No One Comes to the Temple Without a Reason

Dean Zhang's eyes immediately lit up when he heard this.

Becoming a teacher at Wutong Academy was Dean Zhang's lifelong dream, symbolizing immense honor.

Now that such an opportunity had finally come, he wouldn't let it slip away. He quickly changed clothes, took a generous gift, and personally went to inquire at Wutong Academy.

Dean Zhang had an old acquaintance at Wutong Academy, his best friend from school, who had passed the imperial exam and was now teaching mathematics there. His name was Wang Shili.

Wutong Academy did not allow outsiders to enter, so Dean Zhang could only ask the academy's gate attendant to deliver his message. The attendant returned saying that Master Wang Shili was in class and asked Dean Zhang to wait.

With a favor to ask, Dean Zhang had no choice but to wait, holding his gift at the academy gate, looking up at the beautiful surroundings of Wutong Academy, imagining how wonderful it would be to teach there someday.

Dean Zhang waited until his legs went numb before he finally saw Wang Shili arrive, fashionably late.

Wang Shili was about the same age as Dean Zhang, dressed in a scholar's robe, and actually looked younger than him.

The two greeted each other with clasped hands. Dean Zhang said, "Brother Wang, let's go for a walk and talk over some food."

Wang Shili sized up Dean Zhang, knowing he wouldn’t come without a reason and a gift in hand, so he said, "Good idea. It’s been a while since we last met; we should catch up properly."

As they walked past the elegant Serenity Vegetarian Bistro, Dean Zhang looked at its grand and refined facade and thought to himself, if only he could treat Wang Shili here, it would greatly improve his favorability. Unfortunately, that wretched Su Li had set up some membership system, and without a membership card, he couldn’t even get in!

Dean Zhang gritted his teeth, cursed Su Li in his heart, and chose another upscale restaurant, booked a private room, and ordered a full table of dishes.

Wang Shili sat down and exchanged pleasantries with Dean Zhang. Dean Zhang chuckled and said, "Brother Wang, I heard Wutong Academy is recruiting a mathematics teacher?"

Wang Shili paused with his cup in hand, raised his eyelids, and nodded, "Dean Zhang, your information is quite sharp. Yes, I heard from Dean Gu that they’re looking for a new head of mathematics."

Dean Zhang was thrilled to hear the news was true and immediately got excited. He hurriedly asked, "Oh? What are the requirements? Brother Wang, do you think I qualify?"

Wang Shili glanced at Dean Zhang, silently mocking him. He thought to himself, none of us math experts here qualify for the head position, and you, some nobody, can’t even be a regular teacher at Wutong Academy. You want to be head of mathematics? Dream on.

Though Wang Shili thought this, he was experienced enough not to show it on his face. He said, "I don’t know the details; Dean Gu didn’t explain thoroughly."

Dean Zhang rubbed his hands and smiled obsequiously, "Brother Wang, could you please recommend me to Dean Gu? I’ve studied mathematics for many years and have some insights."

Wang Shili’s mouth twitched into a forced smile. He thought, with your level of skill? You must be crazy.

So Wang Shili smiled and shook his head, feigning difficulty, "I know your math skills are good, but it seems Dean Gu already has someone suitable in mind for the head of mathematics. It’s probably an internal appointment, not open to outsiders."

"An internal appointment?" Dean Zhang sighed, downing his wine in one gulp. "Hmph, if it’s an internal appointment, it’s probably some powerful noble. Brother Wang, you’ve studied math diligently for years, you’re of the right age and experience. I thought you’d be the head, but suddenly someone’s parachuted in. How can you be content with that?"