"Softly, softly, my longing, in the season of unrequited love, I still remember meeting you by the lake..." He Lele had recently watched a variety show and had been humming a song, to the point where Wang Muman had also learned it.
In the current classroom, students were engrossed in a series of books, passing them around. Some daring students even read them during Chinese, Math, and English classes. This led to the risk of being discovered. Teacher Xu initially didn't notice that some students weren't paying attention in his class, secretly reading novels. Perhaps they were too good at hiding.
Later, when he called on students to answer questions, he had to repeat the questions. Teacher Xu found it strange. He didn't confront them directly but observed closely. The students in the front rows showed no change, but those in the last one or two rows would always meet his gaze, their eyes still cautious. Teacher Xu assigned some in-class practice and prepared to patrol.
It seemed to have had some effect. As he walked by, he saw one or two students quickly sit up straight, and the drawers of their desks made a slight noise.
After class, Teacher Xu asked Shi Kai to his office, wanting to know what was happening in the classroom.
"Shi Kai, I just noticed some students were up to something. Tell me, what's been popular in the classroom lately?" Teacher Xu posed the question.
Shi Kai immediately understood the reason for the conversation. He hesitated, unsure whether to speak.
"Teacher, well, it's actually a very good phenomenon. Everyone likes to read," Shi Kai said, scratching his head, seemingly thinking his statement was acceptable.
"So, reading during class, too," Teacher Xu paused, then added, "I also wondered why some people who always seemed sleepy were suddenly so energetic, always making eye contact with me. I thought they were really listening attentively."
Shi Kai chuckled, "Teacher, it's fine, at least they're all reading."
"There should be a rule for this. You can't focus on two things at once during class. You and Yan Cheng should discuss it. Reading is fine, but you must also attend class properly. Get this rule into the students' minds. If I see anyone secretly reading outside the classroom today, you two will stand with them as punishment. Also, don't read inappropriate books." Teacher Xu felt that reading was acceptable, and normal books were beneficial for the children. However, if he took strict measures, it might negatively impact their attitude towards reading. He believed that peer admonishment from Shi Kai and Yan Cheng, who had considerable influence, would be effective. At worst, he would intervene himself.
Shi Kai returned to the classroom and sat in front of Yan Cheng, who was doing his homework, with a serious expression.
"Chengzi, something big has happened."
Yan Cheng frowned and looked up at him.
"Little Xu discovered they were reading novels. Someone was reading during class just now, and he was very angry," Shi Kai recounted Teacher Xu's words.
"You just go up and tell them. Implement some punishment, like cleaning the floor."
"Alright, I thought you'd have some better ideas. That's what I was thinking anyway," Shi Kai said, then walked to the podium and tapped the desk.
"Everyone, quiet down for a moment. Was anyone secretly reading under their desks during Little Xu's class just now? Unfortunately, Little Xu discovered some clues, so we have a new class rule: no reading other books during class time. If caught, you'll have to clean the classroom for three days. All class committee members are responsible for supervision. If Little Xu catches you on the spot, the punishment will be even greater." Shi Kai walked down from the podium and glanced at Yan Cheng.