Chapter 3, My Friends Are Few

Xia Ran sat very naturally in his seat, facing the female teacher across from him. He was not someone who was accustomed to communicating with teachers, but at this moment, he certainly would not be intimidated.

Teacher Hiratsuka sighed deeply once again while pressing his forehead. "I never had any expectations of you in this regard, to begin with."

Xia Ran nodded in agreement, feeling that the sensation of being completely relaxed after seemingly recovering from a severe cold was truly wonderful. Therefore, he did not mind sharing his joy with Teacher Pingzhong.

"In any case, that's how it is. I think what the doctor said makes a lot of sense..." Teacher Pingzhong continued to speak to himself, "Engage in more activities, participate in some social interactions, being more optimistic will be greatly beneficial for you. I find it necessary to urge you on this matter."

Therefore, after believing that Xia Ran's condition had improved enough for further activities, this female teacher also felt it was necessary to allow him to engage in a normal person's life... ? ... By the way, what is meant by a normal person's life? Was he not a normal person before?

This is because it has not yet been a month since the start of the school term. Xia Ran raised her eyebrows and could not help but interject a remark.

... ...

This is truly the best news, teacher. I am very pleased to see such developments

Is it because I did not complete the previous Chinese assignment

If one were to say who is the most familiar and closest to Xia Ran in this unfamiliar school, it would be this beautiful teacher, who is like an older sister. For nearly an entire year prior, he had not come to school much, and it was this Teacher Pingzhong who had been concerned about him.

As long as he continues to maintain his unreasonable image as a monster academic who does not study yet can dominate the entire server, then everything is negotiable

Ah... the word "before" is indeed well said, when have you ever completed it

"Hahaha, Classmate Xia Ran, you must be overthinking it. How could there possibly be such a thing as a narrator in this world?" Teacher Pingzhong's forehead immediately broke out in a cold sweat, and he nervously laughed.

As for the present, it entirely depends on his self-awareness. Privilege is ubiquitous, even within the ivory tower of the campus. However, it is not as realistic as society, which emphasizes money, connections, and status; rather, it is based on academic performance.

However, this is the other party's habit or preference, and he does not feel that he has any qualification to question it

There is absolutely no need for this; it is not as if one is mentally ill, and there is a certain sense of ritual that is emphasized in learning.

Such a gaze is quite impolite! Xia Ran, feeling very uncomfortable, averted her eyes, trying her best not to meet the other person's gaze

I understand this; if you continue to be as sickly as before, I certainly cannot allow you to participate in any club activities

... ...

Classmate Xia Ran, I am very pleased that you came to school today. This is a good momentum, and I hope you can continue to maintain it. Moreover, you seem to be in good condition today; are you feeling much better?

He has generally understood that doctors recommend patients who are on long-term rest and do not exercise to go out and get some sunlight, as increasing activity seems to be more beneficial for their health. If one remains inactive and does not go out for an extended period, it may be more harmful than helpful.

However, it is still during class time ... ... '' Xia Ran is still working hard

Teacher Pingzhong said with a smile, casually taking out a cigarette from the pocket that was almost bursting at the seams, and habitually tapping the filter tip on the table, his movements remarkably skilled, resembling that of a middle-aged man.

"Stop it, you weren't even paying attention during class!" The female teacher scoffed at this, questioning whether this person could really attend class. Don't be ridiculous!

Location: Inside the teacher's office

May I ask if there is something concerning Teacher Pingzhong

He can only live a self-sufficient life, trying his hand at everything. Only after he is able to support himself will he consider learning and improving himself.

However, just as she was about to open the lighter, she seemed to remember something, sighed, put the cigarette back, and glanced at the boy in front of her.

Well, Teacher Pingzhong, there is no need to be polite. You can treat this place as your own home and do not need to consider my issues

"Stop saying such foolish things. A year has passed, and you haven't made a single friend. Don't you think you have failed as a person?" Teacher Pingzhong said unequivocally, "I now suspect that your health has not fully improved, and it is precisely because you have not been active and have kept everything bottled up."

She clearly did not express her true feelings just now, so how is this guy so perceptive? Mind reading or something is just too unfair!

I don't know why, but I always feel that someone just said something very rude, expressing your inner thoughts, Teacher Pingzong, in a narrative form... Summer Ran struggled to maintain a fake smile filled with cracks, with veins popping out on her forehead

... ... not ? ''

... ...

... ...

... ...

It indeed seems to be the case that even in dreams, he has no friends, and what is referred to as social interaction is merely inclined towards work-related connections

... ...

Supervision ... ... What is being supervised? Summer Ran vaguely felt that something was amiss

Ultimately, over the past year, he has experienced an overwhelming number of events. Although he still appears to be a high school student, even those who have truly entered society and have been through the trials and tribulations for over a decade may not possess the same level of maturity in certain aspects as he does

"Alright, I will speak frankly. You did not participate in the club activities, did you?" Teacher Pingzhong seemed somewhat dissatisfied, but did not intend to keep it a secret any longer, directly asking this question.

Then the question arises, the school year starts on April 8, and it is still April, not yet May. Isn't this new semester just beginning?

After all, not everyone's life is filled with grand waves and various unexpected developments; most people simply spend over a decade in a mundane manner after entering society

Alright! This is the place, let's get ready to go in!

This has allowed him to hone numerous life skills and accumulate a considerable degree of experience, making him completely at ease in the current situation, and he would never exhibit the kind of fear a student has when facing a teacher, akin to a mouse encountering a cat

Moreover, I do not intend to participate in club activities, as this would only cause trouble for others, considering my situation

In the next moment, Teacher Pingzhong directly opened the door and walked in

Teacher Hiratsuka's lips curled up slightly, as if genuinely pleased from the heart due to such matters

Another reason is that the female teacher in front of us is not the type that exudes authority, but rather plays the role of a beloved "big sister" among the students

Japanese high schools have a total of three semesters, with the new semester starting on April 8, which marks the beginning of the first semester. This is the case for almost all high schools, and this private school is no exception.

However, I happened to consult the doctor yesterday, and she advised me to encourage you to be more active. Moreover, I can see that your spirit seems to have improved significantly. Since the beginning of this semester, you have not taken a single day off...

Ah, indeed it is this, I knew it!

Approximately five minutes later

Teachers are likely the same; they are very clear about the distinction between goals and processes, and they do not insist that even if students achieve the final goal, they must repeat that process once again.

Time: Approaching nine o'clock in the morning

... ...

Xia Ran raised a slender finger, adjusted the glasses on his nose, and tried to keep his gaze from wandering to inappropriate places, even though he did not believe that smoking was a good thing, and he was even more opposed to women smoking

I do not need friends; I can live my entire life on my own

The Chinese language teacher, Pingzhong Jing, also serves as a life guidance teacher and is very concerned about her students. Due to being a "young person," she is often assigned to oversee various school activities.

Xia Ran's eye twitched a few times

Teacher Pingzhong left a "ka ka" sound on the waxed floor as she walked, seemingly heading towards a special building. Meanwhile, Xia Ran, who was being forcibly dragged along, still wanted to struggle desperately, but his strength was clearly no match for that of the female teacher

I have neither the time nor the energy for that

"Why use such uncertain language?" Teacher Hiratsuka raised an eyebrow, "Don't you remember it yourself?"

I will speak frankly... Xia Ran, you have no friends, do you? The female teacher said this without any courtesy, even more bluntly.

"Don't speak as if this place is your home, and how could I possibly not consider your issues..." Teacher Pingzhong sighed, his expression becoming serious, "By the way, what do you think is the reason I called you here?"

This question indeed does not require much thought, Xia Ran honestly replied once again, but he had already understood what the other party wanted to say, so he decisively prepared to eliminate any trouble in this regard

After a brief silence, as if finally unable to withstand the gaze of the female teacher, Xia Ran slightly turned her head, raised a finger to scratch her cheek, and seemed to say uncertainly

... ...

Excluding the experiences of war maniacs, cyberpunk, and post-apocalyptic scenarios, Xia Ran's current normal social experience is not lacking. After all, in dreams, no one will thoughtfully arrange an identity for him or prepare living expenses and the like

Teacher Hiratsuka's gaze appeared very serious

Moreover, there is not a single friend, and even normal social interactions are nonexistent, what on earth is going on

Alright, there is none

... ...

It is indeed much better; I have never felt so relaxed... If possible, I hope to continue this way.

"Anyway, this is already quite good. Although this semester has just begun, your time at school has almost exceeded half of the last academic year." Teacher Pingzhong looked at the boy in front of him with a gentle gaze full of care.

No matter how good the grades are, they cannot represent everything. Therefore, Hiraizumi Shizuka believes that this is a very necessary matter, to prevent this individual from developing antisocial personality traits and seeking revenge on society

In order to prevent Xia Ran from continuing to pursue this issue, she hurriedly said this and stopped in front of a seemingly normal classroom, where the sign on the door bore no words, just a blank space

Because her tone was too assertive, Xia Ran found herself at a loss for words to counter.

Xia Ran tugged at the corner of his mouth; he had never really paid much attention to this aspect. Moreover, given his previous circumstances, it was clearly impossible for him to complete all his coursework on time, with quality, and in quantity.