Chapter Two

At the school gate, a sea of people made it difficult to enter on their own. Most of those gathered were freshmen this year. Some of the students, the upperclassmen, were leading the new students to their classrooms. Rain Xingyue and Sun Ying, both transfers, were accompanied by a designated teacher.

Luo E handed lunch boxes to Rain Xingyue and Sun Ying, explaining, “The school has no cafeteria; everyone brings their own meals. These insulated lunch boxes keep food warm...” Luo E detailed everything carefully, and Rain Xingyue listened intently.

“I understand now, thank you.” Rain Xingyue handed back the lunch box.

Just then, a teacher squeezed through the crowd and waved at Rain Xingyue. “Xingyue-kun, over here!”

Rain Xingyue recognized the teacher as Liu Hailizi, whom he had met the day before. Seeing the sweat on her face, he realized it wasn’t easy for her to push through such a throng.

“Teacher, are you alright?” Rain Xingyue asked with concern.

Liu Hailizi wiped her sweat and smiled. “I’m fine, Xingyue-kun. It’s just too crowded here now, so I’ll take you and your sister in through the back gate.”

“The back gate?” Rain Xingyue was puzzled. “Then why didn’t you come through the back gate to find me earlier?”

Embarrassed, Liu Hailizi scratched her head. “I just found out about it now. Sorry about that.”

Rain Xingyue found her innocence endearing, thinking it would be good to get along with such a straightforward teacher in the future.

“Then please lead the way. Luo E, from here on, Sun Ying and I can manage on our own,” Rain Xingyue said.

“Understood, Mr. Yu. Take care,” Luo E replied, then left by car. Liu Hailizi led Rain Xingyue and Sun Ying through the seldom-used back gate. It was surprising that a new teacher knew about it.

Inside the school, Liu Hailizi helped Sun Ying find her teacher, and Sun Ying followed them to her classroom, leaving only Rain Xingyue and Liu Hailizi.

“Teacher Liu, our classroom isn’t upstairs, is it? I really don’t want to climb stairs,” Rain Xingyue asked, hoping to avoid the fatigue.

Liu Hailizi laughed, “I don’t like stairs either, so our classroom is on the first floor.”

“That’s great!” Rain Xingyue exclaimed excitedly in Japanese.

“But there’s a downside,” Liu Hailizi said seriously.

“What is it? You look worried,” Rain Xingyue noticed.

“Although we’re on the first floor, all the classrooms there are for girls. Most boys have classes on the second floor.”

Hearing this, Rain Xingyue felt uneasy all over. “So you mean I’ll be in an all-girls class for the next two years?”

Liu Hailizi smiled wryly, “Exactly. It depends on whether you can endure it. I don’t know those girls well yet, but maybe you’ll get along with them.”

Liu Hailizi’s uncertainty about controlling the class made Rain Xingyue even more anxious. Strange thoughts crept into his mind—not quite thoughts, but fear.

Indeed, Rain Xingyue was fearful. For other boys, being in an all-girls class might be a dream come true. But for someone like Rain Xingyue, who suffered from claustrophobia, walking into a room full of long hair and bright eyes was overwhelming.

With this uneasy feeling, they approached a door behind which female voices could be heard. Rain Xingyue swallowed nervously.

Liu Hailizi patted his back, “Don’t be nervous, Xingyue-kun. I’m nervous too. Just get used to it, and it won’t be so scary.”

Rain Xingyue nodded, telling himself quietly, “Stay calm! Stay calm!”

“I’m about to open the door,” Liu Hailizi warned. Rain Xingyue immediately straightened up. She slowly opened it.

What met his eyes was a room full of girls. Even before entering, the strong scent of perfume hit him. The overwhelming fragrance made his head spin; it was almost suffocating.

Liu Hailizi, being a woman herself, didn’t wear heavy perfume. Her natural scent was enough to captivate people.

The girls fell silent as Liu Hailizi entered, recognizing their new homeroom teacher. After scanning the room, Liu Hailizi looked at Rain Xingyue standing outside, signaling him to come in. Despite the perfume making him feel like vomiting, Rain Xingyue bit his lip and entered.

Almost immediately, whispers floated from the girls.

“Who is he?”

“I don’t know. He must be the new transfer student. Didn’t expect a boy in our class.”

“He’s so handsome! I’ll get his contact info after class!”

Though the conversation was in Japanese, Rain Xingyue understood. He wasn’t interested in exchanging contacts; he was a quiet boy. But even if he didn’t seek trouble, others would come to him.

Liu Hailizi cleared her throat, and the noise ceased. “Hello everyone, I’m your new homeroom teacher, Liu Hailizi.” She then wrote her name boldly on the blackboard.

“I hope we can get along well over the next two years. Can you do that?”

“Yes!” The girls were stunned by her imposing presence, not yet used to this new firm teacher. Their previous laziness would meet its match.

Then Liu Hailizi turned to Rain Xingyue. “Xingyue-kun, please introduce yourself to everyone.”

The moment had arrived. All eyes were on Rain Xingyue, the new transfer boy, sparkling with curiosity about what surprise he might bring.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Rain Xingyue felt his hands tremble as all the girls stared at him.

To calm down, he picked up chalk and wrote his name on the board in large characters so those in the back could see clearly.

He nearly wrote it in Chinese characters out of habit but reminded himself this was Japan and needed to adjust.

In fluent Japanese, he introduced himself: “Hello everyone, I’m Rain Xingyue—Rain as in rainfall, and Xingyue as in star and moon. It’s an honor to study with you all over the next two years. Please take care of me!”

The class applauded, surprised by his fluency. Rain Xingyue hadn’t expected to speak so well; after many failed rehearsals the previous night, he was relieved.

“Xingyue-kun, your seat is in the second group, third row. The teacher can see you clearly there,” Liu Hailizi said, pointing to an empty desk.

Rain Xingyue went to sit down, noting the wide view from there. Even if he slacked off or napped, the tall girls in front would block the teacher’s view.

“Didn’t expect to see you here, Xingyue,” a girl behind him said.

“Yes...” Rain Xingyue replied, but the voice felt strange. This was Japan—why was she speaking Chinese to him?

If he had studied Chinese for five or six years, he might understand, but this voice didn’t seem familiar.

The girl behind continued, “Oh! You don’t even remember me? Turn around and see who this is.”

The voice sounded familiar—could it be?

Rain Xingyue turned and saw a girl he recognized. Wearing the school uniform, he almost didn’t recognize her. Her voice carried a coquettish tone.

“So it’s you! What are you doing here?” Rain Xingyue was incredulous. The girl was Wang Tianqi.

“It’s class time now, Xingyue-kun. If you have something to say, wait until after class,” Rain Xingyue said firmly, his voice drawing the attention of the whole class. He didn’t press further, waiting for Liu Hailizi to dismiss them.

Wang Tianqi smirked, thinking to herself, “Looks like coming here was the right choice. Xingyue, you’ll be spending your time with me now. I wonder what expression you’ll wear.”