Lin Zeqiu patiently played Cat's cradle with Lin Zhixia for half a day. He hadn't gone to the basketball court all weekend, staying home under the pretext of studying.
However, Lin Zhixia knew that Lin Zeqiu actually wanted to accompany her through this period of anxiety.
Before school on Monday, after finishing breakfast, Lin Zhixia stood in front of Lin Zeqiu and called out loudly: "Brother!"
Lin Zeqiu reacted as if facing a great enemy: "What do you want?"
Lin Zhixia praised him: "You're a good brother!"
After saying this, she shouldered her backpack and quickly rushed out of the house.
This morning, the first and second classes for fourth grade at Experimental Primary School were all changed to self-study sessions.
A circular electronic watch hung on the classroom wall. Lin Zhixia sat upright, frequently looking up at the watch and mentally recording the current time.
It was now 7:59 AM Beijing Time. In just one more minute, Lin Zhixia would follow her homeroom teacher to the school clinic for an injection.
How terrifying.
Lin Zhixia took a deep breath.
"Lin Zhixia," Jiang Yubai asked her, "are you trembling?"
"I'm not," Lin Zhixia stubbornly replied.
Jiang Yubai slightly frowned: "If you're not feeling well, you shouldn't get the injection."
As he finished speaking, the class bell suddenly rang, its piercing sound cutting through the silent corridor.
Homeroom teacher Teacher Wu stood outside the door, calling to the students in the classroom: "Students who need Hepatitis B vaccinations, come out on your own. We'll form a line. Our Class 1, Grade 4 will be the first group for injections. Don't dawdle, stay quiet. Teacher Wu will take you to the school clinic."
Lin Zhixia gathered her courage and stood up.
She hesitated before taking her first step.
Jiang Yubai called out to her again: "Lin Zhixia, you don't have to go."
"No!" Lin Zhixia declared resolutely. "I want to overcome myself! I want to become the Superman described by Nietzsche, to be the Dasein described by Heidegger!"
Jiang Yubai didn't understand what "Dasein" meant. Still, he thought of a way to comfort Lin Zhixia. He told her: "Even if you're not afraid of injections, you have other fears. No one can be Superman."
Jiang Yubai's words were full of philosophical flavor, making Lin Zhixia pause in thought. No matter how reasonable Jiang Yubai's words were, she didn't want to show her weakest side in front of him.
Lin Zhixia resolutely turned around, joined the students in the front rows, and blended into the class line.
The group marched like a mighty army toward the school clinic of Experimental Primary School.
The school clinic was neatly arranged, with a "Hepatitis B Vaccination" sign standing at the entrance. Standing in the clinic's lobby, Lin Zhixia could smell a faint scent of alcohol.
Doctors and nurses wearing masks sat in their office. The office door was wide open, allowing all students to see inside.
Teacher Wu called names according to student numbers. Class monitor Dong Sunqi had the first student number. Teacher Wu called out loudly: "Number 1, Dong Sunqi!"
Dong Sunqi jumped in front of Teacher Wu: "Teacher, I'm ready!"
Teacher Wu said calmly: "Good, go in for your injection."
Dong Sunqi took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeve, exposing his entire arm. Many classmates were watching him with attention, which made him unable to resist showing off and displaying the unique style expected of a class monitor.
The nurse sister was very close to him. He closed his eyes tightly and clenched his right fist.When the needle pierced his skin, Dong Sunqi's entire face contorted. He let out a suppressed hiss. After waiting a moment, he finally received a cotton swab from the nurse.
The nurse told him, "Press the cotton swab on the wound, and throw it away later."
"Got it!" Dong Sunqi replied.
He walked out the door with his clothes in disarray, wearing an expression of determination like a soldier who had just won a battle. A classmate outside asked him, "Class Monitor, did the injection hurt?"
Finally, someone had asked!
This question was exactly what Dong Sunqi had been hoping for!
Dong Sunqi sighed and shook his head slightly. "I'm the class monitor. I can't say it hurts."
His deskmate Wei Rongjie asked excitedly, "How much did it really hurt? Tell us!"
"My arm went numb," Dong Sunqi said, gazing into the distance. "The pain went deep into the bones. But like I said, I'm the class monitor. No matter how much the injection hurt, I couldn't cry out. By the way, Class 2 students will be here soon. All of you, don't make a fuss! Don't let those Class 2 kids look down on us from Class 1."
As he spoke, Lin Zhixia happened to be standing nearby.
She heard every word of Dong Sunqi's description.
Lin Zhixia gradually grew anxious.
Her face turned increasingly pale.
When she heard, "Number 4, Lin Zhixia!" she walked slowly into the doctor's office.
Lin Zhixia remembered what Jiang Yubai and Lin Zeqiu had told her—close your eyes and don't be afraid.
She extended one arm, and the nurse rolled up her sleeve.
Lin Zhixia turned her head away. The alcohol swab felt cool against her skin. Sure enough, her entire arm went numb... Seeing how pretty and cute she was, the nurse gently comforted her, "It's alright, little one. It won't hurt much."
Lin Zhixia gave her left hand to the nurse while her right hand rested on her thigh, fingers tightly clutching the fabric of her pants.
She should have responded to the nurse, but her mind was on high alert. She only felt the sharp needle pierce her skin, damaging the epidermis and dermis, reaching deep into her flesh.
The liquid slowly injected, making her arm extremely sore and swollen.
It really hurt.
Why was the pain so clear and intense?
Lin Zhixia was puzzled.
Lin Zhixia hated injections.
Time passed second by second.
How long did a tube of vaccine take to inject?
Tears welled in Lin Zhixia's eyes, her cheeks flushed red. She gritted her teeth hard, barely stopping herself from bursting into sobs.
She recalled Jiang Yubai's words—everyone has fears they can't easily overcome. There's no shame in that, just like how Brother is afraid of bugs and Jiang Yubai dislikes dust. She should face reality bravely and live up to Brother and Jiang Yubai's expectations.
Then, the nurse told her, "Alright, little one, the vaccine is done. Gently press the cotton swab on the wound. When it stops bleeding, you can throw the cotton ball away. Are you still uncomfortable?"
Lin Zhixia nodded lightly, pretending to be strong and calm, though a slight tremble lingered in her voice. "I'm fine now. Thank you, Sister."
As her anxiety faded in a daze, finally free from her psychological burden, Lin Zhixia floated lightly out of the school clinic.She sat on a chair by the door, waiting until the whole class had finished their injections. Teacher Wu counted the students and led the fourth grade (Class 1) back to their classroom.
Lin Zhixia was in high spirits. She skipped and hopped as she ran to her seat.
Jiang Yubai had been waiting for her the entire class period. He eagerly asked her, "Did you get your shot?"
"I did!" Lin Zhixia rested her cheek in her hand. "Actually, it wasn't scary at all."
Jiang Yubai carefully examined her face: "Your eyes are red."
Lin Zhixia replied defensively, "No, they're not."
Right in front of Lin Zhixia, Jiang Yubai opened the notebook for the "Exploring the Universe" comic series.
Since the comic serialization had long been strictly forbidden by Teacher Wu, no student in the class dared to participate in this game anymore.
The original characters in the "Exploring the Universe" comic were only Lin Zhixia and Jiang Yubai. The initial plot involved the two of them wandering together in Orion. Now, everything seemed to have returned to the starting point.
The great war between Earth and Orion quietly ended. The legions disintegrated from within, and both the heroes and villains vanished. This demise came unexpectedly—from bustling excitement to complete neglect, all within just half a day.
Lin Zhixia remarked with emotion, "Jiang Yubai, did you update the comic again? If Teacher Wu finds out, you might have to write a 1,000-word self-criticism."
Hearing "1,000-word self-criticism," Jiang Yubai still acted bravely and insisted on opening the comic. He straightened his posture, lowered his voice, and explained to Lin Zhixia, "During the last self-study class, I added an ending to 'Exploring the Universe.'"
After saying this, he glanced around cautiously.
None of the nearby students were paying attention to Jiang Yubai and Lin Zhixia's actions, which satisfied Jiang Yubai greatly. Like underground operatives during wartime making contact, Jiang Yubai quickly handed the notebook to Lin Zhixia.
Lin Zhixia flipped to the last page.
She was the only one in the class who witnessed the ending together with Jiang Yubai.
In the final chapter of the "Exploring the Universe" comic series, both the Earth Legion and the Orion Legion's bases were destroyed, and the once-civilized world collapsed abruptly. Jiang Yubai and all his companions boarded a spaceship. They drifted through the vast, boundless universe, with Lin Zhixia as the eternal Navigator of the spaceship.
"I'm the eternal Navigator of the spaceship?" Lin Zhixia asked in confusion.
Jiang Yubai loved answering Lin Zhixia's questions. He explained seriously, "In the last chapter of 'Exploring the Universe,' you overcome fear and conquer difficulties..."
Lin Zhixia thought for a moment and began analyzing the comic's deeper meaning: "I think in this comic, the name 'Lin Zhixia' represents hope. As the Navigator of the spaceship, 'Lin Zhixia' leads everyone in search of survival and hope."
"You could interpret it that way," Jiang Yubai responded succinctly.
In reality, Jiang Yubai hadn't deliberately crafted a "symbol of hope." He had truly let his imagination run wild, fantasizing that the entire fourth grade (Class 1) would explore the universe together—they would settle in Orion in the northern part of the Milky Way, establish a civilization, and develop their economy.At this moment, Lin Zhixia raised another question: "In the comic 'Exploring the Universe,' will Lin Zhixia and Jiang Yubai stay together forever? Will they always explore the Universe as companions?"
"They will never be apart," Jiang Yubai declared firmly.
Lin Zhixia looked at him: "Then, this comic has no ending. Our future is unknown."
Jiang Yubai agreed: "You can add more plot to make the ending richer."
"Jiang Yubai," Lin Zhixia suddenly said, "did you spend the whole class drawing comics just to give me an ending?"
Her questions always hit the mark.
Her gaze was intense, and Jiang Yubai blushed under her stare.
The sky outside the window grew bluer, the white clouds drifting like cotton fluff. Sunlight streamed through a clean glass pane, falling before Jiang Yubai's eyes. Bathed in this light, he looked at Lin Zhixia for two seconds and insisted, "I was just doodling."
Lin Zhixia burst into laughter: "Hahahaha! Thank you! Ji-Ji-Ji-Jiang Yubai!"
Jiang Yubai replied with solemn dignity: "You're welcome, Li-Li-Li-Lin Zhixia."
Lin Zhixia held a fountain pen in her right hand and picked up a ruler with her left, lightly tapping a rhythm on the desk.
She improvised a melody on the spot and even composed lyrics for it: "Jiang, Jiang, Jiang, Jiang, Jiang, Jiang, I have a deskmate, his name is Jiang Yubai. He isn't afraid of the teacher's orders, he even dares to draw, his work is brilliant! May his thoughts flow like a spring, may he be free and unrestrained! I'm full of anticipation for his next creation..."
Her voice was soft, her singing gentle.
Under the clear sky, her eyes sparkled, laughter lingering in their depths, while the light and cheerful tune served as the perfect accompaniment.
Jiang Yubai tore a page from his draft notebook and began writing furiously.
He recorded Lin Zhixia's composition and added two more notes. As he sketched the staff, he asked her, "Lin Zhixia, have you studied music?"
Lin Zhixia answered honestly: "No, I haven't."
"Then how can you compose music?" Jiang Yubai questioned.
Lin Zhixia tilted her head to look at him: "Does that count as composing? I just made it up."
She leaned closer to him: "Wow, you're writing sheet music."
Jiang Yubai's pen paused.
The opportunity had arrived.
As she said, Lin Zhixia truly hadn't studied music.
Just as she claimed, the earlier melody was something she improvised. Jiang Yubai had finally found a gap in Lin Zhixia's knowledge! His four years of piano lessons and daily practice hadn't been in vain. His diligence and hard work had paved the way for this turnaround.
Suppressing his excitement, Jiang Yubai asked knowingly: "Lin Zhixia, can you read sheet music?"
If Lin Zhixia replied with a simple "No," Jiang Yubai would immediately say: "It's simple, I'll teach you."
Jiang Yubai and Lin Zhixia had been deskmates for four months. Occasionally, Jiang Yubai would dream of a scene—Lin Zhixia complaining to him in the classroom: "This subject is so hard, I don't understand it. Jiang Yubai, please, will you teach me?"
Every time, the dream Jiang Yubai would be more than willing to help.
Today, the dream was coming true.
Jiang Yubai remained silent, quietly awaiting Lin Zhixia's response.
He knew that admitting "I don't understand anything" for the first time wasn't easy. For a genius like Lin Zhixia with an IQ above 174, it was even more impossible to calmly face her own shortcomings.
The next second, Lin Zhixia suddenly understood: "I see, so that's what sheet music means."At that moment, Gan Shuli in the front row happened to turn around to borrow a bottle of fountain pen ink from Lin Zhixia.
Lin Zhixia handed the ink bottle to Gan Shuli and said enthusiastically, "I'm so happy! Today I learned how to read sheet music!"
Gan Shuli asked in surprise, "How did you learn it?"
Lin Zhixia picked up Jiang Yubai's draft paper: "By observing Jiang Yubai's manuscript."
Jiang Yubai's handwriting was extremely messy. He had also used some symbols only he could recognize. To Gan Shuli, it wasn't a manuscript at all, but a chaotic scribble of ghostly symbols.
Gan Shuli felt suffocated: "You... can you really learn from this? Lin Zhixia?"
Immersed in the joy of sudden enlightenment, Lin Zhixia temporarily failed to notice the complicated expressions on Gan Shuli and Jiang Yubai's faces—especially Jiang Yubai, who was holding a ballpoint pen with increasingly stiff fingers.
He had mentally prepared himself to be "Teacher Jiang"... ready to selflessly share detailed and comprehensive music theory knowledge. Unfortunately, Lin Zhixia never gave him a chance to speak.
Skeptically, he asked: "Lin Zhixia, can you really understand it?"
"I've seen sheet music before," Lin Zhixia explained, "but I never thought about it. Today when I did, I suddenly understood. Thanks to you, Jiang Yubai."
Jiang Yubai didn't want to claim this special honor.
Lin Zhixia added to him: "Jiang Yubai, you react quickly! You can directly transcribe music! I've discovered you seem quite smart too!"
Although this was the first time Lin Zhixia had formally praised Jiang Yubai's intelligence, and she had even used the hypothetical word "seem," Jiang Yubai couldn't help feeling somewhat pleased.
Their harmonious desk-mate relationship lasted through the entire class.
When the third period began, their homeroom teacher Teacher Wu entered the fourth grade (1) classroom carrying a stack of report cards.
She announced good news to the students: "The results of last week's fourth grade assessment test are out. Our class performed well this time. The highest score in the grade belongs to Lin Zhixia."
Teacher Wu put down the report cards and looked at Lin Zhixia: "Well done, Lin Zhixia, you've taken first place in the grade again, bringing honor to our class. Everyone, let's give her a round of applause!"
Class monitor Dong Sunqi led the applause, and the whole class broke into enthusiastic clapping.
"For this assessment test, Lin Zhixia scored perfect marks in Chinese, Math, and English, with an additional bonus point for her English composition. Everyone should learn from her," Teacher Wu said while cleaning the chalkboard cleaner, appearing particularly calm and composed.
All the classmates were in a similar state. Their expressions remained normal, neither happy nor sad. Having experienced this too many times, they had long become numb.
Class monitor Dong Sunqi went to the podium, picked up a stack of report cards, and distributed them to the group leaders. The leaders then handed out the report cards to each student.
Jiang Yubai remembered his bet with Lin Zhixia.
When he received his report card, he immediately saw that he scored 99 in Chinese, 99 in Math, and 100 in English, ranking second in the grade.
For every exam at the Experimental Primary School, grading teachers were required to write comments for each student.
On Jiang Yubai's report card, all three subject teachers had given him fair and concise praise.
He lowered his head in contemplation and placed his report card on the desk.
Lin Zhixia immediately placed her report card right in front of Jiang Yubai's eyes."Look," she said to him, "I got 5 extra points on my English essay."
Jiang Yubai discovered that the comments left by the grading teacher on Lin Zhixia's paper... were filled with an indescribable enthusiasm, especially from the English teacher—who, disregarding the dignified identity of an examiner, had even drawn an adorable smiling face for Lin Zhixia.
An adorable smiling face?
On Jiang Yubai's comments, there were only two lines of text and a cold period.
Jiang Yubai felt bewildered.
His family employed four foreign tutors and had an English teaching research team.
He was fluent in both English and French.
Why had he lost to Lin Zhixia again?
Lin Zhixia cupped her face in her hands, tilted her head, and gazed intently at Jiang Yubai.
Her expression was innocent, and she kindly reminded him, "Hurry up, Jiang Yubai, quickly call me Teacher Lin."
After last week's assessment exam, Jiang Yubai and Lin Zhixia had made a bet on who would rank first in the grade. The loser had to address the winner as "teacher" as a sign of respect.
Jiang Yubai was pondering why Lin Zhixia's English essay had earned extra points.
He asked quietly, "Lin Zhixia, did you finish your English exam? You didn't space out during the test, did you?"
"Of course I finished," Lin Zhixia told him honestly. "I finished writing within the first few minutes of the exam. Then I started spacing out."
Jiang Yubai fell silent.
Lin Zhixia whispered, "For this English exam, the essay topic was to describe the campus environment. Besides describing the environment, I improvised a sonnet. But, to be honest, I didn't write it very well..."
An English sonnet, much like classical Chinese poetry, emphasizes rhythm, diction, and has a long history with very strict metrical rules.
Renowned English literary figures like Shakespeare, Keats, and Shelley have left behind many beautiful sonnets for posterity, worthy of repeated appreciation by every poetry-loving reader in the world.
Jiang Yubai truly hadn't expected that Lin Zhixia could improvise an English sonnet.
Regardless of how well she wrote, the fact that she could strictly adhere to rhyme and metrical structure in such a short time demonstrated exceptional language skills.
Lin Zhixia continued urging him, "Jiang Yubai, Jiang Yubai, hurry up and call me Teacher Lin."
Jiang Yubai spread open a math homework assignment, covered his face with it, and mumbled, "Teacher Lin." He only said it once and stubbornly refused to utter another word.
Lin Zhixia found his reaction incredibly amusing—he was such an interesting person! He deserved to be recorded in her "Human Observation Diary"!
She quickly pulled out her notebook but felt a bit dizzy, and her arm, where she had received an injection, still ached.
Teacher Wu adopted an almost "hands-off" liberal policy toward Lin Zhixia.
Yet, even so, Lin Zhixia didn't dare to lay her head on the desk and sleep during Chinese class, as that would attract the attention of the entire class.
Instead, she leaned close to the wall, resting her head against the window like a drowsy young kitten.
She had barely closed her eyes for two minutes when Jiang Yubai said to her, "Lin Zhixia, your face is very red."
Lin Zhixia asked groggily, "Is it?"
Jiang Yubai handed her a stainless steel water bottle—his own. He reminded her, "You might be running a fever."
Lin Zhixia held the bottle with both hands, pressed her forehead against its surface, and after a moment said, "My forehead is so hot, and your bottle is so cool."
She murmured to herself, "How do you estimate body temperature without a thermometer? I have a good method—record your pulse... how many beats per minute. The faster the pulse, the higher the body temperature rises. I... estimate my current temperature range is between 37.6°C and 38.7°C, but there's a significant margin of error in the calculation. Why? Because my head is so dizzy... I can't think straight anymore."
Jiang Yubai didn't raise his hand. He directly interrupted the class progress of homeroom Teacher Wu.
He stood up and said, "Teacher Wu, Lin Zhixia has a high fever. She should go to the hospital."
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