Jian Xiangxiang went straight to sleep upon returning to the dormitory. Xia Qiaofeng was already awake but hadn’t gotten up yet, nestled in bed reading a novel. The two perfectly exemplified how weekends should be spent. Ruan Yu, however, was like a fully wound-up robot that couldn’t stop. She packed her bag, grabbed her bus card, and headed out.

Her destination was a residential complex called “Hua Fu.” When submitting her resume on the part-time job website, she had looked up the complex’s location – it was in the Jinhua Road area, a well-known wealthy neighborhood.

The employer was a woman named Madam Shen Bing. Ruan Yu had spoken with her once on the phone. Shen Bing’s voice was strong and clear, her speaking style crisp and efficient, without any unnecessary elaboration. Though they hadn’t met in person, Ruan Yu could easily imagine what a capable woman Shen Bing must be.

Indeed, the voice matched the person.

When Ruan Yu arrived at Villa 93 in Hua Fu, Shen Bing was already waiting for her. She wore a white suit jacket with matching wide-leg trousers, and fashionable yet dignified short hair – her entire presence exuded elegance and authority, truly embodying the image of a powerful career woman.

“You’re Ruan Yu?” While greeting her, Shen Bing scrutinized Ruan Yu from head to toe. Her gaze was like a precision instrument, not missing even the creases in Ruan Yu’s jeans.

Ruan Yu felt suddenly self-conscious. She nodded and said, “Hello.”

Shen Bing suddenly smiled and pointed to the sofa opposite her. “Don’t be nervous, please sit.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ve reviewed your resume, and I’m very satisfied. Now meeting you in person, I’m also very satisfied.”

These two expressions of satisfaction weighed heavily on Ruan Yu, leaving her unsure how to respond. She couldn’t understand what about her had earned such approval from this seemingly particular Madam Shen Bing.

Could it be her plain and unadorned appearance?

“Since I need to catch a flight later, I’ll be brief. My son just started his final year of high school, and his performance in Chinese, Math, and English is unsatisfactory. I’m not expecting you to dramatically improve his grades, I just want you to help maintain his current level so he doesn’t fall further behind. Only then will he have a chance of getting into university next year?”

“I understand.”

“If you have no objections, the schedule will be Monday to Friday, seven to nine PM for two hours, and Saturday and Sunday from one to four PM for three hours. The rate remains as posted online, OK?”

“Yes.”

“Let me introduce you to my son,” Shen Bing said as she stood up and walked toward the second floor.

Ruan Yu quickly followed her.

The villa was spacious, with decor and furnishings that reflected the owner’s extraordinary taste. Looking at the spotless floor, Ruan Yu unconsciously became more careful with her steps.

Shen Bing’s son’s room was on the right side of the hallway. She walked over, knocked once, and went straight in.

The young man inside was doing a handstand against the wall. Hearing the sound, he quickly got back on his feet. He was wearing his school uniform, his face flushed from being upside down.

“Mom, how many times have I told you to knock before entering?”

“I did knock.”

“Knocking isn’t just the literal action – it’s a complete process. First knock, then wait for a response, then open the door, OK?”

The way the young man said “OK” was identical to Shen Bing’s manner – he was undoubtedly her biological son.

Shen Bing ignored his protest and gestured toward Ruan Yu. “This is the tutor I mentioned before, Ruan Yu. Say hello.”

Ruan Yu said, “Hello.”

The young man glanced at her and gave only a stiff nod.