Chapter 1177: Mellow
Ivan was given a severe penalty by the disciplinary department for plagiarism, resulting in a one-year suspension from commendations and the revocation of the first prize in the essay competition. Additionally, David, as the head of the English Teaching and Research Department, received a warning. Thus, the uproar surrounding the plagiarism incident finally came to a close.
In the evening, Kevin, Albert, Laura, Lucy, and Carl, a group of close classmates, went to a small restaurant near the school for a celebratory meal to mark Kevin's election as class monitor. Everyone indulged themselves in drinks, with even Laura and Lucy enjoying a glass of beer, their flushed cheeks looking particularly alluring.
"Albert, since you and Lucy are a couple now, you two should share a toast," Carl said playfully.
Albert grinned and raised his glass, looking at Lucy. Lucy was a bit shy but raised her glass with Albert, intertwining their arms to take a sip. She glared at Carl, saying, "Carl, always stirring things up. Today's celebration is for Kevin becoming the class monitor. I can't let you steal the limelight. You owe us a drink."
"I stand corrected, I stand corrected," Carl said as he downed a beer, chuckling. "Today has been such a blast. Who would've thought Mrs. Johnson would be so decisive, swiftly dealing with that scoundrel Ivan. Did you see how dark Ivan's expression turned at the end? I doubt he'll dare to be overbearing in the class from now on."
"Absolutely," Albert chimed in. "Mrs. Johnson may seem gentle, but she exudes a commanding presence. Kevin, it's all good now that you're the class monitor. We all support you. What's your plan?"
Laura interjected, "What are you all up to? Kevin being monitor doesn't mean you're to engage in brawls. The role is about serving everyone. Stop with these mischievous ideas."
Lucy added, "Laura's right. Being monitor also means preparing for exams. We need to prioritize. Kevin has improved academically, and Albert, Carl, you both need to keep up."
Carl and Albert awkwardly changed the subject, chatting a while longer before dispersing. Albert escorted Lucy home, Kevin walked Laura home, and Carl, feeling left out, remarked with a hint of sourness, "Here I am, a solitary soul. Looks like I need to find a girlfriend too."
The group exchanged smiles, waving goodbye to each other. As Laura chattered happily with Kevin on the way, holding his hand, Kevin relished the pure sweetness of their budding affection. In contrast, with Audrey, thoughts of various sexual positions dominated his mind. Perhaps this was the distinction between a mature woman and a young girl.
"Oh, Kevin, do you know why Mrs. Johnson became our homeroom teacher?" Laura teased, hands behind her back.
"Why?" Kevin inquired, intrigued by the hint of secrecy.
"Last night, my dad mentioned our class, unsure whom to pick. I suggested Mrs. Johnson, and my dad said he'd consider it," Laura said with a mischievous smile. "So, it's thanks to me."
"Is that so?" Kevin hugged Laura, planting a kiss on her smooth cheek. "Laura, you're amazing."
Blushing, Laura suddenly expressed concern, "But you have to be careful. Now that you're the class monitor, Ivan is surely irritated. I'm afraid he might seek revenge against you."
"No need to worry. If he dares to provoke me, I'll make him regret it for a lifetime," Kevin sneered. Unconcerned about Ivan's potential retaliation, Kevin had faced Ivan in fights back when he was just an average student. Now, with connections across different circles, even facing Devon necessitated a smile. Why would he fear a mere Ivan?
Kevin escorted Laura to the entrance of the upscale residential area before she turned back, "Kevin, Lucy and I were planning to go hiking this weekend with Albert. Will you join us?"
"Sure," Kevin agreed. "How about Sunday?"
"Great. Let's discuss the details on Saturday evening," Laura smiled warmly, waved, and disappeared into the exclusive residential area.
Kevin soon returned to his cousin's house. As he entered the yard, a dark figure suddenly leaped onto the garden wall, startling him. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a stray cat. Kevin pondered the low walls of Audrey's residence; it seemed unsafe in case of a break-in. Perhaps he should suggest his cousin move in with him, especially now that they had reconciled.
Inside the living room, Audrey emerged from the bathroom, hair disheveled, clad in a black nightgown. Her large, round breasts pressed against the fabric, their contours clearly visible, exuding a captivating allure.
Unable to resist, Kevin stole a few more glances, feeling a dryness in his throat.
"Kevin, you're back," Audrey approached him, detecting the strong scent of alcohol. Frowning, she scolded, "Why have you been drinking?"
"Oh, just had a few drinks with classmates like Albert, Carl, Laura, and Lucy to celebrate my new role as monitor," Kevin explained cheerfully. "They wanted to toast to my success."
Audrey, towel in hand, drying her hair, looked displeased. "What's the point? Spare the rod and spoil the child. You're all still so young, fussing over such matters. Taking the monitor position seriously, are you? Let me make it clear—your primary focus should be on your studies. Everything else is secondary."
"Then why make me the monitor, Sister?" Kevin asked. "I didn't want this responsibility. Having to manage so many people, I prefer the ease of being the English class representative."
"Firstly, it was Mrs. Garcia's suggestion. She believes it will enhance your coordination skills and ensure you aren't just buried in books," Audrey said with a smile directed at Kevin. "Secondly, now that I am the homeroom teacher of Class 57, I need a trustworthy ally. If you are unwilling, I'll find someone else."
"No, I'm willing," Kevin hurriedly reassured her with a smile, banter aside. The allure of being monitor was too fresh for him to let go, plus the position required frequent interaction with the homeroom teacher. He couldn't let it slip through his fingers.
"Furthermore, now that I'm your homeroom teacher and you are the monitor, you must set an example for all students," Audrey continued. "My expectations of you will only be higher than before. Don't feel aggrieved. At home, we are family, but at school, we must maintain a teacher-student relationship. I can meet your needs, but the condition is that you must study hard and excel academically. Understand?"
"Don't worry, Sister...I mean, Mrs. Johnson. I will regard you with the utmost respect. Wherever you point, I'll be there," Kevin said deferentially.
After the tumultuous events at the start of the school year, their relationship transitioned into a new phase. What was once primarily based on physical desire between him and Alissa had evolved into a union of mind and body. Initially, Audrey had pampered and indulged him as an elder cousin and teacher. Now, their relationship approached equality, displaying a genuine mode of interaction between a man and a woman. They would argue, have disagreements, but also find compromises.