She headed to Class 20. It was currently the self-study period, so Xi Yan went straight to where Yao Tang was seated. The girl was so engrossed in her reading that Xi Yan had to rap against her desk to call her attention.
Yao Tang took off her earphones and looked up at her form teacher.
Class 20 was extraordinarily quiet. Unlike the other classes Xi Yan had passed by, however, everyone was in their seats, quietly reading their books.
It was a stark contrast to the way her students normally behaved.
"Yao Tang," Xi Yan said softly. "Come out with me for a moment."
"Hmm." Yao Tang nodded and set her book aside before following the teacher out into the hall.
…
They stopped just outside the classroom.
The rest of the students slowly poked their heads through the doorway, though they were still quiet as a mouse.
Xi Yan faced Yao Tang and took a deep breath.
She opened her mouth, then hesitated, not knowing where to begin.
