Compared to Ian Song scoring 748 on the monthly exam, what everyone really cared about was how he took down the terrorists on that plane.
So every time class ended, students from other classes would crowd outside Class Nine’s door, pointing at Ian Song and whispering, their voices full of awe and amazement.
Meanwhile, the students in Class Nine who’d heard Ian Song describe the details of how he subdued the terrorists retold the story to the others with excitement, painting a vivid picture of that thrilling moment.
At the same time, the school administration was quick to react.
The principal personally invited him to the office for praise, and even wanted him to give a talk to the whole school. Ian Song politely declined.
At noon, Ian Song went to Hannah Han’s apartment and spent an hour cooking more than ten dishes.
Just as Hannah was busy demolishing the spread on the table, her phone suddenly rang.
She picked up the call a little reluctantly, saw it was her mom, and pressed answer. Instantly, Jenny Han’s panicked and helpless voice came through: “Sasha, something’s wrong—your dad’s gone missing.”
Hearing that her father was missing, Hannah didn’t seem too worried. She frowned and said, “Mom, you know what he’s like. He won’t come home until he’s lost all his money gambling. Once he’s broke, he’ll show up. Don’t worry about him too much.”
To be honest, Hannah had zero affection for her gambling-addict father. Ever since she could remember, Han Dayuan had been obsessed with gambling, while her mother Jenny Han was always meek and submissive—she’d nag, but never really do anything about it.
Eventually, Hannah couldn’t stand it anymore and tried all sorts of ways to teach Han Dayuan a lesson. He shaped up for a while, but when she left for college in another city, he relapsed. That’s why she never asked her family for tuition—she relied entirely on scholarships and part-time jobs.
After graduating, she really wanted to teach in Jiangzhou, but with a gambler dad and a mom who was just an elementary school teacher, she had neither money nor connections. Staying in Jiangzhou was impossible, so she ended up in Riverstone City, a second-tier city.
Since her younger brother was now in his first year of high school, every time she got paid, Hannah would send most of her salary home, keeping only enough for daily expenses. She honestly couldn’t remember the last time she bought herself new clothes at the mall.
Honestly, Hannah felt her father wouldn’t have ended up like this if her mother had been tougher with him. If Jenny Han had put her foot down, Han Dayuan probably wouldn’t dare be so reckless.
Thinking about all this, she felt a wave of sadness she couldn’t quite explain.
“Sasha, this time is different. Your dad’s been missing for a whole week. Your brother and I have searched all his usual teahouses and casinos, but we can’t find him anywhere. Can you come home? I’m really worried something might’ve happened to him.”
By now, Jenny Han’s voice was already breaking, on the verge of tears.
Hannah’s heart softened. Memories flashed of her mom working all day as a teacher and then running a street stall at night just to support her and her brother. Her eyes grew wet and she hurriedly said, “Mom, don’t cry. I’ll call the principal and ask for leave right now—I should be able to make it home before dinner.”
“Ms. Han, did something happen at home?” Ian Song asked with concern when he saw Hannah hang up.
“Ugh! That guy’s just a bastard—he only knows how to gamble, never thinks about how hard Mom works to support the family all by herself!”
Hannah Han completely broke down, collapsing onto the table and sobbing.
Ian Song had heard Hannah talk about her family before, and he’d just overheard the call with her mom. He really sympathized with her—having a dad like that was rough.
He got up and walked over to Hannah, gently patting her shoulder. His voice was extra soft: “Go ahead and cry. Don’t bottle it all up—letting it out will make you feel better.”
Hearing Ian’s words, Hannah cried even harder. Watching her trembling shoulders, Ian’s eyes filled with pity.
After a long while, Hannah finally stopped crying. Then she realized how inappropriate it was to lose control in front of a student.
"Here, wipe your tears." Ian smiled and handed Hannah a tissue.
“Hmph!” Hannah snatched the tissue from his hand, wiped her tears, then glared at Ian. “You’re not allowed to tell anyone what happened today.”
“Relax, I’m good at keeping secrets. Besides, it’s not every day you get to see a beautiful teacher cry—I wouldn’t tell anyone.” Ian teased.
“Ian Song, are you trying to get yourself killed by teasing your teacher?” Hannah raised her fist as if she was about to hit him.
But in Ian’s eyes, the whole scene had a different flavor—almost like a couple flirting.
Noticing Ian’s strange look, Hannah snorted, “What are you staring at? Don’t look, or I’ll gouge your eyes out.”
Ian burst out laughing.
Seeing Hannah act like a little girl, Ian couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
“Jerk! You dare laugh? I’ll beat you up!”
Hannah exploded, jumped up, and swung her fist at Ian’s chest.
Ian immediately turned and ran.
After all that horsing around, Hannah felt the knot in her chest loosen. She also realized Ian had done it on purpose to cheer her up. Feeling grateful, she said, “Thanks, Ian.”
“Thank me for what?” Ian played dumb.
“Hmph, whatever. Just get lost—I need to head back to Jiangzhou.” Hannah snapped.
“How about I go with you?” Ian suddenly put on a serious face.
“Why are you coming? Don’t you have school?” Hannah protested.
“Hear me out.” Ian stepped forward, took Hannah’s hands, and stared into her slightly swollen eyes. “Casinos always have shady connections. If your dad’s missing, it’s probably because he lost big and got detained. If you run into that, what will you do?”
Hannah’s face showed worry at Ian’s words, but she insisted, “I… I can call the police!”
Ian shook his head. “You’re too naive. If the police could handle it, casinos wouldn’t exist! Trust me—having me along is the safest bet. I can fight, and if anything happens, I’ll keep you safe.”
Hannah hesitated.
“Why are you still hesitating? You couldn’t hire a bodyguard like me if you tried. Once this chance is gone, it’s gone!” Ian joked, grinning.
“Pfft! Shameless! But since you’re so sincere, I’ll take you with me.” Hannah shook off Ian’s hand, but a warm feeling ran through her heart and her cheeks flushed. They’d been standing so close she could feel his breath.
Since he’d be going to Jiangzhou with Hannah and probably wouldn’t be home tonight, Ian called his uncle to say he wouldn’t be back for dinner.
Jiangzhou and Riverstone City are neighboring cities, just over 180 kilometers apart. Jiangzhou’s a top-tier metropolis, so you can get there before nightfall by car, but it’s still a hassle. To save time, Ian called Zach Zhang and asked to borrow his car.
Ten minutes later, Ian arrived at the school gate. Zach had already parked the car out front.
Ian took the keys, hopped in, started the engine, and said to Zach, “I’m heading to Jiangzhou—could be a day, could be three.”
“Aw, I was planning to throw you a celebration dinner tonight. Guess I’ll have to wait till you’re back!” Zach grumbled.
“I appreciate it. When I get back, I’ll treat you all to a trip to Redleaf Mountain Resort!” Ian promised.
Ian drove to the entrance of Hannah’s apartment complex and saw her waiting outside.
Hannah had changed into a white shirt and jeans, her long hair tied in a ponytail. She looked youthful and energetic—beautiful, but not at all flashy.