Respected Teacher

Teacher Zhang has been a bit bothered lately. It's not because of the mountain of exam papers at the end of the semester, nor is it the endless pleasantries of "Teacher, you've worked hard" in the parents' group chat. Instead, it's because he's recently become obsessed with a "new course" – human behavior studies, and a practical one at that.

The location of this course is a bit unusual; it's his colleague Teacher Li's single dormitory. The method is also simple: he installed a pinhole camera in the desk lamp next to Teacher Li's bed.

Of course, Teacher Zhang insists this is absolutely not peeping, but academic research. He diligently records in his notebook: Teacher Li ate two apples for dinner, watched a soap opera before bed, and did three minutes of morning exercises after getting up. At the end of his notes, he carefully writes: "The subject's mood is stable, life is regular, and there are no abnormalities."

He even compares the observed data with his own life: he himself stays up late every night preparing lessons, eats greasy canteen food, doesn't get enough sleep, and his mood fluctuates greatly. He wants to use science to prove why, though both are teachers, their lifestyles are so different.

This day, Teacher Zhang, as usual, opens the mobile app, ready to begin his "academic research." On the screen, Teacher Li is wearing pajamas, practicing smiling in front of the mirror. Sometimes she lifts the corners of her mouth, sometimes her eyes turn into crescent moons. Suddenly, she seems to notice something, grabs the desk lamp on the table, and examines it carefully.

Teacher Zhang's heart jumps as if struck by lightning, and the phone in his hand nearly slips. "It's over! She found out!" he thought anxiously.

A few minutes later, Teacher Li calls, her voice filled with anger: "Teacher Zhang, what exactly are you doing? Do you have some kind of psychological problem?"

Teacher Zhang pretends to be calm and explains: "Teacher Li, you misunderstood. I'm just conducting a sociological study of teacher behavior. You are my subject. I swear, there's absolutely no malice."

"Sociological study?" Teacher Li raises her voice a few notches, "You even installed a camera on me? Did you ask for my permission? You're violating my privacy!"

"Hey, Teacher Li, please calm down. I'm doing this for work, to improve the overall quality of our teaching staff. This has social significance!" Teacher Zhang argues, trying to elevate his actions to a higher level.

Teacher Li is amused by his absurdity. "Social significance? I think you're just desperate for fame! This is called peeping! I'm going to report you!"

Teacher Zhang quickly pleads: "No, no, no, Teacher Li, we're colleagues, we see each other every day, there's no need to make things so awkward, right? And, think about it, if I get fired, who will teach our students?"

Teacher Li falls silent.

In the end, Teacher Zhang not only does not receive any punishment but is also praised as an "outstanding teacher model" at the school's faculty meeting. The reason for the praise is his "active exploration of new methods, courage to innovate, and outstanding contribution to the school's sociological research." His "academic report" on Teacher Li's regular life is also posted on the school bulletin board for other teachers to learn from.

Teacher Li is furious, but she can't do anything about it. The school leaders believe that although Teacher Zhang's "methods were inappropriate," his "intentions were good," and that he is still striving to contribute to the overall improvement of the teaching staff. In their eyes, this "social significance" far outweighs "personal privacy."

Teacher Zhang is even more determined in his "research" efforts. He believes that only through this way can he truly understand the real lives of teachers and better "serve the people."

However, he has now installed the camera in the school's surveillance room. Facing the surveillance footage, he begins to study the behavioral patterns of school leaders.

The "new course" continues, and Teacher Zhang is gradually becoming the most "respected" teacher in the school.