{"id":8780,"date":"2019-09-21T18:00:56","date_gmt":"2019-09-21T22:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/?p=8780"},"modified":"2020-04-09T13:24:37","modified_gmt":"2020-04-09T17:24:37","slug":"epiphanies-of-rebirth-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/epiphanies-of-rebirth-16\/","title":{"rendered":"Epiphanies of Rebirth 16"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Liyun Town didn\u2019t pay much attention to education, so although Liyun No. 1 High School was the best school in town, it didn\u2019t have as much of a presence as other institutions. Its principal, Tao Fangzheng, held his office for several years, but this was the first time such a big event occurred. Now that he finally had a chance to show his face to the leadership, he didn\u2019t dare to act complacent. After hanging up, he urgently called all the faculty members for an emergency meeting to make meticulous arrangements\u2014none of the faculties were spared. He included school hygiene and students conduct, and didn\u2019t forget about the cafeteria. Halfway through the meeting, two of the chefs took money from his own pocket and, in a small three-wheel truck, rushed to the market to buy food.<\/span><\/p>

Fish, meat, and eggs piled up in the school kitchen, and the whole administrative staff was dispatched to clean and tidy up the green areas. Tao Fangzheng blotted his oily forehead and struggled into a suit which barely fastened<\/span> across his fat body. Together with the rest of the faculty, he stood on the sports field before the school entrance, eagerly awaiting the esteemed guests.<\/span><\/p>

Spring had already passed into early summer, which in the southern provinces was almost unbearably humid. Soon, all the people waiting outside were hot and sweaty. Li Yurong\u2019s head was full of hair curlers, and the new dress she changed into was soaked with perspiration. She couldn\u2019t stand it. \u201cCan\u2019t we wait inside and come out when they arrive?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cDon\u2019t talk nonsense.\u201d For the first time, Tao Fangzheng refused to indulge her. Was she kidding? What would the leaders think if the people who were supposed to receive them were hiding inside the school building to escape the heat? He would\u2019ve set off firecrackers if he wasn\u2019t afraid it would be overdoing it.<\/span><\/p>

The vice-principal was pushed out to the second row, behind Li Yurong. He looked at the man and woman sticking to each other in front of him, and his brows furrowed. The academic director beside him shook his head, muttering, \u201cRidiculous, absolutely ridiculous.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Just before the college entrance examination, none of the other teachers dared to slack off\u2014they were teaching classes as usual. Why was Li Yurong an exception? The principal even arranged her to stand in front of the vice-principal! She was just an ordinary teacher, and not even that good, so why was she deemed so important? The two completely treated the school as their private playground!<\/span><\/p>

They had more grievances. Indignantly, the director continued, \u201cAnd I don\u2019t even know what to say about all those instructions he gave! The students have complained about the food in the cafeteria countless times\u2014his answer was always, \u2018Eating vegetables is healthy.\u2019 Ha! Now that the leadership is coming to make an inspection, he ordered the kitchen staff to buy meat! Why isn\u2019t he saying that vegetables are healthy this time, huh? Our students really are pitiful!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

The vice-president sighed. He had been teaching at the school for many years, slowly climbing to his position. Despite being the vice-principal, he had no say in the financial matters. He hated the current situation, but was powerless to change it.<\/span><\/p>

The director, knowing exactly how he felt, patted him on the shoulder. Depressed, he said, \u201cThis still isn\u2019t everything. Did you know what he gave a secret order to the senior teachers of each grade?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The vice-principal inclined his head towards him. \u201cNo, what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

The director couldn\u2019t help but gnash his teeth. \u201cHe told them to inform the class teachers of Classes 2, 3, 4, and 5 that if recess arrived but the visiting leaders have not yet left, they have to restrain the more lively students and not let them rush out of the classroom. If possible, they shouldn\u2019t leave at all, especially the children in Class 5. If they leave, they have to be unobtrusive, and can\u2019t use the main staircase!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

The vice-principal listened in disbelief. Then, his incredulity changed into fury. Was this something that a school principal<\/span> should say? Just how bitter were the teachers when they were informed? How sad would the children in ordinary classes be if they knew about the discrimination?<\/span><\/p>

His hands began to tremble with anger. He wanted to step forward and have a word or two with Tao Fangzheng, but before he could move, a school security guard who was on a lookout on the street rushed back, shouting, \u201cComing! They\u2019re coming! Several black cars just turned the corner!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Immediately, everyone straightened, their expressions shifting to display respect. Li Yurong quickly took out the hair curlers, Tao Fangzheng looked even more solemn. It was too late; the vice-principal had no choice but to give up.<\/span><\/p>

Du Kang peered through the car window. Seeing dozens of eager eyes, he chuckled. \u201cSo many years have passed, but No. 1 High School is still the same,\u201d he said to his secretary.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cIndeed.\u201d The secretary also smiled. \u201cIt\u2019s the oldest high school in the municipality, and your alma mater, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Du Kang nodded. He recalled fondly, \u201cI still remember the names of the principal and my class teachers. They were excellent, always kind and taking their responsibilities to the students very seriously. They laid a solid foundation for the rest of my life.<\/span> However, they were later transferred to the provincial capital. I never saw them again, and I regret it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cThe evaluation of the current teachers is also excellent.\u201d Stepping out of the car, the secretary opened the door for him. “It\u2019s very considerate of you to take time out of your busy schedule to visit your alma mater.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Du Kang smiled, accepting the compliment, though his purpose was far from so simple.<\/span><\/p>

The museum delegation, the group of provincial leaders, and the antiques quietly left, leaving behind only the investigation team and the trembling municipal government. This was the biggest shame of his life; he hadn\u2019t been able to sleep well for days. Humiliation aside, he was worried how his superiors would judge the mess and whether his future would be affected.<\/span><\/p>

If Du Kang didn\u2019t want the see the worst outcome, he needed to take remedial actions as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>

He remembered the boy who Elder Fang rushed to save. The old man was furious for his sake, and the provincial leaders acted more efficiently than ever. They even made clear they wouldn\u2019t let the matter go.<\/span> Du Kang couldn\u2019t see through the young man, as if he was obstructed by a layer of fog\u2014his information clearly stated that Lin Jingzhe was born and bred in Liyun Town, and had barely turned eighteen. His parents divorced when he was still small, leaving him to be raised by his maternal grandfather. There was nothing out of the ordinary about him, yet he caused the whole Qunnan Province to fall in a state of turmoil.<\/span><\/p>

A few days earlier, he heard the news that the provincial government wanted to give an official commendation to the child who donated the antiques. He realized that he shouldn\u2019t delay any longer. How could he forget that the potentially life-saving means were actually right under his nose?<\/span><\/p>

The principal of No. 1 High School stepped forward, courteously shading Du Kang\u2019s head with an umbrella.<\/span><\/p>

Du Kang said with a smile, \u201cI\u2019m sorry to bother you on such a hot day, Principal Tao.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cNo, no! How could you bother us?\u201d Tao Fangzheng replied, trying to put a welcoming smile on his face. \u201cBoth the teachers and the students are truly honored that you have come to visit our school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

As he spoke, he waved the shy-looking Li Yurong forward. \u201cThis is the teacher of third grade\u2019s Class 1. She admires you very much, so she was really excited to hear you were coming!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Seeing Li Yurong, Du Kang\u2019s eyes flashed. He nodded and shook her hand, saying, \u201cYou\u2019re so young, yet you\u2019re already in charge of the special class, Teacher Li\u2014your teaching ability must be outstanding. Don\u2019t let anyone tell you that a woman must be worse than a man!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

He exchanged a few more pleasantries with them, but was actually getting impatient. As his gaze swept around the empty school grounds, he realized the students were in class.<\/span><\/p>

The other members of the inspection exited the cars. Du Kang stopped Tao Fangzheng, who wanted to introduce Li Yurong to them, and spoke with calm authority. \u201cPrincipal Tao, everyone is waiting. Let\u2019s stop with the small talk and hurry inside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

The last morning class was underway. Du Kang strolled through the whole school. Though he appeared impassive, he actually covertly scanned the faces of all the students he saw. When passing by Class 1\u2019s classroom, he slowed his steps and looked more carefully over the students but unfortunately, he couldn\u2019t find the face so deeply engraved in his memory.<\/span><\/p>

Was the information wrong? It clearly stated he went to Liyun No. 1 High School, he should be here!<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Du Kang was somewhat anxious, but none of it showed on his face. He only seemed to observe the students a bit more solemnly.<\/span><\/p>

Li Yurong saw that Du Kang passed the rest of the classrooms by yet stopped next to her own, and her joy was beyond words. Prompted by her meaningful glance, the principal stepped forward and said, \u201cThis is Teacher Li\u2019s class, third grade Class 1. All the children here have excellent academic performance and exemplary conduct\u2014they\u2019re the students we\u2019re most proud of.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Du Kang nodded absently. \u201cTeacher Li seems to guide them well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Li Yurong wanted to jump for joy. She had to bite her lower lip so she wouldn\u2019t laugh out loud.<\/span><\/p>

Du Kang glanced around, his gaze lingering on the other end of the corridor. Tao Fangzheng did not take him that way, on none of the three floors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

That part of the corridor was badly lit. It was so dark that it was hard to see clearly from the distance. Curious, he asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s over there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

It\u2019s Class 5! The worst students, useless trash! He can\u2019t see them!<\/span><\/em> Principal Tao\u2019s heart skipped a beat. He exchanged quick glances with Li Yurong, then smiled and replied, \u201cOh, the toilets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Tao Fangzheng had great plans. Class 5\u2019s students, especially those in the third grade\u2019s Class 5, were nothing more than a disgrace. Their grades were awful, and they even dared to boycott Li Yurong\u2019s English class. Who knew what they would they do in front of Secretary Du? The visit must go off without the slightest hitch\u2014there was no way he would let Class 5 make a mess of things.<\/span><\/p>

Du Kang didn\u2019t doubt his words. He nodded, and Tao Fangzheng promptly continued, \u201cClass is about to end. Should we go to my office for a cup of tea? The university admission recommendations list for the honor students is ready for your review. Why don’t you have lunch in the school cafeteria later? The dishes are healthy and nutritious, and you won\u2019t be disappointed by the taste either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Du Kang sighed silently, wondering why the situation didn\u2019t develop the way he wished. Faced with such arrangements, he could only nod.<\/span><\/p>

The school bell rang just as Tao Fangzheng finished speaking.<\/span><\/p>

He stood in front of Du Kang, protecting him from being jostled by the students leaving the classrooms. The inspection team had to wait several minutes for the crowd to disperse. When they finally could move on, Du Kang glimpsed something out of the corner of his eye. Startled, he turned toward the dark part of the corridor, only to see a teenager in an ordinary school uniform stepping out the door alongside his classmates.<\/span><\/p>

He didn\u2019t look any different than when they first met. His body was thin, his smooth black hair cut short, his face handsome but cold and expressionless. He had an aura that made him stand out from the other students.<\/span><\/p>

Lin Jingzhe!<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Du Kang stared at him, barely managing to keep his face calm. When he saw the teenager was about to leave, he snapped out of the daze and shouted, \u201cLin Jingzhe!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Hearing his name, Lin Jingzhe instinctively turned around. He seemed to recognize Du Kang as the frown on his forehead smoothed out.<\/span><\/p>

Seeing the man was accompanied by the whole school leadership, Lin Jingzhe only nodded, not wanting to disturb him.<\/span><\/p>

Du Kang gestured for the people in front of him to move aside, and deliberately walked over with a kind smile on his face.<\/span><\/p>

When he came near, he even held out his hand. \u201cIt\u2019s really you. We meet again, young man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Lin Jingzhe wasn\u2019t sure what the man wanted, but he also smiled and offered his hand. \u201cHello, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Du Kang took the pale, slender palm in both of his hands and shook it solemnly. The warmest, most sincere smile he\u2019d showed since passing through the gate of the school lit up his face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The school leaders and the inspection team members he abandoned stood at the corner of the corridor, utterly bewildered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Tao Fangzheng stared at Du Kang, whose amiable manner was completely different with the student than with him, and seriously wondered whether he was under so much pressure today that he was hallucinating.<\/span><\/p>

Shocked beyond words, he mechanically stepped forward, forcing his sluggish mind to start working again. Du Kang\u2019s secretary woke up and followed him.<\/span><\/p>

Du Kang called someone\u2019s name just now? It was\u2026 Who?<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Tao Fangzheng searched through his memory. A moment later, he remembered, and finally saw the young man\u2019s face clearly.<\/span><\/p>

In an instant, his legs turned to jelly, then tangled together. He fell to the ground with a heavy <\/span>thud<\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Translator: Eques<\/em>
Editor: Empress<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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