Chapter 70: Perseverance
"Basically there's not much problem... " The language teacher had just caught up to what actually happened, and he replied immediately.
"Then, may I leave now?" Yang Ming didn't want to stay in the office for too long. It felt a bit weird to have a group of teachers surrounding him. It would be fine if it was just Zhao Ying by herself!
"You may go back!" Teacher Li ran out of words to say. Memory is based on genetics. There were not many ways to pass the techniques down to others! Yang Ming's case was ridiculously rare!
When he left the office, Yang Ming saw Zhao Ying looking at him as if she was blaming him and seemed to say, Why didn't you ever tell me about this before?
Yang Ming smiled bitterly and mouthed, "I will come find you tonight," and left the office.
Once he went back to the classroom, Yang Ming was ambushed by Zhang Bing. "How was it? Did the teacher identify any flaws?"
"Flaws? What flaws?" Yang Ming scratched his head.
"The flaws in your cheating method!" Zhang Bing said.
"F***! I told you that this is a result of my efforts. What cheating? Could cheating possibly get me to first place in the class?" Yang Ming said scornfully.
"Oh yeah ha?" Zhang Bing shook his head. "Then I will go home and also put in some 'sh**'!" [1]
It was already Grade 12 and the schedule was rather tight. Therefore, Yang Ming's case was just like a short interlude song which didn't cause many issues. Everyone just discussed it for a while and turned away to focus their attention to review.
However, after class, Wang Zhitao once again put on his act and came to Yang Ming's desk. "Brother, you are really good aren't you? Let's find a place to celebrate at night."
Celebrate with you? Let's call it off! I don't want to become a rapist again! I wonder how Chen Fei's investigation was going so far. Wang Zhitao was acting just like anyone else even though he had done such a terrible thing. Yang Ming, however, simply entertained him by saying, "I won't be free tonight. Let's have it on another day."
Once he said it, Yang Ming stood up and walked toward Chen Mengyan.
Damn. I paid you some respect and you didn't even care about it! Wang Zhitao was angry. Did you really think I was willing to buy you a meal? This was just rudimentary politeness! However, his face was calm and he said harmoniously, "Sure. If you have any time, just give me a call. I would definitely respond to that."
Yang Ming nodded and didn't continue the conversation. He really wanted to give a full beating to this brat but he also knew that if he had done that, what would come next would be Wang Zhitao's fanatic revenge!
Yang Ming wasn't really afraid of it. He was just a single person; there wasn't much that Wang Zhitao could do. Unless he planned to kill him? But in the present society, regardless how bada** you were, it wouldn't be such an easy task to kill a person either! However, many places in Song Jiang City had connections with the Wang family. If Wang Zhitao found the appropriate seniors to have a few words with them, Yang Ming's parents could easily face the consequences!
On the surface, he couldn't do many things, but in the dark, he had many dirty tricks up his sleeve! Yang Ming understood these rich family sons very well. The last incident at Tavern Heaven on Earth was a really great example!
Therefore, Yang Ming knew that, right now, he cannot turn completely hostile against Wang Zhitao. Once he survived the last incident, Yang Ming's character had matured a lot. Now, he knew what was supposed to be done and what wasn't supposed to be done.
When people were despised by others, they would not not bear a grudge. When they were knocked down by others, they would not not be hateful. When they were teased and laughed at by others, they would not not be resistant. When they were isolated and controlled, they would not not want vengeance. As long as there was anger in their heart, it would be able to arouse their desires to move forward.
Yang Ming was waiting for the right chance. Sometimes men had to persevere! To endure something silently didn't mean that he was a weakling, but instead, he was making a smart move!
Since ancient times, there weren't many who had not endured many things before succeeding!
The resolution of Goujian was because of the Yue King's hardship [2]. If he didn't have enough perseverance, how could he have risen again?
If Emperor Kangxi didn't endure, how could he have killed Ao Bai and established peace in the revolt of Three Feudatories? [2]
Yang Ming knew this inherently, therefore he had been putting up with it. If he launched an attack on his enemy when he didn't have enough capability, he wouldn't be a bada**, but a dumba**.
Chen Mengyan was pretty scared of Yang Ming right now. She felt like her face was having a fever. Initially, Yang Ming's results had increased, so she should be happy. Why was she having anxious feelings that caused her to fidget?
Was it because Yang Ming's results were better than my own and I felt jealous? Chen Mengyan shook her head. This thought had never crossed her mind earlier.
"Mengyan, are you free tonight? Let me treat you a meal." Yang Ming's butt rested beside Chen Mengyan. Chen Mengyan's desk mate was pretty observant. Every time Yang Ming was near, she would take the initiative and walk away.
Chen Mengyan raised her head and looked at Yang Ming. Her face turned slightly red and she said, "I'm not doing anything in particular. Why are you buying me a meal? As if you became rich!"
"Rich, not really. However, my results were good, so I am happy! Then, of course, we should reward the both of us!" Yang Ming smiled.
"What's that got to do with me?" Chen Mengyan complained softly.
"If I didn't have so much of your guidance, how could I get the results that I had?" Yang Ming whispered softly beside Chen Mengyan's ear, causing her ear to itch and face to turn even redder. "Moreover, last time you promised me that if my mock exam results were good, you would go on a date with me!"
"I was saying that we should wait until our actual exam results are out first!" Cheng Mengyan shook her head immediately. "What date? Don't simply say that! I only said to take walk on the street with you."
"Isn't that almost the same?" Yang Ming felt that walking on the street and dating were the same. It was just one boy and one girl hanging out together! Nevermind. Since Chen Mengyan, this girl, was so shy, then let's call it 'walking on the street'! The result is the same! Therefore, Yang Ming said, "I am fine with walking on the street together too!"
"Next time. Tonight, I am not free, I have to go back home or my family members would be worried." Chen Mengyan said.
Since Chen Mengyan wasn't free, Yang Ming went to Zhao Ying's office right after school. He didn't know if Zhao Ying understood his mouthing earlier today.
When he came to the office door, Yang Ming realized the door was locked.
He didn't even know whether Zhao Ying was inside or not. Initially, he wanted to knock on the door but he felt that it was a bit troublesome. Therefore, he used his x-ray vision right away. Only an idiot wouldn't use the superpower that he had.
"En???" Yang Ming's jaw dropped! Zhao Ying was still at the office but she was changing. At this moment, she just took off her office shirt and her "Hello Kitty" bra was shown!
I never thought that Zhao Ying would take the cute path. Her bra wasn't really as sexy as Chen Mengyan's. When he thought about this, Yang Ming couldn't help but recall how he saw Chen Mengyan's undergarment the last time.
Chapter 71: Keeping A Low Profile
As Yang Ming was enjoying his view, he heard footsteps coming up from the stairs that weren't too far from him. He was peeking here so he shouldn't be discovered! Yang Ming quickly rushed into the washroom opposite him.
Not long after, he saw a man walk over. It was actually Jin Gang!
Why would this fellow come here? Ever since the robbery acting incident, Yang Ming had not encountered Jin Gang. He thought this fellow had gotten over Zhao Ying. It was unexpected that he was still persistent even after a month had passed since the incident.
Yang Ming had some hateful thoughts. Alright, you came for me before I even looked for you. Damn it! I will make you suffer to death or else how can I answer to my bike which you destroyed?
Jin Gang knocked on the door. After a while, Zhao Ying opened the door. By this time, Zhao Ying had already changed into casual wear.
"Why is it you?" Zhao Ying frowned as she saw Jin Gang.
"It's like this, Teacher Zhao Ying. Next week is the Sports Carnival for teachers. My sports team is trying to compile the participation of teachers in the sports categories. What are you interested in?" Jin Gang took out a piece of paper from his bag and passed it to Zhao Ying.
"Nope, I'm not participating!" Zhao Ying waved her hand as she rejected Jin Gang. "I need to teach Grade 12. I don't have the time."
"Since this is the case, forget about it. Work is more important!" Jin Gang didn't pursue further in this matter. He simply put the paper back into his bag. Since this wasn't his real purpose coming here, it wasn't important whether Zhao Ying decided to participate or not. "Oh yeah, since it is already late and way past dinner time, you haven't eaten yet, right? Let's have dinner together."
"No… I..." As soon as Zhao Ying thought to reject the offer, the office door was pushed open. Yang Ming strutted into the office.
Just now, Yang Ming was carefully observing the situation. When he saw that Jin Gang wanted to act friendly, he promptly pushed the door open and walked in. "Teacher Zhao, aren't we scheduled to have me treat you to dinner?"
"Yang Ming? You came!" Zhao Ying looked at Yang Ming with glittering eyes as if she saw her savior. In the morning, she saw Yang Ming moved his lips before he left. Zhao Ying vaguely guessed that it meant "I will look for you tonight", but she wasn't sure. As a result, she stayed in the office after work to wait for Yang Ming. She never expected that her stay would bring Jin Gang's visit.
"Yup! Uhm? Teacher Jin is also here?" Yang Ming pretended as though he was astounded. "Teacher Jin, we were chatting with each other in the field just now. What a coincidence!"
"What?" Chatting in the field? Who wants to talk to you? Jin Gang was dumbfounded. "What?"
"Ah? I understand... I understand..." Yang Ming intentionally acted mysteriously as he nodded his head. "It's nothing. It's nothing!"
Zhao Ying looked at the two people in front of her with doubt. What did they chat about?
Jin Gang was surprised as well. Is it possible that this brat is afraid of me because his bicycle was broken last time? So, is he intentionally acting friendly with me?
"Teacher Zhao, my grade has gotten better thanks to your tutoring. In order to show my gratitude for your help, I will treat you to dinner as a token of appreciation!" Yang Ming spoke in a serious manner just like an obedient student.
"This..." Zhao Ying hesitated. She didn't know why Yang Ming wanted to treat her for dinner. However, she wanted to escape from Jin Gang. Thus, she nodded, "Alright, your teacher will give you a chance to show your appreciation!"
"Teacher Jin, would you like to join us?" Yang Ming looked at Jin Gang at the side.
"Ah?" Jin Gang looked at Yang Ming with unbelievable eyes. He never expected to be invited. "Are you talking to me?"
"Yes, Teacher Jin. I will be treating both of you for dinner. Why don't you take the favor?" Yang Ming spoke with a smile.
"Alright!" Jin Gang agreed without much thought. Only a fool would miss the opportunity to dine with Zhao Ying when someone else was paying the bill!
Zhao Ying was puzzled that Yang Ming would actually invite Jin Gang. She looked at Yang Ming with a doubtful expression.
Yang Ming pretended he didn't notice it intentionally as he simply walked out the office.
Zhao Ying couldn't help but follow. She could only ask Yang Ming in the future. She became irritated when she noticed Jin Gang's smug expression.
At the school gate, Yang Ming raised his hand to hail a taxi. He opened the door and went into the backseat before anyone could react in time.
Jin Gang was taken aback. Originally, he wanted to sit next to Zhao Ying in the back seat. He could never imagine that Yang Ming was one step ahead of him as he took a seat in the taxi. There was nothing else he could do. Jin Gang could only sit next to Yang Ming while Zhao Ying sat in the front seat next to the driver.
"Where are you going, folks?" The taxi driver asked.
"Tavern Heaven On Earth!" Yang Ming spoke the name of the tavern where Wang Zhitao invited him last time.
"Alright!" The taxi driver replied with a nod as he began the journey.
Zhao Ying frowned as she heard, Tavern Heaven On Earth? Isn't it a very high-class tavern? Why would Yang Ming head to such a luxurious place? Even with Jin Gang? After a series of thoughts, she uncontrollably turned her head around and looked at Yang Ming.
Yang Ming replied with a smile and a gaze to let her rest assured.
"How do I call you?" Jin Gang turned his head and asked Yang Ming during the journey.
"Yang Ming." Yang Ming replied.
"Your performance isn't bad!" Jin Gang patted on Yang Ming's shoulder.
"Uhm, a bicycle must keep a low profile; a man even more so must keep a low profile or else, bad luck will happen." Yang Ming suddenly said.
"Uhm?" Jin Gang was dumbfounded. With that, he slightly contemplated it. He thought that Yang Ming was acting submissive. Thus, he replied with a joyful manner, "That's right. Lay low, hehe!" Nevertheless, Jin Gang wondered why this little brat would know that he smashed his bicycle. At the same time, he thought that he successfully intimidated Yang Ming.
"Hehe, hehe." Yang Ming also laughed a little in order to go with the flow. He thought to himself, Sucker, I am talking about you. Keep a low profile! Since you can't lay low but shamelessly follow us, don't blame me for what is going to happen. Death awaits you.
Zhao Ying noticed Yang Ming and Jin Gang chatting with each other. The doubt she held within her heart became more clouded. How did the both of them get along with each other? Weren't they being tit-for-tat with each other?
Jin Gang was overwhelmed with happiness. It was Tavern Heaven On Earth! I have never been to such a high-class place. I can have a date with Zhao Ying while Yang Ming pays the bill! Lady luck is smiling on me!