13

Derek didn't leave in the end. From the moment I stepped on stage to speak, his eyes never left me. There was shock, helplessness, and a flash of admiration in his eyes. He probably couldn't have imagined that I, his former lover who was once devalued by him, would have such a shining day.

After the meeting, Derek waited for me at the door. He lowered his head, and his tone was rarely cautious: "Luna, I really didn't know you were Teacher Worry-free. When you stood on the stage today, you seemed like a different person. I almost didn't recognize you."

He took a deep breath, pursed his lips, and seemed to have made a great decision: "Actually, you are quite good."