All-around teacher at the magic academy

"team leader."

Max looked up, his gaze passing over the desk piled with documents to the person entering through the door. His brow furrowed slightly, a question in his eyes: "What's wrong? What happened?"

Kate stood in the doorway, hesitated for a moment, then shook her head: "Nothing, I just came to see you."

A brief silence fell between them, a subtle mix of anxiety and concern filling the air. Finally, Kate couldn't help but speak up: "Captain, please take care of yourself. Staying up all night like this won't take a toll on your health."

Max sighed softly. He knew Kate's concern was genuine, but he also had his own considerations. "It's alright. It has been a busy period, but it's all for the competition preparation. Let everyone keep pushing, and after this period, we'll take a good rest. The prize money is all prepared for everyone; we won't let everyone's efforts go to waste."

Kate walked into the room and sat down in the chair opposite him, his brow furrowed. "The competition is still a while away, we can't keep being this busy."

Max looked at Kate, a warm feeling welling up inside him. He knew Kate was genuinely concerned for the team and worried about his health.

“Don’t worry, Kate, I get time to rest. I can’t be busy all the time,” he explained, trying to reassure Kate.

“I will be careful, and so will you. Take good care of yourself; the team still needs us to lead it together.”

Kate shook his head, a hint of helplessness in his eyes. He didn't know how to persuade him. He and Max had worked together for a very long time, even before Max joined the law enforcement. Kate had been a member of the team before Max did.

Kate is arguably the most senior member of the law enforcement team, and he knows Max's personality and working style inside and out. He knows that once Max makes up his mind, he's as stubborn as a bull, and further persuasion would likely be futile.

“Alright, I’ll get back to work then,” Kate said finally, her tone carrying a hint of compromise.

“Okay, go ahead, and get some rest,” Max replied, a hint of gratitude in his eyes. Although he hadn’t accepted Kate’s advice, he still felt her concern.

Kate nodded slightly, then turned and left the office. His back looked somewhat lonely, but his steps were unusually firm.

Max watched Kate's departing figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Time flies so fast; in the blink of an eye, they had both grown somewhat old.

He pulled a slightly crumpled cigarette from his pocket, gently held it between his fingers, and lit it. He took a deep drag, the smoke filling his lungs. Only when he was smoking alone did he experience an unprecedented sense of relaxation and tranquility.

He himself wasn't sure when he developed this habit, only that tobacco had become a part of his life a long, long time ago, and now he couldn't give it up at all. It was as if the faint smoke could take away the fatigue and stress in his heart.

He turned to look out the window, his gaze piercing through the clear glass and landing on the birds hopping merrily on the branches outside. They sang carefree, seemingly unaware of the troubles of the world.

He pondered for a moment, letting the cigarette burn slowly until the butt burned his fingers, before snapping back to reality. He knew that after this brief respite, he would have to get back to dealing with the mountain of official business.

I couldn't help but think of Leon. I couldn't be there to watch the game and cheer him on either. I just hope he can achieve good results.

...

"Teacher Lian, how are the preparations going?" Leon sat opposite Lian, looking at him with concern, and asked.

Lian sighed softly, tidied up the information in her hand, and replied, "It's alright, I don't think I'll perform too well in this competition." Her tone revealed a hint of helplessness, but more so a clear understanding of her own abilities.

"Just do your best," Leon said gently, offering words of comfort.

"Mmm." Lian nodded, smiling as she looked at Leon; his words warmed her heart.

"Has Amy come looking for you?" Leon changed the subject, mentioning another person's name.

Mentioning Amy, Lian's expression became somewhat dejected. She shook her head, "No." Her voice carried a hint of disappointment.

“Okay,” Leon replied. He could sense the change in Lian’s emotions, but he didn’t know how to comfort him.

Lian also fell silent, her gaze returning to the documents in her hand, but her thoughts seemed to have drifted far away.

"Don't think about it anymore. How about we go take a look together after the match?" Leon suggested softly, seeing Lian's disappointed expression, hoping to share some of her worries.

“Okay.” Lian looked up and gave Leon a faint smile. Her voice was soft, but her gratitude was evident.

"Let's go and meet up with the others. The competition is about to start." Leon stood up, extended his hand, and gestured for Lian to go to the meeting point together.

"Mmm," Lian responded, standing up as well. She straightened her clothes, took a deep breath, and seemed to be trying to compose herself.

.....

"Teacher Leon! Teacher Lian!" The two were walking towards the competition venue when they heard the voices and looked up at the approaching figures. Harvey strode towards them, his face beaming with excitement and anticipation.

"Harvey, are you going out?" Leon stopped and looked at Harvey, asking with a smile.

“Yes, I’m about to go home to pick up my mother and bring her to watch the game.” Harvey stopped and explained his plan, his eyes shining with love for his mother.

"Are there any seats available? Would you like us to arrange two seats for you in the academy section?" Leon offered enthusiastically, wanting to provide Harvey and his mother with a more comfortable viewing experience.

"No need, Professor Leon, I've already bought the tickets. We can just sit in the stands." Harvey politely declined Leon's offer, looking a little embarrassed.

"Okay, then hurry back, don't keep Mrs. Maria waiting too long." Leon nodded understandingly and didn't insist any further.

“Okay, my mother and I will cheer you on, Ms. Leon and Ms. Lian!” Harvey said enthusiastically, his eyes full of support for the two teachers.

“Thank you, Harvey,” Lean replied with a smile, grateful for Harvey and his mother’s concern.

“This guy.” Leon smiled too, feeling warmed by Harvey’s sincerity.

"Also, my mother said that you must come to our house for dinner after your competition to celebrate," Harvey added, his invitation full of sincerity.

"Don't worry, I'll definitely go," Lian immediately agreed, his heart filled with anticipation.

“Mhm,” Leon echoed, feeling equally warm and fuzzy from the family gathering.

"Then I'll head back now." Harvey said goodbye again and turned to leave.

"Okay, be careful on the road," Lian replied, watching Harvey's figure gradually disappear into the distance. The two continued walking towards the arena, their hearts filled with anticipation and motivation.