There’re Always Paranoid Thoughts to Monopolize Me - Chapter 21.2

Qin Ke was silent for two seconds before vaguely saying, “Actually, you were right earlier. I do know Teacher Huo Jingyan.”

“Really?” Gu Xinqing’s eyes widened in surprise. “So you two…”

“Don’t get the wrong idea. I just know him one-sidedly.” Qin Ke thought for a moment, using her knowledge from her past life to come up with an explanation. “I’ve always been interested in the arts, whether it’s music, dance, or painting… And Teacher Huo Jingyan happens to be my favorite painter.”

Gu Xinqing was stunned. “He’s a painter too??”

After a moment, Gu Xinqing nodded in understanding. “No wonder the school arranged for such a young and handsome man to be our teacher.”

As they spoke, Huo Jingyan had already set up the PPT for the lecture. He smiled as he looked at the students.

“I’m very happy to be teaching at Qiande and even happier to meet all of you. We’ll be spending about a semester together—I hope we all have a pleasant and rewarding experience.”

The students applauded spontaneously, and Huo Jingyan raised his hand to signal them to stop.

“This class, I’ll be explaining some basic concepts…”

As he spoke, Huo Jingyan opened the PPT.

The first slide was titled “Art Appreciation,” with what seemed to be a Western oil painting in the background. Most students were unfamiliar with the artwork and style and didn’t pay much attention to it.

With a click of the mouse, the next slide was Huo Jingyan’s personal introduction page.

However, Huo Jingyan did not pause there and moved on, saying with a calm smile, “Self-introductions are unnecessary. Let’s skip that part—but don’t tell your homeroom teachers I said that.”

The students laughed.

But a few sharp-eyed students had already glimpsed the prestigious school names listed on the slide. Someone couldn’t help but exclaim quietly.

“Teacher Huo, we want to see your self-introduction!”

“Yes, Teacher Huo, we need to get to know you so we can get along better!”

“…”

Huo Jingyan was evidently a bit surprised by the students’ forwardness. He paused, straightened up, and said, “Self-introductions often stereotype first impressions, which doesn’t help with getting to know each other.” Seeing the students’ obvious disappointment, he chuckled, “Do you really want to see it?”

The students’ eyes lit up immediately.

“Yes, Teacher Huo, please show us!”

“…Alright.”

Huo Jingyan sighed and reluctantly went back to the previous slide.

Qin Ke was mentally prepared, but the other students were not—most of them were almost blinded by the dazzling achievements displayed on the screen.

For the next few seconds, the multifunctional hall was filled with exclamations and words of praise. Following this, countless adoring glances were directed at Huo Jingyan.

Huo Jingyan scratched his temple with his index finger and said with a touch of helplessness, “This PPT was made by your school’s teachers, and it contains a lot of flattering words. Just take about thirty percent of it seriously and don’t overthink.”

Naturally, the students didn’t believe him.

Even if the words were flattering, the achievements were real and substantial enough to make any teacher at Qiande High School feel inadequate.

“I really don’t know where the school found such a ‘godlike’ teacher.”

“Yeah, it’s incredible that someone like him would come to teach in high school. We’re so lucky.”

“He’s also a member of the Art Association. I have a relative who works in that field, and that association is extremely strict. I can’t believe they have such a young member.”

“I’m changing my idol, ahhh!”

Amid the surprised chatter of the girls, Qin Yan, sitting in the front row, also showed a hint of excitement.

This was simply a godsend opportunity.

She had previously tried very hard to get close to Teacher Wu Qingyue, mainly because of his connections, network, and his status and influence in certain circles.

But because of Qin Ke, Wu Qingyue’s impression of her had been completely ruined, and all her previous efforts were wasted. And now, suddenly, someone who was more capable, more prestigious, and more accomplished than Wu Qingyue had appeared right in front of her!

Qin Yan bit her lip and clenched her fingers tightly.

She believed this was a new opportunity given to her by heaven. If she could seize the chance to align herself with Huo Jingyan, she could have a future even more brilliant than she had planned!

Thinking of this, Qin Yan’s heart couldn’t help but beat rapidly with excitement.

She suppressed the eagerness in her eyes and stared intently at Huo Jingyan on the podium.

At this moment, having finally moved past the self-introduction slide, Huo Jingyan spoke.

“By the way, I plan to choose one of the three class monitors as the class representative to handle the course-related matters.”

He paused, smiling, with a certain glint in his eyes.

“So, can the three class monitors stand up and let me get to know you?”