After looking left and right to confirm no one was around, Xin Zhiyao knocked on the door. Zhou Ji's voice came from inside, "Come in."
Upon opening the door, she discovered that Zhou Ji was not alone; another teacher from a different major was also present.
"Hello, Teacher," Xin Zhiyao quickly greeted him.
The teacher saw Xin Zhiyao and said to Zhou Ji, "Your student is here to see you. I'll be going then. We'll handle the matter as you suggested."
After the teacher finished speaking, he left.
The office was once again just the two of them.
"Sit," Zhou Ji said, gesturing for her to sit opposite him.
"I just came to get an application and then I'll leave," Xin Zhiyao mumbled.
"No rush, we haven't seen much of each other these past few days."
Xin Zhiyao watched as Zhou Ji walked to the tea-making area and, just like last time, opened a box of cup milk tea.
Since he had already spoken, Xin Zhiyao could only silently sit down.
Soon, the room was filled with the aroma of milk tea again. After preparing it, Zhou Ji handed it to her, "Be careful, it's hot."
"Thank you," Xin Zhiyao reached out to take it.
She liked sweet things; they seemed to be able to heal all unhappiness.
She took a shallow sip and saw that Zhou Ji had been watching her the entire time.
Xin Zhiyao immediately felt awkward, unsure of what expression to make.
She didn't feel this way when chatting with him on her mobile phone; perhaps because it was through a screen, she could act freely. But now, standing before him, the pressure of his teacher status made her body tense up unconsciously.
Zhou Ji seemed to notice her discomfort and spoke first, "How have you been lately?"
Xin Zhiyao nodded, holding her milk tea.
"And it?" Zhou Ji's gaze fell on her belly.
Xin Zhiyao's face flushed slightly, "It's also alright."
She was telling the truth. If it weren't for the test results, she wouldn't have even felt pregnant. Her body hadn't changed much compared to before, except for an aversion to greasy food, so she hadn't really felt like a mother yet.
"That's good," Zhou Ji said as he opened a drawer and took out an A4 paper. "Submit the application form as soon as possible and move back home. It'll be easier for me to keep an eye on you."
Xin Zhiyao saw that the application form had been thoughtfully filled out with all the necessary information, including personal details and the reason for the application. All that was missing was her signature.
"Thank you," Xin Zhiyao took it, "I'll give it to the counselor later."
"You're welcome."
The atmosphere became quiet again.
Xin Zhiyao really couldn't stay any longer and weakly asked, "Can I go now?"
Her question made it sound as if Zhou Ji was imprisoning her.
Zhou Ji looked at her and smiled, "Go ahead. Take care of yourself."
Xin Zhiyao stood up from the stool. After a few steps, she paused, turned back, and said to Zhou Ji, "Professor Zhou, thank you for the milk tea."
The sound of the door closing echoed. Zhou Ji frowned slightly as he looked at the closed office door.
Professor Zhou?
It seemed this little girl wasn't clear enough about their identities.
Xin Zhiyao hadn't expected her plan to live together with Zhou Ji to encounter its first obstacle so quickly.
The counselor looked at the application form she submitted and said to her, "Our school's regulations have changed. If you apply to live off-campus, you must have your parent's signature."
Xin Zhiyao's face fell. She remembered that when her roommate Su Qianqian applied to live off-campus before, she didn't seem to need a parent's signature. "I remember there wasn't this rule before the semester started."
"That's right," the counselor nodded. "But a few days ago, a student who applied to live off-campus didn't inform her parents and got into trouble outside of school. Now her parents have come to the school, so a new regulation has been issued."
Xin Zhiyao left the counselor's office dejectedly. As soon as she went downstairs, her mobile phone vibrated. She opened it to find a message from Zhou Ji.
Zhou Ji: Did you submit the application form?
Xin Zhiyao immediately sent a crying emoji.
Xin Zhiyao: The counselor said I need a parent's signature, otherwise they won't approve the application.
The next second, Zhou Ji's phone call came through directly.
"Professor Zhou," Xin Zhiyao's voice was weak.
She had mentally prepared herself to move out and live elsewhere these past few days. She had bought such a beautiful dressing table for that house and had already decided what kind of plants to grow on the balcony. Not being able to live off-campus was simply devastating news for her.
"Where are you?" Zhou Ji's steady voice came through.
"Boya Building, the counselor's office."
"Wait for me there. I'll be right over."
After Zhou Ji finished speaking, he hung up. Xin Zhiyao didn't know why he was coming, but she could only wait for him obediently.
In less than five minutes, Zhou Ji appeared within her field of vision.
His steps were steady and composed as he strode towards her with his long legs. His brow ridge was prominent, his bone structure refined, exuding a handsome and refined aura.
When he got closer, Xin Zhiyao called out, "Professor Zhou."
Her tone was unconsciously tinged with sadness.
Zhou Ji didn't dwell on her address. His gaze fell on her small face, creased with worry. "Don't look so glum. This is a minor matter."
Saying this, he took the application form she was clutching and said, "Let's go in."
His tall, slender body was close to hers. At that moment, Xin Zhiyao felt like a child with an adult backing her up, and she unconsciously straightened her back.
The counselor didn't expect Xin Zhiyao to return and was surprised to see her back in the office. He said, "Student, no matter how much you say, it's useless. Without a parent's signature, it cannot be processed."
As soon as he finished speaking, a tall figure followed her in, his imposing presence blocking half the sunlight.
The counselor immediately recognized Zhou Ji and quickly stood up. "Professor Zhou, what brings you here?"
Professor Zhou was renowned throughout the school; there were few teachers and students who didn't know him.
Zhou Ji placed Xin Zhiyao's application form on the desk. "I'm here for this."
The counselor glanced at Xin Zhiyao after seeing the form clearly.
So, she had gone to get reinforcements.
Although he didn't know why Zhou Ji was helping Xin Zhiyao, rules were rules. If anything happened to the student, he would be held responsible.
The counselor said helplessly, "Professor Zhou, it's not that I'm unwilling to give you face, but the incident with that student a few days ago caused quite a stir. The school leaders are currently focused on this matter, and I don't dare to let anyone go easily. We must have a parent's signature."
Zhou Ji said gently, "I am her parent."
The counselor looked at Zhou Ji, then at Xin Zhiyao, wondering if they were relatives.
Then, Zhou Ji took out a red booklet and placed it in front of the counselor. "This is our marriage certificate. Her living off-campus has my consent. I will sign it, and I will be responsible for anything that happens."
The bright red marriage certificate lay on the desk, and the counselor was completely stunned.
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