Kuhang High School ends its day quite early, leaving most of the afternoon free for various school clubs to conduct their activities.
However, Sam had not joined any clubs, despite his previous teacher's insistence that he should participate in one to experience a richer campus life. But Sam didn't heed this advice.
"Richer campus life?" he scoffed to himself. "Does that mean speeding up my encounters with these 'terrifying' female leads?"
Being very cautious, Sam naturally wasn't going to make such a suicidal move.
Packing his things, Sam prepared to leave the classroom. At that moment, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He knew this couldn't be good, but getting some information was better than none.
Taking out his phone, he saw yet another cryptic message: [Sam didn't fully obey the teacher. Should I increase the pressure?]
What did this mean? 'The teacher'? This reference almost certainly pointed to Alice, the new teacher who had just arrived today.
But why such a bizarre message? What did 'obey' mean, and what was this about increasing pressure?
Sam felt like he had some clues in his mind but couldn't connect them.
His immediate thought was to leave the school as quickly as possible. Maybe then the events hinted at in the message wouldn't happen.
Grabbing his backpack, he hurried to leave the classroom. But as he reached the door, he saw a familiar face.
Silver-framed glasses, a mature and beautiful face, curly long hair, and an alluring teacher's uniform—it was Alice.
Sam greeted her politely, "Hello, Alice."
Alice just looked at him, not saying a word. Sam wasn't sure what she was thinking, but he knew he had to slip away fast.
"School's over... If there's nothing else, I'll be going now." Just as he was about to make a quick exit, Alice spoke.
"You're Sam, right?" she asked.
Left with no choice but to respond without drawing undue attention, he stopped and offered a polite smile. "Yes, Teacher."
Alice frowned slightly at the young student. "You seem in such a hurry to leave. Do you dislike me, your new teacher?"
Sam shook his head quickly. "Of course not, I just have some things I need to take care of at home."
He didn't dislike Alice; he was just scared to death.
He hoped this excuse would appear normal and not arouse her suspicion.
However, Alice calmly said, "Wait a moment before you head home. I have something to discuss with you."
There it was. If only he had left the school earlier!
Now, as Alice gazed at Sam, her eyes behind those glasses seemed sharp and penetrating, like an unfathomable abyss, ready to swallow him whole.
Suddenly, Sam remembered what had happened with Madison and, connecting it to the text message, it all clicked.
Was this 'obey' referring to him needing to be compliant like Madison, to avoid appearing odd?
Alice had shown no surprise at Madison's sudden docility, suggesting she expected such outcomes. Could it be that Alice possessed some special ability?
Although it seems unbelievable, in this game world, things like the stopping of time have already happened. What else could be impossible?
Understanding this, Sam decided to act more compliant for the time being, avoiding any unusual reactions that might draw special attention to himself.
Sam instantly turned around and nodded obediently. "Of course, Teacher Alice. Please, go ahead."
Alice seemed pleased with this response, even smiling slightly.
Sam's guess appeared to be correct.
She moved closer to him and spoke softly. "I noticed while reviewing your records that your entrance scores were quite impressive, at the top of your class. But this semester, your grades seem unstable, and the last exam was quite poor."
How could it not be? Sam had just arrived in this game world; there was no way he could have done well.
Sam looked down, feigning remorse: "Yes, that's true."
Alice asked in a calm voice, "Can you tell me what happened?"
He needed a reasonable excuse, one that wouldn't reveal too much but still seemed compliant.
"It's nothing major... I guess I've been playing games more recently, which has affected my enthusiasm for studying."
Games, the best excuse for a student – playing too much affecting their studies.
Alice's brow furrowed slightly. "Is that so... Can you promise to play less and focus more on your studies?"
Sam nodded. "Yes, I understand, Teacher."
Alice's gaze shifted slightly, as if she had thought of something. "Right, your performance last week was indeed poor. How about you stay after school for some extra lessons with me?"
That wouldn't work for Sam. He had to go to his part-time job, and he was already running late. Besides, he didn't want excessive contact with Alice.
"I think extra lessons are unnecessary, I can manage on my own..."
"Hmm?"
Alice took a step forward, her high heels clicking, her long, slender legs sheathed in black stockings trembling slightly. Her commanding gaze made Sam realize his mistake immediately.
He hadn't been 'obey'; he had just refused her.
Even if he did so diplomatically, a refusal was still a refusal.
Alice took a step back, and the oppressive atmosphere instantly dissipated, her gaze returning to a calm state.
Sam felt a surge of nervousness, realizing he might know what was going on.
"I'm sorry if my request was too much. I should trust you completely," Alice said, seemingly regaining her rationality as she gently adjusted her glasses, appearing very normal.
Sam had no choice but to continue playing along. "It's okay."
Alice tilted her head slightly and then looked back at Sam, but this time, her eyes lacked the vortex-like depth. "By the way, I've been informed by the previous teacher about some characteristics of the students in the class. You haven't joined any clubs so far, have you?"
Sam nodded.
Alice calmly asked, "Can you tell me why?"
Her tone had changed, no longer assertive as before but soft and kind, which only weighed heavier on Sam's heart. He had to try his best to make up for that moment of error.
"I'm not very good at interacting with others and fear contact outside of classes," Sam confessed.
Alice nodded slightly. "I see, that's okay. As a teacher, I'll help you integrate into your classmates' world. Don't worry, I'll assist you in joining a club soon."
"Ah?"
"You're not willing?" she asked with narrowed eyes. Sam quickly shook his head.
"Of course, I'd be very willing if Teacher helps me."
"Really? Why are you so willing?"
Why do you ask so many questions? Sam screamed internally, but he dared not show it, instead showing a slightly shy expression.
"Because Alice is very beautiful..."
"Really? Am I that beautiful?" Alice scrutinized Sam with narrowed eyes, making him almost break into a sweat.
He wanted to say: Should I pee in a cup for you to take a look at yourself?
But he couldn't. He continued to act 'shy': "Yes, Alice is the most beautiful teacher I've ever seen."