Chapter Fifty-Four: The Start of the School Year

“Are you sure you don’t want me to take you? Today’s the first day of school, after all.” Xiao Siqi looked at Xiao Yao, who was neatly packed and ready.

“I said no need,” Xiao Yao replied, glancing at Xiao Siqi, still dressed casually at home. “Didn’t we agree? I’m going on my own. But you—once I leave, be sure to pack up quickly. Don’t miss your flight later.”

“No rush, there’s plenty of time,” Xiao Siqi grinned, pulling two items from his pocket and handing them to Xiao Yao. “Here, these are for you.”

Xiao Yao took them and saw a compact phone and a bank card. He gave Xiao Siqi a puzzled look. “Why are you giving me these? Can elementary students even use phones? Aren’t they banned at school?”

“Pfft,” Xiao Siqi scoffed. “You’re not just any elementary student. You’re better with that phone than I am. What’s wrong with having your own? As for school rules, sure, no phones in class, but you can use it during breaks. If you’re worried about getting in trouble, just hide it and use it when no one’s around. I trust you can handle it.”

Seeing Xiao Yao about to protest, Xiao Siqi quickly added, “It’s your first day alone at school, and since you’re a boarding student who only comes home once a week, I’m a bit worried. It’s more convenient to have a phone in case something happens.”

“Alright,” Xiao Yao relented, pocketing the phone. Then he pulled out the bank card. “And what’s this?”

“That’s your money. Since school marks a new chapter in your life, I’ve decided that from now on, you’ll manage your own funds.” Xiao Siqi cautiously added, “I trust you won’t squander it, right?”

“What do you mean my money? Where did I get money from?” Xiao Yao asked, confused.

“From your earnings, of course,” Xiao Siqi replied matter-of-factly.

“My earnings? I’m only seven years old. How could I earn money?” Xiao Yao was even more baffled.

“Look, royalties from original soundtracks and cover songs of ‘Insect Flight,’ revenue from ‘Most Beautiful’ and ‘Missing You at Night’ split equally, plus one-tenth of the album earnings for ‘Most Beautiful’ since it has ten songs—two of which you share equally—are yours. Then there are appearance fees from ‘Where Are We Going, Dad?’ and ‘Day Day Up,’ plus various other sources,” Xiao Siqi enumerated on his fingers.

“How much is it?” Xiao Yao asked curiously.

“Last time I checked, it was around a hundred thousand yuan,” Xiao Siqi said. “The income from some songs is ongoing. I’ve instructed the record company and Manager Xu to deposit all earnings from your works directly into this account. It might have increased since then, but those songs are from two years ago, so probably not by much.”

“Wow, I didn’t realize I’d earned quite a bit over the past two years,” Xiao Yao exclaimed, then frowned. “So if you’re giving me this now, does that mean I have to support myself financially from now on, and you won’t take care of me?”

“No way,” Xiao Siqi said quickly. “Raising you until you’re an adult is my duty as your dad. I’m not shirking that responsibility. Even after you turn eighteen and go to university, I’m responsible for tuition and living expenses. I’m just giving you this money because you’re starting school and becoming more independent. I’m a single dad and often busy, so having this money on hand will make things easier if you need something and I’m not around. You won’t be in a tough spot.”

“Oh, I see. Okay, I’ll take it.” Xiao Yao put the card in his pocket and asked, “What’s the PIN?”

“Your birthday: 980801,” Xiao Siqi said. “By the way, I won’t be back this weekend. You’ll have to go to Grandpa’s on your own. I haven’t told him yet, so call him when you have time. I’ve saved all your commonly used contacts in the phone.”

“Got it,” Xiao Yao nodded. “Is it about time? Has the car arrived?”

Just then, Xiao Siqi’s phone rang. He checked it and smiled. “The car’s here.” Then he answered, “Hello, driver? You’re here? Good, we’re coming down now.”

The Second Experimental Primary School of Yanjing, a public school ranked among the top ten in the city, was where Xiao Yao was enrolled. Originally, Xiao Siqi wanted Xiao Yao to attend a private school. Being a celebrity with sufficient means and a gifted child, private schooling was common. For example, Sun Zhihua’s daughter, Sun Tingting, attended an elite British-style private school. Sun Zhihua had even called Xiao Siqi to recommend that school, since Sun Tingting wanted to be classmates with Xiao Yao. But Xiao Yao had no interest in private schools and insisted on attending a regular public school. So Xiao Siqi carefully chose this well-equipped and reputable public school.

From a chronological perspective, Xiao Yao’s two experiences attending primary school were separated by over a decade. The school environment now was vastly different from what he remembered in his previous life. So upon entering campus, Xiao Yao didn’t rush to his classroom but wandered slowly, backpack on his shoulders and dragging a small suitcase, looking around curiously.

“Hey, kid, wait up!” Suddenly, a voice called from behind.

Xiao Yao turned to see a stylish young woman jogging over, dragging a large red suitcase. She had smooth, long straight hair flowing behind her as she ran, wearing sunglasses that concealed her face, though her oval-shaped face was evidently beautiful. She wore a blue-and-white plaid long-sleeve shirt unbuttoned to reveal a white tank top underneath; the shirt was knotted at the waist. Her denim shorts and long, pale legs stood out dazzlingly in the sunlight. She looked neither like a parent nor a teacher.

The woman reached Xiao Yao and, noticing him eyeing her sunglasses, hesitated briefly before removing them and asking, “Hey, you’re a student here, right? Can you tell me how to get to the teaching building?”

Xiao Yao shook his head. “I’m a first grader, new today.”

“Oh?” She looked surprised. Seeing him alone with luggage and taller than most seven-year-olds, she had thought he was a second or third grader.

“But I saw the campus map at the gate. The teaching building is that way—just follow the road past the building in front. That building is the gym. After the gym, turn right and you’ll find the teaching building,” Xiao Yao said, pointing.

“Thanks,” she said quickly, starting to pull her suitcase that way. Then she turned back. “Hey, kid, since it’s your first day, you’re here to register as a first grader, right? Why are you all alone? Where are your parents?”

“My parents are busy, so I came alone,” Xiao Yao smiled.

“Wow, letting such a young kid come alone to register. Your parents must be brave,” she said. “Registration is in the classrooms of the teaching building. Why are you wandering on the playground? Don’t know where the building is? I do. Come on, I’ll take you.”

“Uh…” Xiao Yao was flustered, thinking, “Look who’s talking about being brave.”

“I know where the teaching building is. Didn’t I just point it out to you? Forgot already?” Xiao Yao said helplessly.

“Oh, right, sorry. Got flustered,” she said, blushing slightly.

She then asked, “If you know where the teaching building is, why aren’t you going to register? Why are you wandering here?”

“I figured I had some time to spare, so I’m exploring the campus to get familiar with it,” Xiao Yao replied.

“Alright. By the way, I’m Ye, the life teacher for Class 3, Grade 1. You can call me Teacher Ye. What class are you in?” she asked.

Surprised that she was indeed a teacher, Xiao Yao answered honestly, “Hello, Teacher Ye. I’m Xiao Yao, Class 2.”

“Oh, next door, but not my student. Don’t wander too long; remember to register,” she said before turning to leave. Muttering to herself as she walked away, “Xiao Yao? That name sounds familiar…”

Xiao Yao frowned as he watched her go. He heard her muttering and felt the woman seemed somewhat familiar, though he was certain they hadn’t met before.

After wandering around the school, Xiao Yao finally arrived at the classroom of Class 2, Grade 1, where registration was underway. The first floor of the teaching building, housing all first-grade classrooms, was bustling with people.

Registration was handled by each class’s homeroom teacher, who set up a desk at the classroom door to check in students before they could enter. When Xiao Yao arrived, the entrance of Class 2 was already packed with students and parents. Small and not strong, and uninterested in squeezing through the crowd, Xiao Yao sat on the low railing outside the classroom, planning to enter last.

As he looked around, he noticed all first-grade classrooms were similarly crowded. When his gaze shifted to Class 3 next door, he saw that besides the homeroom teacher seated there, another teacher was helping parents and students. That teacher’s figure looked familiar.

The teacher happened to be facing Xiao Yao. When she saw the surprise on his face, she smiled mischievously at him.

But her appearance had completely changed. She now wore white sneakers, blue denim overalls, a crisp white shirt, black-framed glasses, and her hair tied up in a bun—far from the stylish woman he had just met. She looked like a pure, innocent schoolgirl.

She was Teacher Ye.