Du Heng didn’t really want to say anything more, either. At this point, the problems that needed to be corrected had been corrected. As for whether she was a truly knowledgeable professor, that was none of his business. Besides, the College Dean had shown him respect before, so now he couldn’t disrespect the Dean.

"I understand, Dean. I’m leaving now."

Du Heng once again flashed the Dean a grin, then turned on his heel and walked out. Behind him, a round of applause continued to resound for quite a while.

Watching Du Heng’s bright white teeth, the Dean could only smile helplessly. However, he did stop the students from clapping. "Professor Ding," he said, "our young teachers at the school are too eager. Confronted with an expert like you, they just can’t help but ask a few more questions. If anything was inappropriate, I hope you can be magnanimous and forgive him."

They had played their parts perfectly, one as the good cop, the other as the bad cop, leaving Professor Ding Yuxue completely cornered on stage. And the Dean was also certain that she, Ding Yuxue, wouldn’t dare to cause a scene right then and there.

As for what she’ll do when she gets back to the Capital... Hmph, that’s none of my business, the Dean thought. No matter how formidable she is, could she possibly extend her reach to the Ministry of Education? Unlikely. Besides, that’s not my concern. The supervisory authority for this school is the Provincial Department and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Administration Bureau, which has no connection whatsoever to the Ministry of Education.

Professor Ding Yuxue took a light breath. Since Du Heng had been dismissed by the Dean, it was a face-saving gesture for her. Even though this gesture came a bit late, it at least still served as a shield for her modesty.

With this shield for her modesty in place, she still had to earn her fee for the day. She then forced a barely perceptible smile onto her face. "Dean, you’re overstating things. It was merely an exchange and discussion among colleagues; there’s no need to take offense. It’s just that this Mr. Du... his resume seems rather unique."

The Dean chuckled. "Not at all. Our province is very generous in rewarding talent. It’s just that young people can easily become arrogant after a few achievements. However, young people *should* possess such drive! Otherwise, our field of traditional Chinese medicine would forever remain stagnant and corrupted, which would be terrible."

Professor Ding Yuxue’s smile stiffened. The Dean seems to be making excuses for Du Heng, but he’s actually praising Du Heng again, and lauding their local approach. Taken another way, his words are also subtly mocking me.

But even if she realized it, what could she do? "Oh?" she said. "What achievements does this Mr. Du have? Could the Dean enlighten me?"

The smile on the Dean’s face didn’t change, but his eyes flickered slightly. This woman still isn’t getting the hint, he thought. "I’d rather not list them, or it might sound like I’m boasting about one of our own," he said. "If Professor Ding is interested in Mr. Du, I can help you two connect after this event. As for Mr. Du’s achievements, Professor Ding, you can search for them online yourself. There are many. But for now, perhaps Professor Ding should continue with today’s lecture?"

Li Jianwei, who was sitting behind them, couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Those subtle rebuffs from the Dean are incredibly satisfying!

As for the commotion Du Heng just caused... given the Dean’s current attitude, could it even be called a commotion?

Li Jianwei casually crossed his legs, settling back, and turned his gaze to Professor Ding, who was now attempting to resume her presentation.

However, after the earlier incident, Professor Ding had lost her previous passionate energy. The students in the auditorium were also no longer as engaged as before; an increasing number of them began to whisper among themselves.

This further affected Professor Ding’s composure. She managed to continue for only about twenty more minutes before the lecture concluded abruptly.

Back in the office, Li Jianwei found Du Heng already cradling a teacup and flipping through a textbook at his desk. Li Jianwei smiled and asked, "Mr. Du, you were quite formidable earlier. Why did you beat a hasty retreat?"

Setting down his textbook, Du Heng chuckled. "Well, one must give the Dean face. By the way, Teacher, is the lecture over?"

"Isn’t that obvious?" Li Jianwei retorted. "After the ruckus you caused, do you think she could possibly continue?"

Li Jianwei said this half-jokingly as he walked over, opened his drawer, and placed a large, red invitation in front of Du Heng.

Du Heng asked curiously, "Whose is this?"

"Your elder martial uncle’s son is getting married. I delivered a gift to their family this morning, and he asked me to give you the invitation. He said he’d call you personally tonight when he has time to invite you."

"The invitation is enough. Elder Martial Uncle is busy; he doesn’t need to call me personally."

"That’s between you two. I’ve done my part by delivering the invitation."

Li Jianwei plopped down in his chair, cradling his teacup, and sighed. "The weather is a bit odd this year. The temperature has dropped so quickly. It’s only early September, yet we already need to wear long sleeves in the mornings and evenings."

After this brief complaint, Li Jianwei looked at Du Heng and asked, "Have you prepared your lesson plans?"

Du Heng put the invitation into his bag and resumed flipping through his book, his brow furrowing as he read. Hearing Li Jianwei’s question, he responded somewhat distractedly, "Mm-hmm, it’s ready. But I have a question."

"Go on."

"Teacher, during class, do I absolutely have to follow the order and content of this textbook?"

"Not necessarily. As long as you complete the semester’s course progress and ensure the students master the planned knowledge content, that’s fine." Li Jianwei idly swirled the teacup in his hand. "As for how you prefer to teach, what content you cover first, and what knowledge points you address later—no one will interfere with that."