Flowers Are Bait

Chapter 145:

Chapter 145:

“Introducing you all to the tax-paying pine tree, Seok Song-ryeong,” Lee-yeon declared, capturing the attention of the slumbering students. Their curious eyes fixed on the towering specimen, filled with wonder.

As a group that shared a deep love for pine trees, the students instinctively analyzed the tree’s age and health. A smile played on Lee-yeon’s lips as she basked in their shared passion for the natural world.

“Do any of you pay property tax?” the students asked in hushed tones.

Lee-yeon shook her head. “Not yet, but this tree is unique. It holds a resident number and is a registered landowner.”

“A landowner?” they repeated in disbelief.

“Yes,” Lee-yeon confirmed. “It owns a plot of land measuring two thousand pyeong.”

“...!”

The students gasped in amazement at the information they received.

“If a tree can inherit, you won’t find its like anywhere else in the world,” Lee-yeon added, emphasizing the tree’s unique qualities.

Even the small fir tree, with its simple brushstroke appearance, seemed even more magnificent in light of this new knowledge. The students gazed in awe at the large leaves overhead, their mouths slightly agape.

“This tree not only pays income and land taxes from the crops it produces, but it also supports the community by offering scholarships to nearby students,” Lee-yeon explained, scanning the group with a hint of nervousness.

Her cheeks flushed red as she locked eyes with a few male students, particularly the towering figure of Kwon Chae-woo, who stood out with his cold expression.

Despite her efforts to remain composed, Lee-yeon couldn’t shake off the nervousness that came with being watched by him..

“And so every year on Lunar New Year, the villagers hold a ceremony in honor of the tree,” Lee-yeon added with a forced smile, her jaw visibly trembling.

She thought no one read the article she wrote.

“I just happened to see it in my uncle’s newspaper, and I’ve been reading it ever since. I thought your perspective was cool. I’ve been wondering who this person is who thinks from the perspective of a tree. I was disappointed that it wasn’t a regular column.”

The young man’s words caused a flicker of pride in Lee-yeon’s chest, but it was quickly replaced with a sense of unease. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched.

The young man with a gentle expression ran his fingers through his hair.

“I thought maybe I could become a fan of you at this point,” he said.

“Oh, I am happy that you liked my article,” said Lee-yeon, startled by the unfamiliar words and lowering her head.

“It’s true. From the perspective of the hurting trees, it’s a shock for me to inflict harm on people. To be honest, I even asked my uncle to introduce us because I really wanted to meet you.”

“.....”

“I’ve been looking for someone who can fill a whole day just talking about trees.” He blushed and smoothed his neck.

“Teacher, do you know older men?”

The young man’s sharp eyebrows drew together as he struggled to find the words he wanted to say. He opened and closed his mouth, looking momentarily flustered.

“If you’re talking about older men who spend hours talking to trees,” Lee-yeon responded with a small smile, “then I know plenty of them.”

The young man seemed to relax a little, but his gaze remained intense. “No, that’s not what I meant,” he corrected.

His eyes never left Lee-yeon’s as he asked, “Teacher, do you have a boyfriend?”NewW novels updates at novelhall.com