Chapter 17 : Back to School
Crying is a release and buffer for emotions—not weakness or mistake.
Only after becoming a girl did Xu Jiu realize how much privilege she had to be spoiled, and how much tolerance she now received that no one ever gave her before.
No one would mock her fragility anymore.
Just existing was, to many, already a meaning of life.
“If anything happens at school, tell the teacher or your brother directly. If he refuses to help, I’ll deal with him. Got it?”
“Mm.”
“That’s settled. Mom will pick you up after school… oh, the teacher’s here.”
Her mother reluctantly kissed her cheeks repeatedly, only stopping when someone approached.
“Enough, Mom. I need to go in.”
“Mm, remember what I said.”
“Got it.”
With a helpless sigh, she entered the school under the teacher’s escort and soon arrived at her new class.
Year 1, Class 3.
“Quiet down, everyone. I’m introducing a new classmate. Class monitor, maintain order.”
The moment she entered, familiar noise and chaos hit her—the class atmosphere exactly as she remembered.
“As expected, same old.”
Her homeroom teacher looked young, seemingly lacking control; she’d noticed earlier.
“New classmate? Transfer?”
“A girl, wow, pretty cute. But why the wheelchair—disabled?”
“Not necessarily. Could be mobility issues. Legs are fine. Those white socks are nice.”
Shy by nature, Xu Jiu faced unprecedented attention—mostly boys, curiosity outweighing others.
She’d expected notice, but this exceeded.
“Can we be quiet? Still so noisy with me here—have some decency!”
“Are you aware the school leaders singled out our class in the meeting? Still not behaving—want me named before the whole school Monday?”
The teacher behind her spoke sharply; it worked—the class quieted instantly.
“Really. Too soft on you.”
“Sorry, Xu Jiu. Bad first impression. Our class looks chaotic but is more united than others… mm…”
She nodded slightly; didn’t expect such respect.
Young teacher, surprisingly likable—unlike the old fogey from her past life.
“Introduce yourself. I’ll arrange your seat later.”
“Mm.”
“Hello, I’m the new transfer, Xu Jiu. Xu as in wish, Jiu with king radical.”
The class listened unusually quietly, but the focus pressured her.
“I… no hobbies. Health issues, so wheelchair. Not disabled. Please be understanding in the future.”
“That’s it…”
Someone started; applause followed her intro—unexpected, embarrassing, but she endured.
“Xu Jiu’s health is poor. When interacting, avoid upsetting her. I’m serious—no jokes.”
After her intro, the teacher took over.
Students exchanged glances, some curious at her.
“That serious? Can’t even talk?”
“No way. She seems calm—not easily triggered… just talking.”
“Obviously. Bad mindset would’ve broken her already—why come to school? Probably not a big deal.”
Class buzzed; Xu Jiu didn’t mind.
She wanted to be invisible—not approached.
Actually craved quiet.
“Teacher, my seat…”
“Ah, yes. Found one.”
“Fourth row, left by window. Okay?”
“Mm.”
She glanced—female deskmate; nodded instantly.
Feared male pairing—awkward.
Then recalled: high school separated genders to prevent puppy love.
Useless against hormonal teens, but stance mattered.
“Someone help her over? Need assistance?”
“No trouble. I can move myself.”
“Alright.”
Under class gazes, she wheeled alone down the aisle to her desk.
Deskmate had cleared space; stood to yield outer seat, but Xu Jiu stopped her.
“No need. You take outside. I’m lazy—rarely move.”
“Can you help me inside?”
Deskmate froze, hesitated, then helped.
Xu Jiu thanked gently; the girl blushed shyly.
‘Classic socially anxious protagonist seat. Mm, nice view.’
Front and back: boys.
Class rule: alternate gender tables.
Never thought she’d be the sandwiched one.
“What’s your name?”
“Ah… me?”
She nodded.
Deskmate: average-looking, shoulder-length hair—youthful, neat.
Quiet, introverted.
Or just shy—new, few dared approach.
First impressions both ways.