Chapter 1
The scorching summer heat blanketed the city as cicadas buzzed tirelessly in the thick shade of the trees. Even under the leafy canopy, no cool breeze could be felt. The asphalt track on the sports field at Guanghui High School sizzled under the blazing sun, and the air rippled faintly with waves of heat. At the school gate, groups of students in uniform gathered with iced drinks in hand, chatting and laughing about their summer vacation adventures. Everything seemed ordinary, but no one noticed that today, Guanghui High School was about to welcome an extraordinary new student.
Guanghui High School, one of the most prestigious institutions in the city, was renowned for its exceptional faculty and outstanding academic achievements. Its name derived from the school's founder, Principal Chen Guanghua, whose inclusive vision had shaped the school's reputation for providing opportunities to all students with potential. The school buildings were simple yet dignified, and a bright red banner hanging in front of the main teaching block read, "Embrace New Challenges, Create New Successes," signaling the start of the new school term.
Inside a conference room on campus, a group of teachers sat around a long table, notebooks spread open in front of them, but their attention was focused on a file held by the academic director. The low hum of the air conditioner mingled with the hushed voices of their discussion.
"So, this new student is blind?" a young math teacher asked, his tone laced with curiosity and a hint of concern. "Our school has never taught a blind student before. This will definitely be a challenge."
"Exactly," agreed a senior physics teacher, folding his arms. "The teaching methods in a regular school are completely different from those in a special school. How are we supposed to teach him? Will he even be able to keep up with our curriculum?"
A brief silence filled the room as the teachers pondered this unfamiliar situation. While Guanghui High School prided itself on its diversity, admitting a blind student was undeniably a bold step.
The silence was broken as the door creaked open, and Principal Chen Guanghua stepped into the room. In his fifties, with gold-rimmed glasses and a gentle but resolute demeanor, he placed a folder on the table and scanned the group with calm authority before speaking.
"I understand that many of you have concerns about this decision," he began, his tone measured and steady. "But I want you to know that this was my personal choice, and I hope to have your support."
"Principal Chen," a hesitant English teacher spoke up, "it's not that we're unwilling to teach him. We're just afraid we won't do a good enough job. None of us has experience teaching a blind student, and we don't want to fail him."
Principal Chen nodded thoughtfully, his voice kind but firm. "I understand this is no small task. But every one of you is among the best in your respective fields, with your own unique strengths. And it's precisely because of that that I believe we can take on this challenge together."
He paused, letting his words sink in, before continuing. "The student's name is Su Feiyan. He used to study at a special school, but for certain reasons, his family wanted him to spend his final year of high school in a regular school. This transition will undoubtedly be challenging for him—and for us. But I believe this will also be a valuable learning experience for everyone."
"Why transfer in his final year?" another teacher asked cautiously.
Principal Chen's expression grew somber. After a brief silence, he explained, "I've heard that he was bullied in his previous school. While I don't know all the details, one thing is clear: he's a brave young man. Coming to a regular school was his decision. He wants to prove himself in a new environment."
The teachers exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting a mix of admiration and worry. The weight of responsibility was beginning to settle in.
"I know this is a significant challenge," Principal Chen said, his gaze sweeping across the room. "But it's also an opportunity—for all of us. I hope each of you will step out of your comfort zones, because only then can we truly fulfill the purpose of education."
The principal's heartfelt words seemed to dissolve much of the hesitation in the room. The teachers, inspired by his conviction, began to view the situation with a renewed sense of determination.
The homeroom teacher stood up, flipping open the class roster. "Next, we need to assign a deskmate for Su Feiyan. Since his vision is limited, he'll need someone to help him adapt to the new environment."
"Finding the right deskmate won't be easy," the math teacher said, frowning. "Whoever it is will need to be patient and understanding. Otherwise, it might affect both of their studies."
"Agreed," the physics teacher chimed in. "It should be someone gentle and empathetic, someone who can work well with him."
"Well, I have a few candidates in mind," the homeroom teacher said, pulling out a student list. "I'll do a bit more screening to ensure we find the best fit."
As the discussion deepened, the teachers' initial apprehension gave way to earnest brainstorming about how to help Su Feiyan integrate into his new school life. And in the process, an unspoken sense of duty began to take root in their hearts.