NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5 - [Trial lesson (4)]
After a short while, Xu ZhongHao descended the stairs, opened the door, and stepped outside. It seemed that Xu YanRan was about to arrive.
Ling Fan’s guess turned out to be correct. Shortly after, the sound of a young girl’s voice could be heard coming from the door.
“I told you I don’t want tutoring or private lessons. Dad, don’t you understand? Even if I’m the last in the class, I still don’t want any extra lessons!” A soft female voice spoke. Despite the low volume, the hushed surroundings made it abundantly clear to Ling Fan.
“Today is the last time. If you’re still not satisfied, then I won’t arrange another one.” Xu ZhongHao’s helpless voice followed.
“Hehe, you said it yourself; you can’t go back on your word.”
“I won’t, I won’t.”
Upon hearing this, Ling Fan sensed that this girl could prove to be more challenging to deal with than Su MoRan. But that was fine; he would just go with the flow. If things didn’t work out here, he could always give it a shot somewhere else.
Ling Fan had a laid-back approach, believing that as long as he gave his all, and if things didn’t work out, it simply meant he wasn’t fated to earn this money.
Ling Fan’s thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of the door opening.
His attention was fixed on the door, where a captivating young girl with flowing hair and graceful features met Ling Fan’s gaze from across the room.
She lacked the humble, friendly demeanor of Su MoRan. Ling Fan perceived Xu YanRan as a serene and delicate presence with a personality that was likely unique.
The description of a weak willow swaying in the wind applied to Su MoRan, which was quite different from the current Xu YanRan; at least, that was Ling Fan’s opinion.
Based on Xu YanRan’s flowing black hair, Ling Fan surmised that her school had a more relaxed approach to the dress code. This had a certain resemblance to the DeYu education philosophy, although the students in DeYu tended to be more disciplined.
Well, this could pose a challenge. Ling Fan’s mind was filled with a flurry of thoughts, yet his thinking remained undisturbed.
With an intelligence level of 22 on his status panel, he wasn’t worried.
“Hello, Xu YanRan. Nice to meet you. I’m Ling Fan, the teacher for today’s trial lesson,” Ling Fan greeted first.
“Ling Fan? You’re the teacher for this trial lesson? But you look to be about the same age as me. How can you teach me?”
Xu YanRan was somewhat surprised. She had not expected the tutor to be a boy her age; all of the previous tutors her parents had found were much older, and they were all female.
“Yes, I’m a second-year student at DeYu Middle School.”
“DeYu… So you must be quite good academically?” Xu YanRan’s curiosity was piqued. The person standing before her appeared to be quite different.
“So-so, I guess. I’m in the elite class,” Ling Fan decided to show a bit of his abilities to spark her interest.
“Really? I’ve never met a student from an elite class before. Dad always wanted me to go to DeYu Middle School, but my grades were too poor to get in. Isn’t that right, Dad? You said so back then.” Xu YanRan cast a glance in her father’s direction.
“Cough, the situation was like this back then. I did not lie to you; I tried many different things, but the school had a strict academic standard,” Xu ZhongHao shook his head helplessly.
“Oh, ain’t you impressive, Ling Fan.” Xu YanRan looked at Ling Fan with some interest, albeit only briefly.
Ling Fan’s outfit was rather plain, and his phone seemed unfamiliar, possibly a knockoff brand.
He seemed like a poor student, but considering the reputation of students from DeYu’s elite classes, she might as well give him a chance. If she wasn’t interested, she could stop; after all, she had nothing to lose. Plus, she could tell her friends about it, which might be an interesting story.
Xu ZhongHao, on the other hand, was astute enough to quickly notice his daughter’s growing interest. He believed that giving this trial lesson a shot was a good idea.
At this moment, Ling Fan pulled out his phone to check.
“Not particularly impressive. You, too, could make it if you put forth some effort. If everything is okay, we can begin the trial lesson so that we do not waste each other’s time. Uncle Xu, what do you think?”
Ling Fan didn’t want to waste any more time. This was meant to be an equal arrangement. Even if he had nothing planned for the afternoon, he could finish early and play games.
“Alright, you may start. YanRan, go get your textbooks,” Xu ZhongHao agreed with Ling Fan’s thoughts.
“Fine, I’ll see what you’re capable of.” Xu YanRan said and went upstairs to get her textbooks.
“Ling Fan, This is how YanRan’s personality is. It’s probably because her mother and I spoiled her too much. Don’t take it too personally.”
“It’s fine. Her personality is alright. If you want to observe the lesson, you can sit in the corner.”
Ling Fan said as he took out a first-year textbook from his bag, estimated Xu YanRan’s course progress, and pulled out his notebook. If the lesson went smoothly, he could consider leaving the notes with Xu YanRan.
“I don’t understand this at all, so I won’t disturb you guys. I’ll just take a walk outside.” Xu ZhongHao said, walking out of the villa. It was his own house, so he wasn’t worried about Ling Fan doing anything inappropriate.
Furthermore, unlike some other people, Ling Fan did not appear to be interested in Xu YanRan.
Xu ZhongHao believed his judgment of people was pretty accurate.
Before long, Xu YanRan made her way back to the living room.
Ling Fan briefly glanced at her before returning his attention to the textbook.
After asking Xu YanRan several questions, Ling Fan realized that Xu YanRan’s foundation was indeed problematic. Immediately, Ling Fan asked about all the courses she took in the first year of junior high.”
This is a bit tricky. Xu YanRan isn’t just slightly below average; she’s basically a weak student.
Ling Fan felt a headache coming on. He didn’t want to criticize Xu YanRan—what if she had a fragile ego?
Ling Fan swiftly devised an approach for Xu YanRan’s trial lesson: Starting from the very basics.
In the beginning, Xu YanRan appeared nonchalant and indifferent. She knew all too well about her shortcomings. Previous tutors had all given up on her, and she didn’t have much hope for Ling Fan either.
However, Xu YanRan quickly noticed that Ling Fan had a unique approach to teaching, unlike any of her previous tutors or school teachers. Under his guidance, she felt she wasn’t as hopeless as she had thought.
Moreover, it seemed that her charm did not affect Ling Fan.
Xu YanRan was quite mature for her age and was perceptive enough to notice that Ling Fan’s gaze was different from that of the boys in her class.
Just as Xu YanRan was about to drift off into her own world, Ling Fan lightly tapped her on the head with the textbook, snapping her out of her thoughts.
“Why did you hit me?” Xu YanRan said, clutching her head and looking at Ling Fan.
“Because you were daydreaming. Focus.”
“Sorry!” Xu YanRan stuck out her tongue playfully at Ling Fan, but he didn’t seem to notice.
Could it be that I’ve become ugly? This thought suddenly popped into Xu Yanran’s mind.
Forty-five minutes flew by, and Xu YanRan couldn’t help but acknowledge Ling Fan’s exceptional teaching skills. There was something quite charming about his serious demeanor.
As Xu YanRan watched Ling Fan, he closed the textbook and rose from his seat.
“Uncle Xu, stop eavesdropping and come in,” Ling Fan called out, noticing Xu ZhongHao had been standing at the door for quite a while.
“Ahem…” Xu ZhongHao entered with an awkward expression.
“YanRan, how do you find this teacher?”
“Teacher Ling’s personality and demeanor are both outstanding, and his lessons are even better than those of my school teachers,” Xu YanRan said with a twinkle in her eyes and a smile.
Huh? What’s going on here? Ling Fan was ready to pack up and leave. He had taught very seriously and found it quite exhausting. Xu YanRan was always up to something, playfully teasing him from time to time.
Having lived two lives, he had no interest in this girl, but he could tell she was no easy nut to crack, unlike Su MoRan.
“Pfft…” Xu ZhongHao almost spat out the tea he was sipping.
“What did you say, YanRan?” Xu ZhongHao thought he had misheard.
“I said, Teacher Ling’s lesson is perfect, and I think it suits me perfectly.” Xu YanRan repeated, her face turning a bit red.
“Got it. YanRan, step outside for a moment. I need to discuss something with Ling Fan.” It was better to handle financial matters away from the children.
“No, I’m staying here.” Xu YanRan pouted.
“Be a good girl, YanRan. Don’t delay Ling Fan’s time. He should be heading back soon.”
“Yes, if it’s any later, I’ll miss the bus home. Please spare me, Miss Xu,” Ling Fan said, pressing his palms together in a pleading gesture.
“Alright then, I’ll go out and find Little Yan to play with,” Xu YanRan said with a smile, seemingly having thought of something, and then she left cheerfully.
After seeing his daughter leave, Xu ZhongHao sat opposite Ling Fan.
“To be honest, I underestimated you. Ling Fan, you are my daughter’s most highly-rated teacher.”
Xu ZhongHao carefully observed Ling Fan’s appearance once more. Xu YanRan’s positive response meant she had agreed to further tutoring, something Xu ZhongHao hadn’t anticipated.
“Uncle Xu, you flatter me. Perhaps my teaching method just happens to suit Xu YanRan,” Ling Fan replied noncommittally.
“I’m a straightforward person. Just let me know your tutoring schedule and fee,” Xu ZhongHao requested. Ling Fan had resolved a dilemma that had been weighing on Xu ZhongHao, and his spirits were quite uplifted.
Ling Fan thought for a moment.
Teaching Xu YanRan would require more effort compared to Su MoRan, based on this initial trial lesson. The cost would naturally be higher, and it would be best to schedule the sessions for Saturday afternoons.
“500 per session, each lasting forty-five minutes. Classes would begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoons, with about three sessions per afternoon. If you agree, today’s class will be counted towards the total,” Ling Fan said after some thought.
Noticing Xu ZhongHao’s hesitation, Ling Fan couldn’t help but wonder if his asking price was too high. However, he had valid justifications for his decision.
“I have assessed Xu YanRan’s situation. Her foundation is very poor. To be blunt, her grades are more than just a little below average; her overall performance is poor. Teaching her will be quite a mental challenge.”
Ling Fan said this while taking a sip of tea from the table.
If you find the price to be too high, it seems that I may lack experience and bluntness. Consider this lesson as a kind gesture from me, and I’ll be on my way,” Ling Fan said, standing up and getting ready to leave.
“Ling Fan, there seems to be a misunderstanding. 500 per session isn’t expensive. To be honest, this cup of tea you’re drinking costs more than that. I was just considering YanRan’s schedule. She had originally made plans for Saturday afternoon. Would it be possible to reschedule for Saturday morning instead?” Xu ZhongHao clarified, not wanting Ling Fan to misinterpret.
“I have a class at JunHao Garden on Saturday morning, so that won’t work for me.” Ling Fan sat back down, taking another sip of tea.
Damn, even if this tea didn’t taste good, it was worth 500 bucks, so he might as well enjoy it.
“Alright then, we’ll go with the schedule you suggested.”
“Thank you for understanding, Uncle Xu.”
“Not a problem. I will advance payment for twelve sessions.” Xu ZhongHao called a servant to bring an envelope and handed it to Ling Fan.
Ling Fan accepted the envelope and put it into his bag without hesitation.
“Uncle Xu, here are my notes for first-year maths and geography. Please give them to Xu YanRan when she returns. Consider this a welcome gift from me.” Ling Fan took out his notebook and put it on the coffee table.
“I’ll thank you on behalf of YanRan then. It’s getting late. Why don’t you stay for dinner before you leave?”
“Thank you for your kindness, Uncle Xu, but I have other plans for tonight, so I won’t inconvenience you.” Ling Fan knew that this was merely a formality.
“Then let me arrange a car to take you. It’s not safe for you to travel alone with so much cash.” Xu ZhongHao was genuinely sincere this time, taking into account that Ling Fan had a substantial amount of money with him.
Ling Fan was initially considering accepting the offer, but then he couldn’t shake off the memory of Xu YanRan’s smiling face when she left, which sent a shiver down his spine.
“It’s fine, Uncle Xu. I’ll be careful.”
“Also, please don’t mention my morning classes at JunHao Garden to Xu YanRan.” Ling Fan added.
“Don’t worry, I won’t say anything.” After receiving Xu ZhongHao’s assurance, Ling Fan left the LinJian Garden.
With a substantial amount of cash in hand, Ling Fan remained cautious. He decided not to take the bus and hailed a taxi, swiftly closing the door behind him as he departed.
As Ling Fan stepped into the car, Xu YanRan suddenly appeared from around a corner, wearing a baseball cap.
“Didn’t he say he was taking the bus? How did it turn into a taxi? Men are indeed all liars! Next time, I’ll follow him to see what he’s up to,” Xu YanRan stomped her feet in frustration, muttering a few more words before leaving.
Ling Fan was unaware of this. He pondered over his options for a delightful dinner and contemplated the best approach to create a teaching plan for the two girls. Once paid, he would ensure the job was done well.