Zhongli's office. How dreadful.

Oh dear, you could tell he was really upset with you this time. He had given you countless opportunities to pass your final exam, yet you continuously failed each attempt — with every attempt being worse somehow, too!

You stood at the door hesitantly, holding your breath in deeply as you tried your best to collect your anxiety. You put yourself in this situation; now, you have to deal with the repercussions. Slowly, you push the door to his office open, your heart racing with anxiety. And there he was, waiting for you at his desk with his arms and legs crossed. He looked up at you, his gaze meeting yours, a hint of disappointment being present.

"We need to talk about your recent grade on the exam," he said, his voice calm yet graceful.

It was always so hard trying to pay attention — getting lost in your own thoughts as you ogled him in class, your small crush developing into something more as time passed.

You stood there awkwardly, waiting for him to speak up. Professor Zhongli rose from his chair — everything he did was so graceful, so charming. He could do something as little as blinking, and you would immediately start swooning!

He walked towards the window, gazing at it as he contemplated what to say. "I have seen your potential, and I know you can do better," he added, turning back to face you. His eyes searched yours, and he raised his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. The way he sighed revealed just how frustrated he was with you. "I believe in giving chances and opportunities to learn and grow." He paused, shaking his head in disappointment. "But you've continuously shown me that you can't put in the work to do so."