The class leader, ever bold, pressed her ear directly against the thick wooden door and whispered, "The principal seems to be arguing or debating with someone."
"Let’s just wait."
"Alright."
The two sat on the bench outside the office, but they didn’t have to wait long.
Click!
The lock turned, and a familiar figure stepped out of the principal’s office.
The frail figure barely filling out a formal suit was instantly recognizable. In the entire school, there was likely only one person who had utterly given up on physical training and instead buried themselves in books.
"Mr. Guo."
Both the class leader and Luo Di stood and addressed him in unison.
Mr. Guo adjusted his glasses, squinting slightly as if to see their faces more clearly. "Oh, students from Class 5… Wu Wen and Luo Di. I graded your test papers—95 and 86 points, respectively.
"Although your scores weren’t the highest, I could see personal ‘insight’ in your answers, rather than rigid, formulaic responses. Maintaining independent thinking is a good trait. Keep it up."
"Thank you, Mr. Guo," the class leader replied. Luo Di simply gave a slight nod.
Mr. Guo waved dismissively and entered the elevator, leaving the floor.
The two students stepped up to the office door and knocked. Upon seeing two vibrant students enter, the principal’s expression immediately softened, and he stepped forward to shake their hands.
The reason for calling them in was straightforward:
Luo Di, a high school student, had demonstrated a Cornerized Tool during an exam and used it with remarkable proficiency.
The school had promptly reviewed Luo Di’s records and found that during the winter break, both he and Wu Wen had assisted investigators in handling an Anomaly Event. Not only that, but they had received high praise in the Investigation Bureau’s files.
What was unusual, however, was that such commendable achievements were typically announced publicly. Yet their accomplishments had been quietly noted only in the back of their personal records.
Regardless, this was unprecedented for No. 4 High School.
Although there had been students who had assisted the Investigation Bureau before, it had only ever been through intelligence gathering—not direct encounters with anomalies or survival against Impersonators.
The principal granted the two students the highest privileges within the school, including but not limited to:
Full reimbursement of tuition fees and a social assistance bonus.
A personalized nutritional plan.
Waived expenses for all school-related costs.
Unlimited access to specialized equipment on campus.
In essence, the school would provide them with as many resources as possible. After all, based on their performance last night, they had significant potential for further improvement. If they continued to excel, they might even surpass the elite students of No. 1 High School, putting No. 4 High School in the spotlight.
Such recognition would boost the school’s reputation, societal standing, and even attract better teaching staff. As a bonus, the class teacher, Mr. Ruan Zhijun, had already received a salary increase due to their achievements.
"In short, if you two need anything during your last semester here, just let the school know. That’s all—head back to class. Your bonuses and refunds will be credited to your accounts today."
"Thank you, Principal," the class leader said as she prepared to leave. However, she noticed that Luo Di hadn’t moved.
"Principal, it sounded like you and Mr. Guo weren’t having a pleasant conversation earlier?"
This question nearly gave the class leader a heart attack. Who talks to the principal so bluntly? Yet the principal, being an easygoing person, didn’t seem to mind.
"Did you overhear? I was merely addressing some of Mr. Guo’s shortcomings in teaching.
"You know how critical this semester is for students. Although cultural studies have a relatively low weight, some students with weaker physical abilities rely on these subjects to pass their exams.
"But Mr. Guo likes to teach material he personally finds important, even if it doesn’t help improve scores much. While I acknowledge that this material has value, the priority now is boosting grades.
"And according to last semester’s student surveys, his rating was the lowest among teachers. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have brought it up."
"Will he be dismissed?" Luo Di pressed further.
"Not at all. Mr. Guo is very capable—he just needs to adjust his teaching methods.
"When he was a student, he was a lot like you two. His physical performance was poor, but his cultural studies consistently ranked first in the grade. He even published essays in city and national journals while still in high school.
"Before graduating, he received university invitations—he’s a genius in his field."
The principal’s explanation left Luo Di momentarily stunned, and even the class leader, who had been eager to leave, found herself intrigued.
But Luo Di’s next question was even more startling.
"If he’s so brilliant, why did he come back to teach at No. 4 High School?"
The class leader, hidden from view, tugged hard at Luo Di’s sleeve in alarm.
The principal’s face shifted but quickly returned to normal. "Ahem. Well, No. 4 High School did produce talents like you two, didn’t it?
"Given the current national climate, pursuing a career in cultural studies has always been a narrow path. Returning to one’s alma mater to teach is a common choice.
"By the way, he’s not your cultural studies teacher, is he?"
"No."
"Then that settles it. No more chatting—I have a lot of work to do. Go back to class now."
"Goodbye, Principal!" The class leader waved cheerfully and quickly pulled Luo Di out of the office.
As they walked back to the classroom, the class leader jogged ahead, turned on her toes, and walked backward to face Luo Di.
"You’ve changed. I remember when you were commended by the grade supervisor, you barely said a word and were always the first to leave.
"This time, you were actively talking to the principal! And your conversational skills were…"
"I was just curious about Mr. Guo."
Wu Wen made an exaggerated face of disgust. "Ew~ Isn’t our class teacher, Mr. Tan, good enough for you?"
Luo Di replied cryptically, "Class leader, you know what I mean."
She immediately grasped his implication.
"A Corner of Thought? That’s unlikely, right? This is No. 4 High School, one of the top schools in Jupiter City. Even cultural studies teachers here are well-paid and part of the state system.
"Besides, I visit the office often. While Mr. Guo doesn’t talk much and is often immersed in his books, he doesn’t seem to have issues with the other teachers. His teaching style has always been like this—some students like it, others don’t."
"It was just a fleeting thought," Luo Di admitted. "But from what the principal said, it seems there’s no issue."
"Relax! Even if your theory turns out to be true, we’re on school grounds. If something happens, the PE teachers will be the first to shield the students and deal with any Impersonators."
"Alright, let’s get you to the school infirmary."
[School Infirmary]
Located midway through the teaching building, the infirmary was about the size of six classrooms and spanned two floors.
At least three resident or senior-level doctors were present at all times, ready to treat students.
Equipped with advanced and expensive medical equipment, the infirmary ensured immediate treatment for any injuries sustained during PE class, minimized the risk of long-term damage, and provided comprehensive monthly psychological evaluations.
"You’re injured again? Was it because of last night’s assessment? Why are you only coming in now?"
A middle-aged female doctor with brown hair in a tight bun and a stern face immediately locked her gaze on Luo Di, clearly familiar with him.
The class leader quickly stepped in to explain, "No, Dr. Hu… Luo Di felt a sudden bout of dizziness while going upstairs. If I hadn’t been there, he might have fallen and hit his head."
Dr. Hu was the most senior doctor at No. 4 High School and also the head of the infirmary. It just so happened to be her turn to oversee the clinic today.
"Sit down."
She took Luo Di’s pulse first and then conducted a series of checks with various instruments.
"Dr. Hu, how is he?" The class leader seemed more anxious than Luo Di.
"Everything’s fine—perfectly fine. Do you remember how, before senior year, you always came in alone for monthly checkups? You were often mildly malnourished, and I had to prescribe a ton of Vitamin C for you.
"Now, though, things are much better. At least with my expertise, I can’t find any physical issues at all.
"It’s probably related to overexertion from last night’s fitness test. I suggest you take half a day off, go home, and get some proper sleep. You’ll be fine after that."
"Thank you."
As Luo Di stood to leave, Dr. Hu added,
"Your eyes look brighter than they used to. Back then, every time I saw you, you looked lifeless. Now, at least, you resemble a high school student.
"Since your health has improved—and you’re no longer alone—make sure you cherish what you have."
Luo Di didn’t respond directly but gave a slight nod before heading for the exit.
The class leader, however, turned back and bowed politely. "Thank you, Dr. Hu!"
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