Chapter 178

Chapter 178

◎Leap◎

By late August, after the senior high school students had already been in class for more than half a month, the freshmen and sophomores also began to register and report.

Sophomores were split into arts and sciences tracks, with more students choosing science than arts. There were originally seventeen classes, with the first ten being science classes and the eleventh to seventeenth being arts classes.

Class assignments were randomized. The school’s academic standards were fairly consistent, and they didn’t create any elite classes to pressure the students. Therefore, each class had a few original classmates, and in the absence of familiarity with others, naturally, they grouped together with those they knew.

Many couldn’t resist sneaking curious glances at Ji Nanxing, the top student in the grade, who was also good-looking, like a manga heartthrob. When they weren’t in the same class before, they could only sneak a peek as they passed by his class. Now that they were in the same class, seeing him up close made him seem even more handsome.

As for Xiao Ye sitting next to him, new classmates were more wary than curious.

Someone whispered to their friend, "I heard that Xiao Ye is very domineering. Everyone in his previous class was afraid of him. When he spoke, everyone listened."

Another chimed in, "I even saw people from his class often sucking up to Xiao Ye. That senior who fought with him before was reduced to being his lackey."

The few who were discussing in hushed tones let out a soft gasp and averted their eyes, seeing Xiao Ye flexing his biceps, which looked like they could kill someone with a single punch. They quickly looked away, afraid that if they annoyed him, his fist might come flying at their faces.

A boy named Liang Qiao, sitting behind them, also glanced back, pursing his lips, his eyes betraying hesitation and conflict.

The usual back-row window-seat crowd still chose their familiar seats. Ji Nanxing sat by the window, Xiao Ye sat next to him, and Zhang Yuan sat behind them. However, his previous deskmate, Guo Can, who also chose science, wasn’t assigned to Class 1, so for now, he was without a deskmate, leaving the seat beside him vacant.

Zhang Yuan was pinching Xiao Ye’s arm muscles, "Are you aiming for bodybuilder status?"

Xiao Ye showed off the results of his summer training and then relaxed the tension in his arm, "Muscle development is partly genetic. It’s tough to bulk up that much."

Anyway, with normal exercise, without any special methods like drinking protein powder to bulk up, it’s impossible to reach that level.

Xiao Ye felt he was doing just fine now—not over the top, but strong enough for a guy. Lifting Ji Naonao with one arm was more than enough. Overly exaggerated muscles aren’t actually that good-looking.

Xiao Ye looked at Zhang Yuan, who seemed to have gotten a bit paler over the summer, "I couldn’t even get you to come out. Were you holed up at home like you were on house arrest? How did you get even paler?"

Zhang Yuan rolled his eyes at him, "I already told you I was interning."

Xiao Ye, "Where? Did you shadow your dad as a patrol officer?"

Ji Nanxing twitched his nose and smiled, "Did you deal with corpses?"

Zhang Yuan was surprised, "How did you know? Did you figure it out?"

Ji Nanxing shook his head, "I caught a whiff. It’s faint, but you’ve got the stench of death on you."

Zhang Yuan instinctively lowered his head to smell himself, and even Xiao Ye tugged at his clothes to sniff, "I don’t smell anything. I only smell laundry detergent."

Ji Nanxing, "Most people can’t detect it. Taoists are attuned to the presence of death, so we can sense it."

Zhang Yuan breathed a sigh of relief, "I thought I actually reeked."

Xiao Ye, "So what exactly were you doing?"

Zhang Yuan, "Interning in the forensics lab. At first, it was just running errands and doing miscellaneous tasks, recording unimportant case details. Since they didn’t pay me, they treated me like free labor. Later, the person guiding me saw that I was brave and not afraid of corpses, so they took me in to learn how to do recordings."

So, although he hadn’t actually touched any corpses—after all, the deceased’s remains wouldn’t want to be casually handled by just anyone—this stint was still pretty rewarding. At least he learned a lot of real stuff and gained a more systematic understanding of forensic identification.

Xiao Ye gave him a thumbs up, "Impressive!"

Zhang Yuan, "What about you guys? What did you do during the holiday? Did you encounter any particularly interesting cases?"

Xiao Ye said, "There weren't any particularly notable cases. It was just the Ghost Month in August when the Ghost Gate opens, so there were more minor disputes. We encountered a few who refused to leave, so we had to send them away forcefully."

There was also the ceremony of the Ghost Gate, which was quite grand, involving both Buddhism and Daoism. Naturally, he followed Ji Nanxing to the Daoist side, where there was a large-scale blessing and soul-sending ceremony. Several Taoist priests, wearing intricately patterned robes, performed the rituals.

In the past, he would have treated those scenes as entertainment, but now knowing that spirits truly exist, watching the rituals filled him with reverence. Moreover, after each ceremony, he could genuinely feel the environment becoming clearer and fresher.

The only regret was that it seemed none of his ancestors came up this time. Previously, Naonao had said that if anyone from his family came up, he would open his third eye to see them.

Unfortunately, he didn't see any relatives.

But he heard that his grandfather dreamed of his grandmother again, indicating that the offerings burned down could still reach them, and they could communicate through dreams.

That's fine too. Although he didn't see them himself, it's some consolation that his grandfather could dream of his grandmother.

Before the classmates could continue chattering, the homeroom teacher of Class One walked in from outside.

The person stood on the podium and tapped it, saying, "Quiet!"

The teacher's authority was still quite intimidating, and the noisy crowd immediately quieted down. The teacher then turned to write his name on the blackboard and said, "My surname is Mao. I will be your homeroom teacher for the next two years. Some of you know me, some don't. Let's get to know each other again. My requirements for you are not high—just be safe and healthy. The books are for your own reading. If you don't care about your own future, no amount of prodding from others will help."

"Two years, it's not long, but it's not short either. I never expect you to study rigidly. The future isn't just about the college entrance exam, but if you haven't found the path you want to take, then the only path now is the college entrance exam. I welcome you to chase your dreams. It's simple. If you like playing games, as long as you make it into the esports scene, you can play however you want. If you like reading novels, if you can write and publish one, I'll let you read whatever you want. And for those who like chasing stars, as long as you can do it without relying on your family's money, I won't interfere if you make it big. But if you don't have the ability to be at the top of any circle, then study hard!"

Mao Yulong looked around the class and, after a moment of silence, continued, "You've probably heard enough of those well-meaning words, so I won't waste time. There are 360 professions, and each has its top achiever. If you can't be that achiever, then keep your tails tucked! To gauge your real level and get you accustomed to the exam system, there will be a monthly exam from now on. Every month, I will have a heart-to-heart with the last-placed student in our class."

At this, the class groaned, especially those at the lower end. It's not easy to climb up, but it's all too easy to end up last. If it gets worse and parents need to be called, just thinking about it is despairing.

While the teacher was wrapping up the class on the podium, Xiao Ye leaned towards Ji Nanxing and whispered, "Where do you want to go after school?"

He could check if there's any good food where Ji Naonao wants to go. They can leave by around ten at the latest. Today is just registration and book distribution, not the official start of school. School starts on Monday, so they still have two days to have fun.

Ji Nanxing said, "To the hospital, to deliver something."

Xiao Ye nodded, not asking who or what, and immediately took out his phone to search for a place to have lunch.

As for the teacher's threat of monthly heart-to-hearts with the last-placed student, it didn't scare him. No matter what, he wouldn't be last. At the end of last semester, his grades were already in the top thirty of the grade.

Although he was dozens of people away from Ji Naonao, there are still two years left. No rush. He's not brainless, just not focused. To get into the same university as Ji Naonao, he must focus these two years.

When the teacher finally finished wrapping up and started the big cleaning, Chen Shiyi ran over from the next class, "Nan Xing!"

Ji Nanxing smiled at him, "Which class are you in?"

Chen Shiyi pointed next door, "Class Eleven, right next to yours."

There aren't many students in their school, so there are fewer classes. Unlike some schools with twenty or thirty classes per grade, it's said they used to have that many, but with fewer children in each family and fewer students, many schools can't even gather ten classes per grade.

Their sophomore year is on the third floor, with Science Class One and Arts Class Eleven right at the staircase entrance, facing each other closely.

Chen Shiyi, Jiang Tangtang, and Lin Yi are in the same class. Xiao Xiao went for science and is in Science Class Two, not too far, but definitely not as close as when they were in the same class.

Chen Shiyi sighed, "It's my fault for being weak in science, otherwise I could have pushed for science and stayed in the same class as you."

Jiang Tangtang and Lin Yi walked over arm in arm, "What, being in the same class as us is a disgrace?"

Chen Shiyi forced a smile with a dimple, "Dare I, dare I. It's my honor to be in the same class as two princesses!"

Jiang Tangtang snorted and looked at the academic god she hadn't seen for most of the summer, "Want to have lunch together? It's been a long time since we ate together! I worked during the summer, earned some money, my treat!"

Zhang Yuan laughed unceremoniously, "Not to belittle you, but is the money you earned in a month enough for one meal for us?"

Jiang Tangtang retorted, "What do you mean it's not enough? I’ll just whip up a bowl of Lanzhou ramen for you. You should be happy you’re getting anything to eat."

Ji Nanxing said, "We’ve got stuff to do later, so we won't be joining you for lunch."

Since the academic god wasn’t coming, Xiao Ye definitely wouldn’t tag along either, so Jiang Tangtang didn’t even glance in his direction, turning instead to Zhang Yuan and Chen Shiyi.

Chen Shiyi shook his head, "I’ve got to mind the store at home."

Zhang Yuan, unapologetically, said, "Give yourself a bit more time to save up. Even if it’s Lanzhou ramen, you’ll need enough cash to get me double beef."

Jiang Tangtang scoffed, "I’ll just serve you a bowl of plain noodles."

By the time Ji Nanxing arrived at the hospital, it was almost eleven. He waited by the curb for a bit before seeing Song Yitan step off the bus, holding a lunchbox.

He gave her a once-over, waiting until she was about to pass by before calling out, "Song Yitan."

Hearing her name, Song Yitan turned and saw two incredibly good-looking guys under the shade of a tree, looking puzzled, "Me?"

Ji Nanxing nodded, stepping forward, "Someone sent me to give you something."

Song Yitan, even more confused, asked, "Who? What is it?"

Ji Nanxing handed her two small Peace Talismans, "Peace Talismans. She said, ‘the basement, dancing,’ and you’d figure out who she is."

Song Yitan paused, then her eyes widened in realization, "Her? You… No, that’s impossible, she’s not…"

She wanted to say, isn’t she a ghost? How could she have someone bring you Peace Talismans? Was it through a dream?

Ji Nanxing, seeing her astonishment and confusion, smiled, "I’m a Taoist—I can see ghosts."

She stood there, mouth agape in surprise for a moment. But then again, she herself was sensitive and had indeed felt the presence of ghosts before. So, a Taoist who could see ghosts wasn’t that shocking after all.

Song Yitan took the Peace Talismans, her feelings mixed, but she still smiled, "Thank you. Could you let her know I might not be dancing in the basement anymore, and ask her not to wait for me?"

Ji Nanxing nodded, "Sure."

Song Yitan rubbed the talismans in her palm, then added, "And could you also tell her, thank you for her companionship during that time. Can I know her name?"

Ji Nanxing replied, "Her name is Xie Paner. She said one talisman is for your grandmother, and one is for you. She hopes you can find what you truly love and not easily give up due to outside influences."

Song Yitan pressed her lips together, saying nothing more, just thanked him again.

After Song Yitan left, Xiao Ye sighed softly, "Xie Paner won’t have her little companion anymore."

Ji Nanxing looked up at the bright sun. Summer break was over, and summer was winding down.

Song Yitan's grandmother had already been discharged from the ICU. Fortunately, she was rushed to the hospital in time and saved. But as people age, a serious illness can cause a decline in bodily functions. Once elderly diseases strike, they never fully recover, and one must avoid overexertion and stress.

Song Yicheng decided to hire a nanny for his grandparents, who would do little more than clean and cook for the elderly couple.

He also gave Song Yitan some money, "I'll definitely arrange your leave of absence. Think about where you’d like to go to unwind, or even consider going abroad for a short-term study program to broaden your horizons. As for home, I’m here."

Song Yitan looked at her brother and asked, "Brother, when you left home before, what were you thinking?"

Song Yicheng smiled, "I just wanted my future to be on my own terms. Yitan, we’re not without options. I had our grandparents before, and now you have me."

That's what he said, but reality is never that simple.

Especially when Song Heming found her.

This time, Song Heming was not furious. His calm demeanor even revealed a resolute determination beneath the surface: "Come with me, go back to school properly, and don’t think about taking a leave of absence. This isn’t a warning; it’s a final decision. Your grandmother is still in the hospital. If you want to cause chaos at home, if you want to anger your grandmother to death, then go ahead and make a scene."

Song Yitan clenched her fists tightly, struggling with difficulty: "I don’t want to dance anymore. I can’t do it. I can’t go on stage..."

Before she could finish, Song Heming slapped her, cutting her off.

The slap was merciless, leaving Song Yitan’s ears ringing and her cheek instantly swollen.

But no matter how harsh the slap was, it couldn’t compare to the meaning behind Song Heming’s words.

Either obediently return and continue being the puppet in his palm, or he would make sure no one in the family had peace.

Song Heming looked at her: "As my daughter, you don’t have the luxury of choice!"

Song Yitan was forcibly taken back. She could have resisted, but what would have followed? Making a scene, escalating the situation—what would be the result? Others would blame Song Heming, sympathize with her, and some might even criticize her for not understanding.

After investing so much in her, they ended up with an ungrateful daughter?

If the entire extended family and neighbors found out about her family’s troubles, it would anger her grandparents, force her brother to completely turn against the family, and even lead her mother to scold her for not being obedient or sensible.

How could she possibly make a scene? What options did she have? Running away and severing all ties with the family completely—what would happen to her grandparents? If someone like Song Heming decided to act recklessly and do something drastic, what would become of their family?

As soon as she stepped back into that suffocating home, where even standing inside made her feel dizzy, Song Yitan felt like even breathing took all her energy.

When Xie Paner went to look for Song Yitan that evening, she couldn’t find her. She wasn’t at the hospital, nor at home. Standing on the roadside in confusion, Xie Paner thought, "This can’t be happening," but she still ran to Song Yitan’s parents’ house, only to find Song Yitan sitting on the bed in her bedroom.

Xie Paner rushed over: "Yitan, how did they bring you back? What do we do now? Don’t worry, I’ll figure out a way to get you out!"

Xie Paner went to check on her parents—one was doing household chores, the other was sitting on the sofa watching TV, but the atmosphere was palpably heavy, a stark contrast to the cheerful music blaring from the TV.

Xie Paner dashed back to Song Yitan’s room, reaching out to touch her, wanting to let her know she was there.

But Song Yitan remained unresponsive, sitting there in a daze, numb and seemingly detached.

After a moment’s thought, Xie Paner decided to seek out the Young Celestial Master. Even though Song Yitan was alive, if this continued, things would surely take a turn for the worse.

Just as she was about to leave, Song Yitan’s mother entered the room, carrying a fruit plate. She placed the plate on the table and ruffled her daughter’s hair: "Mom knows you’re struggling, but you still have to go to school, Yitan. Once you’re in college, you’ll have control over your own life. Your father’s getting older; he won’t be able to dictate your life forever."

Song Yitan looked at her mother: "I don’t even have a choice in my life now, let alone in the future. Do you know what Dad said to me today? He said Grandma is seriously ill and still in the hospital, and she can’t take any more stress. He asked me if I still wanted to make a scene, if I didn’t care about their lives."

Song’s mother stayed silent for a moment, wordlessly pushing the fruit plate toward her: "Have something to eat. You haven’t had dinner yet."

Song Yitan laughed. She suddenly felt an overwhelming exhaustion with life. This fatigue had been building for a long, long time. Sometimes she would sit in the dance studio all day, but time seemed to have ceased to exist for her. Other times, she would just zone out for a moment, and the whole day would pass.

The stage terrified her, even made her resistant. She could only escape to that empty basement, where she could dance freely, away from all eyes.

She had struggled so hard to cope with her emotions, but some things were beyond her control.

Just like some people can easily control their emotions, while others are quick to flare up.

Some can effortlessly leave their families and escape suffering, while others, knowing they are being exploited and drained, can only struggle forward, unable to leave.

Song Yitan knew something was wrong with her. She tried so hard to pull herself out of the emotional quagmire, but while someone reached out to help her, the force dragging her down was even stronger.

After her mother left, Song Yitan sat in silence for a moment, then went to her desk, unfolded a blank sheet of paper, and wrote the words "suicide note."

Maybe she was fragile, maybe she was timid and weak, but she was utterly exhausted, too tired to even take another step. She was so drained that, even though her brother had promised her a future with him, she couldn’t muster the strength to move forward.

Xie Paner froze, staring at what she had written. Suddenly, she understood why she liked Song Yitan so much, why she so desperately hoped for Song Yitan to have a bright future.

Because that was her former self—only back then, no one had reached out to pull her up. And now, Song Yitan, crushed by a suffocating life for over a decade, had lost even the last bit of strength to resist as her grandmother fell ill.

Placing the letter on the table, Xie Paner anxiously tried to stop her: "No, don’t do anything foolish, Yitan. There’s hope as long as you’re alive. You still have your grandparents, you still have your brother. You’re far luckier than I ever was. At least someone loves you."

But Song Yitan didn’t hear her. She walked out of the room and looked at her parents in the living room. Her mother sprang to her feet: "Yitan, what’s wrong? Are you hungry? Let me make you something to eat, okay?"

Song Yitan looked at Song Heming: "All you want is a mindless puppet. You’ve never treated me as your daughter."

Song Heming’s face turned cold: "Are you starting trouble again?"

Song Yitan smiled: "Don’t worry, I’ll never cause trouble for you again."

Song Heming then said, "That’s just fine. If you behave, I can give you anything you want. But if you don’t, I’ll break your legs before I let you leave!"

Song Yitan’s mother shot her husband a reproachful glance but didn’t dare say more. The household had finally settled down, and she didn’t want any more arguments.

Both of them were furious now. She thought that once Yitan went to school, she would be free. It was only a few days away. Just hang on, and it’ll be over. Song Heming was getting older anyway. How much longer could he control her?

But Song Yitan smiled and walked toward the balcony. Their balcony was open, and the railing glass only reached chest height. For someone who danced, lifting a leg would easily take her over.

Her mother panicked at the sight of her actions: "Yitan, what are you doing!"

Song Yitan looked at her: "This is all on you! Why did you give birth to me if you don’t love me? You only love him! You drove my brother away. I thought at least I loved dancing, that if I danced well, this family would be fine. But him? He’s always criticizing, never satisfied no matter what I do. I can never meet your expectations. When you demand emotions and returns from me, who ever asked me? Asked me if I was happy, if I was content, what I wanted!"

Song Heming was furious: "Fine, fine! Now you’ve learned to threaten people with suicide, huh? You think I’ll back down? Go ahead and jump if you dare! See if I care!"

Her mother lunged forward and shoved Song Heming aside: "Shut up! Just shut up! Yitan, don’t listen to him. Come down. Whatever you want, I’ll agree to it. If you want to take a break from school, I’ll agree. No one will force you to do anything anymore. Come down, okay? I’m begging you."

Song Yitan laughed: "Threat? Only something useful can be called a threat. If there’s a next life, I’d rather not be human than be your daughter again."

Without a second thought, Song Yitan jumped off the balcony.