Here is the English translation of the chapter:
Chapter Four: A New Beginning
Sunlight filtered through the ancient locust trees on campus, casting soft patterns on the ground, while the air was crisp with a hint of autumn coolness. Su Fiyan took a deep breath, but his heart was heavy with tension. Today marked his official enrollment day, and as a boarding student, he would be living in the school dormitory, only able to return home on weekends.
Before he left, his mother tightly held his hand, her eyes filled with both reluctance and encouragement. "Remember, no matter what happens, you must tell me. I'll always be here for you. You're the bravest, and no matter where you go, I'll always support you." Her voice was soft, a mixture of concern and hope. Su Fiyan felt warmth surge through him, though a faint heaviness lingered in his heart. Her words were full of unconditional love and trust.
Just as he was about to step out the door, his younger sister, Su Feiya, suddenly ran over and tightly wrapped her arms around his waist. "Brother, are you really leaving? I'll only get to see you on weekends now?" She tilted her head up to him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Su Fiyan bent down and gently patted her head. Smiling, he said, "It's just a week. Don't act like it's forever. Don't worry, I'll be back this weekend, and I'll bring you your favorite soup dumplings."
"But I'll miss you," Su Feiya pouted, a hint of grievance in her tone as she clung tightly to him. "You're not allowed to not come back!"
"Don't worry. I won't leave you behind." Su Fiyan pinched her nose playfully. "Just don't get too busy and forget about me."
Finally, Su Feiya broke into a smile and extended her pinky finger. "Promise me you'll come back this weekend!"
Su Fiyan chuckled and hooked his pinky around hers. "Pinky promise. No breaking it for a hundred years." Standing up, he ruffled her hair. "Alright, I have to go now. Be good and listen to Mom."
Waving her little hand, Su Feiya watched her brother walk out the door, softly murmuring, "You'd better come back soon!"
Hearing her words, a wave of warmth filled Su Fiyan's heart. Smiling, he quickened his pace, stepping forward into the unknown world of his new school.
Meeting Director Zhang
As soon as Su Fiyan stepped through the school gates, a neatly dressed man in a suit approached. He exuded an air of authority—this was Director Zhang, the school's dean. "You must be Su Fiyan?" he asked, his tone calm and measured, his gaze assessing.
"Yes, sir," Su Fiyan replied quietly, bowing his head slightly in nervousness.
"Today is your first day. I'll take you to your classroom." Director Zhang's words were brief and efficient. Turning around, he led Su Fiyan toward the teaching building. Along the corridor, students glanced curiously at him, their gazes a mix of interest and unfamiliarity.
"Your course materials will be emailed to you, so don't worry," Director Zhang explained as they walked. "Additionally, your Braille books are ready and waiting on your desk."
Su Fiyan nodded silently, feeling a bit more at ease. Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, Director Zhang's words provided some comfort.
When they arrived at the classroom door, Director Zhang stopped and turned to Su Fiyan. "This is your new class. Once we enter, I'll hand you over to your homeroom teacher. He'll help you settle in."
Introducing the Class
The door creaked open, and Director Zhang stepped into the classroom with Su Fiyan following close behind. All eyes turned toward them. Standing at the podium was the homeroom teacher, Mr. Chen, who greeted them with a firm but kind smile.
"Class, we have a new student joining us today," Director Zhang announced, his authoritative voice cutting through the room. "This is Su Fiyan. He's transferring from a school for the blind, so I hope you'll all make him feel welcome."
Mr. Chen stepped forward, his deep voice warm and steady as he addressed the class. "Everyone, please give a warm welcome to Su Fiyan. He'll be a part of our family here in Class Three." Then, turning toward Su Fiyan, he gently took his arm to guide him toward the podium. "Don't worry; we're all here to help."
The classroom buzzed with quiet murmurs. Some students smiled, their expressions friendly and open. Su Fiyan felt a flush of nervousness and embarrassment, his cheeks heating up, but Mr. Chen's reassuring presence eased his tension.
The Only Boy with a Female Desk Mate
After the introduction, Mr. Chen began arranging the seating. One by one, the students returned to their seats until he pointed to an empty desk near the back. "Su Fiyan, you'll be sitting next to Lin Xi."
Lin Xi? Su Fiyan was surprised. The girl sitting at the desk was petite and quiet, exuding a gentle, warm aura. She lowered her head shyly, seemingly just as reserved as he was.
When she finally raised her head, her eyes showed a fleeting moment of surprise before she softly introduced herself. "Hi… I'm Lin Xi."
"Hi, Lin Xi," Su Fiyan replied with a faint smile, her soft voice melting away a sliver of his unease. Though she spoke little, her tone carried a warmth that reminded him of a light breeze.
Suddenly, a mischievous boy in the class called out, "Hey, Su Fiyan! Congrats! You're the only guy in the whole school with a girl as your desk mate!"
The class erupted in laughter. Both Su Fiyan and Lin Xi blushed deeply, their faces matching shades of red. Su Fiyan fidgeted slightly, rubbing his fingers along the edge of the desk, while Lin Xi ducked her head even lower, her shyness palpable.
"Come on, shake hands! Get to know each other!" the boy teased.
After a brief hesitation, Su Fiyan extended his hand. Lin Xi hesitated as well before offering her small, delicate hand. When their hands touched, Su Fiyan's heart raced. Her palm was cool yet soft, and the sensation sent a wave of unfamiliar warmth through him.
"Thank you," he murmured softly, his face heating up even more.
Lin Xi smiled faintly, her voice light. "You're welcome."
A Warm Start
As the introductions continued, the classroom gradually filled with chatter. Each student had their unique personality—some lively and outgoing, others quiet and reserved. Su Fiyan knew this would be a new chapter of his life.
Mr. Chen's voice cut through the hum of the class. "Alright, everyone, take your seats. Remember, if you ever have any difficulties or concerns, don't hesitate to talk to me or your classmates. We're all here to support each other."
Su Fiyan turned slightly toward Lin Xi. She was carefully arranging her books, her head slightly bowed, with a faint smile tugging at her lips. Warmth spread through his chest as he realized that perhaps, this new environment might truly bring him some long-awaited light.