The classmates initially disliked Shi Lei intensely, just the sight of him annoyed them.
However, after hearing some news, their attitudes gradually changed.
This news came from Instructor Zhang Ming.
"Actually, your instructor isn’t a bad person. He’s been through a lot. He was bullied in school and later exploited by unscrupulous media. He wandered outside for a while before accidentally joining the military. So, he may feel a bit resistant about returning to campus."
"Yue Qingqing, you’re smart, you should know about PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder. Shi Lei was severely bullied in school, so when he returned here, he started to instinctively feel fear, even terror."
"But he’s also your instructor, which led him to use increased training intensity and the establishment of authority to eliminate his fear, causing conflicts between you."
Yue Qingqing nodded to show her understanding but also pointed out seriously.
"I can understand his feelings, but I can’t forgive his actions on behalf of everyone."
Zhang Ming nodded tolerantly, "Of course, that’s your freedom. But I see that Shi Lei actually regrets it a lot. He often secretly watches you guys. The medicine I brought last time when a boy injured himself while practicing military boxing was actually bought by Shi Lei. Otherwise, where do you think I got it so quickly?"
"And during the last camping trip, he followed behind the entire time, asking me to take extra care of you guys, especially since someone had fainted before. He said that if the same thing happened again, we should send them to the infirmary immediately."
Yue Qingqing pondered, "I understand what you’re saying, Instructor Zhang, but we need to discuss these things with the classmates."
Zhang Ming looked at the emerging morning sun with a smile and waved his hand, "Go ahead, I’ve taught you everything you need to know today. By the way, that boy might be peeking now. He mentioned that I got a move wrong when I was teaching you last time."
Yue Qingqing scanned the area with her Spiritual Energy and indeed found Shi Lei peeking from behind a tree.
She muttered to herself, "As expected of a soldier, without Spiritual Energy, it would be nearly impossible to spot him; he’s almost one with the tree."
After going back, Yue Qingqing relayed everything to the class.
The finance class now operates as a cohesive unit, with everyone openly voicing their opinions.
Some felt sympathy and compassion and were more understanding towards their instructor’s situation.
Others believed that wrong is wrong and that they should observe his behavior moving forward.
But as they saw more of Shi Lei during training,
and even enthusiastically discussed where Shi Lei might be hiding today during breaks, watching them train in the cool while he stayed in the sun,
the classmates gradually began to forgive him.
After all, these were empathetic kids, capable of forgiving another who had also endured terrifying events and traumas.
Shi Lei was only twenty this year, just two years older than them.
Finally, the class reached a unanimous decision.
"If he apologizes, let’s forgive him."
"Nobody’s perfect, hmph, I can be magnanimous."
"Alright, seeing him always hiding pitifully, let’s just leave it at that."
Thus, Yue Qingqing called for the group.
Shi Lei looked at Yue Qingqing’s expression, then at the students lined up and looking at him in unison.
He felt a rush of warmth in his eyes.
He solemnly put on his hat and saluted Yue Qingqing and the entire finance class.
"Instructor Shi Lei, returning to the team!"