Chapter 1137: Provocation
Quentin's qualifications as a homeroom teacher were indisputable, yet the burdens of such a role were substantial despite the meager monthly allowance of 500 yuan. Quentin had always aspired to lead the English research department, holding little regard for the position of a homeroom teacher. Why the sudden interest in overseeing Class 57?
"Kevin, deliver the notes to the classroom first and don't delay the class. I will inquire about the situation before making decisions," Audrey mused, watching Kevin depart with a tinge of concern. She remained clueless about the recent work changes, her apprehensions rising over Quentin potentially complicating matters for Kevin given their prior conflicts.
With these thoughts in mind, Audrey hurried to David's adjacent office. David, engrossed in a document, greeted her warmly upon her entrance. "Mrs. Johnson, what brings you here?"
"Mr. Carter, has Quentin taken over as the homeroom teacher for Class 57?" Audrey inquired. "Weren't you covering that position, and isn't Mrs. Garcia expected to return soon?"
"Oh, you're already aware," David adjusted his glasses with a smile. "Exactly, Quentin called me yesterday expressing a desire to share the workload, volunteering to be the homeroom teacher for Class 57. I didn't see any issue with it. Besides, Mrs. Garcia may take a while longer to return, and there's a training program on information technology."
Audrey was taken aback. Quentin had narrowly missed pushing David out at the end of the previous semester, only to be embroiled in scandal. The school, succumbing to public pressure, refrained from promoting Quentin. However, after a summer break, things had quieted down. Quentin might very well be on the move again. If Quentin were to become the head of the research department, it would be a disgrace for Sunset Valley High School. Witnessing Quentin dictate and interfere daily would be quite intolerable for her.
Seeing Audrey lost in thought, David spoke with emphasis, "Mrs. Johnson, at the beginning of the school year, I suggested having you serve as a homeroom teacher for some experience. However, considering your gentle nature and being a woman, I hesitated about entrusting a whole class to you, fearing you might struggle to manage. You're still young; focus on teaching, publish more papers, participate in research projects, aim for higher professional titles first. The duties of a homeroom teacher don't offer much benefit. I'm looking out for you. If you wish to take on that role later, I can arrange accordingly."
"Thank you, Mr. Carter." Audrey excused herself from the principal's office. She had no intention of contending for the homeroom teacher position. If it wasn't Quentin, she wouldn't mind another teacher taking on that role. But why Quentin?
The second class was English, and Audrey entered the room in heels, now accustomed to teaching in a skirt and stockings. She felt more mature and composed in this attire, contemplating that in a few years, her dressing style might align with Alissa's. Perhaps it was a subtle transformation; in a school setting, being divergent was challenging. People had to adapt to their surroundings, as altering the environment proved difficult.
"Today, we'll delve into Unit One, Lesson Two. Turn to page ten in your textbooks," Audrey announced, descending from the platform, passionately narrating the text's background and introducing the relevant characters.
The classroom echoed with Audrey's melodious voice as the students, engrossed, listened attentively, their eyes reflecting contemplation. It was Audrey's favorite moment—escaping life's trifles and leading a group of eager learners through the ocean of knowledge, imparting life lessons through classic texts, helping them perceive the world correctly.
Suddenly, a faint clicking sound behind her caught Audrey's attention. Recognizing the noise, she turned to see Felix, a male student in the seventh row on the left, hastily stuffing something into his desk before casually flipping through his textbook.
Audrey furrowed her brows, approaching Felix and murmuring, "Felix, what were you doing just now?"
"Mrs. Johnson, I wasn't doing anything; I was just following the lesson," Felix raised his head, innocence painted on his face.
However, Felix's ploy did not deceive Audrey. Her expression turned stern as she said, "Take out what's in your desk."
"Mrs. Johnson, I really didn't do anything. What do you want me to take out?" Felix jested, "Ask my desk mate; I've been reading all along."
Turning to Felix's desk mate—a girl looking flustered and hesitant—Audrey was met with silence, seemingly intimidated by Felix's coercion.
"Felix, if you refuse to comply, I will call your homeroom teacher or Mrs. Maxwell from the disciplinary office," Audrey, now a seasoned teacher, brandished her phone before Felix. "Or should I dial your parents to come over?"
Felix's expression darkened as he reluctantly retrieved a mini-tablet from his desk. Audrey opened the device, finding several clandestine photos—images of her legs and buttocks captured while she wore sheer stockings.
"Reflect on your actions. I'll hold onto the tablet for a while," Audrey remarked lightly. "If you score below eighty on the midterm exam, I will hand the tablet directly to your parents for them to handle." With that, she turned away from Felix, resuming her teaching at the podium.
After class, holding both the notes and the tablet, Audrey left the room. Suddenly, Felix caught up, earnestly pleading, "Mrs. Johnson, I know I was wrong. Please return the tablet to me, and I won't do it again."
"Felix, you realize your mistake now. Do you understand the nature of your actions?" Audrey's gaze turned cold as she addressed the student. "Do you want me to disclose today's incident to others? I've given you a chance; don't push your luck."
Witnessing Audrey walk away, Felix's eyes betrayed a hint of resentment. The tablet had been a hard-earned possession from his family, typically used for watching movies and playing games. Today, seeing Audrey in alluring sheer stockings, he impulsively snapped a few photos intending to boast to his mischievous peers. Little did he expect Audrey to discover his actions. No, he had to retrieve the tablet at all costs.