Chapter 1 He's Back

Zhou Yi stood honestly in the office of Wang Shunquan, the director of student affairs. Wang Shunquan sat behind his desk, looking at the student who had given him so many headaches.

"Finished filming?" he asked, his tone anything but friendly.

"Finished filming. The last episode has already been broadcast on TV," Zhou Yi replied. "Didn't you watch it, Teacher Wang?"

"I don't watch soccer!" Wang Shunquan waved his hand impatiently.

"Oh..." Zhou Yi nodded and continued to stand at attention with his hands behind his back, saying nothing more.

"Just back at school and already causing such a commotion... what am I supposed to say about you, Zhou Yi?"

Zhou Yi plastered a smile on his face but didn't speak.

"You're seriously disrupting the teaching order, do you know that?!" Wang Shunquan got angry seeing Zhou Yi's 'dead pig isn't afraid of boiling water' attitude. He slammed his hand on the desk.

Zhou Yi still had a smile on his face because, at times like these, all he could do was smile.

Just like the famous line from *Evangelion*: "At times like these, you just have to smile."

"What are you smiling about? Is it funny? You've affected the entire school's teaching activities! Is that something to be proud of?!"

Zhou Yi finally dropped his smile. He spread his hands and retorted, "But Teacher Wang, I just came to school because I had something to do. I can't control the students' reactions, so you can't blame me for that, right?"

"You..." Wang Shunquan really didn't expect the student to dare talk back.

He had dealt with countless rebellious students, the most rebellious of whom would at most turn their gaze out the window while he was lecturing them, pretending not to listen. But none of them had ever talked back!

Just as Wang Shunquan was at a loss for words, the door was pushed open, and Zhou Yi's father, Zhou Jianliang, finally managed to get leave and rushed to the school.

As soon as Wang Shunquan saw Zhou Yi's father, he quickly said, "You've come at the right time! Look at your son! Causing trouble as soon as he gets back!"

Zhou Jianliang immediately turned to ask his son, "What happened?"

Actually, even without Wang Shunquan saying anything, Zhou Jianliang knew that Zhou Yi must have done something bad. In the past two years, he had been called to the school so many times to clean up after Zhou Yi that he had lost count. He had been docked a lot of bonuses just for taking leave to go to his son's school.

"I don't know either. I came to school, right? And as I walked in, someone in the teaching building shouted my name, and then everyone rushed out, all shouting my name... So I raised my hand and greeted them. They were calling me so enthusiastically, could I pretend I didn't hear them? Wouldn't they say I was putting on airs after being on TV last time? That would damage my reputation, Dad. But the students were really enthusiastic, I really didn't expect that... Hey, Dad, do you think this bag of autographs I signed overnight will be enough?"

Zhou Yi asked this question very seriously. He must have forgotten that he was supposed to be explaining to his father why he had been called to the director of student affairs' office. His habit of thinking too fast was showing again...

Zhou Jianliang was taken aback for a moment, then said, "You can't satisfy everyone's requests. First come, first served. You definitely have to prioritize the students in your class, right?"

Seeing the father and son discussing how to distribute the autographs, Wang Shunquan's lungs were about to explode with anger -- are you two not taking me, the director of student affairs, seriously at all?!

Just as Wang Shunquan was about to erupt like a volcano, the door was pushed open again.

Lin Xianrong stood at the door.

"Zhou Yi is back?"

He asked.

Wang Shunquan's mouth was wide open, but the sound was stuck in his throat. He stared blankly as the old principal appeared before him like a divine soldier descending from heaven.

After Lin Xianrong asked the question, he saw Zhou Yi and his father and smiled, "Oh, you're all here."

Zhou Yi also saw the principal and quickly turned around to greet him, "Hello, Principal."

Lin Xianrong nodded, then said to the two of them, "Let's go to my office."

But Zhou Yi looked at Wang Shunquan with some difficulty, "Principal, Teacher Wang is educating me..."

Wang Shunquan's hackles rose -- this kid is going to rat me out!

Anyone could see that Lin Xianrong valued Zhou Yi very much, perhaps even admired him. If Zhou Yi were to complain about him to Lin Xianrong at this time, would he still have a future? Although he was only one year away from retirement, the principal could fire him before that!

So Wang Shunquan quickly waved his hand, "No, no, no, I just knew that Zhou Yi was back and called him over to chat, caring about the students' situation is my duty, ha!"

After forcing a laugh, he smiled at Zhou Yi, "Principal Lin has something to discuss with you, I won't hold you up any longer, you guys go quickly! Don't keep Principal Lin waiting!"

His smile couldn't have been more amiable.

So Zhou Yi happily bid farewell to Wang Shunquan and left the director of student affairs' office with his father, following Lin Xianrong.

As soon as they left, Wang Shunquan cursed in his office, "Insidious! So insidious at such a young age! Who the hell did he learn that from!"

***

In Lin Xianrong's office, Zhou Yi, although sitting on the sofa, couldn't help but look around -- he had been a student at Qingyang No. 1 High School for two years, but this was the first time he had ever been in the principal's office. Not to mention him, probably very few students in the entire school had the honor of stepping into this office located at the very end of the teaching building.

The office was much more spacious than Wang Shunquan's office, but the furnishings were very simple, with nothing too luxurious.

While Zhou Yi was looking around, his father, Zhou Jianliang, was explaining to Lin Xianrong the reason for their visit.

"...Zhou Yi has been scouted by a foreign club. We've discussed it and decided to let him drop out of school and go to Europe to play soccer. So..."

Zhou Jianliang spoke cautiously. He originally thought that Lin Xianrong, as the principal, would be dissatisfied with his decision and would criticize him.

But he didn't. After he finished speaking, Lin Xianrong nodded, "If the child has talent in this area, he should indeed give it a try."

He actually agreed so readily!

This surprised Zhou Jianliang, while Zhou Yi was still daydreaming and hadn't reacted yet.

"However..." Lin Xianrong changed the subject, making Zhou Jianliang nervous again.

"I don't think it's necessary to drop out of school. Qingyang No. 1 High School is willing to reserve Zhou Yi's enrollment for a year, so that in case something unexpected happens, he can come back to school and study again. I think this is a good idea, at least it leaves him with a way out. What do you think?"

Lin Xianrong's proposal surprised Zhou Jianliang -- he didn't expect the school to be willing to make such an arrangement.

This would also make it easier to explain to his wife. What his wife was most worried about was what would happen if her son went to Dortmund and didn't make it.

Now, with the principal's proposal, there would really be no worries.

In a year, his son would be eighteen years old, and they should be able to see if he could make it or not.

If he could, then he would continue to play, and naturally join the first team. If he couldn't, then he would return to China to continue his studies. Anyway, Qingyang No. 1 High School would still have his enrollment reserved. Then he would take the college entrance exam and continue down the path he had been on before.

A win-win situation.

"That's great, that's great!" Zhou Jianliang quickly replied, and nudged Zhou Yi with his elbow to bring him back to his senses.

"Ah, thank you, Principal, thank you, Principal!" Zhou Yi actually hadn't heard what they had been talking about earlier, but it was always right to say thank you at this time.

How could Lin Xianrong not see that Zhou Yi had been distracted?

He sized up Zhou Yi.

This student was truly the most interesting student he had ever come into contact with.

He wasn't very disciplined, nor was he honest. He didn't seem to care about the sayings of authority because he had his own ideas, and he didn't hide his ideas.

He had ideas, vitality, and courage and individuality.

He was different from all the students Lin Xianrong had encountered before.

Perhaps this was the brand new generation of the 90s?

They were completely different from the 80s, 70s, and 60s generations.

If they were still using the old standards to demand things of them, there would be conflicts. Wasn't Wang Shunquan a good example? He used the same methods he used to manage students of the 80s and 70s to demand things of Zhou Yi, and as a result, he was very angry. In his mind, Zhou Yi was simply the most stubborn and disobedient student, and he asserted that such a student would almost certainly not amount to anything.

He had also heard many people around him complain about how bad the 90s generation was, that they seemed to have only flaws and no strengths.

But Lin Xianrong had considered this question, and he didn't think it was like that.

The 90s generation certainly had many flaws, but they also had many strengths, some of which the 80s and 70s generations didn't have.

For example, this group was better at expressing their thoughts, rather than burying them in their hearts.

They would give dogmatists a headache because they were unwilling to abide by the rules set by dogmatists.

But looking at it from another perspective -- wouldn't there be more possibilities beyond their imagination born in such people?

Just like the child in front of him, his studies were average, and he was always being reprimanded by Wang Shunquan, becoming a negative example among the students. But at that time, how many people knew that Zhou Yi had a talent hidden within him that would allow him to win the favor of a professional soccer club in Europe?

Perhaps it was time for our educators to change their views as well.

Thinking of this, Lin Xianrong smiled and said to Zhou Yi, "Zhou Yi, I heard from Teacher Wang that you once put your composite photo on the honor wall last semester?"

As soon as the principal mentioned this, Zhou Yi scratched his head a little embarrassed, "Principal, that was just a moment of impulse, I already know I was wrong..."

But Lin Xianrong shook his head and said, "How about this, Zhou Yi. If you can help the Chinese team win the World Cup, then I'll put your real photo on the honor wall, what do you think?"

After hearing this, Zhou Yi put on a sad face, "Principal, you should just hang my photoshopped photo... This is obviously unrealistic!"

Lin Xianrong saw Zhou Yi's frustrated expression and laughed happily. The old man winked playfully like a child, "Of course I know that's not realistic. Then how about this, when you can lead the Chinese team to enter the World Cup again, there will definitely be your photo and name on our school's honor wall. How about that? No joking this time, I'm serious."

Zhou Yi didn't frown this time. Hearing the principal say this, he asked in surprise, "Really?"

"Of course, when has anything I, Lin Xianrong, said not counted?" Lin Xianrong looked at Zhou Yi and smiled, like a grandfather looking at his beloved grandson.

"Okay, it's a deal, Principal!" Zhou Yi cheered.

Zhou Jianliang, who was beside him, wanted to remind Zhou Yi to pay attention, but he opened his mouth and still didn't make a sound. He just shook his head slightly -- Zhou Yi, as a member of the Chinese team, helping the Chinese team enter the World Cup?

That would be something so far away...

Lin Xianrong, who would be seventy-four years old by then, might not even be alive anymore. Lin Lao's health didn't seem to be very good...

But seeing his son so happy, Zhou Jianliang decided not to say anything that would ruin the atmosphere and mood.

In any case, it was a goal to motivate his son to work hard.

***

Coming out of the principal's office, Zhou Yi didn't choose to go home, but decided to go to the class to say goodbye to his classmates, at least to finish this last day of class, although he didn't pack a single textbook in the backpack he was carrying...

And Zhou Jianliang had to go back to work, only instructing Zhou Yi not to disturb the students in class anymore before he left.

It was during class time, and the teaching building was very quiet, with only the teachers' voices teaching.

Zhou Yi listened to his father and walked quietly in the corridor.

He suddenly had the feeling that everyone was in class, but he was going home early.

Passing by the classroom windows, he could feel the envious gazes of the students.

So Zhou Yi slowed down his pace, letting the people in the classroom feel a little more envy, jealousy, and hatred.

Finally, he came to the door of his classroom, knocked on the door, and called out, "Report."

The teacher's lecturing inside stopped abruptly, "Come in."

Zhou Yi pushed the door open and saw his familiar classmates, teachers, and the familiar classroom and desks, everything familiar...

The students didn't seem to expect Zhou Yi to come to the classroom. Seeing him appear at the door, they were stunned.

Then they cheered.

"Zhou Yi!!"

Zhou Yi was startled and quickly asked everyone to be quiet, but no one was listening to him at the moment.

So Zhou Yi had to secretly glance at the Chinese teacher who was teaching, who was also his class teacher, Zhai Liying. Seeing that she didn't seem to want to stop any of this, he puffed up his chest and accepted everyone's cheers.

***

Wang Shunquan was sitting in his office and heard another cheer coming from the teaching building.

They were still calling Zhou Yi's name!

He jumped up from his chair and grabbed the megaphone in his hand, ready to rush out the door.

But just as he stood up, he suddenly sat down again. Because he thought of Lin Xianrong's appreciation and care for Zhou Yi...

Ah, forget it, anyway, that kid probably won't be staying at school for long, so let him be!

***

The cheers finally stopped.

Zhai Liying pointed to the empty seat and said to Zhou Yi, "Go back to your seat."

After Zhou Yi sat down, she started teaching again.

However, many people's minds were not on the class at all. Everyone would secretly turn their heads to look at Zhou Yi, whispering.

Those who were sitting close to Zhou Yi simply couldn't wait to chat with Zhou Yi using small notes.

Zheng Lulu turned her head to look at Zhou Yi, looked at him a few times, then turned back to continue looking at the blackboard. She was still afraid of being caught by the class teacher.

It was finally time for class to end. With a crash, Zhou Yi was surrounded by people.

Everyone was praising his performance on the show, and then they were concerned about his future.

"I heard you signed with Dortmund, Zhou Yi?"

"That's right, I'm already a member of the Dortmund youth team!" Zhou Yi puffed out his chest and said proudly.

"Awesome!"

"Then aren't you going to school anymore?"

"Well, I won't be coming tomorrow, so today is actually to say goodbye to everyone." As he said this, he opened his backpack and poured out the autographs he had prepared all night, "This is a gift for everyone!"

He distributed the autographs to his classmates.

"Keep them safe, they'll be worth a lot of money in a few years. The autograph of the famous soccer player Zhou Yi!"

"Don't worry!"

"Hey, I said Zhou Yi, don't forget your classmates when you become famous in the future!"

"I won't forget, I won't forget!"

"I'll go to Germany to find you in the future!"

"No problem! I'll take you to find soccer players to ask for autographs, let them sign however you want them to sign, if they don't listen, I won't give them assists!"

Zheng Lulu squeezed in front of Zhou Yi, reached out, lowered her head, and said in a very small voice, "Can you give me one..."

Zhou Yi took out an autograph and put it in Zheng Lulu's hand, "No problem!"

Zheng Lulu put the autograph on her chest and said in a low voice, "I wish you success, Zhou Yi."

But her voice was too small, and there were noisy voices around her. Zhou Yi probably didn't hear her at all. Anyway, he didn't give Zheng Lulu any response and turned to sign for the next classmate.

Zheng Lulu squeezed out again and carefully looked at Zhou Yi's autograph in her hand.

His handwriting is really ugly...

She refocused her gaze on Zhou Yi. He was surrounded by classmates and smiled very happily, with a kind of brilliance that realized his dream enveloping his whole body.

Dazzling, but not blinding.

He was a great hero, the center of everyone's attention.

And such a person would inevitably drift away from her.

Going to Germany...

***

Zhou Yi's autographs, which he had prepared all night, were all distributed in just two class breaks, leaving not a single one.

Many students from other classes came after that, but there were no more autographs, so they reluctantly took out their notebooks and asked Zhou Yi to sign them.

On Zhou Yi's last day at school, even during class time, he was signing the mountain of notebooks piled up on his desk.

The teachers who came in and saw the high pile of notebooks on Zhou Yi's desk seemed to understand what was going on. So they all tacitly didn't criticize or disturb Zhou Yi. They taught their classes, and Zhou Yi signed his name below.

In the end, even teachers came to Zhou Yi to sign autographs, of course saying that their children were Zhou Yi's fans...

Zhou Yi didn't refuse anyone. His wrist was numb, but fortunately, he was a soccer player, not a basketball player, so his wrist wasn't that important...

In addition to autographs, some people came to Zhou Yi to take photos together.

Zhou Yi didn't refuse anyone either.

He was still fully enjoying the vanity of being a celebrity, and hadn't learned to use the way of putting on airs to get rid of the troubles caused by the fans' excessive enthusiasm...

The day's classes were finally over, and Zhou Yi had to stay in the classroom to continue signing autographs. When he finally satisfied the last person's request, the school had actually become much quieter.

Carrying his empty backpack, Zhou Yi stood with his bicycle at the school gate, where there were already few students coming out. He looked back at the teaching building in the afterglow of the setting sun, the white walls painted with gold powder, and the glass windows reflecting the setting sun.

This scene was not unfamiliar to him in the past two years.

But this time, it might be the last time he looked back at the campus as a student.

His student days would end here, end at this moment.

Qingyang No. 1 High School, his alma mater.

He had left many memories of bitterness, spiciness, sourness and sweetness here, all of which were his precious life experiences.

Although the old principal said that he would keep his enrollment for a year, Zhou Yi didn't plan to come back to school again, because that would mean he had failed.

He raised his arm and suddenly shouted, "I won't come back if I don't make it!!"

The birds in the school trees were startled and flew up with a whoosh, as if they were also responding to Zhou Yi.

Then Zhou Yi rode his bicycle and left Qingyang No. 1 High School without looking back, leaving his alma mater and his pure and beautiful student years in the afterglow of the setting sun.

***

ps, A new day, three updates today!

The times are 8:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 6:00 pm!

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