The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

The setting sun cast its afterglow across the dark bricks and black tiles of Zhaoyin Academy, gilding this ancient institution with a touch of brilliance. However, the tranquility of the past was now replaced by a bustling scene. From the academy gates to the lecture halls, from the martial arts arena to the dormitories, everywhere was bustling with activity, and everyone's face was filled with excitement and anticipation, for tomorrow would mark the opening of Zhaoyin Academy's first exhibition.

Standing in the central square of the academy, Cen Jiexiao couldn't help but smile as she took in the bustling scene. "Hello, Dean!" several passing students greeted her enthusiastically, and Cen Jiexiao smiled and nodded in response. In the square, workers and student volunteers were setting up exhibition booths. They toiled profusely, precisely joining together wooden planks, each one a uniquely shaped.

"Master, this place needs to be reinforced. There will be a lot of people tomorrow, so we must ensure safety." A student volunteer said to a worker.

"Don't worry, young man. We have been doing this job for decades and we know it well." The worker answered with a smile while operating the tools skillfully.

The students of the academy were divided into several groups. Some were hanging colorful flags and lanterns, decorating the entire square with colorful colors; some were moving tables, chairs and benches, making final arrangements for tomorrow's exhibition; and some students were rehearsing the program seriously, adding a touch of bright color to the exhibition.

"Xiao Lin, move the red lantern over there a little more to the left. Yes, that's it. It looks much better!" A girl directed her companions to adjust the position of the lantern.

"The dance moves need to be smoother. Everyone, pay attention to cooperation and don't be anxious." A female student from a dance troupe was directing the other female students in rehearsing a dance. She carefully corrected each move, striving for perfection.

The teachers of the academy were also busy. Some of them were arranging exhibits, carefully wiping the dust off each exhibit, for fear of missing any details; some were explaining the exhibition process and precautions to the students to ensure that the exhibition could proceed smoothly; and some teachers were communicating with the workers who came to help to ensure that every link was perfect.

"Teacher He, where do you think this exhibit should be placed?" A young teacher asked an old man.

"Put it here. The lighting effect is good and it can better highlight the characteristics of the exhibits." The old man took a closer look and pointed to a place on the booth.

The entire academy is busy preparing for tomorrow's exhibition, and everyone is full of anticipation, because they know that this exhibition is not only a stage to showcase the academy's style, but also the result of their joint efforts.

Cen Jiexiao watched the bustling scene unfold, yet a sense of exhaustion washed over her. Ever since she'd traveled to this imaginary dynasty, she'd barely had a moment to truly relax. From the moment she took over Zhaoyin Academy, from its initial lack of recognition for its reforms to its current status as a renowned "new institution," she'd invested so much effort.

"Dean, look, this is our latest loom model. Where do you think it should be placed?" A slightly childish voice interrupted her thoughts. It was a student from the academy. What was his name? Cen Jiexiao tried hard to recall, but she couldn't remember.

"Yeah, that's good. Let's put it..." Cen Jiexiao was about to point to a random spot when she suddenly realized she didn't understand anything about it, let alone give any advice. Clearing her throat awkwardly, she turned to a middle-aged teacher beside her and asked, "Teacher Wang, what do you think?"

Teacher Wang, a veteran of the academy, was a reserved man, never particularly interested in Cen Jiexiao's novelties. However, with the implementation of the academy's new policies, he, as a teacher, personally experienced the benefits they brought both to the academy and to himself. He gradually adapted and even became more talkative. He examined the model carefully, asked the students a few questions, and then pointed to a corner and said, "Put it over there, in a darker spot, to avoid color distortion."

The students carried the model away, cheering excitedly. Cen Jiexiao watched them from behind, feeling a mixture of emotions. She suddenly remembered herself, having just crossed over and faced this completely unfamiliar world, feeling lost and bewildered.

"Dean, what are you thinking about?" A low and magnetic voice came, and Cen Jiexiao knew who it was without turning around.

Chen Zigui.

"Nothing, I just feel that time flies by so fast." Cen Jiexiao replied lightly, deliberately keeping a distance from him.

Chen Zigui, however, seemed oblivious to her aloofness. He walked over to her side, looked at the busy students in the square, and sighed, "Yes, time flies by like a white horse. When you were elected, took over Zhaoyin Academy, and implemented reforms, there was much criticism from everyone in the academy, but now it is flourishing and prospering."

"Big Brother, you are so kind. The academy has gone through the turmoil of reform and is now making steady progress, and you deserve half the credit. Besides... I should thank Big Brother for your help."

Chen Zigui had played a significant role in the controversy surrounding Zhaoyin Academy. In his heart, he supported her in every possible way, but on the surface, he pretended to be indifferent.

"Sister Cen, the bauhinia flowers haven't withered yet, right?" Chen Zigui suddenly spoke, with a barely perceptible hint of anticipation in his tone.

Cen Jiexiao's heart trembled, but her face remained calm: "How could that be, Senior Brother, I will take good care of it." She deliberately avoided his gaze and spoke in a cold tone.

"Well, that's enough." There was no emotion in Chen Zigui's voice, but Cen Jiexiao could feel the loneliness emanating from him.

She felt a little reluctant, but then she thought of his resolute back that night, and the softness in her heart instantly disappeared. She turned around, forcing herself not to look at him, and said in a stiff tone: "If you don't have anything else, I'll go and get busy first."

After saying that, she left without looking back, leaving Chen Zigui standing there alone, looking at her back with a complicated look in his eyes.

Cen Jiexiao fled back to her own courtyard, her heart in turmoil. It wasn't that she wasn't grateful to Chen Zigui. If it hadn't been for his mediation, how could a weak woman like her have withstood the pressure from those stubborn old men in the court, successfully implemented the new policies, and developed Zhaoyin Academy to its current scale?

However, gratitude and love are not the same thing.

Ever since they met at Yunxiang Tower, Cen Jiexiao had deliberately kept a distance from him, wanting to give them more space and buffer.

"Dean, what's wrong with you?" A crisp voice interrupted her thoughts. It was her personal maid Xiaozhi.

Xiaozhi is the first person Cen Jiexiao met after coming to this world, and the only person who is truly kind to her.

"It's okay, I'm just a little tired." Cen Jiexiao forced a smile.

"Dean, are you thinking about Senior Brother again?" Xiaozhi was clever and saw through her thoughts at a glance.

Cen Jiexiao sighed. This girl is getting bolder and bolder. She dares to say anything.

"Xiaozhi, have you been feeling itchy lately?" Cen Jiexiao glared at her in pretended anger.

"Oh, Dean, I was wrong. I won't dare to do that again." Xiaozhi dodged her "attack" with a playful smile. "But seriously, Dean, what's going on between you and Senior Brother? You two have been inseparable since we were little, but now it feels like you just met?"

"What do you know, you little kid?" Cen Jiexiao didn't want to continue the conversation, so she changed the subject. "By the way, how are the preparations for the exhibition going?"

"Don't worry, Dean, everything is ready. We're just waiting for the official opening tomorrow!" Xiaozhi assured, patting his chest.

"That's good." Cen Jiexiao nodded, but she felt inexplicably uneasy in her heart.

Cen Jiexiao lay in bed, unable to fall asleep. She tossed and turned, and whenever she closed her eyes, the handsome face of Chen Zigui would naturally appear in her mind.