by Feng Yue
Whenever there was a clear night sky, without clouds, people would be able to see the countless shining stars in the sky. There would also be something that looked like a glowing river formed by stars that ran from west to east across the sky.
Some called it the Sky Track. In line with the Earth’s axis, it became an important coordinate. All astronomy and geology in the world had been based on this coordinate.
It had hung in the night sky for thousands of years. Everyone thought that it was the reflection of a star cluster. But according to research, this phenomenon was due to an impossibly high concentration of aether.
Throughout all of the years, few people realized that there was a river of aether flowing in the sky. It was a natural catastrophe, but barely anyone could sense its presence. Throughout history, it never did anything to mankind and never killed anyone. Of course, there were two musicians who grew up gazing at the Star Ring and invented a plane to fly into the air, but it exploded in mid-flight, but they did not count.
What were their names? The Wright Brothers?
For a time, many musicians passed on this joke…
The strange professor at the podium told the joke and laughed by himself, pounding the table for a long time. But no student found it funny at all, and there was only awkward silence.
“Uh, that was to lighten the atmosphere. Don’t mind it.” He finally finished laughing and dragged a chair over to sit. He propped his elbows on his knees.
He was smiling, but his eyes seemed icy, as if there was a sword in his hands.
“I hope you all will listen carefully to what I am going to tell you next. If an idiot thinks that it doesn’t matter, that’s okay too. It won’t be a big deal to me if they fail the class because of this.
“If the Dark Mother is the source of all fear and disaster of mankind, then the next will be a natural enemy that all musicians must be wary of. Ever since the Dark Ages, it appeared with the fall of the first musician, and became the Church’s mortal enemy. For hundreds of years, it has bewitched countless musicians to fall into the darkness and become its talons.”
He paused and quietly said its name, “It is Satan Hyakume.”
—
As soon as he finished, a commotion sounded outside the door.
Ben had appeared and knocked on the door, “Sir, if it’s okay, may we talk outside?”
The professor huffed and rose. Waving at the students, he said, “Read your books and I’ll be back later. And that guy…leave some durians for me!”
“…”
—
“Mr. Administrator, long time no see.”
At the staircase beside the classroom, Ben put a hand to his chest in greeting. “I didn’t think that the representative of the Musician Union would come personally. My apologies for not coming to welcome you.”
“I remember you’re…Mr. Ben, right?” The administrator glanced down at Ben. “Hurry up and say whatever you need to say. I’m a bit upset at being called out during class.”
Ben flinched and his expression changed, but he could not say anything.
Taking a deep breath, he said in a low voice, “The Academy has just learned that the person from the Musician Union would replace the professor of the first lecture. The Union has some control over all musicians, but isn’t doing so a disrespect to the Royal Academy of Music?”
“Maxwell asked me to teach this class. If you didn’t know, then that’s your problem. You can talk to Maxwell about it,” the administrator said coolly. “If you disrespect your principal, that is.”
“…If it’s arranged by the principal, then that’s a different matter.” Despite his words, Ben looked like he had just swallowed a fly. His expression made his thoughts very clear.
Anyone would be pissed if they met an opponent that always gave them a hard time. Especially those that had the principal on their side. Arguing with them in public was the worst choice. So he chose another method. Glancing in the direction of the classroom, he said, “But Mr. Administrator, isn’t it better to teach them about Satan later in their studies?”
“Mr. Ben, have you been staying in the greenhouse for too long?” The administrator glanced at Ben strangely. “When did ‘musician’ become a fancy title to catch the attention of others at elite parties? If you decide to become a musician, then isn’t it natural to step onto the battlefield? Isn’t it natural to learn about your enemies?”
Ben’s face was almost green from the direct taunt. Working hard to control his anger, he said, “To them, it’s still too early. And anyway, the secrecy level of Satan is not something they can understand.”
“The material that I arrange clearly has reason behind it. If you have any problems, you can go talk to your principal.” The administrator was annoyed. “Did you call me out just to talk about this stuff? I’m going back. You can go do whatever you need to. When did musicians turn into this, plotting against each other all day…”
Face changing between green and white, Ben suddenly reached out to stop the administrator.
“What do you want?” The administrator glanced at him.
“Actually, I’m not the one who called you out.” Ben unwillingly let go and looked upward. “Today is the first day of class. An esteemed guest came to observe the new musicians for the Queen. He saw your class and wanted to catch up with you.”
“Oh?” The administrator thought for a moment and suddenly glanced at him, chuckling. “So that’s how it is…no wonder you sound so jealous. I stole the chance to shine from you.”
Ben turned around wordlessly and guided him.
60 Good Student, Bad Studen
In the room above the amphitheater classroom’s glass dome, one could see the entire classroom by glancing down.
The administrator pushed the door open and gazed around. Seeing the man sitting in the center, he finally understood. “I was wondering who it could be to make them all so anxious that even I was scared.”
Accompanied by many teachers, the middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair sat on the sofa. Holding onto a cane, he studied the classroom.
Sensing the administrator, he raised his head and chuckled. “That’s a bit of an exaggeration, Mr. Administrator.” He shook his head. “I am just Her Majesty’s messenger. If there is anything to bow before, it should be her prestige.”
“Haha, you saying this makes me feel ashamed.” The administrator pulled over a chair and sat down carelessly, ignoring the furrowed brows of the elite musicians nearby.
“If Anglos’ guardian and modern Lancelot don’t count as high-class, then won’t those who pride themselves off of their bloodline be just like the rednecks from downtown?”
Lancelot grew pale. In a helpless tone, he said, “Long time no see. Mr. Administrator is still so ruthless with his words.”
“I can’t help my mouth.” He shrugged.
Lancelot shook his head. Without replying, he gazed down at the classroom. “What do you think about these kids?”
“Look at you. They are Anglo’s future. They’re no longer kids the moment they step into this school. But since they’re not kids, and also not adults, they still have the special right to be naïve. Sometimes, these special rights can be annoying.”
“Wasn’t everyone like that?” Lancelot laughed.
“Oh, right.” The administrator nodded. “As for specifics, they’re okay. There’s one that I’m confident in.”
“Oh? Let me guess who it is.” Lancelot lowered his head and looked around. His gaze fell on Charles. “Is it the brave one who is eating fruit in the classroom?”
“There’s nothing brave about him. He just doesn’t have shame.” The administrator sighed. “It’s the one next to him wit the very obvious white hair.”
“The little girl?” Lancelot looked at Bai Xi. Seeing her eyes, he froze. After a long time, he sighed in awe. “The girl with eyes like a lion. But she was making paper balls the entire time and didn’t listen to what you were talking about.”
Lancelot stayed quiet and shook his head slowly.
“Of all the students, there is the naturally qualified Adrian, the uncontrollable and proud girl, and a shameless foodie who no one can deal with. There are many excellent elite students and ambitious commoners…” he said. “The one you have your eyes on doesn’t stand out at all.”
“That’s why you’re not a good teacher,” the administrator sighed.
“Oh? Please explain.”
“For a so-called teacher, once you start class, you shouldn’t care who’s sitting before the podium. They’re just idiots who don’t understand anything. You don’t have to care about them because even a smart idiot is still an idiot. But unfortunately, your job is to make these idiots less idiotic.
“So that’s what you have to work toward. ‘Bias’ should not even exist in a teacher’s dictionary. If you like a student more, it’s because they cause less trouble.” With that he looked over at Lancelot. “You say that teaching is so troublesome. If there is a student that doesn’t give me trouble and makes me happy, why shouldn’t I like him?”
Lancelot did not answer. He watched the classroom as conversations started. His gaze landed on the boy next to the window in the second to last row.
After a long time, he shook his head. “To be honest, I don’t see it.”
“That’s because you haven’t stood in front of him, but it’s like that during class. We all need to face each other and look at each other’s eyes, like the etiquette before a fight. But the world changes too quickly. They’re all used to private lessons and they can ask the teacher whenever they have questions. In the end, they forget the basic rules of a class.”
The administrator pointed at the classroom below them. “Look at those kids. They’re making paper balls, sleeping, whispering, spacing out while staring at the board, and that Adrian kid is playing with his fingers.
“Those that are a little better will nod, but won’t remember anything you say, like the Scotland Yard taking notes. And that guy is just eating. He doesn’t even care about the professor’s feelings or stomach!
“In the entire classroom, there’s only one person who watches you, and listens to you lecture. Only one person whose eyes say ‘God, I’m so happy to be in class.’ How could I not like him?”
Lancelot studied him. “Is that the truth or an excuse?”
“Guess.” The administrator shrugged and chuckled jokingly.
In the awkward silence, a huge boom came from the classroom below. Everyone looked down, all stunned by the sudden chaos.
“No way. Do they have to be so dramatic on the first day?”
—
—
Five minutes ago the classroom was silent.
Ye Qingxuan flipped through the thick textbook, reading quietly.
“What are you looking at? You’re so studious.” In the silence, he felt someone stand beside him and knock on his table. “Your attitude is pretty good, but can you even read all the words? Do you need me to teach you?”
Ye Qingxuan furrowed his brows and closed the book.
Without him realizing, that red-haired youth and his friends had kicked out the people in the row and stood before his table.
Edmund looked down at the white-haired youth, his eyes taunting. But Ye Qingxuan did not reply and simply looked back at him.
Taken aback, Edmund could not help but glance over at his original seat. Banner was expressionless, so his own features twisted, suddenly becoming menacing.
“I heard you entered the examination center after someone broke your leg.” He bent over to look at Ye Qingxuan and asked quietly, “Let me guess, you stole someone’s dog food, right?”
Crash!
Bai Xi threw the fruit in her hand at the chair and stood up, glaring at him. “Hey, watch your mouth. Did you eat breakfast in the bathroom?” The little girl cracked her knuckles. “Say one more word and watch out for your teeth.”
“What, you wanna fight?” Edmund glanced at her, shaking his head and laughing coldly. “The Royal Academy of Music isn’t for people like you. There are rules here, you know?”
Saying that, he squeezed the fat on his cheeks, face full of disdain. “If you touch me, the school board will take you back to the sewer downtown.”
Bai Xi did not reply. She chewed on her lips and stayed silent.
The little girl was already angry, and her eyes turned dangerous. Usually in situations like this, she would not say anything else, and would take out her small knife. But this time she was disappointed because Ye Qingxuan still did not have any reaction.
He was silent the entire time, looking down at the pamphlet he took out from his backpack. His eyes were focused and serious as if he could not hear anything.
Beside him Charles chewed on his last two oranges with curiosity, looking back and forth in confusion. In the end, his eyes landed on Edmund. The strange gaze pissed Edmund off. “And you, what are you looking at? Get out before I make you regret it!”
Charles froze and seemed to hesitate. But he threw away the orange peel and escaped with his head down. Seeing how he caved in without a word, Edmund and his friends laughed loudly.
Bai Xi’s expression became even more disappointed. She shot at his backside, “I thought wrongly of you.”
“Yeah, why are you with these two failures? It’s such a waste for your pretty face…” Edmund squinted as he studied her face and reached out.
Bai Xi glared at his hand, and her cold eyes made him freeze before retracting his hand.
“I heard that she and the sissy haven’t even paid the tuition yet. I really don’t know how they got in.” Someone beside Edmund laughed. “If I was the academy, I’d definitely kick these rednecks out…”
Hearing these words, Edmund became even braver. “You can’t even pay the tuition? Do you want me to lend you money?” He took out a bulging money pouch and swung it in front of Bai Xi. Looking at her face, he could not help but swallow his drool. His eyes burning, he whispered, “Come find me tonight and I’ll help you have fun…Then you can have as much money as you want.”
Ye Qingxuan remained silent. He flipped through the pamphlet furiously, but his eyes never left the pages.
Edmund suddenly felt a pang in his heart, as if he had used all his strength to punch but hit nothing, as if his opponent had not even budged. From afar, he could feel Banner’s eyes grow cold. Even more fiercely, he slammed his palm onto Ye Qingxuan’s table.
“Hey, failure, are you pretending to be a mute? Can’t talk?”
“He’s reading,” someone mocked. “The lower class is like this. They can’t do anything other than read. They probably can’t talk either.”
“What is he doing?” Someone else reached over and lifted the pamphlet in Ye Qingxuan’s hands. Seeing the emblazoned words, he could not help but snort.
“Student guidelines?”
Ye Qingxuan finally closed the book and let out a long breath.
Seeing him pretend, Edmund wanted to laugh. He patted Ye Qingxuan’s face. “What? Is there some amazing story in the student guidelines? You were so into it.”
“No, I was just trying to confirm something strange,” Ye Qingxuan replied quietly as he reached behind Edmund.
In that silent moment, someone put a heavy thing in his hand.
61 Idio
“No, I was just trying to confirm something strange,” Ye Qingxuan replied quietly as he reached behind Edmund.
In that silent moment, someone put a heavy thing in his hand.
Edmund was stunned. He rubbed his eyes, trying to see the thing in Ye Qingxuan’s hands more clearly. It looked familiar, like a brick taken from the wall.
It was blue-gray with sharp ridges. It fit perfectly in Ye’s palm and had substantial weight.
In his ear came the youth’s voice, “I couldn’t believe it at first, but…”
For a moment, time was at a standstill to everyone.
They watched as Ye Qingxuan rose, and pushing off from the table, he raised his hand and the brick. He hurled it forward.
As it whistled through the air, the ridges of the gray brick and its shadow grew bigger in Edmund’s eyes. It grew bigger and bigger, until it took up his entire eye.
Boom!
There was a muted sound, and then the gray brick was deeply buried in the boy’s fat face. It left a perfect rectangular mark. Following it was a force that had been built up and unleashed full power on his face.
Under the dazed gazes, Edmund’s body moved backwards. He flew past the second row and crashed into the students in the first row.
In the silence, Ye Qingxuan loosened the uniform’s annoying tie and let out a long breath. Quietly, he said in awe, “I can’t believe the rules don’t include punishment for fights!”
He stood on the table and looked down at the gaping elite boys. There was a strand of red on the gray brick. Two drops of blood landed on the floor and expensive table.
Laying on the broken pieces of the table, Edmund finally started screaming while rolling on the ground.
“My face, my face!” He clutched his flattened nose. His already fat face had swelled with a purple bruise. The tears from the pain would not stop falling either.
“Kill him! Kill him for me!” he yelled at his friends. “That b*stard dared to hit me! He needs to pay!”
—
On the side, Bai Xi looked at Charles, who had returned. That b*stard had come back from somewhere with a brick, a bottle of alcohol, and two door bolts. He had kept another brick for himself, but Ye Qingxuan took it. So now he only had half a bottle of brandy.
Seeing how Ye Qingxuan fought, Charles could not help but whistle.
“Oh, so you didn’t really run away.” Bai Xi patted his shoulder in praise. “I was wrong about you.”