Chapter 038: Mr. Duan Truly Is a Kind and Helpful Man

As the bell signaling the end of class rang, Bai Chuwei calmly ignored the countless exasperated glances cast her way by Teacher Li at the podium. Unruffled, she retrieved her phone from the desk drawer and answered the call. “Hello—”

Teacher Li, clutching a stack of materials as she left the classroom, scowled in disapproval. Although Henghua No.1 High School technically forbade third-year students from bringing phones to school, the institution’s elite status and wealthy student body meant such rules were often overlooked. Still, she had never seen a student as brazen as Bai Chuwei—answering a call before even leaving the classroom!

With a cold snort, Teacher Li strode away briskly in her high heels.

A man’s deep, measured voice came through the line: “Miss Bai.”

Bai Chuwei hadn’t expected a call from Duan Feihan at this hour. Her fingers idly traced the back of her phone. Under Duan Xingye’s astonished gaze, she speculated, “Why is Mr. Duan calling me at this time? Could it be… you’re worried I might change my mind and not go buy the medicine with you?”

After all, she was still holding the prescription in her hand.

There was a pause. Duan Feihan’s voice remained calm and slow. “Miss Bai, I heard what happened at school today.”

“Whether it’s academic or personal matters, if you need anything, I can help you.”

Bai Chuwei was silent for a long moment before realizing he was referring to the conflict earlier with Deng Man and the other girls.

Bai Chuwei couldn’t help but sigh lightly. “Mr. Duan, you truly are a kind and helpful person. Thank you. But I’ve already resolved the issue.”

Beside her, Duan Xingye almost doubted his own ears. “...???”

His fourth uncle—a kind and helpful person?

Unbelievable!

Everyone in the Duan family knew Duan Feihan abhorred trouble and was notoriously indifferent to personal relationships.

Duan Xingye puzzled over his uncle’s behavior, unable to find an explanation, and could only chalk it up to a deep father-son bond between his uncle and grandfather.

Seated at his desk, Duan Feihan glanced down at the chubby hamster mug in front of him. A faint smile tugged at his lips. “Very well. See you after school.”

After hanging up, Bai Chuwei was awash with emotion. The ultimate villain of the story, before his fall from grace, truly seemed a warm and generous soul. Perhaps she’d been too biased against him as an antagonist.

*

Teacher Li, heels clicking sharply, entered the office with a frosty expression, immediately spotting Director Huang sitting nearby.

Director Huang, wearing glasses, was diligently grading students’ assignments.

A note of impatience colored Teacher Li’s voice. “Director Huang, shouldn’t we transfer Bai Chuwei to another class? Her grades are too poor—she’s dragging Class Nine down!”

Director Huang removed his glasses and chuckled. “The girl just arrived. Give her some time to adjust. Come now, have one of the sweets she brought—you’ll feel better.”

Li Juan’s gaze fell on a blue-and-white porcelain jar on Director Huang’s desk. She reached for it, unscrewed the lid, and a delicate, fragrant aroma wafted out, making her swallow involuntarily.

She popped a candy into her mouth. The milk-white sweet melted instantly, filling her palate with gentle sweetness and fragrance. Her eyes lit up, and she couldn’t resist tipping out a few more and popping them in as well.

Li Juan’s eyes crinkled with delight. “These candies are delicious—so soothing.” She gave a half-laugh. “Always trying to curry favor with teachers instead of focusing on her studies!”

As the bell had just rung, teachers began returning to the office from their classrooms.

A young male teacher, a stack of books tucked under his arm, happened to catch sight of Teacher Li eating sweets at Director Huang’s desk. His gaze froze, a look of shock flickering across his face. “Wait, Teacher Li, what is that you’re holding…”