Chapter Twenty-Two: At a Loss for Words

The counselor, Mr. Song, announced the next arrangements. Aside from the four who had been chosen, the rest of the students were required to continue attending classes. The cheers swiftly transformed into a chorus of gloomy curses.

“All right, today you’ll have self-study. Han Tianyue, Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, Feng Shang, you four come with me!” Mr. Song led them away, disappearing down the corridor.

The classroom erupted in noise. “That old fox, he’s out to get us!”

“I curse your ancestors for eighteen generations!”

“Forget it, everyone, let’s just focus on our self-study.”

Voices of every kind filled the air, but no one dared to sneak out.

Meanwhile, Han Tianyue, Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, and Feng Shang, who followed Mr. Song, had no idea what he intended. They watched as he led them around in circles, finally stopping in front of a secluded school building. Mr. Song paused and said, “This is my retreat room. For the next few days, you can use it to practice and discuss strategies. If you need anything, I’ll do my best to help.”

He handed the key to Han Tianyue, who took it, surprised by how vast the interior was, despite the building’s squat appearance.

“Alright, I’ll leave you now. If you need anything, just call me.” With that, Mr. Song turned and departed.

Feng Shang was the first to rush into the room, shouting, “Wow!” His voice echoed around the space.

Mao Xuanzi walked to a corner on the far side of the room and sat down silently.

Fang Zhe took a seat in the opposite corner, facing Mao Xuanzi, also quiet.

Seeing this, Feng Shang found himself a corner and sat down too.

“What’s wrong with everyone?” Han Tianyue locked the door behind them and asked in confusion.

No one answered.

“Mao Xuanzi, get up and tell me what’s going on! And where’s your sister?” Han Tianyue marched over to Mao Xuanzi, demanding an explanation.

Mao Xuanzi closed his eyes, drew a deep breath, and acted as if he hadn’t heard.

Han Tianyue turned to confront Fang Zhe. “Fang Zhe, can you tell me what happened during the days I was gone?”

Fang Zhe was just like Mao Xuanzi—silent.

Frustrated, Han Tianyue approached Feng Shang.

Feng Shang grinned and, before Han Tianyue could speak, quickly said, “Don’t ask me, I know nothing!”

“Fine, fine! None of you wants to talk!” Han Tianyue chose a corner and sat down as well.

And so, they all sat in silence. No one spoke.

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