"So, what exactly do you need my help with?"

"Uh..."

I accidentally got lost in my daydream about having a gentle maid who could make me a cup of tea, completely ignoring the presence of the principal. When I realized it, I saw the principal looking at me, feeling extremely embarrassed.

"I apologize..."

I instinctively supported my knees with my hands, keeping my upper body straight but lowered my head, mainly because I was worried that the principal would scold me and also because I blushed at the thought of my daydream.

"It's alright... Alice is an excellent maid, right? Both her figure and tea making skills are impeccable, aren't they?"

The principal asked me softly, and I nodded slightly with my lips sealed.

"In that case, how about I let Alice stay with you for a while?"

"Eh? Uh... I can't handle that."

The principal's words caught me off guard, causing me to stutter in my response.

"Hehehe..." The principal suddenly covered her mouth and laughed. I couldn't understand what it meant; why was the principal laughing?

When I couldn't make sense of the situation, the principal spoke again, "I was just joking, don't mind it."

"So it was a joke..." I breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that if it was true, I would be happy, but if I were to be served by Alice every day, it would feel unnatural.

Thus, I realized that I was just making excuses and being indecisive when it actually came down to me. I sighed and felt a sense of self-reproach.

However, the principal didn't seem like an adult at first glance, but as the highest leader of Shen Yu Middle School, was it right for her to joke with students like this?

I couldn't help but look at the principal with disdain. When she picked up the teacup and took a sip, I returned to my original state. After all, despising the principal would probably mean hating my own life.

When the principal showed a posture as if she was going to listen to what I had to say, I spoke up, "Actually, I came to see you to obtain a pass to access the student records."

"Why do you need to access the student records?" The principal asked with a puzzled tone.

"Actually..."

"Yu Jie prepared tea for you. I apologize for keeping you waiting. There was a small problem with the kettle just now," Alice said apologetically as she placed the brewed black tea in front of me.

"No... It's alright. It was my unreasonable request," I replied.

"No, Yu Jie enjoys the tea I brew. It's my honor. But I made you wait for so long; it's a dereliction of my duties as a maid. I'm truly sorry," Alice bowed again, expressing her apology. I felt guilty; even though I shamelessly asked for another cup, it was her who apologized. I really couldn't bear it. Maybe if I hadn't asked for another cup, this wouldn't have happened.

"Just don't let it happen again next time."

But if we keep pushing each other like this, it will never end, so I reluctantly accepted.

"Yes!"

Alice responded with a strong voice, but I realized that I seemed to have ordered her around. It was too... too presumptuous. I really wanted to find a place to hide.

"Alice, if the kettle is broken, go buy a new one."

"Okay... Master."

Alice opened the door and walked out, then gently closed the door. It was just me and the principal left in the office.

Without Alice by my side, the atmosphere felt even more tense, and sweat drops formed on my forehead.

"Aren't you used to talking to elders?"

The principal asked me in a relaxed tone.

"Uh... a bit..." I wiped away the sweat and replied.

"This won't do. If you're so nervous around elders, there's no way we can have a proper conversation."

"I... I know," I took a deep breath. "I came to see you for the reason I mentioned earlier. I want to obtain a pass to access the student records."

"That's much better. So why do you want to access the student records? I don't remember them containing any study tips or love advice."

Having those things in student records wouldn't make sense at all. I silently mocked in my mind.

"Of course, they don't have those things."

"So, YOu Jie, what do you need to look up in the student records?" the principal asked with a serious tone.

"Well, I'm actually looking for someone, a girl whom I've only met twice. But I can't use broadcasting or online searching because it would disrupt her life, and I can't just observe outside every classroom because that would be considered voyeurism. So the only way is to check the student records. I still remember her face clearly, so I can get her picture from the records and ask the class teachers for information about her whereabouts," I explained.

The principal listened without showing any expression. She probably thought I was a bit crazy.

"This seems like a roundabout way, but it's my only option. Please, Principal, I beg you to grant my request," I said sincerely, bowing down.

The principal sipped her tea without saying a word. I felt anxious. If she didn't agree, I didn't know what else to do.

"I have another question," the principal finally said, putting down her tea cup.

"Please go ahead..."

"Why do you need to find this girl so desperately? Are you in love with her or something?"

Most people would think that I had a crush on the girl, but that wasn't the case.

"It's not like that..."

"Then I can't grant your request," she interrupted.

"Why not?"

"Because you don't have a valid reason. Just searching the student records to find this girl you mentioned is not enough. The student records are not textbooks, magazines, or novels that anyone can read freely. They are considered confidential and relate to students' privacy. If they are leaked, it could lead to legal consequences. So I can't grant your request."

"But..."

I suddenly felt a lump in my throat and couldn't speak. The principal's words were impactful, and I had no way to argue.

Was it going to end like this? I just wanted to find that girl and save her. Why couldn't such a simple desire be fulfilled? I felt frustrated.

"It's nothing. Go back to class... You can take a nap if you have time," the principal yawned. "I haven't had a good rest in these few days. Take this opportunity to sleep."

As she prepared to leave, I couldn't hold back my urge anymore. I stood up and said loudly, "I am not driven by any inappropriate intentions. Please, Principal, believe me. I can't explain the exact reason, but I really want to find her. Please help me!"

I bent my body at a ninety-degree angle, begging for the first time in my life. But I was still scared of hearing her rejection.

My heart pounded, and sweat dripped from my forehead. The principal seemed to turn around, but all I could see were her black stockings.

"Raise your head, my student," the principal said. I slowly lifted my head and saw her smiling slightly.

I wasn't sure if she agreed or if she was still refusing.

"In all the years as the principal, this is the first time I see a student begging like this. If I don't grant your request, wouldn't I seem heartless?" she said.

"So you agree?!" Joy instantly appeared on my face.

"What do you think, my student..."

"Thank you, Principal... Thank you so much."

"It's nothing. But if you intend to use this for something malicious or personal gain, I won't spare you," the principal's eyes didn't show any humor. It felt like if I did something wrong, I would suffer greatly. But I had no reason to do anything like that.

"I absolutely won't. You can trust me on that."

"Take this. It allows you to freely access the student records, but remember, it's limited to student records only. Don't touch or read any other school records."

The principal handed me a stamped note and gave me some instructions. I remembered them well. Although I was curious about what other confidential files the school had besides the student records, about whether I would uncover the school's dark past or reveal earth-shattering secrets, I realized that it was better to not know. Even if I had nine lives like a cat, I didn't think it would be enough.

So it's best to not seek understanding if it's not necessary and to absolutely not touch things I shouldn't. That's the rule for ensuring my safety.

"But this pass can only be used once. If you do not consult it, it will become invalid once you leave the archive room. I hope you remember this,"

"Um... I remember," I nodded, putting the stamped paper slip into my pocket.

"Well... I'm going back to the classroom, Principal..."

"Are you going back to the classroom so soon? It seems like you haven't finished drinking the tea on the table,"

"There's not much time for lunch break. I want to take advantage of the remaining time to go to the archive room and look for the files,"

"Is that so? You seem very eager. I won't keep you any longer. Hurry up, but don't be late for class,"

"Um, thank you, Principal,"

I thanked the Principal and turned to leave. Alice happened to come back, holding a new electric kettle in her arms. She looked at me about to leave and asked in confusion, "Are you going back to the classroom, Yu Jie?"

"Um, I've already disturbed the Principal and Alice for too long,"

I scratched my head and said,

"No... it seems like the office is still lively with Yu Jie here, after all, there is someone to talk to the Principal,"

"Alice, don't say unnecessary things,"

The Principal expressed dissatisfaction,

"I'm... I'm sorry, Master," Alice quickly apologized,

"After drinking the tea that Alice brewed, it makes people want to drink more,"

"Then please have another cup. I have already bought the electric kettle, Yu Jie can drink as many cups as you want,"

Alice gestured to the electric kettle she was holding in her arms,

"Now I'm afraid I can't. I have something to do,"

I said apologetically,

"Is that so? Since Yu Jie has something to do, I won't keep you any longer. Please come to the office for tea next time when you have free time,"

"Drinking tea in the office... " I whispered. Hearing about drinking tea in the office probably meant getting scolded, but I knew that wasn't what Alice meant,

"Hmm?" Alice tilted her head, showing a puzzled expression,

"I will come to taste the tea brewed by Alice when I have the opportunity,"

"Please do come,"

"Um..."

After saying that, I nodded. Alice was really enthusiastic, making it hard to refuse her kindness, but this was still the principal's office. Unless there was a reason, I wouldn't usually come here. However, if I had the chance, I would still come and sit here because Alice's brewed black tea was really delicious, truly impeccable.