Teaching in the Village

: A Sharp Rebuke

3

The lively, joyous atmosphere in the classroom vanished in an instant. They exchanged glances, a newfound fear in their hearts as they looked at me.

"Ms. Shaw graduated from a prestigious university. You must listen carefully to what she says, as it will help you learn." The Principal glanced at me before addressing the students with a stern expression.

Under my severe gaze, not a single one of them dared to approach me or say a word. They just listened quietly to my lecture.

Engaging again with the knowledge I so loved, my mood began to settle.

In my past life, aside from that ungrateful wretch Caden Morgan, everyone else had been very friendly to me, even respectful.

"Ms. Shaw, could you help me with this problem?" It was now the break between classes. Aside from the students using the restroom, everyone was diligently studying or working on problems.

In the quiet classroom, Caden Morgan walked up to the podium, holding a test paper.

"Let me see."

At the sound of his voice, a flash of hatred flickered in my eyes, but I kept my tone gentle.

Caden Morgan's eyes lit up, and he quickly handed me the test paper.

Because I had been so stern at the start of class, no one had dared to approach me with questions during the break. With Caden Morgan now being the first, the entire class instantly turned to look at us, their faces alight with excitement.

"This problem is simple; you just need to apply the right formula. Do you know which one to use?"

It was the same, familiar problem. In my past life, I had patiently taught him, carefully writing out the formula for him when he couldn't figure out which one to use, never once getting angry.

Caden Morgan was instantly stumped, his expression turning blank.

Seeing his confusion, I abandoned my past-life attitude and spoke with a piercing tone, "You're in your Senior Year. Why can't you remember the formulas? What have you been doing for the past three years?"

My sudden shift in attitude shocked Caden Morgan into silence. He stared at me, completely at a loss.

Before my arrival, Caden Morgan's diligent attitude had made him a favorite among the teachers. They had always treated him well; he had never been scolded before.

"Apply this formula. Go back and memorize it properly." I sighed, jotted down the formula, and handed the test paper back.

Caden Morgan looked at me, seeming to want to say something but holding his tongue. He then turned and walked back to his seat in a daze.

Watching his retreating figure, a small smile touched my lips, and a flash of smug satisfaction crossed my eyes.

Caden Morgan had been thoroughly rattled by me. For the rest of the day, he didn't come up to ask for help again.

"Ms. Shaw, could you take a look at my solution?"

I was calmly sitting at my desk, flipping through a textbook, when a low voice suddenly broke the silence. I looked up.

A thin, pale boy was standing beside me, his expression cautious.

"Not bad. This is a great solution." I took the paper and looked over his work, a smile touching my lips as I praised him.

I then offered him some guidance.

Jude Lowell had clearly expected me to treat him the same way I'd treated Caden Morgan, but he was surprised by how kind I was. His tense posture immediately relaxed.