Su Yiwen spoke briefly on the phone before hanging up, his gaze sweeping over everyone, lingering on Tao Le for two extra seconds. Tao Le’s sensitive nerves picked up on this, feeling those seconds were unusually long. “Sorry about that, everyone,” Su Yiwen smiled, casually picking up a list. “Is everyone here? Let me explain something. Since I was recently transferred here, I’m not fully aware of the details for the senior thesis. If possible, it would be best if one of you could be elected as the group leader. That way, I can communicate directly with that person, rather than having you all come for meetings.”
The male students started to stir; no one wanted to take on such a thankless task. When all eyes turned to Tao Le, the group leader was chosen. It was as if having large breasts had trained these rogues well; their teamwork was impeccable in crucial moments. Tao Le wasn’t naive; she knew what they were thinking. She wouldn’t be the scapegoat again; it was time to strike first. “Let the female student be the group leader,” Su Yiwen said, effortlessly killing Tao Le’s attempt to take the initiative. He casually asked, “By the way, your name is…?”
“Teacher, her name is Tao Le,” someone quickly supplied, as if afraid the group leader would change. Su Yiwen smiled, “Tao Le… is that right?” For a moment, Tao Le felt an odd discomfort when he said her name. She looked at him again; he seemed fine, with a gentle smile, well-dressed in a suit and tie, the picture of propriety. Tao Le, Tao Le, is now really the time to be bothered by this? You haven’t even had a chance to speak, and the group leader role is already decided? The more she thought about it, the more unfair it seemed. Perhaps her expression changed too quickly because Su Yiwen asked, “Do you have any questions?”
“Teacher Su, I—” Tao Le hesitated, not because she couldn’t speak, but because Su Yiwen’s smile grew increasingly piercing, almost threatening, sending chills down her spine. “What about you?” he countered, waiting for her response. Tao Le had a million questions: Why should she be the leader? Why was she the only girl in the group? Why did she have to be a girl at all!
Su Yiwen’s eyes lost their humor, “If there’s no problem, let me continue.” Tao Le couldn’t hold back any longer. If she was going to die, she’d die. She wasn’t going to suffer in silence! “Teacher Su, I want to ask—”
