15 Hesitation

Page (1/3)

Teacher Gao still found it hard to believe. “I remember Chen Ran’s math wasn’t the best, right? His best subject should be Chinese!”

“Don’t even mention it,” Teacher Liu said with a smile, noticing the stunned expression on Teacher Gao’s face. “I was just like you, trying to figure out if something had triggered Chen Ran…”

Then Liu’s smile faded, and in a serious tone he said, “Maybe he finally had a breakthrough.”

“Let me take a look!” Teacher Gao stood up and leaned close to Teacher Liu.

Liu handed over the test paper Chen Ran had just finished. Teacher Gao frowned at first. “This kid’s handwriting is all crooked and messy.”

“Exactly,” Liu agreed. “I was just thinking the same. If this were a real exam, he might lose points just because of his handwriting.”

“Math might be fine, but Chinese…,” Liu coughed lightly, “and maybe English too, he could lose some points for neatness.”

Teacher Gao shook his head as he looked at the test paper marked with bright red check marks.

“Really? This kid… his math is this good? Teacher Liu, I remember only a few students passed in your advanced class, right?”

“That’s right,” Liu nodded. “That’s why I said Chen Ran is truly gifted.”

“Looking at this, Chen Ran’s talent is really impressive.” Putting down the test paper, Teacher Gao marveled, “I never would have guessed. I always thought Chen Ran might get into high school, but now I’m thinking if he studies seriously, he might even get into a top high school.”

Liu agreed, “I think after this semester, Chen Ran will definitely be promoted to the advanced class.”

“That would be great.”

As Teacher Liu and Teacher Gao chatted about Chen Ran, they returned to the classroom. The students were noisy. Chen Ran stood by his desk, and Wang Weidong, as if he had eyes on his back, somehow knew Chen Ran had come over and sluggishly stood up. His tall figure cast a shadow over Chen Ran.

Wang looked at Chen Ran. “You’re back?”

“Yeah,” Chen Ran nodded softly. “I’m going in first.”

“Go ahead.” Wang stepped aside, and Chen Ran took his seat, opened his desk, and pulled out his math textbook to continue reading. Wang returned to his seat and fell asleep again.

The student in front turned around, smiling at Chen Ran. “Chen Ran, doesn’t Wang Weidong look like the god of sleep?”

“More like a sleep immortal,” another student joked. “I think all he does every day is sleep.”

“None of your business,” Chen Ran chuckled. “You guys do your own thing.”

“Tch!”

They turned away. Wang Weidong lay on his desk, seemingly deep asleep. Chen Ran flipped open his textbook and kept reading. During class, he quietly studied the math book. No teacher came for him for a long time. It wasn’t until the final bell rang that the students cheered.

Chen Ran snapped back to reality, watching the sky darken. He tightened his jacket, preparing to pack up. He didn’t notice when Wang Weidong had already packed. His backpack slung over his shoulder, his eyes calm and peaceful. His brows relaxed, the handsome face expressionless. “Let’s go. I’ll walk you home.”

“Hey!” Chen Ran began packing. When everything was done, Wang Weidong turned and left the classroom. Chen Ran followed behind him at a slow pace.

Sun Ze had considered confronting Chen Ran but didn’t want to provoke Wang Weidong, who was walking with him. Besides, Wang was a bit wild, especially when it came to fights. Sun thought it better not to mess with Wang.

The two walked silently along the gray, dusty road. Cars honked as they passed by. Chen Ran looked up at the tall figure ahead, still puzzled why Wang Weidong had suddenly helped him. Maybe they had no connection at all, not even acquaintance, despite living in the same courtyard. So why was this guy suddenly so kind to him?

Page (2/3)

Chen Ran was lost in thought. Wang Weidong turned and noticed Chen Ran’s curious gaze.

“What’s up?” There was a hint of impatience in his voice. “Got something to do?”

“No,” Chen Ran shook his head. “I was just thinking I have to go to school this weekend.”

“This weekend?” Wang seemed to be thinking. “Sun Ze won’t be at school this weekend, so it should be fine.”

Sure enough, Wang only cared about Sun Ze. Chen Ran smiled. “He probably won’t be there.”

“Okay.” Wang walked on. “If he shows up to bother you near the school on the weekend, let me know when you’re going home.”

Turning to look at Chen Ran seriously, Wang asked, “You know which building I live in, right?”

“Yeah,” Chen Ran nodded softly.

“Good.”

They walked into the courtyard, one after the other.

“I’m heading home first,” Wang said as he called out to Chen Ran, who was just entering the stairwell. Chen Ran turned around, but Wang had already gone.

At his door, Chen Ran pulled out his key and opened it.

His mother wasn’t home. Chen Ran closed the door quietly. This was a police compound; no one would think of breaking in here.

Back in his room, Chen Ran set down his backpack and took out his textbooks to continue studying. The sky darkened further. Outside, the bare branches rattled in the wind. He turned on the light just as footsteps sounded at the door. His mother must be back, Chen Ran thought.

The door opened. Luo Mingxiu saw Chen Ran focused on his studies. In a hoarse voice she asked, “Xiao Ran, what do you want to eat tonight?”

“Mom!” Chen Ran turned and looked at Luo Mingxiu’s weary face. “Anything is fine. Just something simple.”

“You’re such a kid!” Luo Mingxiu sighed painfully. Chen Ran was only thirteen, but since his father’s death, it seemed he had suddenly grown up. It was heartbreaking. Luo Mingxiu sighed again. “Xiao Ran, I’ll make you something delicious tonight.”

“Okay.”

“Study first, dinner will be ready soon.”

Closing the door softly, Luo Mingxiu headed to the kitchen. Chen Ran took up his books and scratch paper to continue calculating.

The sky showed no light. Black clouds covered everything. Chen Ran was engrossed in his studies. He suddenly realized he had a strong passion for learning. It was as if studying absorbed all his attention. Once he started, his mind was free of strange thoughts; he thought of nothing but knowledge. His brain accepted knowledge without distractions.

He was addicted to studying, unable to stop.

“Xiao Ran, dinner’s ready.” The night was fully dark now. Outside, a few lights flickered. Ningchuan’s winters were bitterly cold; even indoors, the temperature was low.

Steaming dishes were set on the table. Luo Mingxiu pushed open the door and still saw Chen Ran intently writing.

Chen Ran didn’t seem to hear her and kept working on his notes.

Page (3/3)

“Xiao Ran?” Luo Mingxiu called again. Chen Ran finally snapped out of it. Turning, he saw his mother’s worried expression and smiled. “Mom, I’m fine.”

“That’s good.” Luo Mingxiu exhaled slowly, worried something might have happened.

“Come eat now.”

“Okay.” Chen Ran put down his pen and went to the living room.

The modest living room had few furnishings—just a sofa, a small coffee table, a dining table, an old TV, and a worn cabinet. Chen Ran pulled out a chair and sat at the dining table. Luo Mingxiu served him a large bowl of rice, chattering, “Xiao Ran, you’re still growing; you need to eat more.”

“Xiao Ran, is your pocket money enough lately?”

“It’s enough, Mom.” Chen Ran stared at his food. “Mom, I have to go to school this weekend.”

“What’s wrong?” Luo Mingxiu sat down. “Did your teacher ask you to go?”

“No.” Chen Ran shook his head. “There’s an exam.”

“An exam on the weekend?” Luo Mingxiu asked. “Do you need anything? Is it a monthly test or a pop quiz?”

“No.” Chen Ran explained clearly. Their regular school didn’t have evening classes or weekend school like better schools. He said, “It’s a math competition. I want to participate. I told you before!”

“Right.” Luo Mingxiu forced a smile. Their father had just passed away recently; his body barely cold. She was supporting two children’s schooling and constantly finding ways to earn money. She remembered Chen Ran mentioning this before but had forgotten. Now that he brought it up again, she recalled.

“I’m done eating.” Chen Ran set down his bowl and chopsticks. “I’ll wash the dishes.”

“Xiao Ran, go study. I’ll do the dishes.” Luo Mingxiu sent him back to his room.

Chen Ran had no choice but to return to his studies.

He had to finish all junior high math before the weekend. He’d completed most already, with only the last two books left. He should finish them before the weekend, maybe even have time to study other subjects.

Looking back over the past few days, Chen Ran felt everything was just as he remembered—except that his talent for learning was extraordinary.

Time flew. It was now Friday afternoon.

When the classroom bell rang, Chen Ran was reading a borrowed English book. Wang Weidong was packing up, nudging Chen Ran with his elbow. “Chen Ran.”

“Yeah?” In recent days, Chen Ran had been walking to and from school with Wang Weidong. They weren’t close friends, but at least acquaintances.

“What’s up?” Chen Ran noticed Wang’s hesitant expression for the first time.