Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2397 - 2333: The New Student He’s Got His Eye On

Couldn't she have been reminded in a different way if there was an issue?

Why bring up not washing hands after the bathroom?

She hadn't even visited the bathroom to begin with.

Well, to be precise, she would have washed her hands for sure if she had gone.

Yet, the instant Liu Guoying opened his mouth, Chiang Xiao yanked back her hand before fully catching his words.

She shot a look at Liu Guoying, her face showing some embarrassment and reluctance to offer her hand once more, like she'd been hit hard by his comment.

"Teacher! I always wash my hands, you know I'm super clean!"

Liu Guoying huffed: "How would I know? Perhaps you rushed because your tummy was acting up and you overlooked it. I've heard Mr. Hu's work involves handmade tailored qipaos and jewelry, meaning his hands are probably worth a lot."

"As if my hands aren't valuable too." Chiang Xiao shot back.

Noticing the teacher and student on the verge of another squabble, the principal felt helpless and jumped in to ease the tension.

"Mr. Hu, you'll cross paths again before long. Why not settle in for a real discussion once collaboration's on the table?"

He dropped his tone and added, "Teacher Liu and Chiang Xiao are just like this all the time, haha."

Hu Xiangyong pulled back his hand and flashed a smile carrying a hard-to-define vibe.

"Teacher and student bonds run deep indeed."

Chiang Xiao dismissed it with a wave, saying, "It's not all that special. Right now, I'm the sole student under my teacher, leaving him no other target for his jabs. Probably when he gets more pupils, I'll get sidelined. But Teacher, didn't you mention spotting a super gifted artist you wanted as a disciple? Have you located them yet?"

At the mention of that individual, Liu Guoying's gaze sparkled noticeably.

It was clear to everyone that Chiang Xiao had nailed it; he was dead set on bringing that person under his wing.

What's more, this figure appeared to captivate him even further these days.

"Not yet, but listen, Chiang Xiao, that one's talent could rival yours easily. Should I track them down and they agree to study with me, you'll face some real rivalry."

Chiang Xiao huffed, "Like I'm trembling in fear. Search away."

Hu Xiangyong observed the pair briefly before announcing his departure.

"Principal, I'll walk him to the door," Ji Yuzhi offered, rising swiftly.

The principal knew their connection inside out and naturally kept quiet, merely nodding in approval.

Once Hu Xiangyong was gone, Chiang Xiao and Liu Guoying shared a glance, both exhaling in relief.

Still, the principal aimed to seize the chance to sway Chiang Xiao and invited her to take a seat: "Chiang Xiao, let's talk about your thoughts. Any issues?"

Truth be told, putting her self-portrait up in Mr. Hu's store might even elevate Chiang Xiao's fame, right?

From the looks of it, she stood to gain without any real loss.

Right now, though, Chiang Xiao's mind wasn't fixed on displaying the artwork or skipping it.

Instead of sitting, she grabbed Liu Guoying in a rush and told the principal, "Apologies, Principal, could we chat later? My belly's truly bothering me today. I recall the teacher's wife has a home cure for it. Have the teacher fetch it for me."

And just like that, she hauled Liu Guoying off in a hurry.

"Wait, Chiang Xiao, Chiang Xiao..."

The door's slam drowned out the principal's call.

Chiang Xiao steadied Liu Guoying on their way out, heading back to his quarters.

It was only then that Chiang Xiao released a deep breath of ease.