Is It Too Late to Mend"

Ten years after I left the real world, the System found me again.

It said that the original female protagonist, who had been sent to the past, failed to save my husband and child, and now all the major villains had gone rogue.

It told me to go back and clean up the mess.

Before I could answer, I saw the live comments.

[Is this the "White Moonlight" big sis? She doesn't look like much.]

[Even Little Sis, so bright and kind, pouring her heart out, couldn't warm the hearts of that villainous father and son. Clearly, some evil is just born in their bones, unworthy of redemption.]

[Bad seed, bad crop. What kind of respectable person could raise such an obnoxious brat?]

[Birds of a feather, flock together. The villainous father and son, along with this White Moonlight sis and her whole family, should all hold hands and drop dead, okay?]

Ten years ago, when I died from complications during childbirth, my body had already given up.

To make it easier for me to re-engage with the story, the System gave me a new identity: Luke Ashers homeroom teacher.

I dutifully worked for a few days, but I never once saw Luke Asher in class. An older, more experienced teacher advised me:

That child, its best to just leave him alone. His family is powerful and influential; hes beyond the scope of us working stiffs.

I subtly inquired about Luke Ashers situation.

A typical problem child. Bad-tempered, rude, never speaks, always scowling. His grades are terrible, and he bullies other students. Previous teachers tried to discipline him, but his family made one phone call and the teacher was immediately fired. With such unreasonable parents, theres nothing we teachers can do.

I fell silent.

Seven years.

I never thought Mark Asher would raise our child like this.

I flipped through the student files left by the previous homeroom teacher. I found Mark Ashers number and dialed it.

After a long wait, a distinguished yet indifferent voice answered.

Who is this?

My heart fluttered. I took a deep breath, trying to sound as calm as possible:

Mr. Asher, hello. Im Luke Ashers new homeroom teacher. Luke hasnt been to school for several days. Is there any particular reason?

Mark Ashers voice remained flat.

Luke Asher hasnt gone to school? Hes probably just in a bad mood again. Dont worry about it. You dont need to contact me for such trivial matters in the future.

With that, he hung up without giving me time to react.

I stared blankly at the dial tone.

An inexplicable anger flared in my chest.

Such a permissive, hands-off attitude. No wonder Luke Asher had developed so many issues.

After work, I went directly to Luke Ashers home, under the guise of a home visit.

As soon as I entered the living room, I heard the intense sounds of a video game battle, accompanied by angry curses.

Idiot teammate, put a hotdog on your phone, even a dog would play better than you. You brain-dead moron, you play like garbage.

The childish voice, coupled with vulgar profanity, was extremely jarring.

[That little bastard is so ill-mannered, such a foul mouth at such a young age.]

[Seeing this kind of brat just makes me want to whip him with a belt. Born of a mother, raised by no one.]

A pang of pain shot through my heart. I walked up to Luke Asher, not rushing to interrupt his game. Instead, I waited until he finished a round before speaking.

Luke Asher, Im your new homeroom teacher. My name is Yu, you can call me Miss Yu.

My gaze lingered greedily on his young face. Luke Ashers facial contours were somewhat like mine, soft and smooth. His features, however, were a miniature version of Mark Ashers. Sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, a prominent nose.

He clearly looked like a charming, adorable child. Yet, there was an undeniable streak of aggression in his eyes.

Upon hearing that I was his new homeroom teacher, a flicker of impatience crossed Luke Ashers face.

Homeroom teacher, what are you doing at my house? Didnt anyone tell you not to bother me?

He puffed out his chest. My dad donates five to six million to the school every year. Your salary comes from him, so what right do you have to tell me what to do?

[So young and already knows how to bully others with power. No wonder hell grow up to be a degenerate, indulging in all sorts of vices.]

[In the ending, this little brat breaks the law and gets locked up for ten years. Serves him right.]

Hmph.

First, my salary is paid by the government. Your dads donations have nothing to do with me. And

I reached out, unexpectedly taking Luke Ashers phone. I glanced at his game rank.

Gold.

I couldnt help but click my tongue. Skipping school for Gold rank? Pathetic. He should at least get to Challenger first!

Give me back my phone!

Luke Asher stood on tiptoes, trying to snatch his phone back. He looked so huffy, wanting to grab it but too short to reach. Adorably exasperating.

I couldnt resist pinching the baby fat on Luke Ashers cheek. He quickly snatched his phone back, glaring at me.

My old nanny said that interest is the best teacher. The most important thing in education is happiness. My family is so rich, I can confidently do anything I want.

Luke Ashers former nanny was the female protagonist of this book. By rights, she should have, with her sunny disposition, warmed the hearts of the Asher father and son, and redeemed them.

But clearly, she had failed. Luke Asher had become this spoiled and willful.

I lazily pulled out my own phone.

Want to play a solo game?

Luke Asher didnt react for a moment, surprised.

Huh? With me? You play games, teacher?

He looked so dumbfounded, quite cute.

Yep.

I opened the game.

In just one hour, Luke Asher was utterly obliterated by me thirty times.

By the end, his eyes were red, his mouth downturned. He looked like he was desperately trying not to cry.

Still want to play?

I yawned.

Im not playing with you anymore.

Luke Asher turned his head away, sulking.

Youre an adult, bullying a kid like me, what kind of skill is that? Im never playing with you again!

Really?

I said calmly, Type 1 if you want me to carry you to Challenger. Guaranteed carry.

Luke Asher immediately turned his head, looking at me with starry eyes.

I couldnt help but be amused by him.

Just one thing. I have a really foul mouth. When I play games, I love to curse. Like what you were just saying, tsk.

I stared at Luke Asher, impassively repeating his earlier words: Idiot teammate, put a hotdog on your phone, even a dog would play better than you. You brain-dead moron, you play like garbage.

Luke Ashers face instantly flushed crimson.

I smiled.

Doesnt feel good to be cursed at, does it?

Luke Asher lowered his head, stammering, I I know. Im sorry, Miss Yu. I wont curse casually anymore.

Teachable.

It seemed this child wasnt as bad as the live comments claimed. I patted his head with satisfaction. Luke Asher looked up, a little puzzled.

Oh, right, Miss Yu. Werent you here to convince me to go to school?

Why had we suddenly started playing games?

Hm? Did I say that?

I blinked at Luke Asher.

But since you brought it up yourself, it means you know not going to school is wrong. In that case, pack your things and come to class tomorrow.

With that, I got up and left without a second thought. Before leaving, I waved at him.

See you tomorrow. Ill carry you to Challenger then.

The next day, I indeed saw Luke Asher in class.

He sat in the back corner of the classroom, coldly scowling out the window, not interacting with anyone.

During break, students chatted and played. He scoffed dismissively. Turning his head, he ignored everyone.

Little rascal, quite proud.

After I finished the lesson, I handed out a short pop quiz. I wanted to test the students understanding of the material.

The moment he received the quiz, Luke Ashers brows furrowed. His small face crinkled up.

After glancing at it a few more times, perhaps out of spite, Luke Asher crumpled the quiz paper into a ball and threw it into his desk. Then he slumped onto the desk and began to nap.

However, the restless twitching of his fingertips revealed

Luke Asher wasnt actually asleep.

[This little idiot probably can't even understand the questions.]

[Hes scored 0 so many times. Hilarious, getting 0 in third grade. Seriously, underdeveloped cerebellum, completely undeveloped brain.]

[Both bad and stupid, a pure waste.]

As soon as the bell rang for the end of class, Luke Asher rushed out of the classroom without looking back.

Luke Asher.

I called out to him.

Dont leave yet, I need to talk to you.

Luke Ashers body stiffened, and he reluctantly walked over. The other children bolted out of the classroom like arrows. A few even made faces as they passed him.

Luke Asher is being kept behind again~

His expression grew increasingly sour. His hands clenched into tight fists, glaring angrily at them.

[Whoa, hyperactive aggression kicking in? Wants to hit someone again?]

[What kind of look is that from the little brat, its really annoying to see.]

I gave those grimacing students a cold glance.

If you dont want to go home, stay and clean. I asked Luke Asher to stay because I need his help. Not to scold him.

Childrens malice is straightforward and sharp. From observing him all day, I had already noticed that Luke Asher wasnt very popular in class.

He didnt initiate conversations with anyone. Other students also kept their distance from him.

Although these classmates hadnt been overtly malicious, a childs heart is the most sensitive. They can pick up on the most subtle mockery and ridicule.

I didnt want them to deepen their negative impression of Luke Asher, nor did I want Luke Asher to feel sad because of it. So, it was necessary to clarify.

The students listened, looking a bit sheepish.

Sorry, Miss Yu, we didnt mean it.

Luke Ashers lips almost curved upwards, but catching my gaze, he quickly turned his head away dismissively, putting on a cool facade.

Childish.

After everyone had left, Luke Asher hesitantly approached me.

He spoke curtly, What do you need me for?

I pulled out my phone.

Our promise to get you to Challenger, did you forget?

Luke Asher looked up at me, surprised.

You kept me back for this?

Why else?

I naturally opened the game.

Less dawdling.

After two or three games, Luke Asher was distracted. His already poor gaming skills worsened, feeding the opposing team kills in every match.

Seeing that the game was unplayable, I pouted.

Whats going on? Youre in such bad form today?

Luke Asher lowered his head dejectedly, instinctively twisting the hem of his shirt. His voice was low:

I thought you kept me back to ask me why I handed in a blank quiz

Oh, right. So why did you hand in a blank quiz?

Luke Ashers face turned crimson. He turned his head away in embarrassment.

I I couldnt do it. I dont recognize any of those concepts

His round eyes misted over.

Miss Yu, do you also think Im especially stupid?

Luke Asher sniffled.

My old nanny used to say, being stupid isnt scary. As long as you work hard, even a slow bird can fly first. But Ive worked so hard, and I still always come in last in tests

I couldnt help but retort:

What have you worked hard on? Working hard at ranked games? I looked at your old attendance records; you only came to school once or twice a semester. With that kind of diligence, who else would be last? For you to be last, thats exactly what should happen. If you could still be at the top like that, then youd be a reincarnated prodigy.

Luke Ashers face flushed bright red.

After a while, he hesitantly asked:

So, so that means Im not stupid, right? I just dont try hard enough to study. If I really put my mind to it, Id definitely be better than all of them.

No, I didnt say that either, I interrupted gently.

Given your current study habits, I cant tell anything. Maybe you really are stupid, or maybe youre a hidden genius. But whether youre stupid or a genius, if youre my student, you need to attend class properly. From today on, youll stay two extra hours after school every day. Ill tutor you from scratch. By the next pop quiz, I hope you wont hand in a blank paper.

Luke Asher clenched his fists and nodded.

Understood, Miss Yu.

[How come White Moonlight sis seems to be teaching really well? She's not putting the student down, nor is she just blindly praising him, but being realistic.]

[Of course, this is her own son, how could she not care? But the little villain's nature is like mud, he'll never be able to stand on his own two feet. Just wait and see.]