The next morning, Lin Jiang arrived at the classroom early for morning self-study.
She peeled off the slightly yellowed sticker on the corner of her desk that read "Stay true to your original intention, and you will achieve your goal," and replaced it with a new one: "If one can avoid the rush of intense joy, naturally no wave of sorrow will follow."
She told herself to keep her heart as still as water.
As it turned out, her peace didn't even last the morning before He Lai brought an explosive piece of news.
"What? Zhao Siyi is really going abroad?" Li Na’s face was a mask of shock.
Lin Jiang felt a jolt as well.
She remembered the dim yellow light in the stairwell that night. After she had left, there must have been stories echoing in that hallway—words Zhao Siyi had meant only for Jiang Weifeng’s ears.
Perhaps it was an apology, perhaps a goodbye; Lin Jiang would likely never know.
Thinking of this, a silent lump formed in her throat. Her mind drifted for a moment before being pulled back to the conversation.
"A former classmate of mine from sophomore year is in Zhao Siyi’s class. The news is absolutely certain. Her mother came to school this morning and packed up all her things," He Lai said firmly.
"No way!" Li Na’s face crumpled. "I was waiting to see Zhao Siyi go head-to-head with Cheng Yunchuan."
"Don't bother. From what I saw, Jiang Weifeng made a clean break with her," He Lai said.
"Sigh, doesn't that just play right into Cheng Yunchuan's hands?" Li Na lamented.
He Lai shook her head. "I don't know about that. Jiang Weifeng seems pretty indifferent to her, too."
Li Na adopted an air of profound wisdom. "Ah, you don't understand. Haven't you seen it on TV? The male lead usually hates the female lead at first, but later he falls head over heels. That’s exactly how it was with Murong Yunhai and Chu Yuquan."
"..."
The two continued their discussion.
Lin Jiang stared blankly at the new note she had just placed on her desk.
The news of Zhao Siyi going abroad caused a stir within their small circle, with some claiming she was heartbroken. However, such rumors were quickly drowned out by the mountain of practice problems. No one had the time to care for long.
Senior year was, after all, senior year. Every second counted. Just like the new slogan hanging above the blackboard—"As long as you aren't dead from studying, study until you die"—everyone’s focus remained firmly on their books.
Lin Jiang was no exception.
She lived a "copy-paste" existence: the head teacher still liked to peek through the back door, the English teacher still loved cold-calling students, the Chinese teacher always conducted surprise recitations, and the biology teacher’s favorite phrase remained, "Logically, your middle school teacher should have covered this."
During her broadcasting lesson, Teacher Cheng told her that she hoped Lin Jiang could find a sense of confidence—that she shouldn't just chase the light, but become the light herself.
She felt encouraged hearing this, yet she often lost herself in the crowds after school, feeling incredibly small.
Teacher Cheng asked her, "What is your purpose in studying broadcasting?"
Lin Jiang replied, "I like it."
Teacher Cheng said, "Liking it isn't enough. You need ambition."
Lin Jiang didn't understand.
Teacher Cheng explained, "Liking something without ambition isn't true passion. It’s like if you love a movie and see someone maliciously giving it a low rating—you’d feel angry. Or, if you like someone, you naturally want to be with them. Seeing them be good to others, or others being good to them, makes you feel sad. Broadcasting is like that; many things are like that."
The first person Lin Jiang thought of after hearing this was, unexpectedly, Jiang Weifeng. It was a moment of sudden enlightenment; she finally understood the source of her unhappiness.
She had the passion, and she had the ambition. But her passion couldn't be voiced, and her ambition was difficult to achieve.
Teacher Cheng asked again, "Have you decided where you want to apply?"
Lin Jiang said, "Z-Comm."
Teacher Cheng smiled upon hearing this. "One of the top three universities in the country. You do have ambition. But when do you plan to take your leave of absence from school?"
Lin Jiang didn't know how to answer.
Teacher Cheng helped her analyze the situation. "You can cram for your academic subjects after the art exams are over. The provincial unified exams are in December. If you don't focus on your professional training now, will you be able to make it?"
Lin Jiang thought for a moment and said, "I plan to stop coming to school after the midterms to focus entirely on the art exams."
Teacher Cheng finally looked relieved. She nodded and said, "I’m bringing someone to meet you during the afternoon session."
Lin Jiang had imagined this person might be an expert who could give her some pointers, but when she actually saw the woman, her jaw dropped in surprise.
"Teacher Zheng?" Lin Jiang stood there like a wooden statue.
"Oh? It's you?" After the woman recognized Lin Jiang’s face, she froze in pleasant surprise.
Teacher Cheng was even more stunned. She asked blankly, "Zheng Ping, you know Lin Jiang?"
Zheng Ping’s face was full of surprise and smiles. She spoke to Teacher Cheng, but her eyes never left Lin Jiang’s face. "There was an issue at Weifeng’s school a while back and I went over. We met once then."
Seeing Zheng Ping dressed in a sharp white suit, looking poised and elegant yet with such gentle eyes, Lin Jiang felt an inexplicable warmth. She smiled back. "I recognized you at the school that time, Teacher Zheng, but unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to say hello."
Zheng Ping patted her shoulder. "Good girl. I haven't even thanked you for what happened last time."
Lin Jiang pursed her lips, smiling shyly.
Teacher Cheng hurried to interrupt them. "Don't just spend all your time reminiscing. Since you already know each other, that’s perfect. Lin Jiang, let Teacher Zheng give you some guidance."
"Teacher Zheng, I’m so happy you can mentor me. I’ve loved watching you anchor the news since I was a child," Lin Jiang said politely.
"Well, I should thank you then. After all, very few people actually enjoy watching the news," Zheng Ping said, putting down her bag with a graceful smile. "Let’s start with news broadcasting. I’ve picked out a piece about the Wenchuan earthquake for you. Let me hear you read it."
Lin Jiang didn't dare let her mind wander further. She quickly prepared the script and began her delivery.
When the segment ended, she looked at Zheng Ping, whose expression had turned entirely professional and serious.
"Your articulation is good, but there’s a slight issue with your vocal projection—the sound doesn't quite come out fully. Fortunately, it’s not a major problem. With diligent practice, it can be corrected."
Zheng Ping paused, meeting Lin Jiang’s eyes. "But there is one more thing. You were a bit too emotional during the broadcast. While emotional investment is necessary in news anchoring, more isn't always better. After all, the purpose of news is to reflect facts objectively. Your emotional input must be moderate and controlled—it should be heartfelt, but you must maintain a sense of professional distance."
Lin Jiang listened humbly, committing every word to heart.
Next, Zheng Ping had her read another news piece. This time, Lin Jiang’s control was much better.
Afterward, Zheng Ping observed Lin Jiang’s impromptu commentary and simulated hosting, offering sharp, insightful critiques for each.
Lin Jiang benefited immensely. When the session ended, she didn't forget to express her gratitude. "Thank you for your guidance, Teacher Zheng."
Zheng Ping seemed to have taken a real liking to Lin Jiang. She said, "Why don't you add me on QQ? If you have any questions about broadcasting in the future, you can ask me anytime."
Lin Jiang was naturally overwhelmed by the favor. She quickly pulled out her phone. "That would be wonderful, Teacher Zheng. Let me add you."
Zheng Ping recited a string of numbers. Lin Jiang entered them into the search bar, and Zheng Ping’s phone immediately chimed with a notification. Zheng Ping asked, "I got it. Is the name '38.6°C'?"
Lin Jiang’s eyelid twitched. She let out a delayed "Huh?"
Zheng Ping asked again, "Is it 38.6°C? That’s an interesting name."
Only then did Lin Jiang look at her phone. She had logged into her alt account the night before and had rushed to class this morning, completely forgetting to switch back.
Lin Jiang forced herself to answer, "Yes."
Zheng Ping clicked 'Accept' and said, "Alright, feel free to ask me anything. Also, pay attention to your on-camera presence, makeup, and posture. You should practice more in front of a mirror at home after school."
Lin Jiang nodded and promised to remember everything.
After seeing Zheng Ping off, Lin Jiang hurriedly switched her QQ accounts. As soon as she logged in, a message from Wang Jiaqian popped up: *It’s Gu Xiang’s birthday today. We’re at the KTV right now. Do you want to come over?*
Lin Jiang was about to reply "No."
Then Wang Jiaqian sent another: *Jiang Weifeng and the others are here. That Cheng Yunchuan girl followed them too. You might see some drama if you come.*
Half an hour later, in a large private room on the fourth floor of Starlight KTV, Lin Jiang was hit by a wall of noise the moment she entered.
However, the first thing she saw was Jiang Weifeng and Cheng Yunchuan sitting on the innermost sofa. There was no interaction between them; the boy sat there with a lazy air.
Wang Jiaqian was the first to spot Lin Jiang. She quickly pulled her over to sit and gave her a meaningful look. "See? Miss Cheng has guts. She follows him everywhere. Who could stand that?"
The music was so loud that Lin Jiang had to strain to hear her. She asked, feigning composure, "Who brought her?"
Wang Jiaqian glanced around at the people nearby and whispered in her ear, "Not sure. One of Jiang Weifeng’s classmates, I think. This girl is smart; she knows to start with the friends and break them down one by one."
Lin Jiang gave a quiet "Oh." Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at the person on the sofa. As if sensing her gaze, he suddenly looked up at her. His eyes were startlingly bright in the dim light. For a moment, Lin Jiang was transfixed, forgetting to look away.
Then the music stopped.
Next, Wang Jiaqian and Gu Xiang sang a duet of "Dimples."
Lin Jiang sat to the side, sipping her Coke. She overheard Cheng Yunchuan say, "I’ll sing a song for you in a bit, okay?"
There was no response.
Finally, "Dimples" ended.
Cheng Yunchuan took the microphone. The moment the intro to her chosen song began, Lin Jiang’s heart gave a violent thud.
Shitou, sitting nearby, recognized it too. He asked, "Isn't this the song that person who has a crush on you requested? What was it called again?"
Wang Jiaqian’s ears were sharp. Catching a keyword, she pushed past several people to sit next to Jiang Weifeng. "If you’re talking about song requests, you should ask Lin Jiang. She’s part of your school’s radio station."
Shitou got excited. "Right! I forgot if you hadn't reminded me. I wanted to ask the last two times I ran into Lin Jiang." He turned to her. "What’s this song called?"
Lin Jiang glanced at Jiang Weifeng. He was leaning back on the sofa, looking at her with an unreadable expression, waiting for her answer. With a voice lacking any confidence, she whispered the title: "Lonely Heart."
Shitou’s interest was piqued. He raised his voice and asked, "Hey, then do you know who 38.6°C is?"
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
Z传 (Z-Chuan) | Z-Comm | Short for a prestigious communication/broadcasting university.
艺考 | Art Exams | Specialized entrance exams for arts majors (broadcasting, acting, etc.) in China.
省统考 | Provincial Unified Exam | A standardized provincial test for art students.
口条 | Articulation / Diction | Literally "tongue strip"; refers to the clarity and flexibility of speech in broadcasting.
38.6℃ | 38.6°C | A romantic trope; the supposed body temperature when two people fall in love.
《孤单心事》 | "Lonely Heart" | A song by Blue J (Lan Youruo), often associated with unrequited love.
慕容云海 / 楚雨荨 | Murong Yunhai / Chu Yuquan | Lead characters from the popular Chinese drama "Meteor Shower."
