Chapter 98: The School

August 31st—the day new students registered and classes began.

Zhang Ye wore a set of trendy South Korean-imported shirt and trousers from his family’s store. He slung on his somewhat dusty backpack, untouched for a while, and mounted his bicycle, which he had ridden for three years and would be sold to the scrapyard in ten years. The bike creaked as he pedaled toward the school.

A new semester, a fresh start. The family business was off to a good beginning. Despite her busy schedule, his mother hadn’t forgotten to prepare breakfast for him. She even took care of the registration fees and found his school uniform.

Of course, Zhang Ye didn’t need to wear the uniform now—not because it was unattractive, but because at the start of the term, everyone wore what they thought was their best outfit, making the uniform seem out of place. His father was a teacher at No. 2 High School and naturally busy with the new term. His mother was occupied with the store. So the responsibility of registering and paying tuition fell solely on him. Zhang Ye, however, was indifferent, wearing an expression of casual ease.

The road looked just as he remembered it—the same street. The saplings lining the path had yet to spread their green canopy. The road was still simply paved with sand and gravel. When heavy vehicles passed on rainy days, the surface would sink and form potholes over time under sun and rain.

The breakfast stall owner by the roadside had become younger and more beautiful, and the small supermarket at the corner gleamed with the polish of passing years. Bathed in the sunlight spilling from the horizon, Zhang Ye rode his bike, feeling the breeze and savoring the moment.

“Hey Zhang Ye, check out my new bike!” Zhao Haidong rode up behind him, proudly showing off a flashy Giant mountain bike, speeding along with a whoosh.

“Nice. Did your dad buy it for you?” Zhang Ye asked with a smile.

At their age, comparison was everything. A well-performing bike could make the girls scream, especially one with a price and performance that amazed everyone.

“No way. I paid for it myself with my secret savings. I usually don’t dare to ask my family for money. It’s locked up in the old house. Today’s the first time I’ve ridden it out,” Zhao Haidong said, deliberately swerving to run over the potholes and raised stones, showing off the bike’s capability.

He was honest about not flaunting wealth in front of Zhang Ye. Compared to money, even his own father probably didn’t have as much as he did now.

“So, when are you getting one? You’re rich anyway, don’t care about money,” Zhao Haidong said, weaving back and forth skillfully despite his bulky frame.

Zhang Ye laughed. If not for the mountain bike’s sturdy build, he wasn’t sure if a regular bike could support Zhao’s weight.

“Alright, I’ll pick one out tomorrow,” Zhang Ye agreed after a moment’s thought.

He wasn’t the type to hoard money and deny himself or others enjoyment. If he wanted something, he wouldn’t refuse—like a phone or a computer.

His own bike was two or three years old. It still looked fairly new, but compared to Zhao Haidong’s mountain bike, it was a notch below.

...

Rebirth was like a dream—so real, yet so surreal. Since graduating, Zhang Ye had never thought about returning to school. He had once thought it was boredom, but after starting work, he realized it was fear mixed with longing.

Now, standing again at the school gate of Lihua No. 1 High School, gazing at the iconic landmark—the peculiar yet beautiful building—the spacious playground, and the orderly classroom blocks...

“It’s real,” Zhang Ye whispered. Standing at the entrance, he exhaled a breath as if trying to release all that had been and all that was yet to come. At this moment, he felt exceptional.

Walking across the familiar yet somewhat strange playground, Zhang Ye hoisted his backpack and entered the classroom. They had been promoted a grade and were now in Class 3, Grade 11.

At the classroom door, a sudden wave of nostalgia mixed with hesitation swept over him. But he quickly steeled himself and strode inside.

Zhang Ye arrived neither early nor late. Some students were already seated. Most faces were unfamiliar, though a few looked vaguely familiar, but Zhang Ye found he couldn’t recall a single name.

Li Qianqian hadn’t arrived yet. Zhang Ye stopped paying attention to those around him and searched his memory for his seat. He dropped his bag and sat down.

In front of him were two girls wearing identical red tops, heads bowed, whispering softly. They were twins, somewhat pretty, though Zhang Ye remembered them but couldn’t recall their names.

“Hey Zhang Ye, did you finish the summer homework? Mind if I copy?” A burly, dark-skinned boy approached.

The face was familiar, and after a moment, Zhang Ye recalled his name—Fu Jun. He had seen Fu Jun a few times after graduation and could hardly believe his eyes. The once robust boy had become so gaunt.

“Sure,” Zhang Ye smiled and handed it over.

Of course, Zhang Ye’s summer homework was copied too. When Guo Xiangqing called him, he immediately thought of her. They both studied science, though in different classes. The assignments were the same across classes, so borrowing hers saved him an hour and a half of writing.

“Wow, so pretty!” It’s said that girls change dramatically in high school—some for better, some for worse. Two months apart was enough for a girl undergoing transformation to change completely.

Chu Mengyun was one such girl. Throughout freshman year, she was the most unnoticed, her face covered in acne which overshadowed her natural beauty. Now, returning to school, her blemishes had vanished. Wearing a white sleeveless trench coat and black skinny pants, she looked exceptionally beautiful.

Just then, Zhao Haidong entered, his increasingly large frame blocking the light at the doorway. His arrival made the girl beside him, somewhat pretty herself, almost invisible. He wore a playful grin, full of charm.

It was Huang Meixia. The last time they met, she still had some acne, which had worsened. The worried beauty frowned deeply, while Zhao Haidong chattered on, telling jokes to catch her attention. The jokes were somewhat clumsy, making Huang Meixia frown even more.

Zhang Ye shook his head at Zhao Haidong’s earnest but awkward attempts. At least Huang Meixia’s worried expression showed he was trying, but his joke repertoire was clearly too limited and dull.

But Zhang Ye frowned in concern. Why hadn’t Li Qianqian come? Huang Meixia was her best friend and in the same class. Why hadn’t they arrived together?

[Today seems to be Christmas. Although we don’t really celebrate foreign holidays, I still want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!]