 'legendary' Professor Xiao, which means there will most likely be no chance of eating that week's worth of barbeque, and that realisation made me feel really sad—and I felt even sadder when I found out I had to write the same sentence a thousand times too..}
Because of the talk Li You and I had last night, my thoughts were still immersed in that past event today, making me have no idea what Professor Yan was currently saying.

On top of all this, apart from a bald dude with professor Yan and a frizzy-haired professor outside; I, unfortunately, also did not lay eyes on that 'legendary' Professor Xiao, which means there will most likely be no chance of eating that week's worth of barbeque, and that realisation made me feel really sad—and I felt even sadder when I found out I had to write the same sentence a thousand times too.

_{Out of nowhere, I remembered that rebirth novels were currently all the rage. that daughter of mine was just a little over three years of age, so for her to be this fierce, this young, it's entirely possible she was a rebirthed human, right! Maybe in her last life she was some kind of devil, or maybe she was Dr.}So, with the burden of removing Da Zhang's stamp of singledom upon my shoulder's, as well as one beautiful week's worth of barbecue for me; I tenaciously, staunchly and resolutely made my way to the office to try and find that Professor Xiao and... oh no... I have to find Professor Yan too.

Out of nowhere, I remembered that rebirth novels were currently all the rage. that daughter of mine was just a little over three years of age, so for her to be this fierce, this young, it's entirely possible she was a rebirthed human, right! Maybe in her last life she was some kind of devil, or maybe she was Dr. Who disguised as a genius young girl. When I thought about it like this, her coldness and snubbing seem pretty normal. After all, I'm not that talented, so the more I think about it, the more I think it is really possible. So once more I repress those excitable emotions of mine, donned a proper, serious face and looked at Li You, before asking her in a serious tone: "Li You, I have a question I'd like to ask you."

_{"Professor, may I have your autograph?"}"Professor Xiao, can I have your autograph?! I really, really like you, I adore you! Kyaaa—" What, how could fess up I was trying this hard to get his signature because I was hung up on a few meals of barbecue?

"Professor, may I have your autograph?"

_{How long has it been since I saw him? Before, I used to think not seeing him for a day felt like a century, but now, it's been about four years, hasn't it?}
"Li Tian! Stand up this instant and explain what things are worthy of someone's attention?" Professor Yan's booming voice did not drag me back from my mental voyage in any way, but instead, it was done by the faint whisper of my deskmate from beside me, "Xiao Tiantian, Xiao Tiantian, stand up!"^[1]

How long has it been since I saw him? Before, I used to think not seeing him for a day felt like a century, but now, it's been about four years, hasn't it?

_{On top of all this, apart from a bald dude with professor Yan and a frizzy-haired professor outside; I, unfortunately, also did not lay eyes on that 'legendary' Professor Xiao, which means there will most likely be no chance of eating that week's worth of barbeque, and that realisation made me feel really sad—and I felt even sadder when I found out I had to write the same sentence a thousand times too..}"Li Tian, what did you just say?" Professor Yan asked me—word by word.

On top of all this, apart from a bald dude with professor Yan and a frizzy-haired professor outside; I, unfortunately, also did not lay eyes on that 'legendary' Professor Xiao, which means there will most likely be no chance of eating that week's worth of barbeque, and that realisation made me feel really sad—and I felt even sadder when I found out I had to write the same sentence a thousand times too.

_{"No, come on... Can you really blame me for doing something like this? Just now, did I not warn you out of the goodness of my heart?"}
But despite my deskmate's cordial call, I was still a bit out of it afterwards as well as pissed at them calling me 'Lil Sweetie'. So, using my arm to elbow him, I cursed: "Eff off! What did you just call me?!" After saying this, I looked up towards the blackboard, catching sight of Professor Yan's solemn face staring directly at me as I did. From beside me, my deskmate pinched my arm in warning, a muffled laugh almost escaping them, "Professor Yan called for you to stand up and answer a question." Professor Yan called on me? I was immediately scared to the point of trembling, so holding my desk for support, I stood up nervously, my eyes spread wide as I looked at Professor Yan. Right at this moment, what I wanted more than anything, was for Professor Yan to call on anyone but me. Or, that after he called me, for him to be struck by a bout of selective amnesia and to forget he had even called me. Afterwards, he would then rub his temples, tell me to take my seat before gently adding that I should study properly everyday to do better.

"No, come on... Can you really blame me for doing something like this? Just now, did I not warn you out of the goodness of my heart?"

_{Professor, did you hear me...}
"Li Tian, what did you just say?" Professor Yan asked me—word by word.

Professor, did you hear me...

_N/A
Professor, did you hear me...

N/A

_{The brightest star in the night sky}"Li Tian! Stand up this instant and explain what things are worthy of someone's attention?" Professor Yan's booming voice did not drag me back from my mental voyage in any way, but instead, it was done by the faint whisper of my deskmate from beside me, "Xiao Tiantian, Xiao Tiantian, stand up!"

The brightest star in the night sky

_{Later, I found out it was just a false alarm, and the professor only wanted to set me up with his niece. Naturally, I refused such an offer as there was only one person in my heart. Plus, how could I be so greedy as to eat from a bowl while looking at the pot? How could I bring harm upon my fellow female compatriots? I, Li Tian, still have my integrity as a man!}"I'll take it after you answer my question."

Later, I found out it was just a false alarm, and the professor only wanted to set me up with his niece. Naturally, I refused such an offer as there was only one person in my heart. Plus, how could I be so greedy as to eat from a bowl while looking at the pot? How could I bring harm upon my fellow female compatriots? I, Li Tian, still have my integrity as a man!

_{"Li Tian, even though you're a bit lazy, you do seem to study pretty well, hm? So I have to ask, are you single?"}
But, as the old saying goes: reality, was quite cruel. Without replying, Professor Yan glared at me, his eyes displaying his irritation as he tossed out the sentence which made my heart tremble before simply continuing with his lecture: "During self-study, come to my office."

"Li Tian, even though you're a bit lazy, you do seem to study pretty well, hm? So I have to ask, are you single?"

_{Thus, for one week of free barbecue, I sent Da Zhang a text —— {What's Professor Xiao's full name?}}Professor Yan was right in the middle of making a form, but when he heard my voice, his eyes did not even lift, as all he did was ask: "How old are you now?"

Thus, for one week of free barbecue, I sent Da Zhang a text —— What's Professor Xiao's full name?

_{Answer me this, who, just who can refuse the enticement of food, hm? I still had some reluctance, but I need to just buck the heck up—it's a deal!}So, with the burden of removing Da Zhang's stamp of singledom upon my shoulder's, as well as one beautiful week's worth of barbecue for me; I tenaciously, staunchly and resolutely made my way to the office to try and find that Professor Xiao and... oh no... I have to find Professor Yan too.

Answer me this, who, just who can refuse the enticement of food, hm? I still had some reluctance, but I need to just buck the heck up—it's a deal!

_{When he heard me say I was single, the crows feet surrounding his eyes seem to resemble a chrysanthemum in bloom as he exposed a beaming smile—which, in my opinion, looked like something straight out of a horror film. Professor Yan, the man who never smiles, was currently smiling at me! Adding that to him just asking me about my age and relationship status, I immediately stepped back and put up a chastity protection posture, crossing both hands, before summoning the most tactful tone I could muster, saying: "Professor, I refuse to accept the.}
To Professor Yan's order for me to head to his office, I was in objection. But do I look brazen enough to tell a teacher, in class: Buzz off! Did you just call my name?

When he heard me say I was single, the crows feet surrounding his eyes seem to resemble a chrysanthemum in bloom as he exposed a beaming smile—which, in my opinion, looked like something straight out of a horror film. Professor Yan, the man who never smiles, was currently smiling at me! Adding that to him just asking me about my age and relationship status, I immediately stepped back and put up a chastity protection posture, crossing both hands, before summoning the most tactful tone I could muster, saying: "Professor, I refuse to accept the... 'unwritten rules'." My voice waned, the sound of a spurt of water seeming to have come out from the corner. Dude, are you choking?

_{Acting like one of that kid's mom ordinary fans, I stifled back my emotions—along with my pain, popped on a pair of specs, messed up my hair—putting on a good disguise, then took out a notepad and pen before quickly blending into the crowd.}
Anyway, even though this was a giant mistake, no one gave me the chance to redress this injustice. But, based on Professor Yan's style of sticking to his guns and not listening to any explanations, even if Song Ci^[2] jumped out right now, in all his esteem, he would probably be unable to wash away these injustices against me too.

Acting like one of that kid's mom ordinary fans, I stifled back my emotions—along with my pain, popped on a pair of specs, messed up my hair—putting on a good disguise, then took out a notepad and pen before quickly blending into the crowd.

_{"Professor, may I have your autograph?"}"Professor Yan, I'm here." I try my best to force a smile with the intent of showing how harmless I am in order to invoke a spurt of tenderness to bloom within both the man and the beast, in hopes of reducing my upcoming punishment. That's because I once heard that as punishment for cutting class the first time by that man was writing a thousand lines of 'I cut classes, I am conceited. I don't need to study to place first'. Just hearing about it alone makes me feel like crap, and I can't help but shed a few tears for that poor fellow.

"Professor, may I have your autograph?"

_{"If so, then why did you call me 'Sweetie'?"}After successfully gathering a copy of Professor Xiao's teaching schedule, I got myself ready then valiantly marched towards the dungeon for my quest!

"If so, then why did you call me 'Sweetie'?"

_{Because the offices on the floor were all integrated, this office space was used by several different professors. The space was quite large so it had been divided into several cubicles, and because there were student assigned to clean things up, it was also neat and tidy; it had even been decked out with a few plants, making it all look fresh and delightful.}
So can I dare refuse?

Because the offices on the floor were all integrated, this office space was used by several different professors. The space was quite large so it had been divided into several cubicles, and because there were student assigned to clean things up, it was also neat and tidy; it had even been decked out with a few plants, making it all look fresh and delightful.

_{{Professor, did you hear me...}}Seeing me pack up my things, that deskmate of mine named Da Zhang—the one who called me Lil Sweetie, smiled to me and said: "Hey, relax. You know, while you're in the office you might even run into that new teacher that just came in, Professor Xiao. I heard he's a 'blossoming talent', 'a perfect ten in looks', 'possesses wit that's simply remarkable', and is 'a man of culture'... he's also said to be over six feet tall, with a beautifully sculpted figure and eyes that look like bronze. So if you actually see him, remember to get me an autograph, yeah? Seriously, I need it!"

Professor, did you hear me...

_{God, his voice is so sweet on the ears! It's just so gosh-darn pleasant it made my muddled brain a blank slate. Making me think about that day I ran to his house with liquor I bought from outside and said to him: "Huaisu-ge, I have a problem, can you explain to me?"}
On top of that, as a student, what reason could there be for me to refuse a summons? Unless, of course, I lost all my senses and wanted to quit school.

God, his voice is so sweet on the ears! It's just so gosh-darn pleasant it made my muddled brain a blank slate. Making me think about that day I ran to his house with liquor I bought from outside and said to him: "Huaisu-ge, I have a problem, can you explain to me?"

_{Whelp, this taught me one thing at least: don't read too many webnovels. Reading too much of those things will likely negatively affect our father daughter relationship.}——Xiao Huai Su.

Whelp, this taught me one thing at least: don't read too many webnovels. Reading too much of those things will likely negatively affect our father daughter relationship.

_{Because of the talk Li You and I had last night, my thoughts were still immersed in that past event today, making me have no idea what Professor Yan was currently saying.} "If so, then why did you call me 'Sweetie'?"

Because of the talk Li You and I had last night, my thoughts were still immersed in that past event today, making me have no idea what Professor Yan was currently saying.

_{"Sure, let me take a look. Is your backpack heavy? Why are you clutching it in your arms like that? Anyway, come in—"}
Seeing me pack up my things, that deskmate of mine named Da Zhang—the one who called me Lil Sweetie, smiled to me and said: "Hey, relax. You know, while you're in the office you might even run into that new teacher that just came in, Professor Xiao. I heard he's a 'blossoming talent', 'a perfect ten in looks', 'possesses wit that's simply remarkable', and is 'a man of culture'... he's also said to be over six feet tall, with a beautifully sculpted figure and eyes that look like bronze. So if you actually see him, remember to get me an autograph, yeah? Seriously, I need it!"

"Sure, let me take a look. Is your backpack heavy? Why are you clutching it in your arms like that? Anyway, come in—"

_{Oh... Xiao—Huai—Su... I lowered my head, searching for the course schedule on my phone.}N/A

Oh... Xiao—Huai—Su... I lowered my head, searching for the course schedule on my phone.

_"..
I heard Da Zhang has been chasing after some girl in the Literature Department recently. It looks like he's been putting in a lot of effort. Tsk, tsk, tsk... this is living embodiment of the idioms: 'everything's falling apart' and 'such a tragic sight to behold'.

"..." Is this what it feels like to be cut by a daughter's sharp tongue? Well, let me tell you, in that moment, it was like having a thousand arrows pierce through my heart—it made me want to sever our ties as father and child. But, on account of my soft-hearted nature due to being a father, even if my daughter is unfilial, I can not be as ruthless as her. I did want to cry though. Why would she demand this much from me? Was I that much of a disappointment? Is it because I like playing games a bit too much? Is it because I always get caught playing games in secret? Is that it? Am I really the cause of all of this? Because there is no image of me standing tall as her father, I've now been reduced to a lonely pile of grievances by my own daughter's ridicule and disdain.

_{But despite my deskmate's cordial call, I was still a bit out of it afterwards as well as pissed at them calling me 'Lil Sweetie'. So, using my arm to elbow him, I cursed: "Eff off! What did you just call me?!" After saying this, I looked up towards the blackboard, catching sight of Professor Yan's solemn face staring directly at me as I did.}Professor, isn't my form right there on your desk? Why the heck are you asking me something you know the answer too, huh?"

But despite my deskmate's cordial call, I was still a bit out of it afterwards as well as pissed at them calling me 'Lil Sweetie'. So, using my arm to elbow him, I cursed: "Eff off! What did you just call me?!" After saying this, I looked up towards the blackboard, catching sight of Professor Yan's solemn face staring directly at me as I did. From beside me, my deskmate pinched my arm in warning, a muffled laugh almost escaping them, "Professor Yan called for you to stand up and answer a question." Professor Yan called on me? I was immediately scared to the point of trembling, so holding my desk for support, I stood up nervously, my eyes spread wide as I looked at Professor Yan. Right at this moment, what I wanted more than anything, was for Professor Yan to call on anyone but me. Or, that after he called me, for him to be struck by a bout of selective amnesia and to forget he had even called me. Afterwards, he would then rub his temples, tell me to take my seat before gently adding that I should study properly everyday to do better.

_{I had no idea what the point of this conversation was, but I did honestly give the answer: "I'm single." Why did that feel so weird?} Remembering those past events, recalling all those feelings... Ahem. Repressing those flickers of excitement, I cleared my throat, slapping on a proper and graceful smile to ask her in a reserved tone: "Why are you so curious about your mother, hm? Anyway, that person is in fact quite good look—"

I had no idea what the point of this conversation was, but I did honestly give the answer: "I'm single." Why did that feel so weird?

_{"I don't understand what you said." Li You knitted her brows, "I have homework today. Hurry and make dinner so I could go do my homework."}
So to this request from Da Zhang, I refused without a hitch: "I'll break you two up."

"I don't understand what you said." Li You knitted her brows, "I have homework today. Hurry and make dinner so I could go do my homework."

_{Professor Yan must harbour some kind of special hatred for the number one-thousand, otherwise, why else would he be so fixated on that number like this?}
"No, come on... Can you really blame me for doing something like this? Just now, did I not warn you out of the goodness of my heart?"

Professor Yan must harbour some kind of special hatred for the number one-thousand, otherwise, why else would he be so fixated on that number like this?

_{Answer me this, who, just who can refuse the enticement of food, hm? I still had some reluctance, but I need to just buck the heck up—it's a deal!}"Li Tian! Stand up this instant and explain what things are worthy of someone's attention?" Professor Yan's booming voice did not drag me back from my mental voyage in any way, but instead, it was done by the faint whisper of my deskmate from beside me, "Xiao Tiantian, Xiao Tiantian, stand up!"

Answer me this, who, just who can refuse the enticement of food, hm? I still had some reluctance, but I need to just buck the heck up—it's a deal!

_{After successfully gathering a copy of Professor Xiao's teaching schedule, I got myself ready then valiantly marched towards the dungeon for my quest!}
"If so, then why did you call me 'Sweetie'?"

After successfully gathering a copy of Professor Xiao's teaching schedule, I got myself ready then valiantly marched towards the dungeon for my quest!

_{Being the impatient child she was, Li You interrupted me: "No, what I mean is, I wanna know what kind of woman would fall for a man like you?" Did you hear that, the sound of something shattering? Well, that was my heart.}N/A

Being the impatient child she was, Li You interrupted me: "No, what I mean is, I wanna know what kind of woman would fall for a man like you?" Did you hear that, the sound of something shattering? Well, that was my heart.

_{But I was naïve to think that Professor Yan would just let me go after we were done with the matter regarding his niece. I somehow thought to myself that I was more special than the rest, that I would make him throw down his butcher's knife and become a decent person.}
"It was just a homophone! I was just playing around. But seriously, I'm begging you, that autograph is for my future girlfriend and all I have to rely on is your help. I promise, when it's all done, I'll treat you to a whole week's worth of barbecue!"

But I was naïve to think that Professor Yan would just let me go after we were done with the matter regarding his niece. I somehow thought to myself that I was more special than the rest, that I would make him throw down his butcher's knife and become a decent person. Absolutely, never even thinking, that he would not let me go and that what would actually happened was me getting the same punishment as my dear fellow mentioned above, tasked to write "I will not be distracted in class again" one-thousand times.

_{Because of the talk Li You and I had last night, my thoughts were still immersed in that past event today, making me have no idea what Professor Yan was currently saying.}
Answer me this, who, just who can refuse the enticement of food, hm? I still had some reluctance, but I need to just buck the heck up—it's a deal!

Because of the talk Li You and I had last night, my thoughts were still immersed in that past event today, making me have no idea what Professor Yan was currently saying.

_{To Professor Yan's order for me to head to his office, I was in objection. But do I look brazen enough to tell a teacher, in class: Buzz off! Did you just call my name?}
So, with the burden of removing Da Zhang's stamp of singledom upon my shoulder's, as well as one beautiful week's worth of barbecue for me; I tenaciously, staunchly and resolutely made my way to the office to try and find that Professor Xiao and... oh no... I have to find Professor Yan too.

To Professor Yan's order for me to head to his office, I was in objection. But do I look brazen enough to tell a teacher, in class: Buzz off! Did you just call my name?

_{Being the impatient child she was, Li You interrupted me: "No, what I mean is, I wanna know what kind of woman would fall for a man like you?" Did you hear that, the sound of something shattering? Well, that was my heart.}But, as the old saying goes: reality, was quite cruel. Without replying, Professor Yan glared at me, his eyes displaying his irritation as he tossed out the sentence which made my heart tremble before simply continuing with his lecture: "During self-study, come to my office."

Being the impatient child she was, Li You interrupted me: "No, what I mean is, I wanna know what kind of woman would fall for a man like you?" Did you hear that, the sound of something shattering? Well, that was my heart.

_{Being the impatient child she was, Li You interrupted me: "No, what I mean is, I wanna know what kind of woman would fall for a man like you?" Did you hear that, the sound of something shattering? Well, that was my heart.}
Because the offices on the floor were all integrated, this office space was used by several different professors. The space was quite large so it had been divided into several cubicles, and because there were student assigned to clean things up, it was also neat and tidy; it had even been decked out with a few plants, making it all look fresh and delightful.

Being the impatient child she was, Li You interrupted me: "No, what I mean is, I wanna know what kind of woman would fall for a man like you?" Did you hear that, the sound of something shattering? Well, that was my heart.

_{——Xiao Huai Su.}Li You had settled herself on the couch, taking her time as she flipped through the extracurricular books I had bought her. Having heard what I asked, she lifted her head and stared at me confusedly.

——Xiao Huai Su.

_N/A I was all dumbstruck as I walked to go find that Professor Xiao, that I never expected for my jaw to drop when I ran into that kid's mother instead.

N/A

_{Are you kidding me? How the heck can I forget! Your mom's number one fanboy—was me! So as a fan, how is possible for me to ever forget? How can I ever forget them! It's been so many years since we've been separated, but despite that, every time I think about that kid's mother, I can't help but feel a faint throbbing ache from my chrysanthemum. That night was so tragic, it was beyond compare.}
Taking a gulp of air while still in the doorway, I then strode in with huge steps and made my way directly to Professor Yan's desk.

Are you kidding me? How the heck can I forget! Your mom's number one fanboy—was me! So as a fan, how is possible for me to ever forget? How can I ever forget them! It's been so many years since we've been separated, but despite that, every time I think about that kid's mother, I can't help but feel a faint throbbing ache from my chrysanthemum. That night was so tragic, it was beyond compare. I was such an ignorant young man then. I believed that as long as the one you're sleeping with is the one you love it would lead to that love of yours turning out just like the portrayed in books: painful, but with pleasure, a pleasure that will carry faint traces of pain, then following a wave of continuous gratification, a final and fulfilling climax. But, in reality, what you get is pain from your head to your tail-bone—the kind of pain that made this Laozi burst into tears until it was dawn with a trail of snot and a trail tears. If it were not for me being afraid of scaring that kid's mom away, I would have sworn I was sleeping with a wolf! Even if I wanted to cry out, back then I was the embodiment of endurance and perseverance, simply biting my lips and sticking it out until the end. Such a sentiment is surely worthy of praise, am I right?

_{God, his voice is so sweet on the ears! It's just so gosh-darn pleasant it made my muddled brain a blank slate. Making me think about that day I ran to his house with liquor I bought from outside and said to him: "Huaisu-ge, I have a problem, can you explain to me?"}But, as the old saying goes: reality, was quite cruel. Without replying, Professor Yan glared at me, his eyes displaying his irritation as he tossed out the sentence which made my heart tremble before simply continuing with his lecture: "During self-study, come to my office."

God, his voice is so sweet on the ears! It's just so gosh-darn pleasant it made my muddled brain a blank slate. Making me think about that day I ran to his house with liquor I bought from outside and said to him: "Huaisu-ge, I have a problem, can you explain to me?"

_{Out of nowhere, I remembered that rebirth novels were currently all the rage. that daughter of mine was just a little over three years of age, so for her to be this fierce, this young, it's entirely possible she was a rebirthed human, right! Maybe in her last life she was some kind of devil, or maybe she was Dr.}"The two of you aren't together, but what does my mom look like? Do you even remember?"

Out of nowhere, I remembered that rebirth novels were currently all the rage. that daughter of mine was just a little over three years of age, so for her to be this fierce, this young, it's entirely possible she was a rebirthed human, right! Maybe in her last life she was some kind of devil, or maybe she was Dr. Who disguised as a genius young girl. When I thought about it like this, her coldness and snubbing seem pretty normal. After all, I'm not that talented, so the more I think about it, the more I think it is really possible. So once more I repress those excitable emotions of mine, donned a proper, serious face and looked at Li You, before asking her in a serious tone: "Li You, I have a question I'd like to ask you."

_{When that kid's mother left the classroom he was like the moon surrounded by the stars. Students flocked all around him from when he left the room, it was as if there were a spotlight shining down on him alone, making him shine like the brightest star in the night sky, no... he was the sun!}
"Professor Yan, I'm here." I try my best to force a smile with the intent of showing how harmless I am in order to invoke a spurt of tenderness to bloom within both the man and the beast, in hopes of reducing my upcoming punishment. That's because I once heard that as punishment for cutting class the first time by that man was writing a thousand lines of 'I cut classes, I am conceited. I don't need to study to place first'. Just hearing about it alone makes me feel like crap, and I can't help but shed a few tears for that poor fellow.

When that kid's mother left the classroom he was like the moon surrounded by the stars. Students flocked all around him from when he left the room, it was as if there were a spotlight shining down on him alone, making him shine like the brightest star in the night sky, no... he was the sun!

_{After we were done talking, I made my way to the kitchen then took a gander at the ingredients in the fridge and couldn't help myself from sighing. Man, it really is a good thing Li You is still just three years old.}But despite my deskmate's cordial call, I was still a bit out of it afterwards as well as pissed at them calling me 'Lil Sweetie'. So, using my arm to elbow him, I cursed: "Eff off! What did you just call me?!" After saying this, I looked up towards the blackboard, catching sight of Professor Yan's solemn face staring directly at me as I did. From beside me, my deskmate pinched my arm in warning, a muffled laugh almost escaping them, "Professor Yan called for you to stand up and answer a question." Professor Yan called on me? I was immediately scared to the point of trembling, so holding my desk for support, I stood up nervously, my eyes spread wide as I looked at Professor Yan. Right at this moment, what I wanted more than anything, was for Professor Yan to call on anyone but me. Or, that after he called me, for him to be struck by a bout of selective amnesia and to forget he had even called me. Afterwards, he would then rub his temples, tell me to take my seat before gently adding that I should study properly everyday to do better.

After we were done talking, I made my way to the kitchen then took a gander at the ingredients in the fridge and couldn't help myself from sighing. Man, it really is a good thing Li You is still just three years old. If she were a bit older, it's very likely she'd go post the complaint of me in some forum: What's it like to have a retarded, wackadoo, videogame playing, webnovel reading lover of a dad which no medicine in existence can cure...

_{——Xiao Huai Su.}"I'll take it after you answer my question."

——Xiao Huai Su.

_{Covering my aching buttocks, my heart cried out: My kid's mom is—still—so—handsome!!!}
Professor Yan was right in the middle of making a form, but when he heard my voice, his eyes did not even lift, as all he did was ask: "How old are you now?"

Covering my aching buttocks, my heart cried out: My kid's mom is—still—so—handsome!!!

_{While on my way, I couldn't help but read over that professor's full name:{ Xiao... Huai... Su? It's the exact same name as that kid's mom.}}After successfully gathering a copy of Professor Xiao's teaching schedule, I got myself ready then valiantly marched towards the dungeon for my quest!

While on my way, I couldn't help but read over that professor's full name: Xiao... Huai... Su? It's the exact same name as that kid's mom.

_∽***∼After we were done talking, I made my way to the kitchen then took a gander at the ingredients in the fridge and couldn't help myself from sighing. Man, it really is a good thing Li You is still just three years old. If she were a bit older, it's very likely she'd go post the complaint of me in some forum: What's it like to have a retarded, wackadoo, videogame playing, webnovel reading lover of a dad which no medicine in existence can cure...

∽***∼

_{After we were done talking, I made my way to the kitchen then took a gander at the ingredients in the fridge and couldn't help myself from sighing. Man, it really is a good thing Li You is still just three years old.}
Professor, isn't my form right there on your desk? Why the heck are you asking me something you know the answer too, huh?"

After we were done talking, I made my way to the kitchen then took a gander at the ingredients in the fridge and couldn't help myself from sighing. Man, it really is a good thing Li You is still just three years old. If she were a bit older, it's very likely she'd go post the complaint of me in some forum: What's it like to have a retarded, wackadoo, videogame playing, webnovel reading lover of a dad which no medicine in existence can cure...

_{"The two of you aren't together, but what does my mom look like? Do you even remember?"}But I was naïve to think that Professor Yan would just let me go after we were done with the matter regarding his niece. I somehow thought to myself that I was more special than the rest, that I would make him throw down his butcher's knife and become a decent person. Absolutely, never even thinking, that he would not let me go and that what would actually happened was me getting the same punishment as my dear fellow mentioned above, tasked to write "I will not be distracted in class again" one-thousand times.

"The two of you aren't together, but what does my mom look like? Do you even remember?"

_{While on my way, I couldn't help but read over that professor's full name:{ Xiao... Huai... Su? It's the exact same name as that kid's mom.}}After we were done talking, I made my way to the kitchen then took a gander at the ingredients in the fridge and couldn't help myself from sighing. Man, it really is a good thing Li You is still just three years old. If she were a bit older, it's very likely she'd go post the complaint of me in some forum: What's it like to have a retarded, wackadoo, videogame playing, webnovel reading lover of a dad which no medicine in existence can cure...

While on my way, I couldn't help but read over that professor's full name: Xiao... Huai... Su? It's the exact same name as that kid's mom.

_{I was all dumbstruck as I walked to go find that Professor Xiao, that I never expected for my jaw to drop when I ran into that kid's mother instead.}
But, once I thought about it, it might be that Professor Yan is impersonating a movie character; deliberately trying to make things difficult. So, just like Professor Yan, I pretended I never saw my file, and verified my age: "Twenty-three—"

I was all dumbstruck as I walked to go find that Professor Xiao, that I never expected for my jaw to drop when I ran into that kid's mother instead.

_{Anyway, even though this was a giant mistake, no one gave me the chance to redress this injustice. But, based on Professor Yan's style of sticking to his guns and not listening to any explanations, even if Song Ci jumped out right now, in all his esteem, he would probably be unable to wash away these injustices against me too.}So can I dare refuse?

Anyway, even though this was a giant mistake, no one gave me the chance to redress this injustice. But, based on Professor Yan's style of sticking to his guns and not listening to any explanations, even if Song Ci jumped out right now, in all his esteem, he would probably be unable to wash away these injustices against me too.

_{——Xiao Huai Su.}
"Li Tian, even though you're a bit lazy, you do seem to study pretty well, hm? So I have to ask, are you single?"

——Xiao Huai Su.

_∽***∼
I had no idea what the point of this conversation was, but I did honestly give the answer: "I'm single." Why did that feel so weird?

∽***∼

_{Professor, isn't my form right there on your desk? Why the heck are you asking me something you know the answer too, huh?"}
When he heard me say I was single, the crows feet surrounding his eyes seem to resemble a chrysanthemum in bloom^[3] as he exposed a beaming smile—which, in my opinion, looked like something straight out of a horror film. Professor Yan, the man who never smiles, was currently smiling at me! Adding that to him just asking me about my age and relationship status, I immediately stepped back and put up a chastity protection posture, crossing both hands, before summoning the most tactful tone I could muster, saying: "Professor, I refuse to accept the... 'unwritten rules'." My voice waned, the sound of a spurt of water seeming to have come out from the corner. Dude, are you choking?

Professor, isn't my form right there on your desk? Why the heck are you asking me something you know the answer too, huh?"

_{Acting like one of that kid's mom ordinary fans, I stifled back my emotions—along with my pain, popped on a pair of specs, messed up my hair—putting on a good disguise, then took out a notepad and pen before quickly blending into the crowd.}Because of the talk Li You and I had last night, my thoughts were still immersed in that past event today, making me have no idea what Professor Yan was currently saying.

Acting like one of that kid's mom ordinary fans, I stifled back my emotions—along with my pain, popped on a pair of specs, messed up my hair—putting on a good disguise, then took out a notepad and pen before quickly blending into the crowd.

_{"Li Tian! Stand up this instant and explain what things are worthy of someone's attention?" Professor Yan's booming voice did not drag me back from my mental voyage in any way, but instead, it was done by the faint whisper of my deskmate from beside me, "Xiao Tiantian, Xiao Tiantian, stand up!"}On top of all this, apart from a bald dude with professor Yan and a frizzy-haired professor outside; I, unfortunately, also did not lay eyes on that 'legendary' Professor Xiao, which means there will most likely be no chance of eating that week's worth of barbeque, and that realisation made me feel really sad—and I felt even sadder when I found out I had to write the same sentence a thousand times too.

"Li Tian! Stand up this instant and explain what things are worthy of someone's attention?" Professor Yan's booming voice did not drag me back from my mental voyage in any way, but instead, it was done by the faint whisper of my deskmate from beside me, "Xiao Tiantian, Xiao Tiantian, stand up!"

_{Professor Yan was right in the middle of making a form, but when he heard my voice, his eyes did not even lift, as all he did was ask: "How old are you now?"}
Professor Yan's smiling expression stiffened, his white face turning red and green as his stomach heaved in anger, "What the hell is going on in that brain of yours all day long?!"

Professor Yan was right in the middle of making a form, but when he heard my voice, his eyes did not even lift, as all he did was ask: "How old are you now?"

_{"Rebirth or time traveller?"}
I froze, letting out a laugh to help ease the indescribable embarrassment as I added, "I was, just kidding..." before picking up a cup of water then handed it to the professor respectfully.

"Rebirth or time traveller?"

_{Anyway, maybe it was the sounds of my screams were too unique, but all of a sudden, the crowd fell silent. Opening my eyes, I saw everyone looking at me, and when I turned my head, I saw Xiao Huaisu was looking at me too. I dropped my head in an instant, pretending I was shy and simply handed him the notebook.}A rich, magnetic tone beautifully blended with a distinct gentle timbre came from right in front of me; it was so pleasing to my ears that I almost got impregnated again, "Sure. What do you wan me to sign?" He took my book and pen, then asked.

Anyway, maybe it was the sounds of my screams were too unique, but all of a sudden, the crowd fell silent. Opening my eyes, I saw everyone looking at me, and when I turned my head, I saw Xiao Huaisu was looking at me too. I dropped my head in an instant, pretending I was shy and simply handed him the notebook.

_{With a face engraved with a "here we go again" expression, Li You stated: "Dad, go take your medication." To my shock, there was no trembling from her, nor any panic at all from having being discovered.}
Later, I found out it was just a false alarm, and the professor only wanted to set me up with his niece. Naturally, I refused such an offer as there was only one person in my heart. Plus, how could I be so greedy as to eat from a bowl while looking at the pot? How could I bring harm upon my fellow female compatriots? I, Li Tian, still have my integrity as a man!

With a face engraved with a "here we go again" expression, Li You stated: "Dad, go take your medication." To my shock, there was no trembling from her, nor any panic at all from having being discovered.

_{But despite my deskmate's cordial call, I was still a bit out of it afterwards as well as pissed at them calling me 'Lil Sweetie'. So, using my arm to elbow him, I cursed: "Eff off! What did you just call me?!" After saying this, I looked up towards the blackboard, catching sight of Professor Yan's solemn face staring directly at me as I did.}"Professor, may I have your autograph?"

But despite my deskmate's cordial call, I was still a bit out of it afterwards as well as pissed at them calling me 'Lil Sweetie'. So, using my arm to elbow him, I cursed: "Eff off! What did you just call me?!" After saying this, I looked up towards the blackboard, catching sight of Professor Yan's solemn face staring directly at me as I did. From beside me, my deskmate pinched my arm in warning, a muffled laugh almost escaping them, "Professor Yan called for you to stand up and answer a question." Professor Yan called on me? I was immediately scared to the point of trembling, so holding my desk for support, I stood up nervously, my eyes spread wide as I looked at Professor Yan. Right at this moment, what I wanted more than anything, was for Professor Yan to call on anyone but me. Or, that after he called me, for him to be struck by a bout of selective amnesia and to forget he had even called me. Afterwards, he would then rub his temples, tell me to take my seat before gently adding that I should study properly everyday to do better.

_{On top of that, as a student, what reason could there be for me to refuse a summons? Unless, of course, I lost all my senses and wanted to quit school.}
But I was naïve to think that Professor Yan would just let me go after we were done with the matter regarding his niece. I somehow thought to myself that I was more special than the rest, that I would make him throw down his butcher's knife and become a decent person. Absolutely, never even thinking, that he would not let me go and that what would actually happened was me getting the same punishment as my dear fellow mentioned above, tasked to write "I will not be distracted in class again" one-thousand times.

On top of that, as a student, what reason could there be for me to refuse a summons? Unless, of course, I lost all my senses and wanted to quit school.

_{The brightest star in the night sky}
Professor Yan must harbour some kind of special hatred for the number one-thousand, otherwise, why else would he be so fixated on that number like this?

The brightest star in the night sky

_{"It was just a homophone! I was just playing around. But seriously, I'm begging you, that autograph is for my future girlfriend and all I have to rely on is your help. I promise, when it's all done, I'll treat you to a whole week's worth of barbecue!"}
On top of all this, apart from a bald dude with professor Yan and a frizzy-haired professor outside; I, unfortunately, also did not lay eyes on that 'legendary' Professor Xiao, which means there will most likely be no chance of eating that week's worth of barbeque, and that realisation made me feel really sad—and I felt even sadder when I found out I had to write the same sentence a thousand times too.

"It was just a homophone! I was just playing around. But seriously, I'm begging you, that autograph is for my future girlfriend and all I have to rely on is your help. I promise, when it's all done, I'll treat you to a whole week's worth of barbecue!"

_{I had no idea what the point of this conversation was, but I did honestly give the answer: "I'm single." Why did that feel so weird?}
Wait, hold up. If that new Professor isn't at the office... then he must be in class! So if I get my hands on his teaching schedule, I can just go directly to his classroom, wouldn't that be enough?

I had no idea what the point of this conversation was, but I did honestly give the answer: "I'm single." Why did that feel so weird?

_{Taking a gulp of air while still in the doorway, I then strode in with huge steps and made my way directly to Professor Yan's desk.}
Thus, for one week of free barbecue, I sent Da Zhang a text —— What's Professor Xiao's full name?

Taking a gulp of air while still in the doorway, I then strode in with huge steps and made my way directly to Professor Yan's desk.

_{So to this request from Da Zhang, I refused without a hitch: "I'll break you two up."}
——Xiao Huai Su.

So to this request from Da Zhang, I refused without a hitch: "I'll break you two up."

_{Remembering those past events, recalling all those feelings... {Ahem}. Repressing those flickers of excitement, I cleared my throat, slapping on a proper and graceful smile to ask her in a reserved tone: "Why are you so curious about your mother, hm? Anyway, that person is in fact quite good look—"}"Li Tian! Stand up this instant and explain what things are worthy of someone's attention?" Professor Yan's booming voice did not drag me back from my mental voyage in any way, but instead, it was done by the faint whisper of my deskmate from beside me, "Xiao Tiantian, Xiao Tiantian, stand up!"

Remembering those past events, recalling all those feelings... Ahem. Repressing those flickers of excitement, I cleared my throat, slapping on a proper and graceful smile to ask her in a reserved tone: "Why are you so curious about your mother, hm? Anyway, that person is in fact quite good look—"

_{"Professor, may I have your autograph?"}
Oh... Xiao—Huai—Su... I lowered my head, searching for the course schedule on my phone.

"Professor, may I have your autograph?"

_{But despite my deskmate's cordial call, I was still a bit out of it afterwards as well as pissed at them calling me 'Lil Sweetie'. So, using my arm to elbow him, I cursed: "Eff off! What did you just call me?!" After saying this, I looked up towards the blackboard, catching sight of Professor Yan's solemn face staring directly at me as I did.}To Professor Yan's order for me to head to his office, I was in objection. But do I look brazen enough to tell a teacher, in class: Buzz off! Did you just call my name?

But despite my deskmate's cordial call, I was still a bit out of it afterwards as well as pissed at them calling me 'Lil Sweetie'. So, using my arm to elbow him, I cursed: "Eff off! What did you just call me?!" After saying this, I looked up towards the blackboard, catching sight of Professor Yan's solemn face staring directly at me as I did. From beside me, my deskmate pinched my arm in warning, a muffled laugh almost escaping them, "Professor Yan called for you to stand up and answer a question." Professor Yan called on me? I was immediately scared to the point of trembling, so holding my desk for support, I stood up nervously, my eyes spread wide as I looked at Professor Yan. Right at this moment, what I wanted more than anything, was for Professor Yan to call on anyone but me. Or, that after he called me, for him to be struck by a bout of selective amnesia and to forget he had even called me. Afterwards, he would then rub his temples, tell me to take my seat before gently adding that I should study properly everyday to do better.

_{When he heard me say I was single, the crows feet surrounding his eyes seem to resemble a chrysanthemum in bloom as he exposed a beaming smile—which, in my opinion, looked like something straight out of a horror film. Professor Yan, the man who never smiles, was currently smiling at me! Adding that to him just asking me about my age and relationship status, I immediately stepped back and put up a chastity protection posture, crossing both hands, before summoning the most tactful tone I could muster, saying: "Professor, I refuse to accept the.}But, as the old saying goes: reality, was quite cruel. Without replying, Professor Yan glared at me, his eyes displaying his irritation as he tossed out the sentence which made my heart tremble before simply continuing with his lecture: "During self-study, come to my office."

When he heard me say I was single, the crows feet surrounding his eyes seem to resemble a chrysanthemum in bloom as he exposed a beaming smile—which, in my opinion, looked like something straight out of a horror film. Professor Yan, the man who never smiles, was currently smiling at me! Adding that to him just asking me about my age and relationship status, I immediately stepped back and put up a chastity protection posture, crossing both hands, before summoning the most tactful tone I could muster, saying: "Professor, I refuse to accept the... 'unwritten rules'." My voice waned, the sound of a spurt of water seeming to have come out from the corner. Dude, are you choking?

_{"Li Tian! Stand up this instant and explain what things are worthy of someone's attention?" Professor Yan's booming voice did not drag me back from my mental voyage in any way, but instead, it was done by the faint whisper of my deskmate from beside me, "Xiao Tiantian, Xiao Tiantian, stand up!"}
After successfully gathering a copy of Professor Xiao's teaching schedule, I got myself ready then valiantly marched towards the dungeon for my quest!

"Li Tian! Stand up this instant and explain what things are worthy of someone's attention?" Professor Yan's booming voice did not drag me back from my mental voyage in any way, but instead, it was done by the faint whisper of my deskmate from beside me, "Xiao Tiantian, Xiao Tiantian, stand up!"

_{Oh... Xiao—Huai—Su... I lowered my head, searching for the course schedule on my phone.}
While on my way, I couldn't help but read over that professor's full name: Xiao... Huai... Su? It's the exact same name as that kid's mom.

Oh... Xiao—Huai—Su... I lowered my head, searching for the course schedule on my phone.

_{I froze, letting out a laugh to help ease the indescribable embarrassment as I added, "I was, just kidding..." before picking up a cup of water then handed it to the professor respectfully.}But, as the old saying goes: reality, was quite cruel. Without replying, Professor Yan glared at me, his eyes displaying his irritation as he tossed out the sentence which made my heart tremble before simply continuing with his lecture: "During self-study, come to my office."

I froze, letting out a laugh to help ease the indescribable embarrassment as I added, "I was, just kidding..." before picking up a cup of water then handed it to the professor respectfully.

_{I heard Da Zhang has been chasing after some girl in the Literature Department recently. It looks like he's been putting in a lot of effort. Tsk, tsk, tsk... this is living embodiment of the idioms: 'everything's falling apart' and 'such a tragic sight to behold'.}
I was all dumbstruck as I walked to go find that Professor Xiao, that I never expected for my jaw to drop when I ran into that kid's mother instead.

I heard Da Zhang has been chasing after some girl in the Literature Department recently. It looks like he's been putting in a lot of effort. Tsk, tsk, tsk... this is living embodiment of the idioms: 'everything's falling apart' and 'such a tragic sight to behold'.

_{While on my way, I couldn't help but read over that professor's full name: Xiao... Huai... Su? It's the exact same name as that kid's mom.}
How long has it been since I saw him? Before, I used to think not seeing him for a day felt like a century, but now, it's been about four years, hasn't it?

While on my way, I couldn't help but read over that professor's full name: Xiao... Huai... Su? It's the exact same name as that kid's mom.

_{I froze, letting out a laugh to help ease the indescribable embarrassment as I added, "I was, just kidding..." before picking up a cup of water then handed it to the professor respectfully.}I heard Da Zhang has been chasing after some girl in the Literature Department recently. It looks like he's been putting in a lot of effort. Tsk, tsk, tsk... this is living embodiment of the idioms: 'everything's falling apart' and 'such a tragic sight to behold'.

I froze, letting out a laugh to help ease the indescribable embarrassment as I added, "I was, just kidding..." before picking up a cup of water then handed it to the professor respectfully.

_{——Xiao Huai Su.}"Li Tian, what did you just say?" Professor Yan asked me—word by word.

——Xiao Huai Su.

_{Li You had settled herself on the couch, taking her time as she flipped through the extracurricular books I had bought her. Having heard what I asked, she lifted her head and stared at me confusedly.}
When that kid's mother left the classroom he was like the moon surrounded by the stars. Students flocked all around him from when he left the room, it was as if there were a spotlight shining down on him alone, making him shine like the brightest star in the night sky, no... he was the sun!

Li You had settled herself on the couch, taking her time as she flipped through the extracurricular books I had bought her. Having heard what I asked, she lifted her head and stared at me confusedly.

_{Anyway, even though this was a giant mistake, no one gave me the chance to redress this injustice. But, based on Professor Yan's style of sticking to his guns and not listening to any explanations, even if Song Ci jumped out right now, in all his esteem, he would probably be unable to wash away these injustices against me too.}
Covering my aching buttocks, my heart cried out: My kid's mom is—still—so—handsome!!!

Anyway, even though this was a giant mistake, no one gave me the chance to redress this injustice. But, based on Professor Yan's style of sticking to his guns and not listening to any explanations, even if Song Ci jumped out right now, in all his esteem, he would probably be unable to wash away these injustices against me too.

_{A rich, magnetic tone beautifully blended with a distinct gentle timbre came from right in front of me; it was so pleasing to my ears that I almost got impregnated again, "Sure. What do you wan me to sign?" He took my book and pen, then asked.}
Acting like one of that kid's mom ordinary fans, I stifled back my emotions—along with my pain, popped on a pair of specs, messed up my hair—putting on a good disguise, then took out a notepad and pen before quickly blending into the crowd.

A rich, magnetic tone beautifully blended with a distinct gentle timbre came from right in front of me; it was so pleasing to my ears that I almost got impregnated again, "Sure. What do you wan me to sign?" He took my book and pen, then asked.

_{"I don't understand what you said." Li You knitted her brows, "I have homework today. Hurry and make dinner so I could go do my homework."}Professor Yan was right in the middle of making a form, but when he heard my voice, his eyes did not even lift, as all he did was ask: "How old are you now?"

"I don't understand what you said." Li You knitted her brows, "I have homework today. Hurry and make dinner so I could go do my homework."

_{Professor Yan's smiling expression stiffened, his white face turning red and green as his stomach heaved in anger, "What the hell is going on in that brain of yours all day long?!"}
"Professor Xiao, can I have your autograph?! I really, really like you, I adore you! Kyaaa—" What, how could fess up I was trying this hard to get his signature because I was hung up on a few meals of barbecue?

Professor Yan's smiling expression stiffened, his white face turning red and green as his stomach heaved in anger, "What the hell is going on in that brain of yours all day long?!"

_{Later, I found out it was just a false alarm, and the professor only wanted to set me up with his niece. Naturally, I refused such an offer as there was only one person in my heart. Plus, how could I be so greedy as to eat from a bowl while looking at the pot? How could I bring harm upon my fellow female compatriots? I, Li Tian, still have my integrity as a man!}
Anyway, maybe it was the sounds of my screams were too unique, but all of a sudden, the crowd fell silent. Opening my eyes, I saw everyone looking at me, and when I turned my head, I saw Xiao Huaisu was looking at me too. I dropped my head in an instant, pretending I was shy and simply handed him the notebook.

Later, I found out it was just a false alarm, and the professor only wanted to set me up with his niece. Naturally, I refused such an offer as there was only one person in my heart. Plus, how could I be so greedy as to eat from a bowl while looking at the pot? How could I bring harm upon my fellow female compatriots? I, Li Tian, still have my integrity as a man!

_{"If so, then why did you call me 'Sweetie'?"}
"Professor, may I have your autograph?"

"If so, then why did you call me 'Sweetie'?"

_{Seeing me pack up my things, that deskmate of mine named Da Zhang—the one who called me Lil Sweetie, smiled to me and said: "Hey, relax. You know, while you're in the office you might even run into that new teacher that just came in, Professor Xiao.}
A rich, magnetic tone beautifully blended with a distinct gentle timbre came from right in front of me; it was so pleasing to my ears that I almost got impregnated again, "Sure. What do you wan me to sign?" He took my book and pen, then asked.

Seeing me pack up my things, that deskmate of mine named Da Zhang—the one who called me Lil Sweetie, smiled to me and said: "Hey, relax. You know, while you're in the office you might even run into that new teacher that just came in, Professor Xiao. I heard he's a 'blossoming talent', 'a perfect ten in looks', 'possesses wit that's simply remarkable', and is 'a man of culture'... he's also said to be over six feet tall, with a beautifully sculpted figure and eyes that look like bronze. So if you actually see him, remember to get me an autograph, yeah? Seriously, I need it!"

_{On top of all this, apart from a bald dude with professor Yan and a frizzy-haired professor outside; I, unfortunately, also did not lay eyes on that 'legendary' Professor Xiao, which means there will most likely be no chance of eating that week's worth of barbeque, and that realisation made me feel really sad—and I felt even sadder when I found out I had to write the same sentence a thousand times too..}Being the impatient child she was, Li You interrupted me: "No, what I mean is, I wanna know what kind of woman would fall for a man like you?" Did you hear that, the sound of something shattering? Well, that was my heart.

On top of all this, apart from a bald dude with professor Yan and a frizzy-haired professor outside; I, unfortunately, also did not lay eyes on that 'legendary' Professor Xiao, which means there will most likely be no chance of eating that week's worth of barbeque, and that realisation made me feel really sad—and I felt even sadder when I found out I had to write the same sentence a thousand times too.

_{But despite my deskmate's cordial call, I was still a bit out of it afterwards as well as pissed at them calling me 'Lil Sweetie'. So, using my arm to elbow him, I cursed: "Eff off! What did you just call me?!" After saying this, I looked up towards the blackboard, catching sight of Professor Yan's solemn face staring directly at me as I did.}
God, his voice is so sweet on the ears! It's just so gosh-darn pleasant it made my muddled brain a blank slate. Making me think about that day I ran to his house with liquor I bought from outside and said to him: "Huaisu-ge, I have a problem, can you explain to me?"

But despite my deskmate's cordial call, I was still a bit out of it afterwards as well as pissed at them calling me 'Lil Sweetie'. So, using my arm to elbow him, I cursed: "Eff off! What did you just call me?!" After saying this, I looked up towards the blackboard, catching sight of Professor Yan's solemn face staring directly at me as I did. From beside me, my deskmate pinched my arm in warning, a muffled laugh almost escaping them, "Professor Yan called for you to stand up and answer a question." Professor Yan called on me? I was immediately scared to the point of trembling, so holding my desk for support, I stood up nervously, my eyes spread wide as I looked at Professor Yan. Right at this moment, what I wanted more than anything, was for Professor Yan to call on anyone but me. Or, that after he called me, for him to be struck by a bout of selective amnesia and to forget he had even called me. Afterwards, he would then rub his temples, tell me to take my seat before gently adding that I should study properly everyday to do better.

_{When that kid's mother left the classroom he was like the moon surrounded by the stars. Students flocked all around him from when he left the room, it was as if there were a spotlight shining down on him alone, making him shine like the brightest star in the night sky, no... he was the sun!}Oh... Xiao—Huai—Su... I lowered my head, searching for the course schedule on my phone.

When that kid's mother left the classroom he was like the moon surrounded by the stars. Students flocked all around him from when he left the room, it was as if there were a spotlight shining down on him alone, making him shine like the brightest star in the night sky, no... he was the sun!

_"..The brightest star in the night sky

"..." Is this what it feels like to be cut by a daughter's sharp tongue? Well, let me tell you, in that moment, it was like having a thousand arrows pierce through my heart—it made me want to sever our ties as father and child. But, on account of my soft-hearted nature due to being a father, even if my daughter is unfilial, I can not be as ruthless as her. I did want to cry though. Why would she demand this much from me? Was I that much of a disappointment? Is it because I like playing games a bit too much? Is it because I always get caught playing games in secret? Is that it? Am I really the cause of all of this? Because there is no image of me standing tall as her father, I've now been reduced to a lonely pile of grievances by my own daughter's ridicule and disdain.

_{Out of nowhere, I remembered that rebirth novels were currently all the rage. that daughter of mine was just a little over three years of age, so for her to be this fierce, this young, it's entirely possible she was a rebirthed human, right! Maybe in her last life she was some kind of devil, or maybe she was Dr.}
"Sure, let me take a look. Is your backpack heavy? Why are you clutching it in your arms like that? Anyway, come in—"

Out of nowhere, I remembered that rebirth novels were currently all the rage. that daughter of mine was just a little over three years of age, so for her to be this fierce, this young, it's entirely possible she was a rebirthed human, right! Maybe in her last life she was some kind of devil, or maybe she was Dr. Who disguised as a genius young girl. When I thought about it like this, her coldness and snubbing seem pretty normal. After all, I'm not that talented, so the more I think about it, the more I think it is really possible. So once more I repress those excitable emotions of mine, donned a proper, serious face and looked at Li You, before asking her in a serious tone: "Li You, I have a question I'd like to ask you."

_{"The two of you aren't together, but what does my mom look like? Do you even remember?"}Because the offices on the floor were all integrated, this office space was used by several different professors. The space was quite large so it had been divided into several cubicles, and because there were student assigned to clean things up, it was also neat and tidy; it had even been decked out with a few plants, making it all look fresh and delightful.

"The two of you aren't together, but what does my mom look like? Do you even remember?"

_{Anyway, even though this was a giant mistake, no one gave me the chance to redress this injustice. But, based on Professor Yan's style of sticking to his guns and not listening to any explanations, even if Song Ci jumped out right now, in all his esteem, he would probably be unable to wash away these injustices against me too.}"Li Tian, even though you're a bit lazy, you do seem to study pretty well, hm? So I have to ask, are you single?"

Anyway, even though this was a giant mistake, no one gave me the chance to redress this injustice. But, based on Professor Yan's style of sticking to his guns and not listening to any explanations, even if Song Ci jumped out right now, in all his esteem, he would probably be unable to wash away these injustices against me too.

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

^1. His deskmate is calling him Little Sweet because his name Tian(恬: calm/carefree) and sweet(甜) are homonyms.

^2. 宋慈:Sòng Cí (1186-1249): Physician, judge, forensic medical scientist, anthropologist and writer. Wrote the 'Collected Cases of Injustice Rectified' aka 'Record of Washed Grievances' (洗冤集录) in 1247 which is regarded as the world's first legal forensic text.

^3. Chrysanthemum is a slang for anus. So his eyes blossoming like a puckered butthole is a funny way of reading it.

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