Wanqing Yongxing School, Sports Department.
“This month’s expense report? Oh, just leave it here.”
“The Arts Department wants to borrow people from us to maintain order for their performance? Of course, but have Chen Jiajia come talk to me personally.”
“The volunteer list for visiting the elderly? Hmm, leave it here for now. I’ll sign it later.”
Inside the Sports Department office, Ji Yuenian was buried in work, his pen moving swiftly across the paperwork.
Since the education reforms, authority had gradually been decentralized.
Unlike the past, where teachers managed students, Wanqing Yongxing School now operated under a student-led governance model.
For example, if the school wanted to hold a sports meet, the idea would first be proposed by the school, then led by the student council, with department heads discussing and refining the details before finalizing the execution plan through inter-department coordination.
Though this student-led system initially led to quite a few farces, after several years of adjustment, it had become widely popular among students-practical, compliant, and most importantly, the school’s suggestion box no longer had surveillance cameras installed.
After signing off on the last document, Ji Yuenian set down his pen and rubbed his tired eyes lightly.
Normally, these tasks were handled jointly by the department head and deputy to avoid unilateral decision-making.
But today, Su Tian had taken leave, leaving Ji Yuenian to shoulder the workload of two people alone.
Standing up, he walked to the window and gazed at the distant scenery for a while before returning to his desk.
Pulling out his phone, his eyes lingered on the meager two-digit balance in his account.
After a moment’s thought, he didn’t open his parents’ WeChat.
Instead, he tapped on the contact labeled “My Silly Gege~”.
Moonlight Eternal: “Bro, poor poor, hungry hungry. Feed me pls JPG”
A few minutes later, a reply came.
Phoenix Resting: “Spent it all already?”
Moonlight Eternal: “Went for a few foot massages and maid cafés this month-the ones I told you about. Spending got a little out of hand.”
Phoenix Resting: “…You better watch yourself.”
Moonlight Eternal: “Don’t worry, bro. I only go to legit places, and I’m only 17. I take good care of myself.”
[WeChat Payment Received: 3000 yuan]
Moonlight Eternal: “Thanks, bro! Snuggles JPG”
Phoenix Resting: “Focus on your studies.”
Exiting the chat, Ji Yuenian grinned at the four-digit balance now displayed—nothing made a man stand taller than money.
“Still, I should earn some extra cash. I’m almost an adult at 17,” he muttered, rubbing his smooth chin.
As if struck by inspiration, he picked up the volunteer list and scrawled two large characters across it.
* * * * * *
“Me?”
Jiang Chi, who had been diligently working on his homework in the classroom, looked up at Ji Yuenian, who had barged in wearing a bright red volunteer vest.
“That’s right, you!”
Ji Yuenian nodded emphatically before shoving the volunteer uniform into Jiang Chi’s arms.
“Jiang, the campus heartthrob, it’s your time to contribute to the class!”
“I didn’t sign up,” Jiang Chi shook his head, refusing outright to be guilt-tripped.
“I signed you up,” Ji Yuenian said without a trace of embarrassment, his expression utterly composed.
“You know how it is—our moms are best friends. Your mom, Auntie Chen, wants me to help you integrate with the group!”
Ji Yuenian spun his tale effortlessly, confident that after years of butting heads with Jiang Chi—even if it was mostly one-sided-he knew his rival well enough.
A model child like Jiang Chi would never defy his parents, never refuse their requests, let alone go against their wishes.
Just as expected, Ji Yuenian’s words successfully fooled Jiang Chi.
“Fine, I’ll go with you. But I’m not wearing this.”
“Why not?”
“It smells. Like something sour and pungent.”
“…..”
Ji Yuenian’s lips twitched.
He seriously wondered if Jiang Chi had been born into the wrong body-how could a grown man be so fussy?!
The next day.
Ji Yuenian, Jiang Chi, and the other volunteers boarded the school bus arranged for their trip to the nursing home.
Throughout the ride, Jiang Chi stood out the most.
While everyone else, including Ji Yuenian, wore plain, down-to-earth red vests, Jiang Chi alone was clad in white gloves and a black mask, a crossbody bag slung over his shoulder, a baseball cap pulled low, his entire figure seemingly swallowed by his outfit-only his piercing blue eyes visible.
But since Ji Yuenian, the group leader, said nothing, the others kept their thoughts to themselves, though they subtly excluded Jiang Chi.
After about half an hour, the bus arrived at their destination-Wanqing City’s largest nursing home, fully equipped with top-notch facilities and services, making it a popular choice for childless retirees.
On the bus, Ji Yuenian efficiently assigned tasks, his tone seasoned and decisive.
“Listen up. I know most of you are just here for the credits. I won’t lecture you on that-results matter more than intentions. Clean properly, and the credits will follow.”
“And don’t even think about slacking off. You’ll work in pairs, keeping each other in check. I’ll inspect every area afterward. If you fail, calling me ‘Brother Ji’ won’t save you.”
“Any questions?”
Ji Yuenian swept his gaze across the group, his eyes sharp and commanding.
Silence.
“Good. Let’s get started.”
With that, he signaled the driver to open the doors.
The students filed out in an orderly manner, scattering swiftly like startled birds.
Ji Yuenian handed the driver a pack of cigarettes, checked that no one was left behind, and stepped off last.
Jiang Chi waited outside-assigned to Ji Yuenian’s team.
“Jiang Chi, we’re on rooms 403, 404, and 405. You grab the bucket and mop; I’ll get the rags and broom.”
The moment he finished speaking, Ji Yuenian dashed off like a whirlwind into the nursing home.
Sighing, Jiang Chi followed.
Inside the nursing home’s courtyard stood a tall, sturdy parasol tree, its lush branches casting deep shade.
Beneath it sat an elderly man, his back hunched severely, a cane in hand, his hair streaked with white.
Jiang Chi scanned the area but saw no sign of Ji Yuenian.
Approaching the old man, he asked politely, “Grandfather, could you tell me where the cleaning supplies are kept?”
However, the old man seemed not to hear his words, merely squinting slightly as he gazed into the distance with a thoughtful expression.
“Grandfather…”
Jiang Chi raised his voice and asked again, but the old man still didn’t respond.
“What are you standing around here for, kid?”
Suddenly, a slightly stern male voice came from behind him.