Chapter three
A horrible prediction.
While Jian He continued his tirades with a raspy voice, I briefly scanned the class and noticed people engaging in covert activities. At that moment, I realized that these actions had nothing to do with me. I stretched my stiff and aching back, determined to succumb to my burning desire for a blissful nap.
Although Jian He detested exerting effort, he remained diligent. I figured the administration might reward him at the end of the day, so there was no reason for this pest to prevent me from pursuing my dreams. However, little did I know how mistaken I was. The cranky man scrutinized the class, his frown making his face more terrifying than a demon's lair. Suddenly, silence engulfed the room, as if a supreme force had commanded it.
Everyone clearly understood that being caught would result in a severe reprimand, possibly even physical punishment. The unfortunate soul caught in the act would serve as a scapegoat for all.
"You there, stand up!" Jian He bellowed angrily.
Initially, I believed the classroom activities had nothing to do with me, and that misguided notion led me to doze off. But now, just minutes later, someone tapped me. I lifted my vacant head and yawned loudly, wondering if a catastrophe had occurred.
Lost in thoughts about the dullness of the class, I contemplated, 'Perhaps the teacher had finally realized the importance of a good night's sleep.' Little did I know how wrong I was. I glanced at the unfriendly Jian He, his gaze immediately petrifying me like a demonic stare.
Puzzled by his frown, I furrowed my brow and pondered, 'What does he mean? They would pay him regardless of whether anyone listened to his rant.' Unsatisfied, I added, 'Even if his lecture was a "legend of a fool," there was no reason for it to be monotonous.' Despite seeing a lackluster gleam in his eyes, indicating his half-hearted dedication, he continued to feign diligence. He was a hypocrite, and I found this situation both remarkable and contradictory.
"Are you talking to me?" I stuttered after battling with my thoughts for what felt like an eternity. As I stood up, the question lingered in my mind, "I thought everyone was free to do as they pleased. Why am I being disturbed?' This situation left me feeling melancholic, and I couldn't help but feel annoyed by the lazy attention and mocking gazes directed at me. They were no different from me; they simply excelled in pretense—I was no Alec. I knew everything.
Jian He must have sensed my discontent because he smiled, as if he had something on his mind. But who knows what kind of thoughts dwelled in such an unremarkable mind? Was he considering using me for his amusement? The mere act of standing already tempted me to curse, let alone contemplating more devious methods. For heaven's sake, why did I have to encounter this mishap on my very first day?
As I observed the so-called smile on that gaffer's face, it seemed even bleaker than his previous frown. I quickly concluded that nothing good would come out of this situation. Must everyone impede my rest? Can't I simply be lazily invisible? Well, no one would answer me now—I had to look out for myself. Perhaps I should have heeded that tedium; it could have prevented this bitterness from taking hold.
"What is your name?" Jian He abruptly questioned, interrupting my thoughts. Why was I the center of attention in the entire class? It reminded me of my past experiences in elementary and junior high school back in Pangong. I would be made to stand under the eerie gazes of my peers. And now, it was happening all over again. Was this some kind of cruel fate? What wrongs did I commit in my previous lives? Did I kill a beloved emperor?
I resented this feeling of being singled out, rejecting it entirely. All I wanted was to be invisible, like the wind, peacefully existing without drawing any attention. Jian He's blue suit swayed restlessly, as if he couldn't wait for me to embarrass myself.
"My name is Guang Fang," I answered with apathy, knowing that what had to happen would happen. There was no use prolonging the suffering of a doomed fly; it would die regardless. This day was inevitable, whether I wanted it or not.
"Oh? So you're Guang Fang?" Jian He repeated my name, his expression unexpectedly shifting to astonishment. At that moment, I even felt perplexed; he had been sporting a sullen smile just a while ago. However, that was irrelevant at the present moment. What was happening here? I was curious. But before I could ponder further, Jian He promptly dispelled my confusion.
"Your parents made it clear that they won't physically harm or kill you, but they want us to employ every other possible means," Jian He sneered, his disgust evident.
"Tsk-tsk! I strongly disapprove of your presence here. It will only bring disaster. You are synonymous with calamity. Tell me, why did you come here?"
"I..." I stuttered, unable to find the right words. Jian He's revelation had completely bewildered me, leaving me at a loss for a coherent response. It seemed that the old woman and man were behind today's tragedy. But all I had done was sleep. Was that such a serious offense?
Jian He's anger seemed to be the culmination of all the frustration from his past life. Had he been contemplating how to deal with me? I wondered. They were all in cahoots: conniving Biddy and Buffer, and all the other adults. One misfortune after another. Was I destined never to find peace of mind?
Jian He looked at me, his gaze seemingly able to decipher every thought in my mind.
"All you did was sleep, but your mere presence will bring disaster. How is that any different?" He hissed and continued , "Just get on with causing the accident already, so that we can serve you your expulsion letter before next week. I know you won't disappoint me, Guang Fang."
Was that supposed to be praise or a premonition? Would he truly go to such lengths to make me disappear? Damn it! I cursed inwardly. I couldn't wait to step forward and use a marker pen to deface his pallid face. Can't you even wait to enjoy your own life? Then don't make a mistake, because I might just make sure your life tastes the bitterness of a Devil's claw.
The entire class erupted in laughter as the guy publicly exposed my issue. Some of them seemed genuinely shocked, those self-righteous grandsons. Who among them hasn't caused more trouble than the rest? Now they scorned me silently, relishing in the anticipation of my future misfortune. If nobody wants peace, I wouldn't mind shaking things up.
"You've certainly earned the title of the all-time greatest troublemaker. If there were a way to lock up kids, you would be the first candidate." He paused, exhaled and continued, "Your academic performance is barely average, and it's a miracle you even made it to this school. If you foolishly fall asleep in my class again, you'll have to do three days of community service on campus."
As he spoke, he sounded like a war god residing in a treacherous dungeon. Since when was sleeping considered a crime that brought trouble to others? Am I a creature of the night like him? Anyway, it's no wonder he doesn't understand because his mindset must be distorted when it comes to sleep.
Jiang He ruthlessly prodded my already bleeding wound with sharp needles. Who would come to my rescue? Although I had hoped to remain invisible in this place, that might have been wishful thinking. Should I abandon that idea? These were my final thoughts before sinking back into my seat, struggling to catch my breath. Was it my heart racing, or was the chair now fearful of me? Just a reminder to everyone, I haven't harmed anyone.
Many students took my heartfelt outburst lightly. They continued to laugh at my challenges, even now. However, when trouble befalls them, they will have to reflect on themselves.
Amidst all of this, I noticed my neighbor wearing an indifferent expression, as if I didn't exist at all. It's as if she perceived my presence fading away like that of an insignificant ant—something not worth her attention, given her unparalleled arrogance. Perhaps, if men didn't exist, heaven wouldn't shed a tear—what reason does she have to laugh or cry when I'm practically invisible to her?
"Many of you performed exceptionally well in the national entrance exam. However, this school rewards talent and penalizes those who don't fit in."
The critic began his tirade, and although his indirect comment seemed directed at me, I paid it no mind. After all, nobody can force me to change if I don't deem it necessary. If he talked more about me, then I can only assume he envies my good reputation. Well, it goes without saying that this jerk is interested in gaining the same reputation. But he shouldn't think he can use me as a stepping stone.