Chapter 590 Two Pretentious Men
“Ah?”
Finished
Josiah’s expression abruptly shifted to a more stern demeanor as he spoke for her, elaborating. “She’s been completely swamped with work obligations recently, leaving her no free time to offer tutoring services to a high school student such as yourself.”
“I wouldn’t pose any disruption to her work. She could simply tutor me at her leisure, whenever she finds a spare moment,” Joseph insisted.
“She’s not available”
“But surely there must be time during ends or holidays, right?”
“No, that won’t be possible either.”
“Ms. Thome, what kind of subpar company are you employed by that fails to provide even the basic statutory holidays? Shouldn’t such practices be reported?” Joseph exclaimed indignantly.
Lysander interjected, “The reason is simply because I choose not to take breaks. I believe it’s important for me to push myself further.”
“Ms. Thorne, that’s frankly unacceptable. Mr. Calderon has clearly stated that we must find a balance between work and relaxation,” he argued,
“I know.”
“So, does this imply that you might start taking breaks during holidays going forward? And if so, could you possibly tutor me then? In return, I can offer you massages. I’m quite skilled at it; it’s incredibly soothing…
A massage?
Josiah’s alarm was palpable as he quickly intervened, “Why don’t you tell me which subject you’re finding challenging, and I’ll find time to help you.”
Joseph appeared to be lost in his thoughts, hardly registering the conversation, his eyes wide as he stared. at Lysander, seemingly taken aback by Josiah’s stern demeanor.
Lysander also sensed that his treatment of the senior–year student was somewhat harsh. She conveyed. gently, “At this time, I’m preoccupied with pressing matters. Even if I were to agree to help, I may not be able to assist you timely. Additionally, my expertise does not align with your academic needs. It would be more practical and beneficial for you to seek a professional tutor.”
“It’s okay,” Joseph responded after considering her logical explanation, his previously dimmed expression suddenly brightening. “Ms. Thorne, any small amount of your time would suffice. I assure you, I won’t demand much of it”
He seemed almost as if he were wagging an invisible tail in eagerness.
Josiah, feeling a surge of frustration, inhaled deeply before delivering a pointed remark, “I’ve been informed by your school administrators that you’re quite the favorite among your female classmates. It would surely disappoint them if you were to abruptly give up basketball.”
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Chapter 590 Two Pretentious Men
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to be young again. I remember how deafening the cheers were. It’s a good thing we have indoor courts. now. It seems you’ve got quite a few admirers yourself.”
Indeed, the age gap between them of seven to eight years meant their perspectives on Harborbrook Fifth High School varied significantly. The school Lysander remembered was not as aesthetically pleasing as it currently appeared, with its upgraded sports facilities and academic buildings, not to mention the sophisticated multimedia equipment now in use.
Josiah casually concurred, “Yeah, the youth nowadays are remarkably liberal in their thinking and actions, a stark contrast to our time.”
He and Lysander, being adults, found common ground in their conversations.
Joseph, having listened quietly, suddenly interjected with a cheeky remark, “Hey, are you really the same age as Ms. Thome? You sound just like our dean.”
Josiah simply stared, speechless.
Joseph probed further, “Ms. Thorne, this gentleman is older than you, isn’t he?”
“Mhm.” she murmured in affirmation.
Joseph, with exaggerated clarity, exclaimed, “I knew it! That explains why you talk in such an old- fashioned manner, just like my dad…”
His gaze then shifted to Josiah’s furrowed brow as he blinked innocently before turning to address Lysander, “Ms. Thorne, is this Mr. Owen you mentioned earlier the current dean?”
“Mm.” Lysander confirmed, a nostalgic tone in her voice as she began to reminisce about past school days. “Mr. Owen must be approaching retirement by now, right? I recall when I started at Harborbrook Fifth High School, he had just been promoted to dean. It’s quite remarkable that he has maintained that role for so many years. I remember he would always wear black and stand silently in the hallways before night class, specifically to catch students who were late.”
Joseph commented with a hint of surprise, “That’s quite a change in his fashion sense. Nowadays, he’s rarely seen in black. More often, he opts for vibrant pink shirts or red T–shirts, which are really eye- catching.
“It does seem like a significant change,” Lysander agreed.
Joseph, with his expressive manner and jovial tone, began discussing recent happenings involving Owen.
“We used to secretly call him the Irritable Husky, kind of like that cartoon character from the meme. Mainly because he stopped hiding in the building to catch students late for evening study and began patrolling the sports fields to catch young couples in the act. He’d suddenly appear from behind the bushes, flashlight in hand!”
As he spoke, his hands animated the story, adding a vividness to his already entertaining tale.
Lysander gently chided him, “Mr. Owen is a dedicated teacher. His strictness is a testament to his commitment to your education. It’s not right to speak ill of him in that manner.”
Joseph quickly assured her with the obedience of a well–trained pet, “Understood, Ms. Thorne. I won’t refer to him in that manner anymore.”
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Chapter 590 Two Pretentious Men
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“Good”
Lysander had visited the old grounds yesterday, I thought about how the expanded
Lysander had always held a deep respect for Owen. Effortlessly, she visualized the scene from her time in school, noting, “When I
playground must have made it easier for young couples to stroll together. Little did I expecs that it would actually be so
“The spot used to be quite popular, but since everyone learned that Mr. Owen frequently visits there, it’s become less frequented. The corridor connecting the third and fifth floors of the academic building provides a more secluded getaway.” Joseph explained, his hands forming a bridge as he detailed, “If a teacher is spotted there, students can easily make a quick escape.”
Upon hearing this. Josiah took the opportunity to interject, “It sounds like your campus life is quite eventful, doesn’t it? You seem to have had quite the experience.”
Not only was Joseph adept at sarcasm, but he also managed it with an almost imperceptible finesse. He doubted Joseph could maintain such subtlety in front of Lysander.
Joseph immediately denied. “I’m not one of those! I’ve never been in love!”
Seeing Joseph wave his hands in denial, Lysander assumed he was feeling sheepish. She smiled and remarked, “It’s perfectly normal for high school students to date, after all, you’re nearly adults. With your popularity, it’s hard to believe you haven’t been in your fair share of relationships.”
“I’ve honestly never dated,” Joseph confessed, his face turning suspiciously red.
Lysander, filled with a sense of puzzlement, recalled, “Back in our day, girls were quite bold in expressing their interest in boys they liked. Someone as well–liked as you must have gotten tons of love letters.”
Joseph awkwardly raised his hand to scratch his head, looking genuinely embarrassed. “Ms. Thorne,” he began, “what time period do you think we’re in? Who sends love letters these days? It’s all about texting
now.
Josiah seemed to have caught something significant. “Still claiming you have no dating experience?”
“I’ve only ever been confessed to, never actually been in a relationship. Those two experiences are entirely different”
Lysander reminisced about her rather uneventful and monotonous high school days, commenting. “Honestly, campus romances are rather pure and beautiful. As long as they don’t interfere with your studies, there’s nothing wrong with experiencing them. Otherwise, once you start working, you might regret missing out on these life experiences.”
“Ms. Thorne, do you feel any regret now?”
“It’s not exactly regret, per se. It’s more that sometimes, I think life doesn’t always have to be so rigidly structured,” she mused.
She remembered Daphne’s heart–wrenching first love and offered a cautionary note, “However, the prerequisite is to choose the right person.”
Joseph’s eyes sparkled for a moment as he gazed intensely at Lysander, “I believe I have good judgment of character, and I’m confident that you, Ms. Thorne, are an exceptionally good person.”
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The Charming Ex–Wife