Lin Xiao returned to the classroom and sat down, determined to complete his daily mission of meditation. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, trying to focus his mind and find a state of calm.
He knew the importance of this mission and the benefits of cultivating inner peace, but as soon as he began to relax, his thoughts drifted to Chen Manyao, who was seated a few rows ahead of him.
No matter how much he tried to concentrate on his breathing and clear his mind, the image of Chen Manyao kept intruding.
Her presence was a constant distraction, and he found himself daydreaming about her smile, her eyes, and the way she seemed so effortlessly graceful.
His thoughts quickly turned impure, something he knew was normal for a boy his age, but it left him feeling frustrated and guilty.
"Come on, Lin Xiao, focus," he whispered to himself, trying to regain control of his thoughts. He shifted in his seat, hoping that a change in posture might help him concentrate, but it was no use.
Chen Manyao's image was firmly planted in his mind, and every time he tried to meditate, his thoughts would wander back to her.
He opened his eyes with a sigh, staring down at his desk. This was not working.
He glanced around the classroom, noticing how other students were busy with their own tasks, seemingly undisturbed.
But for him, the simple act of meditating was proving to be an insurmountable challenge.
"Why is this so hard?" he muttered under his breath. He closed his eyes again, taking another deep breath and trying once more to find his focus.
But as soon as he did, the same thoughts crept back in, and he found himself imagining scenarios with Chen Manyao that left him blushing.
Realizing that this was a battle he wasn't going to win right now, Lin Xiao decided to give up on meditation for the moment.
He pulled out his notebook and started reviewing his class notes instead, hoping that immersing himself in schoolwork might help distract his mind and calm his thoughts.
As he scribbled down some notes, he stole a glance at Chen Manyao. She was engrossed in her own work, completely oblivious to his inner turmoil.
Lin Xiao shook his head, trying to shake off the thoughts and focus on the task at hand.
He knew he would have to find another time to complete his meditation mission, maybe when he was alone and free from distractions.
Lin Xiao found himself unable to concentrate on his notes, his thoughts drifting back to Chen Manyao.
He couldn't help but wonder why she hadn't even glanced at him once during the basketball match, despite his impressive performance.
Most of the class had been watching and cheering, but she remained uninterested, seemingly lost in her own world.
"Does that mean she doesn't like athletic boys?" he mused, tapping his pencil against his notebook.
He had always thought that being good at sports would make him more appealing, but Chen Manyao's lack of attention suggested otherwise.
"Why do I want her attention so much?" he asked himself quietly. It wasn't like him to be so focused on someone else's opinion.
Yet, there was something about her that drew him in, making him crave her attention. Was it her quiet confidence? Her beauty? Or perhaps her kindness?
Lin Xiao shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. This wasn't like him.
He had just moved to a new school and had enough to worry about without getting distracted by crushes.
But no matter how much he tried to rationalize it, his mind kept wandering back to her.
"Focus, Lin Xiao," he muttered under his breath. "You've got more important things to think about."
He glanced at the clock, noting that there were still a few minutes before the next class started.
Deciding to use the time productively, he pulled out a book to read, hoping it would help take his mind off things.
But even as he tried to immerse himself in the text, his thoughts kept straying back to Chen Manyao and why her indifference bothered him so much.
Maybe it wasn't just about her, he realized. Maybe it was about proving something to himself. Proving that he could be noticed, that he could stand out in a positive way.
But even as he thought this, he knew that seeking validation from others wasn't the answer. He needed to focus on his own growth and achievements, regardless of who noticed.
With a sigh, Lin Xiao closed the book and leaned back in his chair. "I'll figure it out eventually," he told himself. "For now, just take it one step at a time and become level 2 as soon as possible"
Soon, the teacher entered the classroom, and the students quieted down, their attention shifting to the front of the room. The teacher, Mr. Wang, began to speak, his voice carrying across the room.
"Good morning, class," he greeted, his gaze sweeping over the students. "Today, we will be discussing the history of our world."
He gestured to the map on the wall behind him, which displayed a sprawling landscape divided into five distinct continents. "Our city, Xinyang, is located in the country of Lantian," he explained, pointing to the corresponding region on the map. "Lantian is one of the most prosperous nations in the world, known for its rich culture and diverse landscapes."
"As for the world itself," Mr. Wang continued, "it is divided into five continents: Asuria, Zephyria, Terrauon, Aquilonia, and Aetheria. Each continent has its own unique geography, cultures, and histories, contributing to the rich tapestry of our world."
He paused, allowing the information to sink in before delving deeper into the specifics of each continent's history and significance. As he spoke, the students listened intently, their interest piqued by the fascinating tales of distant lands.
As Mr. Wang delved into the details of the world's history, Lin Xiao couldn't help but overhear a hushed conversation from the students sitting nearby. Their voices were tinged with concern as they discussed an ongoing mystery.
"...culprits still haven't been caught," one student whispered anxiously to another.
"Yeah, it's crazy. Apparently, their modus operandi is to give their victims balloons for a week," another student added, shaking their head in disbelief.
Lin Xiao's curiosity was piqued. Balloons? Disappearing victims? It sounded like something out of a thriller movie, not real life.
Lin Xiao decided to listen to their conversation with more focus.