Rebirth of Bloody Romance

Zhong Yuemin, the teacher who always had a bit of unruliness and deep eyes, slowly walked up to the podium. Every step he took was steady and powerful, as if the ground under his feet was echoing his steps. When he stood on the podium, his figure looked very tall.

Zhong Yuemin turned around, his eyes piercing, and scanned the youthful faces below the stage. The classroom was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Every student felt his sharp gaze, as if it could penetrate their hearts.

Zhong Yuemin held the podium firmly with one hand, as if it was the source of his power. With the other hand, he raised the book he had confiscated from the student and asked in a loud voice, "Those of you who are reading this book, please raise your hands!"

Zhong Yuemin's tone was serious and firm, filling the entire classroom with a tense atmosphere.

However, the students in the audience looked at each other, and no one raised their hands. They looked a little embarrassed and hesitant, as if they didn't know how to answer the question.

Zhong Yuemin's eyes flickered slightly, and he didn't seem surprised, but he didn't give up. He raised his voice again. "Then, if you are reading "Outline of Chinese History", please raise your hands!"

This sentence echoed in the classroom like thunder, and the students raised their heads and looked at Zhong Yuemin in surprise. However, despite the repeated mention of the title of the book, there was still no response. The students lowered their heads, as if they were afraid to meet Zhong Yuemin's eyes.

At this time, Zhong Yuemin's tone began to become serious. He took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly. "We are all Chinese. If anyone thinks that they are ugly, please raise your hand and show me!"

This sentence was like a bombshell, exploding in the classroom. The students dared not look up, let alone raise their hands, and the whole classroom fell into a dead silence.

However, in the dead silence, Zhong Yuemin's voice sounded again, and this time, his tone was a little more excited and dissatisfied. "Then let me tell you, I have read this book too! Is it good? It is very good! Well-reasoned and very inflammatory, and a rare serious nonsense!" His voice echoed in the classroom, as if to penetrate the hearts of every student.

The students were stunned. They had never seen Zhong Yuemin so excited. Zhong Yuemin's words were like a sharp knife, cutting through the fog in their hearts.

Zhong Yuemin's eyes were like torches, shuttling through every corner of the classroom, as if he could see through the secrets in every student's heart. The book in his hand looked particularly heavy in the sun.

"Why, no one dares to admit it? Do you think that admitting to reading this book means agreeing with some of the views in it, and thus feeling that you have become 'ugly'?" Zhong Yuemin's voice was a little sarcastic, but also earnest. "Remember, reading is not to seek recognition, but to broaden your horizons and learn to think critically."

Suddenly, a student sitting in the corner, Li Hao, slowly raised his hand. Although hesitant, his eyes were firm. "Teacher, I took a look at it and threw it away. I don't remember what it was."

Zhong Yuemin raised a barely perceptible smile and nodded. "Well, at least you dare to face your own reading experience. Then let me ask you, why do you think it is not good and even want to throw it away?"

Li Hao stood up, his voice trembling, but he still mustered up the courage to say, "Teacher Zhong, because I think it is one-sided, exaggerated, and uses some seemingly profound theories to distort the facts. After reading it, I began to doubt my country and my nation. This is not the history I want."

"Very good, Li Hao, you dare to question, which is a very valuable quality." Zhong Yuemin looked at him approvingly, and then cast his eyes on the whole class again. "Do you know? History is never a single color. It is interwoven with countless angles and voices. I am not good at judging this book. I think its views are too extreme, but it also reminds us that we should have our own judgment on things and not be easily swayed by any remarks."

Zhong Yuemin paused and gently put down the book in his hand. "I am standing here today not to require you to like a certain book, but to hope that you can learn to think independently."

"This kind of self-depreciation has reached a crazy level in this book."

Zhong Yuemin's voice echoed in the classroom, and every word was powerful. "It's like a funhouse mirror, which allows us to see a distorted version of ourselves, but we mistake it for a true reflection."

Zhong Yuemin paused, looking forward with deep eyes. "There is another author of this book, but I won't say who he is. I admit that I am not very knowledgeable, but their words have indeed misled many people to a certain extent. They are like a strong medicine. For some people who are eager to seek change, they seem to have found a shortcut to solve the problem, so they blindly worship them and even put them on the altar."

"But students, we must understand that everything has two sides. Although this book has its own unique perspective and profound criticism, we cannot accept it in its entirety, and we cannot deny our own culture and history because of it."

Zhong Yuemin's tone became more serious. "Our generation has witnessed the gap between us and the West, and we have a strong desire to save ourselves. But self-help is not blind worship, nor is it self-deprecation. Instead, it means learning, drawing lessons, and innovating on the basis of knowing ourselves."

"We must have the courage to face our own shortcomings, but also have the confidence to see our own strengths. Only in this way can we stand firm in the torrent of history and move towards real progress." Zhong Yuemin's words are full of power, as if pointing the way for this generation of young people.

The classroom fell silent again, but this time the silence was full of thought. The students were all thinking about Zhong Yuemin's words, as if they were looking for their own answers.

"So, students, don't be afraid to question, don't be afraid to think. Only when we dare to face the truth and dare to challenge authority can we find our own path." Zhong Yuemin's words echoed in the classroom for a long time, inspiring every young heart.

"To put it bluntly, this author is just an ordinary person who can read. His writing style is pretty good among ordinary people, but in the final analysis, he has never received any systematic education. Think about it, with such a background, what kind of shocking thing can he write?" There was a bit of disdain in Zhong Yuemin's words, but more of it was his earnest expectations for his students.

Zhong Yuemin's words were filled with helplessness and sadness. "Speaking of the book 'Outline of Chinese History', I heard that there are many history students here, right? You should know what history is like better than I do."

Zhong Yuemin looked around, his eyes lingering on every student's face. "In my opinion, it's a pity that this author didn't do crosstalk. His book is full of his own emotions. Many times it's like a stand-up comedy performance, which makes people laugh but can't stand up to scrutiny."

At this point, Zhong Yuemin's tone became a little excited. "If you want to read history books, there are many good books in the school library, such as Mr. Huang Renyu's book "The Fifteenth Year of Wanli". I wonder if you have read it? It is a good book that can really make people think deeply about history. And Mr. Chen Yinke and Mr. Liang Qichao, which of their works does not embody profound historical knowledge and academic wisdom? You don't read so many masters' books, but read a primary school student's book. Isn't there something wrong with your brain?"

Zhong Yuemin's words revealed a hint of anger, but more of it was his expectations and concerns for the students. "I'm here today to criticize this book because I hope you can learn to think independently and learn to distinguish right from wrong. Don't just follow the crowd, don't blindly follow the trend, and don't be fooled by those seemingly gorgeous but actually empty words."

Zhong Yuemin took a deep breath and softened his tone. "Remember, reading is to enrich yourself and to improve yourself. What kind of books you choose determines what kind of thoughts you choose. I hope you can choose books that can truly nourish your soul and broaden your horizons."

The classroom was quiet, and the students were listening carefully to Zhong Yuemin's teachings. They knew that this class was not only a critique of a book, but also a spiritual baptism and a deep reflection on the meaning of reading.

Zhong Yuemin stood on the podium, his voice firm and powerful, as if every word was striking the hearts of the students.

“I don’t care about other teachers’ classes, but as long as it’s my class, no books by writers from Hong Kong and Taiwan will be allowed into the classroom. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being ruthless, they will all be confiscated!” Zhong Yuemin’s words carried a certain unquestionable majesty, but he did not lose his unique sense of humor.

When the students heard this, they were all surprised. They had never seen Teacher Zhong being so "domineering".

However, just when they thought that Mr. Zhong was really going to get serious, Zhong Yuemin changed the subject and added, "Of course, martial arts and romance are an exception. With martial arts, you can learn how to be chivalrous and righteous, and with romance, you can learn how to fall in love. I am more supportive of these two types of books."

As soon as these words came out, the students burst into laughter. They knew that the humorous and playful teacher Zhong was back.

The students started talking about it. Some expressed their support for the teacher's decision, while others joked that they would bring two martial arts romance novels to "deal with" the teacher's inspections in the future.

"Teacher Zhong, how do you think we should read these books?" a student asked boldly.

"How to read? Read with your heart, think with your brain, and feel with your heart." Zhong Yuemin answered with a smile. "Reading is not just about reading stories, but also about the thoughts, culture and humanity behind the stories. Whether it is martial arts or romance, they all have their unique charm and value. As long as we can draw positive energy from them and learn useful things, they are good books."

The students nodded one after another. They knew that although Teacher Zhong was strict, he could always guide them onto the right path in a relaxed and humorous way.

After class, Zhong Yuemin returned to his desk with a heavy face. He slammed the desk heavily in shame and anger, as if he wanted to vent all his dissatisfaction and worries.

Xie Min walked over curiously. "Did you take the wrong medicine?" she asked half-jokingly, trying to ease Zhong Yuemin's mood.

"No." Zhong Yuemin answered absentmindedly, his thoughts still immersed in the class just now.

Seeing this, Xie Min teased, "What medicine do you usually take? Did you forget to take it today, so you're not in a good mood?"

Zhong Yuemin finally reacted and gave a bitter smile. "Sister, you are kidding me again. You can't take any medicine randomly. If you get sick from taking it, it will be a big problem."

"It's okay, just eat as required. If you get sick, just sue the hospital." Xie Min said lightly, trying to liven up the atmosphere.

"What if he dies from eating it?" Zhong Yuemin deliberately followed Xie Min's words with a helpless smile on his face.

At this time, Lao Yang from the other side also joined the conversation. "If you die, you will become a physical evidence from a witness!" As soon as he finished speaking, Xie Min burst into laughter.

"Xiao Zhong, that's not what I said." Xie Min clarified with a smile. She knew that although Lao Yang's words were a bit exaggerated, they also revealed a certain helpless reality.

Zhong Yuemin was also amused. He shook his head and sighed, "None of you are worry-free. However, I still have to take the things in class seriously. After all, it is a big matter concerning the students' future."

Zhong Yuemin suddenly felt that the atmosphere was a little strange. It was normal for Xie Min to joke with him, but Lao Yang seldom joked around. Why was he so happy today?

Zhong Yuemin couldn't help but ask curiously, "Sister, why are you two so happy today? Is there something good?"

Xie Min replied with a smile, "The salary has been raised, how can I not be happy? But you don't have to be happy, because you are not included in it." As she said this, she deliberately blinked, looking as if she was gloating.

Zhong Yuemin was stunned when he heard this. "Really? Congratulations."

Seeing this, Lao Yang was afraid that Zhong Yuemin would feel unhappy. After all, everyone in the office got a salary increase except Zhong Yuemin, so he explained, "It's based on years of service, and everyone gets a different amount. I only got 11 yuan, not much."

After hearing this, Xie Min said to Lao Yang with disdain, "Don't be so gullible. Just because of these 11 extra dollars, you dare to yell at your wife when you go home?" After saying this, she laughed first.

Yes, a salary increase is a big deal. After all, such a good thing hasn’t happened in decades.

For most people, this is definitely exciting news. However, Zhong Yuemin was indifferent and just shrugged his shoulders.

Because Zhong Yuemin's monthly salary was not enough for him to eat, he did not have much expectation for a salary increase.

Zhong Yuemin suddenly remembered that he had never received a salary. Every time when it was time to get his salary, he would sign for it and deposit it in the finance department like most single teachers, and then go to collect it when needed.

At that time, most people did not have the habit of depositing money in the bank. They preferred to keep their money at work, which was both safe and convenient.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but smile bitterly and said self-deprecatingly: "As a teacher, I am really a bit 'unprofessional'!"

Zhong Yuemin couldn't help but say to Xie Min and Lao Yang, "Don't be too happy too soon. Although your salary has increased, you are spending less and less money."

Xie Min and Lao Yang smiled bitterly at each other after hearing this. "That's right, prices are rising rapidly."