❀•°❀°•❀

As I walked down the corridor behind Teacher Po, I couldn't shake off the sense of unease that had settled over me. Each step felt heavier, my anticipation mingling with anxiety. When we reached the guidance office, I took a deep breath before stepping inside.

There, seated across from each other, were the counselor and my mother. The tension in the room was palpable, and I could sense my mother's anger even before a word was spoken. I stood before them, my hands fumbling nervously behind my back, mustering the courage to face the storm that awaited me.

"Ma, why are you here?" I asked hesitantly, though the reason for her presence was all too clear.

"Have you gone crazy? How could you rush out earlier while it's raining heavily?" Her words carried the weight of her concern and anger. "Tell me the reason why you did that," she demanded, her eyes searching for an explanation that could justify my actions.

Then, I tried to think on my feet, my mind racing for a believable answer. "I just didn't want to be late on my first day of school," I replied, the lie slipping from my lips as I scrambled for an excuse. "I rushed out immediately, knowing that I didn't have much time left."

My mother's frustration only seemed to escalate. She shot up from her seat, pointing an accusatory finger at me. Her anger was a palpable force in the room. "I could have sent you to school in my car. Did you even bother taking a taxi?"

Teacher Po attempted to mediate, his voice soothing. "Let's calm down, Mrs. Yu. I know he has reasons as he was already in class when I arrived."

"I tried going for a taxi, but there was none available, so I just ran there with all my might," I explained, my words laced with a hint of truth. I couldn't bring myself to reveal the exact reason – that I was eager to see Riee.

My mother's demeanor softened, and she released a sigh before taking my hand. Gently, she pressed her hand against my forehead, checking for any signs of illness. "I heard you fainted in earlier. Are you fine now?" Concern and love replaced her earlier anger.

I nodded shyly, feeling her care wash over me. "Yes, I'm okay now."

"Good, that's what matters," My mother's expression turned stern again as she continued, "Don't do this again next time, or I will throw away your gaming consoles." Her threat was met with my knowing smile; I understood she was using a bit of parental bluff.

I reached out and held her hand gently. "Okay, Ma, I promise I won't do it again," I assured her, my sincerity shining through.

From the sofa, my mother retrieved a paper bag, her eyes softening as she looked at me. "Have you eaten?" she asked, handing me the paper bag.

I checked the contents of the paper bag, and the aroma wafted up, instantly awakening my hungry stomach. Its loud grumble echoed through the room, and I chuckled awkwardly. "I haven't eaten yet," I admitted with a sheepish smile.

My mother glanced at the counselor, her concern evident. "Is it possible for him to miss another class? I want to make sure he eats before he goes back," she inquired.

The counselor's response was reassuring. "Of course, missing a few classes won't be a significant issue for an exceptional student like Xian Yu," he agreed. "Please go ahead and have a seat at the table to eat."

My mother's smile was warm as she looked at me. "Go on, eat. You barely had a bite earlier for breakfast. I know you're hungry."

With a grateful nod, I bowed my head and took a seat at the table, eagerly exploring the contents of the paper bag. Inside, I found two separate tumblers of refreshing tea and water, some ginseng packs, and a bento box filled with rice and beef in oyster sauce, accompanied by various side dishes.

My stomach couldn't wait any longer, and I wasted no time digging into the delicious spread my mother had bought. As I enjoyed the satisfying flavors, my mother returned to the sofa, her presence a comforting reassurance as I savored each bite.

"Then, I will be heading off. I have a class to attend." Teacher Po sought permission to leave.

"Of course, thank you, Teacher Po," the counselor affirmed.

"Thank you so much, Teacher Po. I apologize for taking up your time." My mother expressed her gratitude respectfully.

"It's not a problem at all. I'm glad everything has been resolved regarding Xian Yu.," Teacher Po said. "I'll be on my way then, see you later in class, Xian Yu," he added before departing.

As I continued enjoying my meal, an unexpected presence caused a stir in the counselor's office. The counselor rose from his seat, clearly taken aback by the newcomer's appearance. Intrigued, my mother and I also stood up, recognizing that this person must hold a significant position within the school.

"Principal Guo, what brings you here?" the counselor asked him with respect in his voice.

"I've come because I heard that the new student was here. I wanted to meet him in person," Principal Guo explained. I took a closer look and recognized him as the one who often mentioned my name during school ceremonies.

"Good day, Principal Guo. I am Xian Yu's mother." My mother greeted him, extending her hand for a handshake.

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Yu," Principal Guo replied, shaking her hand.

Feeling a nudge from my mother, I realized it was time for me to introduce myself. I extended my hand toward Principal Guo. "Hello, Principal Guo. My name is Xian Yu."

He returned the handshake with a warm smile. "I've heard so many great things about you. I'm glad you chose our school for your transfer."

"Thank you, Principal Guo," I replied, gratitude evident in my voice

"Please, have a seat," the counselor invited, gesturing toward the chairs. Both my mother and Principal Guo took their seats, and the counselor went out to give them space for their conversation. The atmosphere in the room shifted as they began to converse and I settled back into my seat and resumed eating.

"I've thoroughly reviewed Xian Yu's biography and school records. I must say, your son is truly exceptional; he is no ordinary student," the principal commended me. However, I continued to focus on my meal, the sound of my chewing masking his words.

"Thank you, Principal Guo. Hearing it from you makes me even more proud," my mother responded with gratitude.

Curiosity piqued, and I listened to their conversation as I continued eating.

"What did you do to raise such an outstanding son?" the principal inquired, and I wondered what my mother would say.

"Nothing special. I just let him pursue his passions, and my only wish was for him to stay healthy," my mother humbly replied, causing a warmth to spread through me. But I remained focused on my meal as if I wasn't paying attention.

"Your influence is clearly remarkable in him," the principal noted.

My mother deflected the compliment with a smile, saying, "No, I think he takes after his father," and they shared a quiet chuckle.

As their conversation went on, I savored every bite of my food, my hunger driving me to finish everything in the paper bag.

When it was time to wrap up, "Xian Yu", Principal Guo, turned his attention to me. I stood up promptly. "Yes, Principal Guo?" I responded.

"I heard that you already know Riee Ming and Lian Hu. In fact, Lian challenged you earlier, and according to Ms. Lu, you handled it with ease," he said, and I exchanged a glance with my mother. Her eyes held curiosity.

"Nothing much; maybe I just got lucky," I replied confidently.

A smile touched Principal Guo's lips. "Impressive. To go head-to-head with Lian Hu and come out on top shows your exceptional abilities."

My mother's pride was palpable as she smiled at me, and I offered a polite nod of gratitude. "Thank you, Principal Guo."

"As you're well aware, Lian Hu is a remarkable student in his own right, excelling beyond most. However, his rebellious nature sometimes overshadows his capabilities," the principal explained. He stood, fixing me with a direct gaze.

"But he's a good person. Sometimes he comes across as intimidating, and I'll admit, I was a bit apprehensive when I first met him. His presence is quite formidable. Nevertheless, his academic achievements speak volumes, and that's what truly matters," Principal Guo continued.

My mother chimed in, "Coming from you, Principal Guo, his excellence must be truly remarkable. Why don't you try making friends with him, Xian?" she suggested.

I hesitated at her suggestion, considering that my first encounter with Lian Hu was far from friendly. However, I found myself agreeing, surprising even myself. "Okay, Ma" I mumbled, slightly taken aback by my own words.

The principal offered reassurance: "You made quite an impression on your first day, Xian. I'm confident you'll find a common interest."

Principal Guo then shifted the topic, mentioning another exceptional student. "Apart from Lian, we also have another exceptional student, a true academic standout. In some respects, she even surpasses Lian Hu," he said, and before he could say her name, I knew he was referring to Riee Ming. A sense of pride surged within me. "Her name is Riee Ming, and she's the top student in our school," he informed us. "I believe you already know her, Xian."

"Yes, I'm familiar with her. She sat in front of me in class," I confirmed.

As if on cue, the school bell rang, signaling lunchtime and a break for the students. "I hadn't realized how much time had passed. My apologies for taking up so much of your time, Mrs. Yu," Principal Guo said.

"No need to apologize, Principal Guo. It was a pleasure speaking with you," my mother responded.

"Then, I'll bid you farewell. It was lovely meeting you, Mrs. Yu." They exchanged a handshake. "Enjoy your time at your new school, Xian," he directed toward me before departing.

"I should be heading out as well, my son. I need to go to the hospital," my mother added, handing me my bag. "Remember to take your bag with you from now on," she teased gently.

"I should be heading out as well, my son. I need to go to the hospital," my mother added, handing me my bag. "Remember to take your bag with you from now on," she teased gently.

"Okay, Ma, take care," I replied and release a contented sigh, watching her hurry off to her destination.

❀•°❀°•❀

I returned to class, my stomach now comfortably full. Energy coursed through me, ready to tackle the rest of the day. As I entered the classroom, curious gazes from my classmates followed me. I settled back into my seat, my eyes scanning the room for Riee, but she was nowhere to be seen.

I glanced out the window, and I found her in her favorite reading spot. I couldn't help but watch her from a distance and daydream. Suddenly, a feeling urges me to properly reintroduce myself, as I never had a chance to do it. I want to be close to her, even if I am just a friend.

As I started to rise from my seat, a hand halted me, a friendly arm slung around my neck. Kai Shen was grinning down at me, asking, "Hey, want to join us for some basketball?" Basketball had always been one of Kai's favorite pastimes.

It had been a while since I played basketball with Kai, and I nodded in agreement. "Sure, let's go." The basketball court was conveniently close to where Riee was sitting, which gave me another reason to tag along.

We descended the stairs and headed towards the court, Kai wrapped his arm around my neck and asked, "You know how to play, right?"

"I haven't played in a while, but I'm confident in my basketball skills," I replied with a grin.

"Then let's give it everything we've got!" Kai exclaimed.

Arriving at the court, I spotted Lian, Chu Zhou, and a few other classmates resting. My eyes flicked to Riee for a brief moment; she was engrossed in her book. Remembering her preference for physically fit guys, a determination surged within me. Today, I would prove that I was one of those guys.

"Hey, I found one more player!" Kai called out to them.

"Oh, it's him. Hello, Xian Yu," Chu Zhou greeted me.

Suddenly, a ball came hurtling toward me, but I managed to catch it just in time. It was Lian who threw the ball, and he approached me with an intense look. "Up for a game?" he asked.

I rebounded the ball and slammed it with both hands before passing it back to him. "Sure," I said, grinning. I could feel a camaraderie building between Lian and me.

"So, three on three?" Kai suggested.

"Yeah, sure. Only six of us are still up to play anyway," Chu Zhou replied.

Then, Kai playfully tapped my shoulder. "I'll take Xian Yu," he declared, turning towards Lian. "Sorry, Lian. I think our new classmate might be better than you."

Without warning, a ball smacked into Kai's face with surprising force, causing Lian to topple onto the ground. "Aw, Lian, you're so mean. I can't really joke around with you," Kai laughed.

"Who said he's better than me?" Lian smiled, and it was clear this was all good-natured banter.

I extended a hand to help Kai up. "Aiya, we're going to give you a run for your money today," he said to Lian, rubbing his forehead.

"Give me your best shot," Lian challenged.

The game began, and teams were formed—Kai, me, and one other classmate on one side; Lian, Chu Zhou, and another classmate on the other. The atmosphere was electric, and word spread quickly. Within a minute, students flooded the court, their cheers overlapping.

"Go, Lian!" "Go new kid!" "Go, Kai!" "Go, monitor!"

The court was soon packed with spectators, all eager to watch the match unfold. The cheers from both sides blended into a symphony of encouragement.

The basketball court was alive with energy as the game unfolded. The scorching sun beat down on us, but the thrill of the match was all that mattered. The students who had gathered around formed a buzzing crowd, their cheers creating a fervent backdrop to the clash of sneakers and the rhythmic dribbling of the ball.

Lian and I were like magnets on the court, each striving to outdo the other. With every dribble, every pass, and every shot, the stakes grew higher. It was a duel of skills and a showcase of determination. Our movements were fluid as if we were born to play this game.

I watched Lian with hawk-like precision. He moved with an almost supernatural grace, his eyes locked on the basket as he dribbled past defenders effortlessly. His shots were precise, and each one met with a collective gasp from the audience. His competitiveness was palpable, evident in his unwavering focus and the fire in his eyes.

Yet I was determined not to be outdone. Every move I made was calculated, and every shot was strategic. The ball seemed like an extension of my arm as I dribbled past defenders, weaving through the opposition with finesse. My shots were clean, and the arc of the ball was calculated to perfection. The crowd erupted with cheers each time I managed to sink a basket, and their encouragement fueled my determination.

As the game progressed, the score remained neck and neck. Each point was hard-fought, and every basket was celebrated with exuberant shouts from both sides. Lian and I became the driving forces of our respective teams, our interactions on the court resembling a dance—a dance of rivalry and respect.

The sweat poured down our faces, and our breaths labored as we raced across the court. Lian's moves were unpredictable, and his agility was a testament to his years of practice. He managed to steal the ball from me a couple of times, and I felt the sting of frustration. But I refused to back down. Each time the ball came back to me, I dribbled with renewed vigor, determined to prove my worth.

The climax of the game was nearing, and the intensity grew with every second that ticked away. With the score tied at 24-24, the pressure was almost suffocating. The audience held its collective breath, eyes fixed on the court.

Then, with a burst of energy, I managed to break free from my defender. Lian's eyes met mine as I took the shot, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. The ball sailed through the air, its trajectory perfect. The seconds stretched out, agonizingly slow, before the ball finally swished through the net.

The court erupted in cheers as my team took the lead for the first time in the game. But Lian wasn't one to be defeated easily. With a determined glint in his eye, he rallied his team. The last minutes of the game were a whirlwind of passes, shots, and blocks. Lian's every move was executed with precision, and his teammates rallied behind him.

As we caught our breaths and exchanged exhausted smiles, I couldn't help but feel a newfound respect for Lian. Our rivalry had pushed both of us to our limits, and in the process, we had forged a connection—a connection born from competition and mutual admiration.

Amid the sea of cheering spectators, I stole a glance toward Riee, hoping to catch her eyes on me. However, I found her completely engrossed in the book she was reading, her attention unwavering despite the excitement around her. It stung a bit, realizing that my efforts on the court had gone unnoticed by the one person I wanted to impress. But I shook off the disappointment, smiled, and refocused on the game.

The match was reaching its peak, the score was tied with both twenty-eighth points on both sides, and the tension was palpable. The players were pushing themselves to the limit, each move carrying the weight of the entire match. The court seemed to shrink as the game intensified, and our teamwork had never been more crucial.

And then, amid the fervor, an unexpected accident occurred. Kai went for a shot, his determination radiating from his every move. But fate had a different plan. As he leaped into the air, his foot landed on an unfortunate patch of sweat-soaked court. His body lost its balance, and in a matter of seconds, he slipped, crashing to the ground with a jarring thud.

A collective gasp swept through the crowd as Kai's fall silenced the court. He lay there, clutching his left arm in pain, his face contorted. Panic surged within us as we rushed to his side. Chu Zhou was the first to reach him, his concern evident in his eyes. Kai's usually cheerful face was now twisted in pain, and his left arm was unnaturally positioned.

"Kai, are you okay?" I asked, my voice laced with worry as I knelt beside him.

He grimaced and nodded through gritted teeth, his breaths ragged. "I think I broke my arm," he managed to utter, his voice strained.

Chu Zhou and I exchanged glances, and without hesitation, we helped Kai sit up. The spectators had fallen silent, the cheers replaced by a tense hush. As I looked around, I noticed Riee had finally torn her gaze from her book. Her eyes widened in concern as they landed on Kai, and her hands clutched against her chest.

Lian instructed one of the students to call for medical help, and the teacher crouched down beside Kai to assess the situation.

"Stay still, Kai. We'll get you to help," Lian said calmly, his reassuring tone cutting through the panic.

Kai's lips quirked into a weak smile. "It looks like I won't be playing for a while."

Lian chuckled, though his eyes were worried. "At least you made a memorable exit."

Amidst the tense atmosphere, a sudden memory struck me. It was as if a distant echo from the past had resurfaced in my mind. I remembered a time when Kai had broken his arm before, during our earlier school years.

A strange realization dawned upon me, and I furrowed my brows, perplexed. It happened on the first day of the second semester as well. The coincidence was uncanny, and it left me baffled, my thoughts momentarily spiraling into an enigmatic realm.

"Xian, help mus carry him" Chu Zhou's voice snapped me back to reality, his concerned eyes locking onto mine.

Without knowing it, my skills as a doctor suddenly sprung into action. With my focused determination, I took charge of the situation, my mind quickly assessing the best course of action. The priority was to ensure Kai's arm was stabilized to prevent further injury. I knelt beside him, my hands gentle but steady, as I instructed my classmates.

"Chu Zhou, carefully support his arm from underneath," I directed, my voice clear and composed. "Lian, grab some clothing or fabric to create a makeshift sling. We need to immobilize his arm as best as we can."

Chu Zhou followed my instructions, sliding his hands beneath Kai's arm to provide support, while Lian swiftly tore a strip of fabric from his shirt. Riee offered her jacket, which we folded to create a cushioning layer beneath Kai's arm.

"Lian, fold the fabric into a triangle, and then we'll use it to create a sling to hold his arm in place," I instructed. "Chu Zhou, we'll need to lift his arm slightly to slide the fabric underneath."

We worked as a synchronized team, each of us understanding our role and contributing to the task at hand. With the fabric in place, I positioned Kai's arm onto the makeshift sling, ensuring that it was comfortably and securely immobilized. We tied the ends of the fabric behind his neck, creating a stable support for his injured arm.

"Great job, everyone," I commended my eyes briefly meeting my classmates' gaze. "Now, let's keep him calm and wait for the ambulance."

Kai winced as he shifted slightly, clearly in discomfort. I glanced at Riee, who had taken a seat beside him, offering a reassuring smile. "Kai, just take deep breaths and try to relax. Help is on the way."

Lian remained close, his presence providing an additional layer of support. "You're in good hands, buddy," he assured, his voice surprisingly gentle.

As we continued to wait for the ambulance, the minutes felt both prolonged and fleeting. The sounds of the basketball court and the excited chatter of our classmates seemed distant as if a bubble of seriousness enveloped our immediate surroundings. I kept a watchful eye on Kai, checking for signs of worsening pain or discomfort.

Finally, the wailing of the ambulance sirens pierced the air, a welcomed sound that signaled the arrival of professional medical assistance. The paramedics swiftly approached, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and acknowledgment.

"Who's been attending to him?" one of the paramedics asked, directing their question toward our group.

My classmates instinctively turned their gaze to me, their expressions reflecting a combination of respect and gratitude. I stepped forward, meeting the paramedic's eyes, ready to provide the necessary information.

"I've been helping stabilize his arm and keep him comfortable," I replied calmly, my voice steady.

The paramedics exchanged a glance, clearly impressed by the level of organization and support they found upon their arrival. They turned their attention to Kai, evaluating his condition and the makeshift sling we had fashioned.

"You've done well in stabilizing the injury," the other paramedic acknowledged their tone a mixture of approval and professionalism.

As the paramedics prepared to transfer Kai onto the stretcher and into the ambulance, Chu Zhou and Lian lent a hand, supporting him carefully. Riee stood by, her presence a quiet source of reassurance for Kai.

With Kai situated on the stretcher, I stepped back, allowing the paramedics to do their work. The doors of the ambulance closed, and the vehicle prepared to depart for the hospital.

As the ambulance pulled away, my classmates turned to me, a sense of camaraderie and shared accomplishment evident in their expressions. Chu Zhou patted my shoulder, a proud smile playing on his lips. "Nice work, Xian," he said with a nod.

I returned the smile, grateful for their trust and support. The applause that followed from our classmates was unexpected but heartwarming—a collective acknowledgment of our teamwork and quick thinking.

As the commotion slowly subsided, Lian approached me with a grin and a teasing light in his eyes. "You sure know your stuff, Xian. Who knew you were such a capable field medic?"

I chuckled, realizing that my actions had likely piqued curiosity among my classmates. "Well, it's just basic first aid knowledge. Anyone can learn it."

Chu Zhou joined in with a laugh, his tone light. "I guess I'll have to ask you for some pointers."

I nodded in agreement, not wanting to reveal the true extent of my medical background. "I'll gladly help you, Chu Zhou."

❀•°❀°•❀

End of Chapter