Author: 易修罗 / Yi Xiu Luo
Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/
Chapter 3
Yao Tai’s statement ignited a romance fever within Bikong Academy. Every fledgling about to enter their awakening phase started actively looking for their future spouse. Couples started sprouting everywhere on campus.
This was the most beautiful romantic season of the year on the Tianxiu planet. Witnessing fledglings in the early throes of love, shyly whispering sweet nothings to each other, even the adults working within the academy couldn’t help but be drawn back to their own naive memories of the past.
However, not every memory was so pleasant. For example, the principal was one of those.
“Every year at this time, your mental state becomes a cause for concern.” Yao Tai worriedly looked at the report in her hand. It was the result of the principal’s visit to the infirmary to get medicine, only to be forced by her to have a health check.
The principal, somewhat helplessly, pulled out the wire attached to his temple. “I just came for some medicine. Those test results were expected. There wouldn’t be any improvement either way, so why bother?”
“I’m the health physician here. I have the duty to understand the mental condition of everyone in the academy,” Yao Tai firmly said, not backing down even though he was the principal. “Your current mental assessment has reached a dangerous level…”
“And it’s been dangerously high for over a hundred years. I could feel the urge to end my life every second,” the principal said, cutting her off. “But after all, I’m still alive, and never thought of giving up.”
“You…”
The principal gave a wry smile. “Since medicine can’t cure me, at least give me some relief medication.”
Yao Tai was frustrated for a while, but eventually sighed and took out the principal’s usual medication from the cabinet—most of it being sedatives to alleviate insomnia. For thirty years, he had taken countless bottles of such medicine from her. This man, with a high-risk mental assessment, had lived beyond anyone’s expectations for over a century. Only Yao Tai knew what he had relied upon to barely survive.
“Your recent medication dosage seems to have decreased?” Yao Tai noticed, comparing past records, her tone hinting at some relief.
“Yes, that’s because I need less sleep now,” the principal honestly replied.
The fleeting relief she felt was instantly extinguished. Yao Tai handed him several bottles of medication with a stern face. “Take as little as possible. You know the mental harm these medicines can cause.”
Regarding her warning, the principal seemed relaxed. “Of course, I’ve been very restrained.”
“Your mental report is dangerous. I have the duty to report to the Disease Control Center.”
“Sure, but don’t forget to mention my excellent self-control.” The principal smiled, albeit a bit bitterly. “I never want to go back to a place like the Disease Control Center in my life.”
Yao Tai sat down to record the examination results and medication dosage for the principal. The principal casually picked up a tablet on her desk to pass the time.
“That’s a file for the tenth-grade students,” Yao Tai said without lifting her head. “Part of it contains students I’ve flagged for special attention this year.”
The principal scrolled through the tablet until he paused at one particular profile, gazing intently at the photograph.
“His name is Ying Feng, the most significant concern for this year’s batch,” Yao Tai said, standing beside the principal, also looking at the profile. “Just looking at his eyes. He won’t settle for being second best. If he becomes a Qizi, the consequences are unimaginable.”
The principal silently turned to the next page. In the photo, a young man was smiling at the camera, exuding youthful vitality. Even in a static image, his confidence and flamboyance couldn’t be concealed.
“That’s Ling Xiao, not exactly a simple character*. He has too much pride and competitiveness in his nature. It’s hard for someone like him to accept the fate of failure. Fortunately, both he and Ying Feng are quite strong. They are the cream of the crop in their generation. It would be difficult for most people to surpass them in the coming-of-age ceremony, unless…”
*Not a fuel-efficient lamp (不是省油的灯) Metaphor referring to someone who’s not easy to deal with.
Yao Tai didn’t continue, and the principal didn’t ask. He put the tablet back in its place. “It’s going to be a tough year for you again.”
Yao Tai shook her head, about to say it wasn’t a big deal, but then thought of something else. “For the next physiology class, I want to take the students to visit the base.”
“Oh?” The principal was surprised. “Why?”
“I think it’s important for the students to understand their origins. It’ll help them improve their self-awareness.”
The principal pondered for a moment. “That’s a good suggestion. I know you have contacts at the base, so I’ll leave the arrangements to you.”
Yao Tai nodded in agreement.
……
“Hey! Did you hear? Rumors say that for our next physiology class, the academy will arrange for us to visit the base…”
Ling Xiao, without even knocking, barged into the other’s dormitory. His sentence gradually became stiffer, and it seemed he was finishing it out of sheer momentum.
Within his line of sight, his best friend No. 1, Lan Sheng, and his best friend No. 2, Ping Zong, were sitting on the bed, intimately embracing and…kissing.
“Sorry,” a shocked Ling Xiao mumbled, took a step back, closed the door, and tried to process the overwhelming information.
“Darn it!” Recovering from his shock, Ling Xiao kicked the door open again. “What the hell is going on?!”
The two had separated. Lan Sheng sat comfortably, while Ping Zong blushed and avoided his gaze.
“It’s exactly what you saw.” Lan Sheng openly embraced Ping Zong. “We’re dating.”
“You, you…” Ling Xiao was flabbergasted. “Since when?”
To his surprise, Lan Sheng began to count on his fingers. “Let me think… One, two, three… About three years ago.”
Three years ago…
Feeling awkward, Ling Xiao went to sulk in a corner. Lan Sheng gave him a disdainful look, and Ping Zong, finding it funny, disregarded his embarrassment and went over to comfort him.
“Stop it. I feel so betrayed. You two went from gay friends* to actual gay friends and kept it from me for three whole years. I’ve been the third wheel without even knowing it! Have you guys even considered my feelings…”
*Clarity: The term he’s using is (好基友) which refers to good gay friends, but nowadays widely used as just good (male) friends.
Ling Xiao continued to grumble, while Lan Sheng dug in his ear with his pinky. “It’s only because Ping Zong was considerate about your feelings that we didn’t tell you. He’s just afraid of shattering your fragile heart.”
“Enough,” Ping Zong complained. “He’s already like this, don’t provoke him further.”
He forcibly pulled Ling Xiao up from the ground. “This is mainly my fault. I felt embarrassed to mention it to you and didn’t want you to feel awkward in front of us, so I asked Lan Sheng to keep it a secret and not bring it up.”
Even after hearing that, Ling Xiao couldn’t bring himself to cheer up, looking dejected.
“See, I knew you’d have this ghostly expression. How could we dare to tell you?” Lan Sheng sarcastically remarked.
“You should’ve told me earlier!” Ling Xiao retorted.
“Would you have believed us?”
“You’re not a good friend!”
“You’re slow-witted!”
“Traitors*!”
*Seeing colors and forgetting the meaning (见色忘义) Idiom referring to giving up one’s morality once you meet someone (beautiful) that you like.
“Cuck*!”
*Big Tortoise (大乌龟).
Ping Zong, seeing the two bickering energetically, was relieved. This was the Ling Xiao he knew.
“Alright, enough messing around.” Ling Xiao patted his face as if trying to wake himself up. “Even though I’m still trying to accept this… What are your plans for the future?”
Lan Sheng, who was usually playful, turned serious. “You heard what Dr. Yao said. After our awakening, Ping Zong and I have decided to hold the coming-of-age ceremony and become partners.”
When he said this, his attitude was serious and solemn, mature beyond his fledgling state.
Ping Zong quietly extended his hand to him, and their fingers intertwined tightly. All of this was witnessed by Ling Xiao.
“Then, I must congratulate you in advance…” Ling Xiao sounded a bit desolate. “But between the two of you, who will be the Qizhu?”
Lan Sheng gripped the other’s hand tighter. “That will depend on our capabilities.”
Ping Zong gave a slight smile, offering no opinion.
“After the coming-of-age ceremony, won’t you both be going on to further studies? Leaving me all alone…”
“Speaking of which,” Ping Zong said with concern, “Ling Xiao, you should also think about your lifelong matters. Ever since Dr. Yao began mobilizing preparations, many in our class have settled into romantic relationships. The number of singles is decreasing.”
“I know.” Ling Xiao scratched his head in frustration. “But it’s not something you can find just by saying so. There has to be someone you like first, right?”
“What about Ying Feng? Didn’t you say last time you wanted to take him as your Qizi?” Lan Sheng interjected.
“That’s a joke.” Ping Zong nudged him. “He said it out of frustration.”
“Really? I thought you had feelings for him.” Lan Sheng shrugged. “Recently, Zhu Yue has been pursuing Ying Feng quite actively. It’s as if he’s afraid people wouldn’t know.”
“Zhu Yue?” Ling Xiao paused. “The one who’s not very good at fighting?”
“That’s the one. I truly wonder how there can be such a weak exception among the Tianxiu people. He’s a disgrace to our kind. With his capabilities, he’s destined to be someone’s Qizi.”
“Being Ying Feng’s Qizi isn’t bad. He’s so strong. Looking across our entire grade, there aren’t many who could surpass him during the coming-of-age ceremony,” Ping Zong said.
“Maybe not. Older students might have their sights on him. Remember, Dr. Yao mentioned that the Qizhu will gain the powers of their Qizi. Just for that, it’s enough for some fearless ones to get ideas.”
Their discussion reached Ling Xiao’s ears, and a feeling of annoyance surged in his heart. He wished he hadn’t heard any of it. But having heard it, he couldn’t help but care.
“By the way,” Lan Sheng recalled, “What did you say when you came in? Visiting the base? Is that true?”
……
The term “base” became the most frequently mentioned word among the tenth graders in the following days. For these fledglings, the base was both familiar and filled with mystery. It was where they slept and awakened; the first thing every person of Tianxiu saw upon waking up in this life was the energy tank ceiling of the base.
However, after brief medical examinations and registrations, these newly awakened individuals were randomly allocated to various primary academies, embarking on a fresh start in life. The base, in their memories, was but a fleeting moment.
The news of the chance to revisit the base thrilled every tenth grader, and they all eagerly anticipated the next physical health class.
Ling Xiao input commands into his personal terminal, connecting to the Tianyuan Network.
The Tianyuan Network was the public network of Tianxiu. Its original designer proposed the feasibility of a 3D network and successfully built the first 3D virtual community, pioneering the prototype of realistic networking. This happened more than five hundred years ago.
Regrettably, he passed away before his grand vision was fully realized. Decades later, successors inherited his aspirations, refining the 3D network further and successfully popularizing it.
The third successor achieved a miracle in the history of networking. He developed an interdimensional transmission device that allowed physical objects to switch between virtual and reality, ushering in the golden era of 3D networking.
Today, with the original community at its heart, the Tianyuan Network had expanded its domain endlessly. Every industry found its place within, essentially creating a bustling space parallel to the real world and fully realizing the dream of the first generation when it was named—Tianyuan, the new era of Tianxiu.
Ling Xiao’s fledgling status meant his activities on the Tianyuan Network were restricted by its hierarchy, barring him from entering over 80% of the adult-only zones. Fortunately, the few zones that fledglings were allowed into were prosperous, catering to the needs of these minors.
Besides personal terminals, every awakened Tianxiu person also received a real-name card after awakening. This card served various purposes, one of which was for making purchases.
Every fledgling received a monthly stipend, sufficient for their expenses. This amount would increase when they undergo the coming-of-age ceremony and enter advanced institutes for further studies, and it would continue until they graduate and have their own income. Only then would they start paying education tax, nurturing the next generation of Tianxiu just as they were nurtured.
After shopping in the supermarket, Ling Xiao strolled along the commercial street, his attention caught by a shop named “Everything Sold Here”.
“What do you sell here?” He walked in, only to find no goods but a fledgling inside.
The fledgling pointed at the sign above with a cheeky grin. “Everything.”
Skeptical, Ling Xiao looked him up and down. “Are you a student working here?”
“No, I’m the owner.”
“Owner?” Ling Xiao exclaimed. “But you look just like me—a minor fledgling.”
“It’s true, but I’ve been one for twenty-two years.”
Just as Ling Xiao’s jaw was dropping, another person entered the shop.
“Hello there, what can I help you with?” The owner greeted warmly.
Upon entering, Ying Feng spotted someone he’d rather not see. As he was about to leave, Ling Xiao noticed him due to the owner’s greeting.
“What are you doing here?” Ling Xiao asked curtly.
Perhaps because it was online, Ying Feng wasn’t as indifferent as usual and replied, “Why can’t I be here?”
“Everyone’s a customer once they enter.” The owner welcomed Ying Feng warmly. “Ask for anything you like.”
“But you have nothing here,” Ling Xiao retorted.
“As long as you can name it, I’m confident I can procure it for you.”
“Such as?”
“Like the latest gaming consoles, extraterrestrial biological specimens, and autographed photos of celebrities. Let me think… What would fledglings of your age like? Ah, yes.” He lowered his voice conspiratorially. “Even those spicy adult discs, I can discreetly get them for you.”
Ling Xiao felt embarrassed when he suddenly heard Ying Feng ask, “Aren’t you a student from our academy?”
“What?” Ling Xiao’s eyes widened. “This twenty-two-year-old fledgling is from our academy?”
“He’s Zhen He. You don’t even recognize him?” Ying Feng responded disdainfully.
Zhen He’s renowned name finally rang a bell in Ling Xiao’s memory. There was a celebrity in Bikong Academy—a twenty-two-year-old fledgling who hadn’t matured, neither advancing in his studies nor being held back, always remaining in the twelfth grade, the highest grade in the academy.
Although Zhen He was famous, he was elusive. Many students had heard of his name but never seen him in person, so it wasn’t surprising Ling Xiao didn’t recognize him.
Zhen He wasn’t bothered that he was recognized. “I know you both are from Bikong. Ling Xiao, Ying Feng. Am I right?”
“Damn.” Ling Xiao was shocked to hear his name. “How do you know?”
“Of course,” Zhen He’s demeanor shifted, no longer the enthusiastic shopkeeper but a more worldly figure, “I sell everything, which includes information. As an informant, I always need to know more than others.”
“Unfortunately, I’m not interested in what you sell.” Ying Feng turned to leave, and Ling Xiao hastily added, “Neither am I.”
“Aren’t both of you in the tenth grade?” Zhen He’s words halted their departure. “I’ve heard the tenth graders will be visiting the base for a field trip in a few days.”
“Yes, everyone in the academy knows about this. It’s not surprising that you do too.”
“How about I sell you some information that you might find interesting? Secrets about the base, perhaps?”
“Secrets?”
“Secrets on how to find your partner from a past life.”
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