Yao Ran’s voice was filled with grief.
She sounded extremely apologetic, too.
When he heard that Qin Maninsisted on coming to take care ofYao Ran, his earlier bad temper softened, and his opinion of the woman shifted ever so slightly.
He had always thought that Qin Manonly treatedYao Ranas a social tool and had no real affection for the child. But now, it looked as though he had been wrong all this time.
Even he had to commend her for wanting to look after Yao Randespite being sick herself.
It was a rather pleasant surprise for Teacher Zhang.
Meanwhile, on the other end of the line, Qin Mannarrowed her eyes and shotYao Rana pointed look, silently telling her to act more pitifully. The girl dutifully complied.
“Teacher, please. Help me one last time. I promise that I won’t trouble you anymore in the future. Please let me have this one thing.”
Teacher Zhang heard a muffled thump over the phone. “Teacher, I’m willing to kneel in front of you again! Please help me. You’re the only one I can turn to now.”
The man was ultimately weak to his pupil’s pleas.
Despite her lies and deceit, Yao Ranwas still his apprentice. This much, at least, was fate.
Besides, other than that debacle at the Music Association,Yao Ranhad always been an excellent girl. She respected her master, and always sent gifts over during the new year and other annual festivals.
“Master…”
At this point, he could tell that she was about to cry.
Teacher Zhang couldn’t take it anymore. He heaved a resigned sigh and spoke slowly.
“All right, I’ll get you an extra ticket. I’ll try to have you seated together, too, but I can’t promise you anything. The decision is still up to the airlines. Just prepare yourself for the worst.”
“Great! Of course! Thank you, Teacher!” Yao Ranwas practically jumping with joy.
As for Qin Man, she could barely contain her smug smile.
Later, at around midnight, Qin ManandYao Ranarrived at the airport.Teacher Zhangwas already there, along with the butler, who carted all of their luggage with him.
Teacher Zhang greeted the mother and daughter with a curt nod.
At that same moment, Yao Tang,President Tan, and one other person were also walking toward the boarding gate.
A handful of airport security and staff were escorting them as they moved along.
Yao Ran spotted them soon enough, and her hands clenched into fists when she saw whoYao Tangwas with. She immediately averted her bitter gaze.
She had to beg Teacher Zhangto take her with Beijing, butYao Tangeasily got whatever she wanted.
Shortly after, Teacher Zhang also noticed Yao Tang’s party.
There weren’t many people in the waiting area, and President Tanlooked to be the most important and powerful person there.
It was then that Teacher Zhangrealized that it wasPresident Tanwho had booked the entire flight. He elected not to say anything, even though he felt somewhat wronged by the turn of events.
When it was time for boarding, Yao Tangand her companions went up first. Inside the plane,Teacher ZhangapproachedPresident Tanto pay his respects.Yao Tangdidn’t even glance at him once.
He had already suffered much loss and insult from this audacious junior in the past. Now, his impression of the girl became even worse.
Since he didn’t have a private jet of his own, President Tanthought it was a good idea to book the entire plane for their trip.
However, he later received a call from the airline asking if he would permit a few passengers on the same flight. In the end, he agreed to give up the Economy Class for those who were in urgent need to fly to Beijing.
And so, the only passengers in the First Class cabin were him, Yao Tang, and the third person.
Qin Man glared asYao Tangwalked past her and headed to the first-class cabin. Her chest felt tight with envy.
This girl was just a nobody from the countryside. What right did she have to settle at a higher and more comfortable position than Qin Man, who was the Young Madam of a wealthy family?
Here she was, stuck in the Economy Class, while that bumpkin enjoyed the benefits of the First Class. In what universe was this acceptable?
Qin Man huffed and squirmed in her seat in dissatisfaction.
When she could no longer contain it, she pinched Yao Ranand whispered, “Why is that wretchedYao Tanghere, too? And she’s even sitting in First Class? How did that happen? That old man she’s with, is he her sugar daddy or something?”
Qin Man came up with several sordid presumptions, thinking that these vile thoughts would help ease her displeasure.
Yao Ran perked up at the mention of the term “sugar daddy”, but her arm almost instantly throbbed in pain, as if to remind her of what happened when she last ran her mouth off.
“No, Mom, that should be her teacher. He must have arranged for her to be in First-Class.”
“Then go and do the same for your mother!” Qin Manhissed. “I’ve never had to endure the Economy Class before. Do you realize how uncomfortable this is for me? I don’t want to sit here. If my friends found out about this, I will be a laughingstock. Now go and speak with a flight attendant!”
Unfortunately, Yao Randidn’t even know how to begin making the request. She could only turn mournfully towardTeacher Zhang.
He was sitting two seats in front of him, his head leaned back against the headrest, his eyes closed. He didn’t seem to notice the commotion Qin Manwas making.
