Chapter Text
The interview had been so much less formal than Zhanying expected. He was served fragrant tea and delicate pastries while Principal Ji chatted with him seated on plushy chairs about memorable incidents when he was a student in the exact same school just over four years ago (unforgettably, the Xiao Jingrui birthday debacle). Zhanying was surprised to have been remembered; after all, he’d always kept his head low and had never once been in trouble. He was even more surprised when once the pot of tea was empty and their stomachs were filled, Principal Ji asked when he would be able to start.
“Anytime,” Zhanying answered.
“Great,” Principal Ji smiled, his dimples showing. “Come in next Monday at seven-thirty. Miss Gong will brief you in the morning to ease you in.”
“Sure, alright.”
It took Zhanying three seconds to realise that the “interview” was over and he had the job—despite being asked zero questions probing about his ability to teach. Since he was applying to be a teacher. Principal Ji must have seen the confusion on his face, because the elder chuckled.
“Zhanying, everyone who taught you in the past can vouch that you will do a great job. I have no reason not to believe them, especially Jingyan.”
The name made Zhanying freeze. Jingyan—Mr Xiao—had been his form (and favourite) teacher back then. In his high school years, Mr Xiao was the youngest teaching staff. He was stern about discipline but was kind and gentle when it mattered, and he definitely tried his hardest to support every one of his students.
He was also... hot.
Zhanying might’ve had a crush on him then.
It didn’t fully occur to Zhanying that Mr Xiao was still a teaching staff until three hours later. It didn’t fully occur to Zhanying that Mr Xiao was now his colleague until five hours later.
It didn’t fully occur to Zhanying that he might, very possibly, still have that embarrassing crush on Mr Xiao next Monday, when he saw the familiar figure at the entrance of the staff room smiling fondly at him.