Mr. Loo watched as Lian Manman's three children bowed down and, lost in thought, did not respond. Beads of sweat began to form on Lian Shouxin's anxious forehead. He felt his recent speech had been poorly articulated, too crude, and that he had bungled the situation.
He had to come up with a way to smooth things over no matter what—such a chance to meet a famous teacher was a rare opportunity for the children, Lian Shouxin thought nervously.
Before Lian Shouxin could come up with any plan, Mr. Loo already smiled and extended his hand, signaling the children to rise.
"I never expected to meet children like you here. I've done many things, but I've never been a teacher before.... The formal title of teacher and student is of no real importance..."
Mr. Loo's words left Lian Shouxin somewhat perplexed. Was Mr. Loo agreeing to become the children's teacher, or not?