Chapter 354 - 156: The Indifferent Bystander (Part 2)

Chapter 354: Chapter 156: The Indifferent Bystander (Part 2)

Song Nanshan’s home wasn’t in the next city over, but somewhere much farther away.

This wasn’t a departure from which he could take a boat back to the island whenever he pleased.

They didn’t have an official class group chat, just ones the students had created privately. So, Ruoping made a new one on the spot, planning to re-add everyone later so they could all stay in touch. Beyond that, there wasn’t much more they could do. The four of them had Song’s contact information, be it QQ or his phone number, and they all promised to keep in touch often. Song smiled at Ruoping. "Next time you guys go fishing, remember to send your teacher a photo." He explained that there were no lakes in his hometown, so his hands would inevitably get itchy. This way, he could at least feast his eyes.

Then he encouraged Gu Qiuyan. "And Qiumian, if you go singing and have a great performance, remember to record it. Your teacher wants to post it on his social media and show off. When people ask who the little celebrity is, I’ll say, ’That’s my student.’ Pretty cool, right?"

But in reality, it wasn’t about feasting his eyes or showing off. He just felt an emptiness in his heart.

Of the six plates of mutton, they only ate two. Zhang Shutong sent back the remaining four before they even reached the table.

Perhaps the saddest part wasn’t having a farewell meal, but not even having the heart to finish it.

Other students were walking across campus. The news of Song’s return hadn’t fully spread yet. These students, formerly from his Class One but now reassigned to other classes, hadn’t heard he was back. Upon seeing Song, they all rushed over to ask about his health. Song would stop and patiently talk with them. As a crowd started to gather, Zhang Shutong finally suggested a compromise: they should all go to the library. It would be a quiet place to talk, and their teacher wouldn’t have to stand outside in the wind. As those students ran off to inform the others, Zhang Shutong and Song Nanshan started walking again.

"Take it slow. Some things can’t be rushed," Song advised him.

Zhang Shutong nodded in agreement, though he only half-understood the advice. Soon, they arrived at the library. There was a water dispenser in the corner. Zhang Shutong turned on the air conditioning, found some disposable paper cups, and filled one with hot water. He mixed one part boiling water with two parts cool water until the temperature was just right. The days of thoughtlessly filling a cup with scalding water were a thing of the past.

Gazing at the cup of warm water, Song remarked with a sigh:

"You know, even though I don’t have kids yet, I’ve heard the saying, ’A daughter is a warm little jacket, but a son is a drafty one.’ I think I finally understand what that means today."

Zhang Shutong asked what he meant. Song let out a sad hiccup. "You and Qingyi mean well, but do you two only know how to ply your teacher with water? I’m seriously about to throw up. Sit down, sit down. Let’s just talk. Stop running around."

It seemed the advice "drink more hot water" wasn’t just useless for girls, but for teachers as well.

Song said out of the blue:

"When I came in today, I first went to see Teacher Xu to get an update on you all."

Zhang Shutong had no idea what his beloved teacher was up to. ’Is he going to chew me out one last time before he leaves?’

Fortunately, Zhang Shutong had been studying diligently lately. He was just about to report his achievements when Song’s next sentence nearly made him choke:

"Are you and Qinglian in a relationship?"

"No."

Zhang Shutong suddenly regretted not adding more hot water to the cup. It would have cooled down by the time Song drank it anyway.

’Some things never change, and your gossipy heart is one of them,’ he thought. For the life of him, he couldn’t figure out why Song was being so sheepish about bringing it up.

"Shutong, you... you really shouldn’t have an antagonistic attitude toward Teacher Xu. She’s also just looking out for your best interests..."

Zhang Shutong didn’t know what to say. He sighed, about to explain, but then Song also sighed.

"Do you know who I’m most worried about now that I’m leaving?"

Zhang Shutong’s first instinct was to say Gu Qiuyan, but then he remembered that her social situation had changed. In Song’s eyes, she might not be the one to worry about anymore.

"Let’s start with your group. Ruoping seems boisterous, but she’s actually very sensitive. Don’t treat her like some thoughtless, rough-and-tumble girl; be mindful of her feelings. Qingyi has always been a kid with his own ideas, but he’s just too calm. He’s better at offering suggestions than being the one to make the final call. As for that kid Du Kang, there’s even less to worry about. I haven’t seen him with a single care in the world these past three years. Of course, when you all get together, you’re capable of getting into any kind of trouble. A good thing the three of them are willing to listen to you, which is why I’m really just giving you a few extra words of advice.

"As for Qiumian, you know about her family situation now. To put it bluntly, even knowing about it, there’s nothing we can do. We can’t help, and we shouldn’t make things worse. That doesn’t mean we should just ignore it, but Qiumian is actually a very strong girl. Don’t you go underestimating her, or you’ll learn your lesson the hard way."

Song paused for a moment.

"Actually, out of all the students, the one I’m most worried about is Qinglian. You might find that strange. Qinglian’s grades have always been number one, she never causes trouble, and she likes to be alone. What’s there to worry about with a personality like that? But it’s precisely because of that, that I can’t help but worry the most.

"I think I’ve mentioned this to you before. Although we’re all supposed to respect other people’s beliefs now, it’s not a long-term solution for her to just stay on the island. She can’t be a Temple Priestess forever, can she? She has high school and college ahead of her. To stay on this island forever would be a waste of her potential."

Song said, troubled:

"You see, she still has a pretty tough life. She doesn’t even have a bicycle; she walks to and from school every single day, rain or shine. And here, I’ll let you in on a little secret, but don’t tell anyone I told you—"