out that even today, Zeng Quanming, the notoriously ill-tempered man, has also arrived.It seems these people are all trying to secure an easier admission for their children or relatives into this pre...Chapter 56: Identity

The teacher of the Pan Yi class was in his forties but already half-bald; he was nicknamed 'Panda Man' by the students, who didn't like him because sometimes he would use his authority to detain students until late at night for reciting lessons.

None other than Xue Yiyang hated him the most. Once he had been detained until 7 or 8 p.m., and only returned home in a daze to eat cold food, which was truly heartbreaking.

Gong Fulu probably endured too much of his students' suffering, so he looked prematurely aged. When discussing current affairs and politics, he would always adopt an authoritative tone, often criticizing others without using any profanity but still managing to keep everyone in line. With his talent for detaining students until late at night, no one at the No. 1 High School dared to challenge him, not even the most resilient freshmen. Many seniors who were victimized by him felt helpless.

Today, Gong Fulu spent half a class period thoroughly covering the third lesson's second section. At the No. 1 High School, the teaching progress was much faster than in ordinary high schools, although there was plenty of time for self-study during holidays. Mostly, these things were about memorization and recitation, so Gong Fulu only briefly highlighted the key points before moving on.

He preferred to spend time discussing current affairs because policies changed daily. He believed it was easier to understand politics through class-wide discussions than by rote learning from textbooks.

"We still have some time left, so let's talk about recent events in the country," said Gong Fulu. The entire class reacted with a predictable excitement.

In fact, it could be quite interesting to discuss current affairs and political history outside of the textbook content, which was part of Gong Fulu's charm.

However, these discussions often had an element of coercion as he liked to impose his views on students, who were too afraid to voice dissenting opinions. Those who dared to question him found themselves detained for recitation in the next class, regardless of their background or grades. This authoritarian approach made many lament Gong Fulu's brutal teaching methods that lacked any democratic elements.

Gong Fulu started by talking about the 'Higher Education Law' passed in January and the launch of the euro in eleven EU countries, its impact on European integration.

He then moved onto the financial crisis in Brazil and how it affected global markets. Several students expressed their opinions, which were somewhat nave but still managed to draw a nod from Gong Fulu.

After discussing NATO's intervention in Yugoslavia, Gong Fulu did not elaborate further, but mentioned that NATO was under immense internal pressure due to the financial and human losses incurred by prolonging the conflict. He then asked rhetorically, "If NATO declares war on Yugoslavia as a failure, what methods might they use"

When no one responded, Gong Fulu felt satisfied with his control over the class. Continuing, he said, "Without discussing whether they will intensify bombings, I recently read an online article that you all can access via your home computers. It suggests NATO may target non-critical but symbolic targets in Yugoslavia, such as our country's embassy."

A few students had already read this article and knew what he was going to say; however, many were shocked and indignant at the suggestion.

Gong Fulu was rather excited because discussing sensitive topics in class was usually avoided. However, with recent online discussions becoming more heated even involving him, he felt compelled to bring up the matter due to his frustrations.

A few students volunteered their hands, "I've read it before!"

"In my opinion, this is sheer nonsense. You probably don't know the power of precision-guided missiles during the Gulf War; that was a war that changed people's perception of warfare. It would be unjustifiable for NATO to bomb our embassy under the guise of 'mistaken bombing.' No one would be foolish enough to use missiles in such an attack, and it is completely contradictory! Moreover, ethnic cleansing caused by the Kosovo issue is indeed abhorrent behavior. NATO merely conducted a correct military intervention; there's no question of ulterior motives!"

Gong Fulu angrily expressed his views, leaving Su Cen somewhat無奈。 Currently, most online comments were criticizing him, which he had anticipated. What he wrote was meant as a warning; if everyone believed it blindly, that would be problematic.

After all, no one could have predicted the day when five bombs would penetrate the national embassy during the bombing campaign. Since he knew about this event in advance, he should do what he could to prevent it. Although others might think such a major national matter doesn't concern common people like them, and although he knows his current influence is minimal, if there's anything he can try, he would still take action.

However, all he was able to do now was write this article.

Zhang Xi suddenly laughed, "Teacher Gong, your view isn't quite right. Su Cen has a different perspective!" Li Ai and the others immediately chimed in as well. They had always wanted to bring Su Cen into their circle, but he was smilingly distant towards them. Knowing that he wasn't interested in associating with them, they felt some resentment after being repeatedly excluded from his clique; it's natural for them to be antagonistic now.

Many students looked at Zhang Xi disapprovingly, especially those in Li Lue Mei’s group. Wasn’t this pushing Su Cen into a bear trap

Gong Fulu said with narrowed eyes, "Oh!" as he looked at Su Cen, "Su Cen, do you agree with the rumors online I don't think this is the first time I've taught you to view issues dialectically."

Su Cen smiled bitterly. The article he wrote might have been biased, but it was merely to find a warning reason for those missiles targeting the national embassy; as for NATO’s real motives in bombing the embassy, only policymakers would know. This created a paradox: although he knew the answer, he couldn't convincingly describe the sufficient reasons behind it.

When Su Cen stood up, Xue Yiyang looked confused while Wang Xuebing and others who saw him as a threat to their status smirked with schadenfreude. Chen Lingshan rolled her eyes at him, pointing towards Gong Fulu; though he couldn’t hear what she was saying clearly, the agreement from nearby girls made it clear that they wanted him to follow suit.

Tang Wu’s ice-cold gaze turned expectant, almost proudly anticipating a different opinion from Su Cen.

Changing his views for short-term peace and to align with Gong Fulu's thoughts would be what an unreborn person might do in this situation.

Gong Fulu said, "Su Cen, I'd like to hear your philosophical explanation of this war." He knew Su Cen was no ordinary student; Xiao Rihua had repeatedly failed against him. This young man was quite resourceful, and he wanted a high-profile challenge.

Su Cen looked at Gong Fulu with a slight smile, "War is the most barbaric act that strips humanity away from people. Why think about love, poetry, or philosophy In the past, politics was measured between countries. However, in today's world of coexisting peace and conflict, international relations are increasingly complex, involving regional groupings for national interests. A core leader needs a grandiose reason to eliminate domestic opposition and gain more support for their actions; this rationale serves as a faade making such behavior seem reasonable. Ultimately, whether practically or historically impactful, the goal is always self-interest."

"Quite sharp!" someone commented, and Wang Xuebing shushed him with a "hush" to continue listening attentively.

The boys listened intently to Su Cen's views, while the girls were more focused on the visual pleasure. The red sun hung low, casting a soft glow in the classroom where this boy stood alone amidst silence.

Talking about distant conflicts made everyone feel somewhat disoriented.

"In my view, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is a clique, but it's relatively small. The NATO led by the U.S. is another clique, though it has the upper hand and more power in its punches. Their greatest tragedy was standing on the same piece of cake. Since they are merely cliques rather than some righteous army fighting for the ultimate ideal of mankind’s revival, it makes sense that they would resort to unconventional means when cornered."

When Su Cen saw Gong Fulu's face turn increasingly ugly, he knew it was time to stop as Gong Fulu might explode in court any moment now. He hurriedly ended his speech with the following words: "If everyone fights only for their own beliefs, there would be no war."

The words hung in mid-air; Su Cen's eyes reflected the crimson sky, deep and melancholic. The students subconsciously clapped.

Clapping echoed cleanly through the classroom; those who had started it were startled to find that their applause was the only one at first, followed by sparse claps which then grew more synchronized and forceful, soon becoming enthusiastic and loud.

Amidst swirling dust in the room, Tang Wu quietly observed Su Cen. From this boy with a back like distant mountains and surrounded by rosy hues, she had a sense that she was seeing his future - far into it, he would stand at an altitude to overlook the world, but the girl who should be holding hands with him wouldn't be her.

The bell rang for class dismissal; students quickly packed up their bags as desks and chairs creaked.

Footsteps pounding echoed from upstairs and downstairs, marking the typical school day end. Shi Yi Middle School wasn’t as genteel or refined as imagined; when the bell rang, everyone was calm yet rushed out like a deluge breaking through barriers.

Gong Fulu wanted to say something, but since Su Cen’s words left him speechless, he couldn't be so undignified and retorted. He could only awkwardly smile as students began dispersing upon hearing the bell.

Chen Lingshan didn’t leave; she waited for Su Cen and Tang Wu. When most of the class had left, she said to them: "There's a gathering next week, yes, it’s my birthday party. You both have to come! No gifts are necessary!"

When saying this, Chen Lingshan looked quite cheerful; however, her gaze never met Su Cen but stayed on Tang Wu.

"Next week" Tang Wu's eyes flickered slightly before she glanced at Su Cen and nodded to Chen Lingshan: "Yes."

Chen Lingshan smiled with a slight curve of her lips, picked up her pink schoolbag, then turned to Su Cen and said: "By the way, what you talked about earlier was quite interesting. Although I support Teacher Gong…" She feigned ease and distance by adding: "... but regarding your courage, how should I say it… I truly admire it."

Su Cen lightly placed his hands behind his head, stretching lazily towards the sky. He walked out of school with Tang Wu, feeling like he could stroll on this path forever as the sunset, refreshing breeze, and slightly damp air around him invited such a sense of ease.

"Do you think what I said in class was too impractical" Su Cen asked, turning his head.

Tang Wu's face turned slightly red: "What I paid more attention to was the confidence with which you spoke. As for the content… it doesn’t really matter.

Su Cen was stunned for a moment, then he smiled and said, "Do you know that this kind of unwavering belief easily reminds me of some words."

"Like taciturn"

"Wife follows husband." When Tang Wu raised her hand, Su Cen firmly held it.

Feeling Su Cen's not-so-innocent grip and his careful caressing of her slender wrist, Tang Wu felt her face burning. She tried to pull back her hand softly and said, "Don't do that."

In the silent campus, on a quiet path bathed in the last rays of sunlight, when a girl tells you 'don’t do that' at this moment when calling for help goes unanswered,

The power of such words is enough to pierce through one's heart.

"Let’s hurry home!" Su Cen, whose heart was beating rapidly, couldn't wait to return to Tang Wu's place and felt the urge to do something.

Realizing a slight hint of danger, Tang Wu blushed furiously. She glared at Su Cen with her eyes narrowed and said in a sultry voice, "Pervert."

Su Cen happily reached out to hold Tang Wu's hand.

Tang Wu tried to resist but then gently held his hand. Her beautiful eyes watched Su Cen bathed in the sunset glow, her gaze filled with admiration as if wanting to remember this 17-year-old boy and these fleeting moments of time.

Walking on this path, sometimes Su Cen wondered how long they could continue walking side by side like this

Perhaps not for much longer...

Outside the school gate, a black car was parked. Beside it stood a woman wearing a black coat, tall and elegant. At first glance, she resembled Tang Wu in five aspects, but her long eyebrows arched high, exuding an air of mature coldness that made her stand out even more. Her gaze fell on Su Cen and Tang Wu the moment they stepped out, also taking note of their hand-holding.

Tang Wu’s eyes narrowed as she loosened her grip. At this moment, Su Cen understood who this woman was.nd mind.However, for Su Cen, feeling nostalgic about reckless youth doesn't necessarily mean he is growing old. Instead, he is beginning to build his own version of 'reckless youth,' a period not wort...