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

Why couldn't he just remind her in some other way if there was an issue?

What on earth did he mean by saying she skipped washing her hands after the bathroom?

In reality, she hadn't even stepped foot in the toilet at all.

Well, to be precise, had she actually used it, she would have made sure to wash her hands without fail.

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

She shot a glance at Liu Guoying, her face flushing with embarrassment, and hesitated to offer her hand once more, clearly thrown off by his comment.

"Teacher! I always wash my hands, I'm super clean about that stuff!"

Liu Guoying huffed: "How should I know? Perhaps your stomach was acting up and you rushed off, forgetting in the haste. I recall Mr. Hu's line of work involves bespoke qipaos and jewelry made by hand, so those hands of his must be worth a fortune."

"It's as if my own hands aren't valuable too." Chiang Xiao shot back.

As the teacher and her student edged toward another spat, the principal felt helpless and jumped in to ease the tension.

"Mr. Hu, I'm sure you'll cross paths again before long. Why not settle in for a real discussion once the 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 that carried some hidden depth.

"Teacher and student share a truly close bond."

Chiang Xiao flicked her hand dismissively and said, "It's not all that amazing, really. Right now, I'm the sole student under my teacher, so he's got no other target for his arguments. Probably once he picks up more pupils, I'll get sidelined. But Teacher, didn't you mention spotting a talented painter with real potential and planning to accept them? Have you located that individual yet?"

When it came to this figure, Liu Guoying's gaze sparked with excitement.

It was plain to everyone that Chiang Xiao had nailed it; he was genuinely eager to bring that person under his wing.

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

"I haven't tracked them down yet, but Chiang Xiao, let me warn you—that person's skills could rival yours easily. Should I find them and they agree to study with me, you'll face some serious rivalry."

Chiang Xiao scoffed, "As if that worries me much. Keep searching if you want."

Hu Xiangyong observed the pair briefly, then announced his departure.

"Principal, allow me to walk him out," Ji Yuzhi said, rising swiftly to his feet.

The principal knew their connection inside out and simply nodded without objection.

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

Still, the principal wasn't about to let the chance slip to convince Chiang Xiao, so he invited her to take a seat: "Chiang Xiao, come on, share your thoughts. What's the issue here?"

Truth be told, showcasing her self-portrait in Mr. Hu's store could really elevate Chiang Xiao's standing, right?

It looked like there was nothing but upside for her in this.

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

Instead of sitting, she grabbed Liu Guoying by the arm in a rush and told the principal, "Apologies, Principal, could we chat later? My tummy's acting up bad today. I know Teacher's wife has a home cure for it—let him fetch that for me."

Just like that, she hauled Liu Guoying out the door in a hurry.

"Wait, Chiang Xiao, hold on..."

The principal's call faded as the door clicked shut.

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

At last, she released a deep, relieved breath.