Chapter 4 The Gentle Shift
To keep Shen Xiuming from realizing I was his student, I only asked about main-course physics problems.
The breakup must have left him shaken. His tone became extremely careful.
【If Baby doesn’t understand, it’s because I didn’t explain well enough.】
【You got this wrong—must be my fault for not covering this point before.】
【If you’re tired, rest. We’ll continue tomorrow night.】
This gentle Brand was the same person as the aloof flower on the podium…
The contrast was jarring.
Tao Zi nudged my arm. “Cen Cen, don’t you think Professor Shen has… gotten softer lately?”
I ducked my head awkwardly. “Has he?”
“Of course! Today someone proxy-checked attendance for their roommate. In the past that would be a capital crime! He just let them write a reflection and go!”
I had once complained to Brand that early 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. classes were brutal to wake up for.
He had only laughed softly. I thought someone as disciplined as him couldn’t relate.
“And! Now after class he stays an extra 10 minutes to answer questions. Before, he’d glance at the problem and tell people to read more and stop playing on their phones.”
I couldn’t listen anymore.
Yesterday he had solved a problem that had bothered me for ages.
He asked why I didn’t just ask the course professor.
I said I was afraid asking would expose how dumb I was, hehe.
He went quiet, then his voice turned soft as water. “No way. You’re scared because that teacher must be too cold usually.”
Aaaaaah!
This quiet, gentle change hit me hard!
The urge to meet him face-to-face came roaring back!