Chapter Ten: An Unexpected Incident

On the other side, while Han Bingyan and his two companions were discussing where to spend their winter vacation, Li Lanyue stormed into the principal’s office in a fury.

“Give me an explanation!” Her voice was icy cold. The principal, a man in his fifties, was momentarily stunned, but then recalled the dignity his position demanded. He slapped the desk and replied angrily, “An explanation? For what? You are a teacher here, and I am the principal. For you to barge in so rudely and speak to me in this tone—shouldn’t you be the one giving me an explanation first?”

Li Lanyue snorted coldly. “I have no desire to argue with you about that. Tell me—what’s going on with Han Bingyan’s grades?”

Once he realized what she meant, the principal’s anger quickly shifted to a smile. “Ah, so that’s what this is about. Come, come, don’t be angry. Have some tea…” As he spoke, the principal stood up, intending to pour her some tea.

“I don’t want any tea. Let’s get to the point.” Li Lanyue was unmoved by his attempts at appeasement.

The principal showed no sign of displeasure. He sat back down, lit a cigarette, and spoke quietly, “I have my reasons. Today, someone from the Han family came to see me.”

“The Han family? Which Han family?”

He nodded. “Yes, Han Bingyan’s relatives. I did as they requested.”

Each year, the Han family made a generous donation to the school in exchange for special consideration for their children. Today, Han Bingwu’s father had come regarding this year’s contribution. The principal had long been mindful of this, and so he made a small adjustment.

“Why? This is unfair to Bingyan!”

“Because he is merely a fallen noble’s child, and our school cannot do without the support of that wealthy family.”

“So you just complied with their wishes, ignoring all principles? Do you have any idea how cruel this is to a child whose heart is already shattered?” Li Lanyue was beside herself with anger. She recalled the look Han Bingyan had given her and felt a profound sense of guilt. The school was supposed to be a haven of harmony and fairness, and yet, it had become just like the world outside, rife with transactions of money and power.

Was the school really willing to fawn over the Han family for the sake of that donation?

She had gone against her family’s wishes to teach at this school, all in the hope of working with innocent, lovable children and helping them grow into worthy adults. But now, as Han Bingyan’s homeroom teacher, she found herself powerless in the face of such injustice.

“There’s no point in taking your anger out on me. The decision is made, and I will not change it,” the principal said, his tone indifferent.

“It seems coming to this school was a mistake. Principal, I suggest you find someone else for my post.” With that, Li Lanyue turned to leave.

“Where are you going?”

“Home. I’m done here.” Ignoring the principal’s shouts, Li Lanyue strode out of the office. She could leave easily, but what about little Bingyan? What would he face in the future? Li Lanyue had no answer.

***

“I don’t care, I want to go to Tianyuan Reef!” Han Bingran pouted coquettishly at Han Bingyan. The three were trying to agree on a destination for their winter holiday, but could not settle on anything. In the end, Han Bingyan and Han Bingruo could only yield to the little girl’s wishes. Tianyuan Reef it was! Seeing the eager look on her face, how could they say no?

Despite its name, Tianyuan Reef was not a mountain, but a stretch of jagged rocks on the seashore, battered constantly by the waves. It was about an hour’s journey from the Han family residence—not far at all, Han Bingyan thought.

The next day, laden with bags and supplies, the three set out for Tianyuan Reef.

“Wow!” Under the azure sky, faced with the boundless sea and the rolling waves that surged from afar, Han Bingran, seeing such a sight for the first time, could not hold back a cry of wonder. She dropped her bags and ran freely, like a joyful sprite on the shore. Her laughter rang out, filling Han Bingyan and Han Bingruo’s hearts with warmth. The two exchanged a glance and shared a heartfelt smile.

Countless reefs jutted from the water, barren at first glance, yet the sweeping vista was breathtaking. On the coast, a few towering rocks stood rugged and proud, like miniature mountains.

The two boys soon found a pair of tall rocks, and in the sheltered crevice between them, where the wind was blocked, they made camp. Setting up the stove and lighting a fire, Han Bingyan and Han Bingruo moved with practiced ease, and in no time everything was ready. After her long frolic, Han Bingran returned, took the utensils from Han Bingyan, and began to cook.

Wisps of smoke curled upward, and before long, the aroma of food drifted through the air.

After eating their fill, the three began to explore the reefs. The rocks were steep, the passages between them narrow. They darted back and forth, chasing and laughing, filling the place with life.

Suddenly, Han Bingran cried out in pain, immediately catching Han Bingyan and Han Bingruo’s attention. “What’s wrong?” Han Bingyan asked anxiously. He saw Han Bingran frowning deeply, her ankle gashed by a sharp reef, blood welling from the wound.

He quickly tore a strip from his clothes and bandaged her injury, tying it off firmly. “You really should be more careful, especially since you’re already a practitioner of the Di rank!” Han Bingyan scolded her with doting affection.

“I just wasn’t paying attention!” Han Bingran pouted innocently, as if to say it wasn’t her fault.

“So how are we going to get back now? Here, let me help.” Han Bingyan bent down, signaling for Han Bingran to climb onto his back.

“I’ll do it,” Han Bingruo interjected, glancing at Han Bingyan’s thin frame, which looked as if it might buckle at any moment. He frowned and took on the task himself.

Han Bingyan smiled sheepishly and let Han Bingruo carry his injured sister.

As dusk fell, the three prepared to return home. Bathed in the rosy glow of sunset, they walked along the narrow rocky path, deep gullies on either side. Han Bingruo carried Han Bingran at the front, while Han Bingyan, burdened with the day’s equipment, trailed behind, his body stooped under the weight.

It was a rare day of happiness for them. Although Han Bingran’s injury was unexpected, there was more laughter than on any day before.

In the distance, dozens of seabirds flew toward them in a strange formation. Against the sunset, it was a scene of pure romance. “Look, seabirds!” Han Bingran called out excitedly from Han Bingruo’s back. Han Bingruo smiled inwardly—a child so innocent, untouched by the world.

Suddenly, Han Bingran began waving her arms at the birds. “Be careful!” Han Bingruo cautioned, but it was too late. Han Bingran lost her balance and slipped sideways.

On either side, the gullies were more than two meters deep. If she fell… Han Bingruo dared not imagine the consequences. Han Bingyan, weighed down with their gear, was in no position to help, nor did he seem aware of what was happening up ahead. In that moment of crisis, Han Bingruo thought: if a girl like Bingran were to fall, who knew what might happen? As a boy, it was better that he bear the pain himself.

In a split second, Han Bingruo made his decision. With a powerful heave, he threw Han Bingran back onto the path, while he himself—

He could hear hurried cries in his ears. After a burst of searing pain, darkness swallowed him, and Han Bingruo lost consciousness.

Hearing the commotion ahead, Han Bingyan looked up. He saw his sister sitting dazedly on the ground, but Han Bingruo was nowhere to be seen. “Bingran, where’s Bingruo? Where did he go?”

Tears, bright as pearls, rolled down Han Bingran’s cheeks. From her stunned, pale face, Han Bingyan sensed something was wrong. “What… what happened?”

“Brother Bingruo… he fell…”