Cen Jin arrived at the school early in the morning.
It was truly unexpected—as a graduate of the old affiliated high school with no ties to Yi High School, she had visited this campus three times within half a month. Anyone unaware might assume she worked here.
It was morning reading time, and wherever she passed, the sound of students reciting echoed crisply.
The morning air was chilly. With her hands tucked into her pockets, Cen Jin strode briskly until she reached the second-year office, already crowded inside and out.
The three young "culprits" involved in the fight stood in a row against the wall as punishment, one of them being her own.
He stood with his hands behind his back, head slightly tilted, always appearing unflappable and detached from worldly troubles. The other two—one staring skyward, the other glancing around—both bore varying degrees of bruises on their faces. What had transpired was self-evident.
Cen Jin glanced at him from a distance, pressed her lips together, and called out, "Li Wu."
Hearing his name, the teenager looked toward her. His gaze was clear, but his face was no longer unmarred: a bruise colored his cheekbone, and a trace of dried blood clung to the corner of his mouth. Perhaps uncomfortable under her intense scrutiny, he quickly averted his eyes.
The other two also glanced over, surprise flickering in their eyes.
A dull throb pulsed at Cen Jin’s temples. She stopped looking at Li Wu and stepped into the office.
Dressed entirely in black—a fitted coat paired with knee-high boots—the woman’s stern expression made her resemble a Black-robed Nun just returned from preaching at a cemetery.
Intimidated by her presence, the two other female parents instinctively made way.
The homeroom teacher was speaking with them and hurriedly greeted Cen Jin upon her arrival. "Ms. Cen, you’re here."
"Yes, Teacher Zhang, here I am again." Cen Jin forced a slight curve at the corner of her lips. "Could you brief me on the specifics?"
"Just dormitory conflicts," Teacher Zhang sighed helplessly. "I truly never expected it to escalate into a fight. Fortunately, the injuries are minor—nothing serious."
Cen Jin asked, "What kind of conflicts?"
"Just childish roughhousing," retorted a middle-aged woman wearing frameless glasses, eyeing Cen Jin without hesitation.
Cen Jin turned to her, coolly indifferent. "Did I ask you?"
Provoked without cause, the woman flared up, raising her voice. "Even if you didn’t ask, I have to say it. Before your child moved into this dorm, everyone got along perfectly fine. How is it that trouble started the moment he arrived?"
"Oh, so your children are so friendly and sociable," Cen Jin mocked, "that this four-person dorm previously only housed three students?"
A short-haired woman who had been gauging the situation finally lost her patience. "What are you implying? Wasn’t that the school’s arrangement?"
Cen Jin looked at her. "Then Li Wu being assigned to this dorm was also the school’s arrangement. Why are you making unnecessary comments?"
"Hey, you—"
Before the children’s issues could be resolved, the three adults were already at odds.
The homeroom teacher rubbed his forehead in frustration and intervened, "Parents! Let’s stick to the matter at hand! No irrelevant discussions."
The three women fell silent.
Teacher Zhang took a sip of tea and remarked meaningfully, "From what I understand, Ran Feichi and Lin Honglang threw the first punches yesterday. Li Wu was merely defending himself. That’s what the other boy in their dorm said. He’s still in morning reading—I can call him over if needed."
Cen Jin’s shoulders twitched slightly, a clear trace of sarcasm playing on her lips.
The other parents frowned, shooting her resentful glares."Also," Teacher Zhang selectively ignored their subtle confrontational gestures, his gaze slowly sweeping over the three faces: "I've also gathered some information from the students this morning. Your children have been bullying... well, I don't really want to use such a strong word as 'bullying'—let's say teasing Li Wu for quite some time now. This includes some boys in the class who are close friends with them—they've all been involved."
Cen Jin's mind went blank: "When did this start?"
Teacher Zhang pondered: "Almost half a month."
She had been completely unaware? Cen Jin glanced out the window, from this angle she could only see a small portion of Li Wu's dark hair at the back of his head. Unable to get any eye contact in response, Cen Jin had no choice but to turn back: "He never told me, not a single word."
"That can't be right," the short-haired woman said with a puzzled expression. "How could my Feichi possibly bully anyone? He's not that kind of child. Although he can be mischievous sometimes, he would never do something so immoral. Every weekend when he comes home, he talks about which boys he plays with, always so happy and getting along so well."
She implied meaningfully: "Besides, if it were just one or two kids having conflicts, that would be one thing. But how could a whole group target one particular student? Why haven't other classmates been targeted?"
Lin Honglang's mother immediately chimed in: "Yes, yes, Teacher Zhang, I suggest you investigate this thoroughly. We're still not sure what the real reasons are behind this."
Cen Jin took a deep breath: "So bullying others is justified now?"
With other parents backing her up, Ran Feichi's mother stood her ground, her voice growing louder: "How can you label it like that? Is it wrong for us to want the truth? Look at you—you didn't know anything about it from start to finish either. What's wrong with us other parents wanting an explanation?"
Lin Honglang's mother glanced at Cen Jin again, having disliked her since she entered: "Who are you? Li Wu's sister? How old are you? Do you even have children? Do you understand these things? Where are his parents? Why didn't they come to school? We only want to speak with his parents face to face. What's the point of sending someone so young?"
"Well... about that," Teacher Zhang, knowing the circumstances, said tactfully: "Li Wu's situation is rather special."
Hearing this, Ran's mother became even more confident: "Lack of parental care? That explains it even better. With incomplete family education from the start, who knows how the child's character has really developed? What can a few students' one-sided accounts prove?"
Cen Jin chuckled coldly: "Your parenting is truly remarkable—so good that within less than three months of Li Wu transferring to this class, his roommate and classmates are all speaking up for him and testifying on his behalf, rather than siding with your perfectly raised children from complete families."
Lin's mother retorted sharply: "Why are you so sharp-tongued and unreasonable?"
"Who's being unreasonable? Who started making personal attacks? Can anyone choose their own background?" Their coordinated attacks had long pushed Cen Jin to the brink of fury. Her eyes unconsciously welled up with tears: "Using this to attack a seventeen-year-old child—are you even fit to be mothers? Fit to be parents?"
"Stop arguing, stop arguing! I called you here to quarrel, did I?" Teacher Zhang grew anxious, standing up to mediate: "The children are still outside!"
His words jolted Cen Jin awake. She abruptly turned and rushed out the door, storming over to Li Wu and grabbing his arm: "Come with me."
The three teenagers were all taken aback.Li Wu’s gaze froze, too stunned to react, as the woman forcibly dragged him away. He had no choice but to follow her pace without looking back.
Teacher Zhang rushed out of the office, with the two parents hastily chasing after them.
Cen Jin hurried through the long corridor, her eyes scanning every classroom number she passed until she finally found Class 10, Grade 11.
Only then did she release her grip, shoving Li Wu inside before stepping in herself.
The morning reading sounds came to an abrupt halt.
The teacher stared in astonishment, about to speak and ask what was happening.
But the woman had already brushed past Li Wu, strode onto the podium, and swept her gaze arrogantly across the room:
"I am Li Wu’s family, his sister. My name is Cen Jin. I’m making this clear today: if anyone in this class ever bullies my brother again and I find out, even if it means going to court, I’ll take it all the way."
Her words were resolute, forceful, and impactful.
Li Wu’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at the woman standing above him. Her eyes were red with intense emotion, and her jaw trembled.
All the students were dumbfounded; the entire class fell into a dead silence.
Cen Jin took a sharp breath, her expression finally softening slightly. She turned her head to the teacher and said, "I’m sorry for interrupting your class for two minutes. Please continue."
The male teacher, clearly shaken, nodded woodenly.
With that, Cen Jin stepped down from the podium, tugged at Li Wu’s school uniform sleeve, and whispered, "Let’s go."
It seemed as though her earlier heroic act had drained all her energy. Now, she deflated like a pufferfish, her tone softening.
Li Wu, still shaken and breathing heavily, followed her out.
Outside the window, the woman and the boy disappeared from view one after the other. The entire class watched them leave, utterly amazed, as if they had just witnessed true strength and were tempted to stand and applaud.
Teacher Zhang hurried over, sighing helplessly, "Miss Cen, what were you thinking—"
Cen Jin quickly apologized, "I’m sorry, Teacher Zhang. I just couldn’t hold back. I couldn’t stand hearing Li Wu described like that by those parents." Her emotions crumbled in an instant as she wiped away the uncontrollable tears at the corner of her eyes. "I’m truly sorry. I had no idea Li Wu has been suffering so much all this time. He’s had a tough life since he was little, and I never expected things to be like this here too. I feel so heartbroken…" She brushed her bangs aside, choking up as she rambled on, "I was just so angry and felt so powerless, like I haven’t been able to help at all. Everything that happened today is my fault. Please don’t blame him. I can assure you, Li Wu is definitely not the kind of kid who would pick fights. He’s obedient, sincere, loves studying, and treasures every friend. I don’t want to say too much in his defense, but I can personally vouch for all of this…"
Li Wu stood to the side, listening to every word, his eyes growing slightly moist.
He clenched his jaw tightly, turning his head to look down the corridor, at the vast white sky, the towering buildings, every window, and the crisscrossing treetops—anything to avoid looking at the top of the woman’s head or her tear-streaked face.
…
—
On the eve of New Year’s Day 2020, Yi High School’s BBS, Confession Wall, and many students’ social media spaces began buzzing with a vivid piece of gossip.
It was about a certain handsome transfer student in Class 10, Grade 11, who usually seemed low-key but actually had an incredibly formidable Triad Sister.
Cen Jin, now labeled as "Triad," remained completely unaware of this. She was still leaning back at her workstation, yawning incessantly.
Lù Qíqí, too, was editing images until her eyes were blurry. She stood up to brew some black tea to refresh herself.Cen Jin tapped out a few more words with a clatter, finally waiting for her direct supervisor to announce the end of the workday in the group chat.
Instantly, the entire company erupted in cheers.
Cen Jin also revived with the arrival of spring, quickly tidied her desk, slung her shoulder bag, and nodded farewell to the colleagues around her.
She wrapped her scarf snugly and strode briskly out of the building. Outside, the streets were already packed with people, and the entire business district was painted in a festive bright red to welcome the new year and its fresh atmosphere.
Cen Jin headed toward the underground parking garage and gave Li Wu a call.
He answered quickly, the background noisy.
Cen Jin asked, "Are you out?"
Li Wu said, "Just got on the subway."
Her small face buried in the scarf, Cen Jin exhaled a puff of white air and smiled, "Did you get on the right one?"
There was a two-second pause on the other end, as if he were double-checking the route. "Should be, Line 4."
Cen Jin glanced at the crowded subway entrance not far away, somewhat uncertain. "I think it passes by our area—Jiu Li Building. Is there a stop for that?"
"Yes."
"My company is here," she suddenly had a new idea. "Do you want to get off at this stop?"
He paused briefly, not asking for a reason. "Mm."
Cen Jin explained, "Don’t rush home to do homework tonight. I’ll treat you to dinner."
Li Wu agreed, "Okay."
"Jiu Li Building, don’t miss it. I’ll wait for you." She hung up.
Finding a nearby café, Cen Jin ordered two hot drinks and waited patiently by the window.
In less than fifteen minutes, her phone rang. Cen Jin glanced at the name and answered with a smile.
"I’m here." Li Wu’s voice was clear, like wind rustling through leaves.
"Where?"
"At the entrance of your building?"
Hearing this, Cen Jin leaned sideways to peer through the glass, searching for Li Wu’s figure.
She spotted him quickly.
The young man in a pure black overcoat stood straight in the open space before the building, phone in hand, his face slightly tilted upward.
Amid the bustling traffic and crowds, he stood tall and clean, like a sturdy pine in a murky world.
Cen Jin sat back down. "Look to your right and behind you—there’s a café. I’m inside."
The young man immediately turned his gaze and met the eyes of the woman seated on a high stool behind the window.
Cen Jin pressed her lips into a smile and waved.
Li Wu was momentarily dazed—perhaps because of the light above her head, or perhaps because of her casual, easygoing smile. She seemed like a witch nestled in a warm jar, possessing an extraordinary magnetism.
Li Wu hurried toward the café entrance, eager to reach her side quickly.
Cen Jin studied him for a few seconds, then handed him the untouched milk drink and pointed to her own cheekbone area. "Does it still hurt?"
Li Wu held the paper cup with both hands and shook his head. "No."
Cen Jin asked again, "Was moving dorms tiring?"
Li Wu said, "Not really. Cheng Rui helped me carry some things."
"Did you thank him?"
"Mm."
Cen Jin took a sip of coffee. "Did your previous roommates say anything to you?"
Li Wu thought about shaking his head but stopped himself in time, not wanting to hide anything again. "They did."
"What did they say?" Cen Jin asked, then raised her voice slightly. "Drink, don’t just talk."
"..." Li Wu fell silent for a second before gulping down several mouthfuls.
Cen Jin lifted her lips in a smile. "Mm, go on."Li Wu took a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking unhurriedly: "Ran Feichi... someone indirectly informed our homeroom teacher about issues in our dorm. The teacher suspected I was being wrongfully accused, so she questioned everyone separately and eventually confronted him, pressuring him to admit if he'd gone to a hotel. But that day, he had already planned to celebrate Gu Yan's birthday, and they ended up spending the night at an internet cafe. Knowing he couldn't make it back, he had prepared an excuse in advance. In the end, because I took the blame but couldn't keep my story straight, everything fell apart and the situation became even more serious. All his gratitude toward me was wasted, and it ended up seeming like they forced me into it. Lin Honglang is his closest friend and spoke up for me that night, but then I turned around and betrayed them. That's why he thinks I'm untrustworthy and not worth associating with. Now that we've talked it out, it's fine. We've all apologized to each other."
Cen Jin listened attentively, then quietly processed this for a few seconds: "Was that 'someone' who reported to the homeroom teacher me?"
Li Wu looked at her for a while before slowly nodding.
Cen Jin let out an elusive laugh: "So I was the one who lit the fuse?"
"No," Li Wu quickly claimed responsibility, speaking earnestly: "It was me. I shouldn't have made unnecessary moves."
Cen Jin felt somewhat emotional, unsure how to comment. She gazed at the neon lights outside the window for a moment before turning back: "Anyway, you've changed dorms now. Living with students from the honors class, there probably won't be so many troubles anymore. This time, you can interact with them on your own—I won't interfere. Of course, what matters most is still your studies. Whether you can truly become one of them in senior year depends entirely on your own efforts."
"Mhm."
...
The two sat side by side, temporarily silent.
Outside the window, scattered lights spread like a starry lake or illusory sea.
Li Wu took a sip of his hot drink and suddenly spoke: "Sis."
"Hm?"
"Thank you."
Cen Jin chuckled helplessly: "Other than 'sorry' and 'thank you,' can't you say something else?"
Li Wu glanced at her and fell silent again.
He wanted to say, yes, I can.
Like you. He wanted to tell her how much he liked her, that every glance toward her made his heart ache with suppressed feelings.
But unfortunately, he was still too young, too insignificant—without any notable qualities or achievements. How could he make her lower her gaze to see him? The road ahead was long; how far would he have to chase, how much distance would he need to cover, to stand confidently by her side instead of just sitting beside her as he was now?
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