Chapter 104: What a coincidence!

Ding-a-ling—

The crisp sound of the class-ending bell echoed in the corridor, breaking the silence of the classroom.

Jiu Jing Ziyuan's hand holding the chalk paused slightly, leaving an unfinished stroke on the blackboard.

She turned around, facing the whole class of students, her voice steady:

"Class dismissed."

Gently putting the chalk back into the chalk groove on the podium, Jiu Jing Ziyuan began to organize the teaching documents scattered on the desk, preparing to return to the teachers' office.

The classroom suddenly became active, the sound of desks and chairs moving intertwined with the noisy conversation of the students.

Just at this time.

A girl who was concerned that Natsume Chikage didn't come to school carefully raised her hand:

"Teacher Jiu Jing, why didn't Xia Mujun come to school today?"

Another girl also hurriedly echoed, her tone full of worry:

"Did he ask for leave? Or is it that..."

This question immediately attracted the attention of the whole class.

After all, Natsume Chikage is now the focus of the class; it is obviously unlikely that they would not care about his absence at all.

Xiyuanji Qilai was also very concerned.

She had looked toward the classroom door more than once during class, looking forward to the appearance of that familiar figure.

But a whole class had passed, and Natsume Chikage still hadn't come.

This doesn't look like a simple lateness...

Jiu Jing Ziyuan didn't expect that students would take the initiative to ask about Natsume Chikage's situation.

But as a teacher, she has an obligation to protect students' privacy.

No one in the class knew that Natsume Chikage went to participate in the competition, which meant that he hadn't told his classmates about this matter.

Since that was the case, she couldn't reveal his personal itinerary at will.

Jiu Jing Ziyuan maintained professional calmness and explained in a flat tone:

"Xia Mujun asked for leave today for personal reasons."

The girl still pursued the question:

"So, is Xia Mujun on sick leave or for some other reason... did he tell you, Teacher?"

Jiu Jing Ziyuan frowned and reminded:

"Teacher, I am not in a position to reveal these personal privacy matters."

"If you want to know, you can ask him personally after he returns."

Jiu Jing Ziyuan also saw that most of the girls in the class were very interested in Natsume Chikage.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have asked so much.

Regarding this point, Jiu Jing Ziyuan was not surprised.

After all, Natsume Chikage's appearance is indeed quite good.

And in this high school period, people who look handsome and good-looking are always more popular than ordinary students.

After explaining, Jiu Jing Ziyuan picked up the organized teaching plan and left the classroom without looking back.

She didn't have many classes today, and she was a bit curious about Natsume Chikage's shogi situation, so she planned to take time to watch the live broadcast.

And this vague explanation instead aroused more speculation among the students.

"Xia Mujun didn't look very comfortable yesterday afternoon; he should have asked for sick leave, right?"

"That should be right..."

Xiyuanji Qilai remained silent; she also thought that Natsume Chikage must be physically unwell.

Recalling his stumbling appearance yesterday, unable to even stand steadily, it didn't look right no matter how you looked at it.

Could it be that he really contracted some serious illness...

Yukimura Reion, sitting by the window, closed the paperback book in her hand after hearing the teacher's explanation.

Her slender fingertips rubbed the edge of the page unconsciously, and a hint of doubt flashed in her eyes.

Even if he took the wrong train direction, he should have realized it and returned to school by this time.

But now even the first class is over.

Such a long time is more than enough for two round trips.

Since even the head teacher confirmed that he asked for leave, could it be that he is really physically unwell and went to see a doctor? ===== CHAPTER 105 =====