"My apologies for making you wait, I had a student seeking assistance just now." Chen Tianming entered to find He Tao all alone at a table laid with dishes, waiting for him. Upon his arrival, He Tao quipped, "Had you been any later, I'd have started eating without you, and you'd be stuck doing the dishes!" She playfully pouted and passed a bowl of soup to Chen Tianming. Famished, Chen Tianming didn't stand on ceremony and immediately began drinking the soup. "Wow, this is delicious," he marveled. Accustomed to eating fast food at school, this was a real treat. "If you like it, that's great. Come on, eat up before the food gets cold." He Tao, with afternoon classes ahead, didn't linger in conversation and proceeded to eat. Chen Tianming left with a satisfied pat on his full belly, reaching to pick up his utensils, ready to wash them. "Don't bother; leave them. I'll wash everything later. Go and rest," He Tao intercepted him from washing up. Chen Tianming obeyed and put down his utensils. He hesitated, then sheepishly began, "He Teacher, about the time when I was installing the fuse, I... that is... I didn't..." He stumbled over his words, unsure how to explain his prior indiscretion. "You..." To He Tao's surprise, Chen Tianming broached such a topic, leaving her a mix of embarrassed and annoyed. Seeing He Tao's blushing face and her agitated state, Chen Tianming felt his own temperature rise, his gaze becoming fixed. He Tao, noticing Chen Tianming staring again, snapped impatiently, "You've finished eating, why haven't you left? I need to do the dishes." Chen Tianming, realizing his second lapse, quickly responded, "Yes, I'll leave now." He hurried away, ruminating over the day's embarrassing events, especially the distress brought on by his behavior in front of He Tao. He dreaded future encounters. Back in his quarters, Chen Tianming rebuked himself with a facepalm, criticizing his own unrealistic infatuation. He Tao was young and beautiful; why would she take an interest in a mere teacher like him? Yet her image haunted him, seemingly indelible. He noticed all of his dirty laundry from the previous night, even underwear, was now washed and drying. Confused, he recollected only Xiao Hong had visited. She must have been the one to wash them. His cheeks reddened at the thought. Interrupting his reverie, Xiao Hong called out, "Teacher, Teacher," during the afternoon's first period. Stirred from his nap, he quickly dressed and opened the door. "What happened, Xiao Hong?" he asked, noting her pallor. "My stomach hurts. Can you get me some water?" Xiao Hong grimaced, holding her middle. "Stomach pain? I have some digestive pills here," Chen rummaged through his drawer. "No, I don't need those," Xiao Hong hastily shaking her head. "If you're sick, you should take medicine," he reasoned. "It's my period," Xiao Hong confessed with a flushed face. "Oh," Chen finally understood why Xiao Hong was uncomfortable and hesitant. All at once, Xiao Hong spat out the water she'd sipped and cried out in pain. "What's wrong?" Seeing Xiao Hong in anguish, Chen hurriedly supported her to his bed. "The pain is terrible," Xiao Hong mewed from the bed. "I'll take you to the hospital right now," Chen said, anxious. "No, don't... Can you, um, help me?" she implored. "Of course," Chen readily agreed. "Can you rub my stomach? It used to help when my mother did it," Xiao Hong asked, her dignity eroded by pain. Chen faltered, eyeing her delicate belly and then his own hands, unsure if he should proceed. Xiao Hong winced again. Chen clenched his teeth and carefully placed his hands on Xiao Hong's stomach, gently massaging. "You can stop, teacher. It's much better now. Thank you," Xiao Hong looked up gratefully. "That's good," Chen replied, withdrawing his hands, though part of him wished to continue. "Are you alright, teacher? You look uneasy," Xiao Hong observed his change in color. "No, just didn't sleep well," Chen quickly offered an excuse. Sitting up, Xiao Hong said sheepishly, "I'm sorry for bothering you." Chen waved it off, "It's nothing." Xiao Hong spoke hesitantly, "Teacher, could you do me another favor?" "Tell me. Even if it means climbing a mountain or diving into the sea, I'll help you," Chen declared, preparing himself mentally to massage her again if necessary, albeit with inner joy. "I need you to buy... something for me," Xiao Hong blushed deeply. Chen, though taken aback, accepted the unexpected request. She needed him to buy sanitary pads. His promise bound him, despite his dread at the thought of the purchase. Resigned, Chen saddled his motorbike and headed to the town's shop, hoping for anonymity. The shopping experience proved cringe-worthy and cost him more than it should have for premium-brand pads. Returning from his quest, feeling victorious, Chen presented the sanitary pads to Xiao Hong, who quickly retreated to the bathroom with them. He winced as the old bite mark on his body ached momentarily before subsiding, a familiar though mysterious pain he'd resolved to investigate further once he had time and his salary.