Chapter two
The gloomy homeroom teacher
Ever since that darkness engulfed me, I've felt a change within myself, although I couldn't pinpoint what had transformed. As I strode toward the building ahead, I noticed I was asking questions I usually wouldn't bother with, such as, "Who truly controls the 'Lei' country?"
Throughout "Thunder Country," there were no visible political structures or apparent monarchs, yet the nation was well-regulated. It was akin to a sea without a ruling entity or a forest without a leader. Only a few concealed representatives operated behind the scenes, their whereabouts known only to the gods. Like elusive dragons and phoenixes, they appeared tough to grasp, with their true intentions and actions shrouded in mystery. Nevertheless, these individuals held no significance for me. I desired to come across authentic puppeteers and gain insight into their way of life.
Lost in my wild musings, I unintentionally collided with a girl. She emitted an icy aura that made my back perspire in discomfort. Sometimes, even the most beautiful face could emanate an eerie vibe. However, this girl possessed a certain charm. Despite her aloof demeanor, her regal appearance commanded attention.
The girl had meticulously arranged her hair in a nine-ring shape, reminiscent of the Qing dynasty hairstyle known as "Wang Xian Jiu Huan Ji." Her ancient yet elegant hairstyle brought warmth and life to her face. Clad in a regular dark purple uniform, she resembled a young mistress from another era, effortlessly blending into the modern atmosphere. However, a hint of disdain for everything on earth was evident in her demeanor.
"Watch where you're going, you punk!" she snapped, her voice carrying a singsong tone laced with arrogance, clearly irritated by my awkward posture. Nevertheless, she continued speaking, her voice dripping with cold contempt.
A student loitering in the school corridor, adopting an enthusiastic tone, asked, "Have you seen the most beautiful girl in our class? She exudes an unapproachable aura." He swallowed nervously and added, "She seems like royalty."
A jealous student standing beside him inquired eagerly. He said, "Seriously? Which royal family does she belong to?"
Maintaining his enthusiastic tone, the first student responded, "I wish I could easily approach her."
His friend interrupted, his voice filled with disdain, "Don't even think about it. How much time do you think you have left?"
Conversations erupted among two students gathered outside and within the courtyard. If these people longed to be trapped by the deadly claws of the devil, I didn't mind playing the intermediary between the two parties. As long as I satisfy my curiosity, that is. Who would willingly plunge into the depths of hell? They still had much life to live, while I craved freedom and an indifferent existence. That was my conclusion after witnessing their eagerness to die young.
I glanced behind me and observed the silhouette that had cursed at me, shaking my head as I did so. A bitter smile crept onto my face. What have I done? Curiosity welled up within me. From my perspective, I was completely innocent, yet she skillfully manipulated and blackmailed me, branding me as treacherous. What an unpleasant individual! If everyone behaved similarly, I would soon lose patience with such mishaps. Isn't there a saying about awakening a hidden lion? Well, I've just uttered complete and utter nonsense. To maintain my peace, I should probably steer clear of such troubles in the future.
Shortly after, I arrived at the door of a classroom. This place would be the class where I would rectify my past appalling behavior and strive for improvement. But doesn't that merely involve covering up flawed conduct with a superficial facade? The truth lies in the depths, destined to emerge one day: a chameleon remains forever unable to change its color. As I entered the classroom, I noticed it adhered to the typical design of a modern Chinese classroom, bustling with students.
Most of them conversed among themselves while others fiddled with their books and pens. They didn't mind my presence. It was as if I were a ghost haunting the nocturnal realm. They were children of the light, and thus, my unruliness had to surrender to their enlightening influence. They focused on their surroundings but remained indifferent to anyone who wasn't their teacher. This realm could either become my heaven or my hell. Which would it be?
I swiftly found my assigned seat labeled "Guang Fang." Standing there looking foolish was not a reasonable option for me. To avoid attracting unnecessary attention, I had to blend in quickly.
Although, I reminded myself it was unlikely that anyone would bother staring at someone as young as me. Finally, I could focus or assume the role of the inconspicuous masked boy, as my last predicament had been incredibly vexing. It gave me a real headache.
The school had given me a reputation as a troublemaker, earning me applause. It was effortless to imagine, given how I roused the entire school and its parents, displaying the artistry of a skilled demagogue. The teachers, who were relieved by my absence, could finally breathe a sigh of relief. My previous problem had frightened me, and I was grateful that the world saw me as a teenager. It meant I could hide my troubles behind a façade. I exhaled, then walked confidently yet quietly to secure my seat. 'This spot would be where I could relax,' I thought. Despite being labeled a nuisance in the past, the last thing I wanted was for my past to haunt me.
Soon, two figures entered the classroom almost simultaneously. One of them seemed gloomy and appeared as though they might vomit at any moment. I couldn't understand why I had the sensation that the guy was about to vomit; maybe he needed to take a well-deserved break. This person's eyes had dark rings, indicating a lack of sleep, and their pupils lacked vitality. If he decided to sleep right then and there, no one would blame them, even though it was a study period. Maybe it would benefit him to take a placebo, even though they believed they were fine. This guy's black hair was slightly unkempt and jutting out, and he had a noticeable mole on their right cheek, albeit unfortunately larger than a thumb.
As soon as he entered, the classroom fell silent. However, some individuals couldn't resist whispering and treating his presence with arrogance, albeit covertly. They lacked the courage to act overtly.
Observing the incoming person, one student adopted a fearful tone and remarked, "Isn't that our homeroom teacher, Jian He?"
Upon hearing this, another student responded with disdain, questioning, "This is our homeroom teacher?"
A mocking student hissed and sneered, "I had to put in so much effort to get into this school." Rolling his eyes in disbelief, he added, "Doesn't this guy look like a joke? We better be cautious."
Most students were familiar with the school's reputation and their teachers. They seemed to know each other well in advance. I couldn't help but marvel at how easily people socialized. Nobody had given any thought to someone like me. Well, could they even dare to? I was an outcast, invisible to them, a plague they were unaware of.
This situation reminded me of the poor influence I had. Those old fogies never informed me about the environment I was entering. They couldn't be happier to see a young upstart like me going. I was a scourge, after all. Who wouldn't breathe a sigh of relief to have a malignant cell disappear? I realized I didn't know the person who had arrived; he must have been a stranger. That was the only thought echoing deep within me.
Behind Jian Hé stood another student, the troublesome brat I had encountered before. They continued to follow just when I thought it would be best to avoid such a nuisance for peace and tranquility. It was indeed annoying. Did I deserve to be treated like a lowlife?
It was frigidly cold and unapproachable within a one-meter radius around her. She seemed to be alone, yet she was the center of attention. I found it both contradictory and intriguing how such a phenomenon could occur. Even the Whiffets in our class were inadvertently obsessed with her. Can I blame them for not seeing beyond her exterior? If only they could realize that the waters ahead were too deep, they would understand it wasn't worth drowning for. That girl was enigmatic.
A question quickly crossed my mind: who was this girl anyway? It was clear that I didn't share the same fascination with her as others did. However, observing that dark and destructive aura, like a nest of demons, I quickly relied on my sixth sense to keep my opinion to myself. Just a few seats behind me, a fight erupted because a guy openly declared that the girl was overpowering. While many students adored her, some despised her audacity. At least they could see what I saw. I am clairvoyant.
There was an empty seat opposite me, glaring at me as if I had forced it into that position. The girl walked directly towards the chair, and with a determined gaze, I discovered the name "Lin Min." They boldly etched it on the seat. As she sat, a peculiar sensation coursed through my nervous system. My blood vessels constricted as if trying to preserve warmth. In truth, her presence made me feel cold from within. The origin of the coldness, whether physical or psychological, remained a mystery.
The next moment, a gruff voice swept through the classroom.
"Please be quiet. I detest it when individuals indulge in the unsaid," he paused, casting a fierce gaze upon us. "Starting now and for an unspecified duration, I will serve as your homeroom teacher. My name is Jian He," he declared. I couldn't help but ponder if he had accentuated that "unsaid" with a touch of theatricality. Maybe he perceived himself as a transcendent entity.
Jian Hé spoke with a sense of betrayal from the world, appearing pale and gloomy. My instincts urged me to avoid him, hoping to prolong my short life. It was hard to comprehend how someone could exude such darkness and desolation. As I surveyed the classroom, diverse attitudes among my classmates became apparent. It became clear that trouble would ensue before long; I could sense it deep within me.