Mu Linjing watched Shi Qing with a smile, imagining that if they had children in the future, they would likely have the same proud demeanor.
After a few pleasantries between the parents, Mu Linjing led the twins into the classroom, and the parent-teacher meeting officially began.
"Dear parents, welcome to this semester's parent-teacher meeting. I am your child's homeroom teacher, Teacher Lin."
After the opening remarks, the homeroom teacher enthusiastically praised the outstanding students of the semester. The results of the final exams were announced, bringing joy to some and concern to others. The teacher also comforted students with less satisfactory grades, encouraging them to keep trying for improvement.
Shi Qing and Jin Zhi had always been excellent students, especially Shi Qing. She looked proudly at Mu Linjing, which made Mu Linjing want to laugh.
Now she understood why this little one was so eager for Wei Yumeng and Zhan Mohan to attend the parent-teacher meeting.
"You two did so wonderfully on your exams, bringing honor to the Zhan family!" Mu Linjing praised the siblings in a mock-serious tone, giving them a thumbs-up.
"I've always been very capable, Auntie! I am Zhan Shi Qing." Zhan Shi Qing, like a proud peacock, happily displayed her magnificent tail feathers.
"Thank you for your praise, Auntie. This is what we should do," Zhan Jin Zhi said, tapping Zhan Shi Qing's forehead, speaking with the seriousness of a little adult.
Zhan Shi Qing let out a few yelps but, intimidated by her brother's aura, obediently sat back in her seat.
"If parents have any questions about the daily classroom activities or our teaching methods, you can take this opportunity during the parent-teacher meeting to communicate with our teachers face-to-face."
The homeroom teacher clapped her hands with a smile, and the other subject teachers stood on either side of the podium, also smiling.
The classroom buzzed with activity as parents approached the teachers to discuss the final exams and various other issues concerning their children.
Mu Linjing, who had never attended a parent-teacher meeting before, looked curious and wanted to join the throng.
"I'm going to listen to what the teachers have to say. You two be good and don't run around, understand?"
"Auntie, are you getting tips for your future little babies?" Zhan Shi Qing giggled, tugging at Mu Linjing's skirt with her chubby little hands. "Auntie, when will you and Uncle add a new baby to the Zhan family? I want a cousin, a boy cousin is fine too!"
Mu Linjing hadn't expected such words to come from such a little child. It was truly astonishing, and her face instantly flushed like a red apple.
"That's something Uncle and Auntie should consider. Don't worry about it so much," Zhan Jin Zhi said calmly, flicking Zhan Shi Qing's forehead.
Mu Linjing's gaze drifted towards the two lively children. Was it the Zhan family's excellent genes, or were these two children too smart to know about such matters...
"You two are not allowed to talk nonsense when we get back. Auntie is asking the teachers about you two," Mu Linjing said, her face burning, and she sternly explained to the two children.
The twins knew they shouldn't tease Mu Linjing any further and nodded obediently.
Mu Linjing breathed a sigh of relief and stepped aside, listening to the parents' chatter, finding it quite amusing.
The students seated in the classroom grew restless, running around to play with their friends.
"Brother, I'm going to the restroom. Remember to tell Auntie when she gets back," Zhan Shi Qing yawned, bored, and after telling Zhan Jin Zhi, she hopped off her seat.
"Okay, go ahead," Zhan Jin Zhi agreed.
Zhan Shi Qing took small steps, pattering out the back door, and soon her little figure disappeared from sight.
While every classroom was bustling with parent-teacher meetings, the restroom felt unusually quiet, with no one in sight.
Zhan Shi Qing walked into the restroom with familiarity, finished her business quickly, and then opened the door and stepped out.
A shadow fell over her, covering her small silhouette. Startled, she turned her head and shouted.
"Who is it?"
The fully armed Zhang Xinyi paused in place, still holding a cloth. She stared coldly at the little Shi Qing and couldn't help but smile.
This little brat is quite quick!
Seeing that her target was just a child, Zhang Xinyi didn't hesitate. She quickly covered Shi Qing's mouth with the cloth and gripped her body with her other hand.
"Auntie! I haven't washed my hands yet... mmmph mmmph..." Shi Qing immediately understood Zhang Xinyi's intention. She kicked her little legs wildly, trying to shout.
Zhang Xinyi smiled coldly, letting Shi Qing struggle. The anesthetic on the cloth quickly took effect.
Soon, Shi Qing was drugged and collapsed into Zhang Xinyi's arms, like a beautiful broken doll.
Zhang Xinyi's face showed triumph. She cautiously looked around, picked up Shi Qing, and quickly followed the planned route, fleeing downstairs without a moment's delay.
The stairwell of the teaching building was empty. The teachers were all in their classrooms, giving Zhang Xinyi a great opportunity. She smoothly ran out of the building.
There were many security guards at the front gate, and no one would be leaving the school at this time. Carrying a child from the Zhan family, the chances of being discovered were high.
Zhang Xinyi ran towards the back gate without looking back, hiding behind a towering tree and closely watching the narrow back gate.
She had inquired beforehand that the back gate was an employee passage, rarely used by parents and students. Only school staff entered and exited through it, so there were very few guards.
What she needed to do next was to escape through the back gate.
Zhang Xinyi carefully concealed herself, Shi Qing securely strapped to her back with a makeshift carrier.
She observed the lone security guard strolling by, yawning.
Indeed, because of the parent-teacher meeting, no teachers would be leaving at this hour. Moreover, there was a barrier at the back gate that required the security guard to open it for anyone to pass.
Zhang Xinyi touched Shi Qing on her back. Her target was too conspicuous. If she couldn't fool the guard, her plan would fail. She had to wait.
Time ticked by, and large beads of sweat dripped down Zhang Xinyi's forehead. She occasionally glanced warily at the teaching building, fearing someone would discover Shi Qing's absence.
The security guard finally finished his patrol and, overcome by drowsiness, returned to the guardhouse. He sat on a reclining chair, adjusted himself to a comfortable position, and fanned himself with a small fan.
His eyelids grew heavy, and the guard simply closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Seizing the opportunity, Zhang Xinyi dashed to the back gate, hiding in a blind spot where the guard couldn't see her. She slowed her pace and cautiously moved towards the gate.
The barrier was right in front of her. Zhang Xinyi slowly bent down, assuming a kneeling and crawling posture, inching her way through.
Suddenly, a tremendous commotion erupted from the teaching building in the distance behind them!