Chapter 12: Roommates?

After getting a grasp on things, Teacher Liang now had a preliminary understanding of the young Taoist who had transferred into his class.

Chen Shi’an, too, had formed a first impression of the workings of a modern high school.

Next came the usual enrollment procedures.

With Principal Lin overseeing everything, the paperwork went smoothly.

“Our school’s teaching pace is fairly tight. We require students to be in the classroom before six-thirty in the morning for early reading. Classes end at noon, with a two-hour lunch break in between. Afternoon lessons run until five ten, during which students can move around freely and eat. Evening self-study starts at six forty-five and goes until nine forty-five.”

“We operate under a semi-closed management system. Students can either board or commute. If you wish to leave campus during school hours, you need to request permission. Starting from the second year, classes run Monday through Saturday, with Sunday as a rest day. Students are expected to wear uniforms on campus, maintain their appearance, and are not allowed to dye, perm, or grow their hair long…”

While Teacher Liang explained all this, Chen Shi’an listened intently. These rules might be ingrained for other students, but for him, everything was new.

“Later, I’ll take you to collect your textbooks, uniform, and class schedule. As for your hair and your Taoist robe…”

“Oh, it’s fine. If Shi’an isn’t used to it, it’s no problem to keep your topknot and robe. A Taoist should look the part,” Principal Lin waved his hand dismissively.

Teacher Liang’s eyes widened at this. Who was usually the most zealous about enforcing dress codes in the school corridors? Was Shi’an privy to some secret, to be granted such leniency?

Before things got awkward, Chen Shi’an smoothed it over with a smile, saying, “Teacher Liang is right. I’m a Taoist, but also a student. I should abide by school regulations and pay attention to my appearance.”

“Classes officially start tomorrow. Today, you can take it easy. So, do you plan to board or commute?”

“Boarding means living at the school?”

“Yes. We encourage students to board. The dorms are quite good—six beds per room, air conditioning, private bathrooms. But our class’s dorm is full. I’ll check with the dorm management center for a bed…”

“Can I commute? I have this fellow with me, and it might not be convenient in the dorm.”

Chen Shi’an gestured to the fat cat in his bag.

“Commuting is fine too,” Principal Lin replied. “But where will you stay? You’ve just arrived and probably don’t have a place nearby yet.”

“I want to find a place nearby.”

“How about this,” Principal Lin said, “I have a vacant apartment nearby, originally for rent—three bedrooms, two living rooms. Two girls lived there before; one just moved out. If you don’t mind, you can share with the remaining tenant.”

“I certainly don’t mind, but I’m worried the young lady might.”

“She shouldn’t,” Principal Lin smiled. “She’s been feeling stressed living alone, and asked me just the other day to help find a roommate.”

“It’s best to ask her first, though.”

“Of course.” Principal Lin picked up his phone, dialed a number, and explained the situation.

A woman’s voice answered, “…Is it a girl?”

“It’s a boy from our school, a second-year student. Don’t worry—he’s got a good character, just happens to have a cat. Let me know if you mind.”

“Hmm… That’s fine, I suppose.” The girl paused, then carefully asked, “Uncle Lin, can I pay my rent a few days late? My salary hasn’t come in yet and I’m a bit short…”

“That’s alright, no problem. Starting next month, just pay me your half as usual—the rest I’ll collect from the young man.”

“Okay, thank you, Uncle Lin.”

The call was made in the office, and Chen Shi’an overheard the conversation. The girl’s voice sounded vaguely familiar, though the electronic distortion made it hard to place.

“Well, Shi’an, you’ll stay at my place for now.”

“Thank you, Principal Lin. How much is the rent for the shared apartment? I’ll transfer it to you.”

“Ah, we’re like family—don’t worry about it, just settle in.”

“I wouldn’t feel comfortable living in your place for free, Principal Lin.”

“…You’re just like your master—stubborn! Sort it out with the young lady later and decide how to split the rent.”

“That’s how it should be.”

Chen Shi’an understood boundaries well. Principal Lin looked after him out of respect for his master, but if he took such kindness for granted, it would soon breed resentment.

“Shi’an, go with Teacher Liang to collect your textbooks and uniform, tidy up your classroom, and later I’ll take you to the apartment. The young lady should be home after six.”

“Alright.”

“Oh, take this—my staff meal card. It gets a monthly meal allowance, but I don’t use it much. You keep it.”

This time, Principal Lin didn’t allow Chen Shi’an to refuse, stuffing the card into his pocket.

Meal cards were a school currency—especially a staff card, which allowed access to the higher-quality teacher’s cafeteria. It was the envy of all students.

Leaving the cat in the principal’s office to enjoy the air conditioning, Chen Shi’an followed Teacher Liang to the academic office to pick up his uniform and textbooks.

He received four sets of uniforms in total: two for summer, two for winter, for easy rotation.

There was also a large pile of textbooks, not only for the current year, but also from the previous one.

If the school had junior high textbooks, Teacher Liang would have gladly fetched all three years’ worth.

The diagnostic test had shown that although Chen Shi’an had never attended school, apart from his weak English, his elementary level Chinese and math foundations were solid. His main gaps lay in the junior high curriculum—after elementary school, math became more complex and new subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology were introduced. That was where his foundation was lacking.

“We’re already teaching the second semester of the second-year curriculum. Soon, we’ll begin the third-year material, and then full-scale review for the college entrance exam,” Teacher Liang explained as they walked. “Your problem is that you’ve missed too many basics. The exam covers six subjects. Most students struggle if they’re weak in just one, but you can’t rely on Chinese alone. It’s already second year, and the college entrance exam will be here before you know it. The teaching pace won’t slow for one student, so…”

He paused, looking at Chen Shi’an. “Shi’an, your academic workload is immense. You not only need to catch up on everything you’ve missed, but you must do it quickly enough to keep pace with your classmates…”

As he spoke, Teacher Liang’s confidence faltered. For any student, this would seem impossible—catching up on years of missed schooling in the last two years? He didn’t expect Shi’an to become a star scholar; as long as he could keep up, even if barely, and get into an ordinary university, that would be a blessing.

“I’ll try to borrow some junior high textbooks for you, or you can ask classmates to lend theirs.”

“In any case, I’ll help you fill the gaps as much as I can, but most of it depends on your own effort. But there’s always a chance—we do our best and let fate decide.”

“Thank you for your trouble, Teacher Liang.” Chen Shi’an smiled, “Though I follow the Way, I don’t believe in fate. Don’t worry, Teacher—I will work hard.”

As the young Taoist spoke, a forceful determination and pride emanated from beneath his seemingly humble and steady demeanor, almost tangible.

Teacher Liang was stunned for a moment, unsure how to respond, and finally just nodded.

“Class Five is on the second floor of the Zhixing Building. Let’s head up.”

“Alright.”

As the young Taoist entered the academic building, the atmosphere began to stir…