Cen Jin arrived at the school early in the morning.

It was truly unexpected that she, a graduate of the old Affiliated High School with no connection to Yi Middle School, would visit this school three times in half a month. Anyone who didn’t know better might think she worked here.

During morning reading time, everywhere she passed echoed with the sound of students reciting.

In the crisp morning air, Cen Jin walked briskly with her hands in her pockets. When she reached the second-year teachers’ office, it was already crowded inside and out.

The three young “offenders” involved in the fight stood in a line against the wall, one of them being hers.

He stood with his hands behind his back, head slightly tilted, maintaining that ever-unperturbed appearance as if nothing in the world could disturb him. The other two were either looking up at the ceiling or glancing around, their faces bearing various degrees of injury. What had happened was self-evident.

Cen Jin looked at him from afar, pressed her lips together, and called out: “Li Wu.”

The youth turned toward her voice. His gaze was clear, but his face was no longer unblemished—there was bruising on his cheekbone and small scabs at the corner of his mouth. Perhaps noticing Cen Jin’s fixed stare, he quickly looked away.

The other two glanced over as well, surprise flashing in their eyes.

Cen Jin’s temples throbbed faintly. She stopped looking at Li Wu and entered the office.

The woman was dressed all in black, wearing a waist-fitted coat and knee-high boots, her expression severe, like a black-robed nun who had just returned from preaching at a cemetery.

The other two female parents, intimidated by her presence, moved aside on their own.

The head teacher was talking with those two when Cen Jin arrived, and quickly said: “Ah, Miss Cen, you’re here.”

“Yes, Teacher Zhang, I’m here again.” Cen Jin forced a curve to her lips: “Can you tell me exactly what happened?”

“Just dormitory conflicts,” Teacher Zhang sighed helplessly: “I really didn’t expect it would come to blows, fortunately, they’re only minor injuries, nothing serious happened.”

Cen Jin asked: “What kind of conflict?”

“Just children’s roughhousing.” One of the middle-aged women wearing frameless glasses sized her up, responding without hesitation.

Cen Jin turned to look at her, coldly: “Did I ask you?”

Provoked by this unprovoked jab, the middle-aged woman’s temper flared, raising her voice: “Whether you asked me or not, I have to say it. Before your child came to this dorm, I saw everyone getting along just fine, not a single problem. How come as soon as he arrived, trouble started?”

“Oh really, your children are so friendly, so good at getting along,” Cen Jin mocked: “Then why did this four-person dorm only have three students living in it before?”

The short-haired woman who had been gauging the situation finally couldn’t hold back: “What are you implying? Wasn’t that the school’s arrangement?”

Cen Jin looked at her: “Then Li Wu living in this dorm was also the school’s arrangement, what are you talking so much for?”

“Hey, you―”

Before the children’s issue was resolved, the three adults had already started arguing.

The head teacher’s head hurt, and he spoke up to stop them: “Parents! Let’s stick to the matter at hand! Don’t bring up other irrelevant things.”

The three women fell silent together.

Teacher Zhang took a sip of tea, speaking meaningfully: “From what I know, yesterday’s fight was started by Ran Feichi and Lin Honglang, Li Wu was only defending himself. That’s what the other boy in their dorm said, he’s still in the morning reading right now, I can call him over.”

Cen Jin’s shoulders twitched slightly, the mockery at her lips evident.

The other parents frowned, shooting her hateful glances.

“Furthermore,” Teacher Zhang chose to selectively ignore their confrontational gestures, his gaze slowly sweeping across the three faces: “I also asked around among the students this morning. Your children have been bullying… well, I don’t really want to use the word ‘bullying,’ it’s too severe, let’s say teasing—they’ve been teasing Li Wu for some time now, including some of the boys in class who are friends with those two, they’ve all been involved.”

Cen Jin’s head buzzed: “When did it start?”

Teacher Zhang pondered: “Almost half a month now.”

She had known nothing about it? Cen Jin glanced out the window, from this angle she could only see a small part of Li Wu’s black hair at the back of his head, unable to get any response from his eyes. Cen Jin could only give up and turn back: “He never told me anything, not a single word.”

“That can’t be right,” the short-haired woman looked confused: “How could my Feichi bully anyone? He’s not that kind of kid. Although he can be naughty and mischievous sometimes, he would never do such terrible things. Every weekend when he comes home and talks about which boys he played with, he’s always incredibly happy, getting along so well with everyone.”

She implied: “Besides, if it were just one or two people having conflicts that would be one thing, but how come a whole group of people would target just one student? Why aren’t other students being targeted?”

Lin Honglang’s mother immediately agreed: “Yes, yes, Teacher Zhang, I suggest you investigate this thoroughly. We’re still not sure what the real cause is.”

Cen Jin took a deep breath: “So bullying someone is justified now?”

With other parents backing her up, Ran Feichi’s mother stood firm, her voice growing louder: “How has that been determined? Is it wrong for us to want the truth? Look, even you knew nothing about it from start to finish, what’s wrong with us other parents asking for an explanation?”

Lin Honglang’s mother looked at Cen Jin again, having disliked her since she entered: “Who are you anyway, Li Wu’s sister? How old are you, do you even have children, do you understand these things? Where are his parents? Why not have the parents come to school? We just want to talk to his parents face to face, what’s the point of sending someone so young?”

“Ah… well,” Teacher Zhang knew the situation and said diplomatically: “Li Wu’s circumstances are rather special.”

Hearing this, Ran’s mother grew even more emboldened: “Parents can’t look after him? That makes more sense then—when family education isn’t complete, who knows how a child’s character develops? How can just listening to a few students’ one-sided words prove anything?”

Cen Jin laughed lightly: “You’ve educated them so well that in less than three months since Li Wu transferred to the class, his roommates and classmates are all speaking up for him and testifying on his behalf, instead of siding with your perfectly parent-ed, flawless good children.”

Lin’s mother snapped: “How can you be so sharp-tongued and unreasonable?”

“Who’s being unreasonable? Who started the personal attacks? Can someone choose their family background?” Their back-and-forth had already made Cen Jin furious, her eyes involuntarily welling up: “Using this to attack a seventeen-year-old child—are you worthy of being mothers? Worthy of being parents?”

“Stop fighting, stop fighting! Did I call you here to argue?” Teacher Zhang grew anxious, standing up to mediate: “The children are still outside!”

At his words, Cen Jin seemed to wake up. She suddenly turned and rushed outside, walking forcefully toward Li Wu, grabbing his arm: “Come with me.”

All three youths were stunned.

Li Wu’s gaze froze, and before he could react, he was already being pulled away by the woman’s force, only able to follow her steps without looking back.

Teacher Zhang ran out of the office, with the two parents hurrying after them.

Cen Jin passed through the long corridor, looking up to scan the class numbers they passed, finally finding Class 2(10).

Only then did she let go, pushing Li Wu inside before walking in herself.

The morning reading stopped abruptly.

The teacher also stared in surprise, about to speak.

The woman had already walked past Li Wu, up to the podium, looking down at everyone:

“I am Li Wu’s family, Li Wu’s sister, my name is Cen Jin. Today I’m making this announcement here—if anyone in this class bullies my brother in the future, even if it means going to court, I’ll see it through to the end.”

Her declaration was forceful and resonant.

Li Wu widened his eyes, staring in shock at the woman on the platform. Her eyes were red from emotion, her jaw trembling.

All the students were dumbfounded; the entire class fell silent.

Cen Jin sniffed hard, her expression finally softening somewhat as she turned to the teacher: “I’m sorry for disturbing you for two minutes, please continue.”

The male teacher was quite frightened, nodding woodenly.

After speaking, Cen Jin walked down the steps, tugged Li Wu’s uniform sleeve, and reminded him softly: “Let’s go.”

It was as if that bold act had drained all her energy; now she had deflated like a pufferfish, her tone becoming gentle.

Li Wu was still in shock, breathing slightly heavily as he followed.

Through the windows, the woman and youth walked out of sight. The entire class watched them go, amazed as if they had just witnessed true power, almost wanting to stand and applaud.

Teacher Zhang hurried to catch up, sighing helplessly: “Miss Cen, what are you doing―”

Cen Jin quickly apologized: “I’m sorry, Teacher Zhang, I really couldn’t help it. I couldn’t bear to hear those parents describe Li Wu that way.” Her emotions scattered in an instant as she raised her hand to wipe away the uncontrollable moisture at the corner of her eyes: “I’m sorry, I didn’t know all this time that Li Wu was suffering so much. He’s already had such a hard life since he was little, I never expected he would still face this after coming here. I feel so terrible…” She brushed her bangs aside, choking up, unable to stop talking: “I was just so angry and felt so helpless, feeling like I hadn’t helped at all. Everything today is my fault, please don’t blame him. I can guarantee you that Li Wu is not the kind of child who would actively cause trouble. He’s a good kid who is very obedient, and sincere, loves studying, and treasures every friend. I don’t want to say too much for him, but I can personally vouch for all of this…”

Li Wu stood beside her, listening to every word, his eyes also growing slightly moist.

He had to clench his jaw, turning his head to look at the corridor, at the vast white sky, at the towering buildings, at every window, at the crisscrossing treetops—anything but the woman above him and her tearful face.

…

—

On the eve of New Year’s Day 2020, Yi Middle School’s BBS, confession wall, and many students’ social media spaces began circulating a vividly detailed rumor.

It was about a handsome transfer student in Class 2(10), who seemed low-key normally but had an incredibly imposing gangster sister.

The “gangster” Cen Jin knew nothing about this, still leaning back in her workstation yawning continuously.

Lu Qiqi was also bleary-eyed from editing photos, getting up to make some black tea to stay alert.

Cen Jin typed out a few more characters with clicks and clacks, finally waiting for her superior to announce the end of the workday in the group chat.

In an instant, the whole company erupted in cheers.

Cen Jin also revived, quickly tidying her desk, slinging her shoulder bag, and nodding goodbye to her surrounding colleagues.

She wrapped her scarf and walked quickly out of the building. Outside was already a sea of people, the entire commercial district painted in festive bright red to welcome the new year.

Cen Jin walked toward the underground parking lot, calling Li Wu.

He answered quickly, with background noise.

Cen Jin asked: “Are you outside?”

Li Wu said: “Just got on the subway.”

Cen Jin’s small face buried in her scarf, exhaling white mist, showing a smile: “Didn’t take the wrong line?”

There was a two-second pause on the other end, seemingly double-checking the route: “Shouldn’t have, Line 4.”

Cen Jin glanced at the subway entrance not far away, teeming with people, not entirely certain: “I think it passes by us here—Jiuli Building, is there that station?”

“Yes.”

“My company is right here,” she suddenly had a new idea: “Why don’t you get off at this station?”

He paused, not asking why: “Mm.”

Cen Jin explained: “Don’t rush home to do homework tonight, I’ll treat you to dinner.”

Li Wu responded: “Okay.”

“Jiuli Building, don’t miss it, I’ll wait for you.” She hung up.

Finding a nearby café, Cen Jin ordered two hot drinks and waited patiently by the window.

In less than fifteen minutes, a call came in. Cen Jin looked up at the name, smiling as she answered.

“I’m here.” Li Wu’s voice was clean, like leaves rustling in a forest.

“Where are you?”

“At your building’s entrance?”

Hearing this, Cen Jin leaned sideways to look through the glass for Li Wu.

She found him quickly.

The youth in the pure black coat stood straight in the plaza before the building, holding his phone, face slightly upturned.

Amidst the flowing traffic and passing crowds, he stood tall and clean, like a straight pine in a murky world.

Cen Jin sat back: “Look to your back right, there’s a café, I’m inside.”

The youth immediately turned, meeting the gaze of the woman on the high stool behind the window.

Cen Jin pressed her lips into a smile, waving.

Li Wu was momentarily dazed, perhaps because of the light above her head, or perhaps because of her casual, natural smile. She was like a witch dwelling in a warm jar, possessing an extraordinary magnetism.

Li Wu hurried to the café entrance, just wanting to get to her side quickly.

Cen Jin examined him for a few seconds, handing him the untouched milk drink, pointing to her cheekbone: “Still hurt?”

Li Wu held the paper cup with both hands, shaking his head: “Doesn’t hurt.”

Cen Jin asked again: “Was moving dorms tiring?”

Li Wu said: “Not tiring, Cheng Rui helped me carry some things.”

“Did you thank him?”

“Mm.”

Cen Jin took a sip of coffee: “Did your previous roommates say anything to you?”

Li Wu wanted to shake his head but stopped himself in time, not wanting to hide anymore: “They did.”

“What did they say,” Cen Jin asked, then raised her voice: “Drink, don’t just talk.”

“…” Li Wu was silent for a second, then gulped down several mouthfuls.

Cen Jin raised her lips: “Mm, continue.”

Li Wu thought and organized for a moment before speaking unhurriedly: “Ran Feichi was because… someone indirectly reported problems in our dorm to the head teacher. The teacher suspected I was wronged and questioned everyone individually until it came to him, pressuring him about whether he was going out to hotels. But that day he had already planned to celebrate Gu Yan’s birthday, and they went to an internet café overnight. He knew he wouldn’t make it back, and had already prepared an excuse, but in the end, because I covered for him and then couldn’t keep the story straight, everything got messed up and the situation became more serious. He felt grateful to me for nothing, and it ended up seeming like they forced me to do these things. Lin Honglang is his best friend, and that night he also spoke up for me, but then I turned around and betrayed them, so they probably thought I was disloyal and not worth being friends with. It’s good that we’ve cleared things up now, we’ve all apologized to each other.”

Cen Jin listened attentively, then quietly processed for a few seconds: “Was I that ‘someone’ who reported to the head teacher?”

Li Wu looked at her for a while before slowly nodding.

Cen Jin let out an indecipherable laugh: “So I was the trigger?”

“No,” Li Wu hurried to take the blame, very seriously: “It was me, I shouldn’t have meddled unnecessarily.”

Cen Jin felt somewhat emotional, not knowing how to comment. She watched the neon lights outside for a while before turning back: “Anyway, you’ve changed dorms now, living with students from the experimental class, there shouldn’t be so many problems anymore. This time, you handle your relationships with them yourself, I won’t interfere. Of course, the most important thing is still studying—whether you can truly become one of them in the third year depends on your efforts.”

“Mm.”

…

The two sat side by side, momentarily quiet.

Outside the window, lights spread like a lake of stars.

Li Wu took a sip of his hot drink, suddenly speaking: “Big sister.”

“Hm?”

“Thank you.”

Cen Jin laughed helplessly: “Besides ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘thank you,’ can’t you say something else?”

Li Wu looked at her once, then fell silent.

He wanted to say, yes, he could.

There was also ‘I like you.’ He wanted to tell her how much he liked her, how every glance at her caused his heart to ache from suppression.

But unfortunately, he was still too young, too insignificant, without any special talents, too negligible—how could he make her look down at him? The road ahead was long; how far would he have to chase, how long would he have to walk before he could rightfully, truly sit beside her as an equal, not just like this moment now?