Since it was just a promotional gimmick for the grand opening, the bonus high school exam papers didn’t really emphasize paper quality or practicality. Zhou Zheng had re-edited the exam papers, turning them into something that resembled supermarket promotional flyers. He brought a sample for Lin Shuang to check out.
At the time, Lin Shuang had been impulsive. She didn’t think it through and simply asked Zhou Zheng for the digital version of the exam papers, planning to print a few hundred copies at a local copy shop and randomly slip one into each cup of milk tea. However, she hadn’t considered that A4 paper from the copy shop would be large and flimsy, making it neither aesthetically pleasing nor easy to manage. It would also take extra manpower to repackage them.
“Thank you, I hadn’t even thought of these issues,” Lin Shuang said, holding the paper in her hand and admiring it. “It looks really beautiful.”
The paper was clean, with black text on a white background, and the layout was compact and attractive. The corner featured the milk tea shop’s logo along with small subject tags, making it easy to tell which subject the paper covered—ideal for academic overachievers wanting to collect the whole set.
“Thanks a lot,” Lin Shuang said sincerely, “I never expected Mr. Zhou to be so attentive. I really appreciate it.”
“It’s no trouble at all. I often have to make PPTs for class, so reformatting it was easy, really no hassle.”
He paused for a moment, then wrote down a phone number: “If you think it’s useful, you can contact this printing company directly. They have their own machines, and their prices are much lower than a copy shop.”
“Would a printing company take such a small order?” Lin Shuang asked.
Zhou Zheng pressed his lips together: “Just mention my name. It’s a friend of mine.”
Lin Shuang understood and smiled as she thanked him again. “Still, I really appreciate it, Mr. Zhou.”
She wanted to say more, but just then, someone entered the milk tea shop. Zhou Zheng gave her a slight nod and then turned to leave.
Lin Shuang watched his back as he stopped under a tree by the roadside, appearing somewhat lonely as the busy traffic flowed by him like a still frame from a movie. When she looked again, he had disappeared.
Lin Shuang dialed the printing company’s number, and a man with a rural accent answered: “Oh, you’re Mr. Zhou’s friend? I have the template here. How many copies do you need? I’ll deliver them to you tomorrow.”
Lin Shuang ordered a few hundred copies. The price was indeed cheaper, and since the order wasn’t large, the man didn’t ask for a deposit. The next day, a salesman delivered them right to her door. After settling the bill, Lin Shuang mentioned this to the salesman.
“With Mr. Zhou’s guarantee, there’s nothing to worry about,” the salesman said casually. “We mostly handle school orders. If it weren’t for Mr. Zhou’s recommendation, we wouldn’t even take such a small job.”
Lin Shuang bowed repeatedly in thanks. “Thank you so much for the trouble.”
**********
If any teacher worked the hardest during summer vacation, it would be the P.E. teacher.
In the month leading up to the final exams, Zhang Fan, with the "support" of his colleagues from the main subjects, took sick leave with his “delicate” body. But once summer vacation started, he was up and lively at six every morning, leading the sports students in field training. After torturing the sports students in the morning, he spent the afternoons working with the Education Bureau and the police, patrolling the shallow rivers to prevent drowning incidents.
After a few days of scorching heat, Zhang Fan would always come by for a berry smoothie and chat with Lin Shuang.
“Mr. Zhang likes milk tea too?” Lin Shuang asked him.
“Oh, it’s for a colleague. They really like this flavor.”
“For Ms. Xie?”
“How did you know?” Zhang Fan let out a surprised “huh” and looked at Lin Shuang. “Boss lady, you’re impressive, you already know the people.”
The teachers at the school had their cliques. Senior teachers, with their experience, would finish class and leave without getting involved in other matters. Middle-aged teachers had families to care for, while the younger teachers had energy and passion, often staying late at school and hanging out together after work.
In Lin Shuang’s eyes, most of the teachers on summer duty were young. The female teachers would drop by her shop after work to buy milk tea, chat for a while, and vent about their frustrations.
“Ms. Xie has been here two or three times, always ordering the same thing: less ice, extra milkshake, and extra konjac jelly. Just like your order.”
Women tend to silently compete with other women, and Lin Shuang’s impression of Ms. Xie was particularly strong.
Zhang Fan lived near Xie Xiaomeng, and he would always pick up a cup of milk tea for her on his way home. But whether or not she appreciated the gesture was another matter.
“Heh,” Zhang Fan scratched his head, as if he wanted to explain something, but his phone rang in his pocket.
It was Zhou Zheng, asking Zhang Fan to go to the resource room and help copy some school materials to send to his phone.
“Got it, got it. I’ll take care of it this afternoon... I won’t forget, trust me. I wouldn’t forget your request for anything.”
Lin Shuang handed him the packed milk tea, her eyes smiling.
Zhang Fan noticed the meaningful look in her eyes and awkwardly waved his phone. “It’s a call from a colleague—the math teacher. He asked me for a favor.”
“Mr. Zhou?” Lin Shuang raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, Zhou Zheng,” Zhang Fan responded reflexively. “You know Zhou Zheng too?”
“Mr. Zhou is often on duty at school, isn’t he?” Lin Shuang suddenly recalled that she had seen Zhou Zheng the day Mr. Polo left, but hadn’t seen him since.
“Zhou Zheng went to the provincial capital for young teacher training. He’ll be back in a few days.”
No wonder.
After Zhou Zheng finished his training in Wancheng, he returned to Beiquan City with Zhou Xue. He dropped her off in front of Lin Shuang’s milk tea shop: “Go in and have something to drink first. I’ll head home and then we can go to the village together.”
“Brother, I’ll go with you.”
“It’s too hot, and there’s no need for you to come with me. My place is a mess. Just wait here for a bit.”
Zhou Xue nodded and walked into the milk tea shop.”
The red-haired employee, dressed in a white shirt and green apron, was wiping down the bar. When she saw a customer come in, she turned to wash her hands in the sink.
“Can I get a cup of taro milk tea with boba?”
“Sure, just a moment.”
In the corner of the shop sat a woman with striking hair. She was leisurely eating a bowl of rice noodles while playing on her phone.
Zhou Xue glanced at her and noticed that she was wearing the same white shirt as the employee, but with one fewer button done up, exposing her slender neck and part of her bare shoulder. She wore delicate pearl earrings, giving her an air of casual yet slightly provocative elegance.
Sensing someone watching her, Lin Shuang turned and smiled at Zhou Xue, her eyes curving in a lovely arc.
Zhou Xue, who had just finished her first year of college, was learning how to do makeup under the influence of her roommates. At first glance, she thought the woman’s makeup was too bold, but upon closer inspection, it seemed natural and well-applied.
Holding her milk tea, Zhou Xue sat inside the shop waiting for Zhou Zheng. She could hear the glamorous woman speaking softly on the phone, her tone languid and weak, much like one of her dormmates who loved to flirt with men.
Zhou Xue felt a shiver run down her arm, her opinion of the woman plummeting instantly.
When Zhou Zheng arrived, Lin Shuang had just finished her phone call and was clearing her lunch. She took the casserole to the neighboring restaurant where she had borrowed it from.
It was three in the afternoon, and Zhou Zheng’s gaze followed the casserole from her hands to her face, a bit surprised.
“Having lunch this late?”
“Back already?”
“I just got back from two weeks of training in Wancheng. Arrived at noon.” He explained, his eyes studying her seriously. “Skipping meals is bad for your stomach.”
Lin Shuang smiled. “I know.”
“Brother!” Zhou Xue poked her head out to call for Zhou Zheng.
Lin Shuang turned. “Is that your sister?”
“Yeah, my cousin. She’s in college in Wancheng and is staying with us for a few days.”
Lin Shuang nodded. “I’ll leave you to it.”
She stepped out to chat with the owner of the casserole restaurant for a while. When she returned, Zhou Zheng and Zhou Xue had already left.
“Boss,” Nana, one of the employees, pointed to the counter. “Mr. Zhou left something for you. He said he picked it up during his trip and thought you might like it.”
It was a small, chubby lucky cat, painted in colors that matched the shop’s decor. Its paw was held up in a little loop, and Lin Shuang inserted a colorful heart-shaped straw into the cat’s hand, making it look like a cute knight wielding a weapon.
“He's got good taste.”
“That Mr. Zhou seems nice,” Nana added, her voice teasing, “and he’s handsome.”
Lin Shuang glanced at her and smiled without saying anything.
"He already has a girlfriend, you know. They were so lovey-dovey on the phone earlier, all sweet talk and affection. It felt like they were about to leap out of the phone and embrace each other. No chance he’d pay attention to anyone else," Nana teased.
With that, she released all her pent-up frustration in one go, and then dashed off towards home.
Zhou Zheng watched his cousin run off, his brows slightly furrowed. He then pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a long sigh.
He picked up the luggage that Zhou Xue had left behind and headed toward his uncle's house.
The new school year was about to start for the senior students, and the teachers were back a week earlier to attend a faculty meeting. Zhou Zheng was assigned to teach senior students again this year, but with a heavier workload than the previous year. He was in charge of both an advanced science class and a liberal arts repeat class, acting as the homeroom teacher for the science class, the head of the math prep group, and the leader of the grade-level moral education team.
Being a high school teacher was exhausting, and being a homeroom teacher for seniors even more so. They had to arrive at school at 7 AM for morning study sessions, do dormitory checks at 11 PM, supervise classes, and deal with a mountain of administrative tasks, including managing students' mental health, relationships, and safety. All this for a mere 700 RMB monthly allowance for homeroom teachers.
Unmarried male teachers like Zhou Zheng were prime targets for the school's heavy workload.
During a break, the teachers gathered and chatted. “This year’s school rules are crazy! Constant supervision—it’s like they’re trying to work us to death,” one of the male teachers grumbled.
Another teacher patted Zhou Zheng on the shoulder. "Hey, I heard from the administration that you’re likely to get this year’s ‘Outstanding City Teacher’ award. Not bad, Zhou!"
Zhou Zheng modestly replied, "Oh, no, no. Teacher She has been an exemplary teacher for years, I still have a lot to learn from her."
North Spring High had grown rapidly in recent years, and with more teachers but limited titles and accolades, competition was fierce. The "Outstanding Teacher" award was coveted by all, with many vying for the few available spots.
Another teacher chimed in, "Well, Zhou's class ranked first last year. With his great results and the school’s support, also Vice Principal Ding was the one who recommended him, it’s no surprise."
Zhou Zheng had been a student of Ding Yan, who later became the Vice Principal. After Ding's promotion, he had handpicked Zhou for the school’s "Talent Recruitment" program, bringing him back to teach. A few years later, with the school's backing, Zhou completed his graduate studies in education and earned a level-one teaching credential. He had even been awarded "Young Outstanding Teacher" and "Distinguished Teacher" titles. This year, it seemed certain that the "Outstanding Teacher" award would go to him. Some teachers privately joked that he was one of Ding’s “inner circle.”
Maintaining a friendly smile, Zhou Zheng replied with a measured tone, "Vice Principal Ding focuses on teaching, not administration. It’s fine to ask him about lessons, but anything else might be overstepping."
Sensing his uncharacteristically distant tone, the colleagues awkwardly changed the topic.
Later, during lunch at the cafeteria entrance, Zhou Zheng ran into his mentor. "Principal Ding," he greeted.
"Zhou Zheng! Come on, let’s go upstairs for lunch together." Ding Yan had just returned from a trip abroad, grinning widely as he gestured. "I brought back a big leg of Spanish ham. You should come over to my place this weekend. My wife will make a pot of stewed pork just for you."
Hearing this, Zhou Zheng winced. "The students are returning next week, so I’ll be busy with prep. I’ll visit you another time."
Ding, now reminded of school matters, asked, "I heard Liu led your meeting this morning. Did he give you all another one of his stern lectures?"
Zhou Zheng sheepishly rubbed his nose.
"What classes did you get assigned this year?" Ding asked.
Zhou Zheng explained his teaching schedule, feeling a scratch in his throat as he spoke.
"Large classes, huh? Tough work. But your teaching style focuses on thought processes and concepts, which suits those students." Ding patted him on the shoulder. "Young teachers like you need more challenges. Back in our day, we handled over 20 classes a week and supervised night study sessions. That’s how we built up the school’s reputation."
"You're right, sir."
Ding smiled. "So, it’s settled. Come by this weekend for dinner. I’ll call my wife to start preparing."
Zhou Zheng was taken aback. "Uh, what?"
After two days of meetings, everyone returned to their offices, parched. A teacher from the English department walked over and asked, "Anyone wants milk tea? I will pay, don’t miss this rare opportunity!"
The math department’s office, filled mostly with male teachers, wasn’t used to ordering milk tea. They typically brewed tea in purple clay teapots. As they waited for the water cooler’s filter to be changed, one teacher glanced over and said, "Milk tea is still tea, right? I’ll take one."
"What flavor?"
"Whatever, I’m not picky."
They ordered from a milk tea shop across the street called "Changliu Mountain," which had just opened. Teachers who had tried it said the drinks were both delicious and aesthetically pleasing.
Half an hour later, Nana arrived with forty cups of bubble tea. Zhou Zheng, seeing her downstairs, took the bags from her hands. "I’ll take those."
The English department had ordered a variety of flavors, while the math department opted for plain tea. Nana, who knew Zhou Zheng, pointed to another bag and said, "Here’s the green tea and four-season spring tea for the math department. The owner also threw in a lemon black tea as a freebie."
Zhou Zheng held the cold lemon black tea, his gaze softening as he swallowed. "Thanks."
After school, Zhou Zheng passed by the milk tea shop and hesitated before stepping inside.
Music played softly in the shop. Behind the counter, Lin Shuang was chatting with a round-faced, curly-haired girl. They were laughing, clearly enjoying themselves.
"Mr. Zhou," Lin Shuang greeted cheerfully. She seemed relaxed and happy, like a blooming rose in a vase, beaming at him. "Finished with work?"
Zhou Zheng nodded. Lin Shuang introduced the girl beside her. "This is my high school classmate, Luo Wei."
Luo Wei had been in the same class as Lin Shuang for two years, part of the same study group. After graduation, they lost contact when Lin Shuang went to Wancheng and Luo Wei to a university in the southwest. Luo Wei had returned to Beiquan to work in local government, reconnecting with Lin Shuang through a mutual friend’s social media post about her new milk tea shop.
Luo Wei, with her outgoing personality, exclaimed, "Wow, so Mr. Zhou graduated from North Spring High and returned to teach? That’s so cool!"
"It’s alright," Zhou Zheng replied modestly.
"How does it feel to work with teachers who once taught you? Isn’t it stressful? Or do you just really respect them? Do your students think you're super cool...?" Luo Wei fired off question after question, not giving Zhou Zheng a chance to answer.
Lin Shuang, lips curving upward, motioned for Zhou Zheng to sit down, letting him and Luo Wei chat while she busied herself behind the counter.
"What subject do you teach, Mr. Zhou?"
"Math."
"Which grade?"
"Senior year."
"Wow, that’s impressive. Are you also a homeroom teacher?"
"Yes."
Luo Wei was always animated in her conversations, exclaiming things like "Wow!" and "Amazing!" with an infectious enthusiasm. Her energy was at 100% as she marveled at every detail.
"Oh! So we were in the same year! What a coincidence!"
"I was in the liberal arts stream with Lin Shuang. You teach math, so you must’ve been in the science stream?"
"Yes."
"That’s why we didn’t know each other back then. But still, what a small world to meet again after all these years!"
As Lin Shuang finished her tasks, she brought over two cups of bubble tea. By now, Luo Wei and Zhou Zheng had exhausted one round of conversation and were starting another.
"What university did you attend?" Luo Wei asked.
"I went to Linjiang Normal University."
"That’s amazing! Linjiang is one of the best universities for teacher education in the country!"
Zhou Zheng, overwhelmed by Luo Wei's constant praise, was at a loss. He awkwardly rubbed his nose, thinking about leaving.
"In my year, there was a top student who scored full marks in math and got into Linjiang Normal. The math exam that year was really hard—only a few perfect scores in the entire province. Our school had one. The student’s last name was also Zhou, I think..."
Luo Wei’s eyes widened as she gasped. "No way! Was that you? The math genius with a perfect score?!"
Zhou Zheng felt more embarrassed than when his village had beaten gongs in front of his house to celebrate his high school success.
Every year after the college entrance exams, the school posted its results outside the gate. The names of top scorers were highlighted in bright red, proudly displayed to inspire future students. The best years even saw flower-covered cars parading these “heavenly geniuses” through the streets. Every time, Lin Shuang and Luo Wei would stand by the gate, marveling at the sheer talent of those students.
"So you really are that student!" Luo Wei exclaimed. "Back then, Lin Shuang and I used to look up at those boards and wonder what kind of superhuman minds could achieve such perfection in an exam."