Chapter 041: Early Wisdom

Zhang Tan and Tan Zhang—clearly a distinction between real name and pen name. Checking the latest novel updates online, “The Four Great Constables Shock the Northeast”—that title couldn’t possibly be wrong.

It was obvious now: the “Four Great Constables Shock the Northeast” published in “Legends of the Past and Present: Story Edition” was indeed the work of Zhang Tan from Class 15, Grade 1.

Zhang Shanming felt a surge of excitement. He’d been teaching at Shuangdun Middle School for decades, and had published essays and teaching notes in several journals himself. But, to his memory, never had a student published a novel while still in school—Zhang Tan was truly one of a kind.

“Mr. Yu, your student Zhang Tan is exceptionally talented. I’ve read this ‘Four Great Constables Shock the Northeast’; the writing is remarkably mature, and the novel is well-crafted. ‘Legends of the Past and Present’ is one of the most popular literary magazines in the country—being published there is no small feat.”

“Is it really Zhang Tan who wrote it? That’s amazing,” Yu Na said, still dazed.

She’d just been overwhelmed by Luo Jinsong’s lecture about how Zhang Tan was a problem student, and now, in a sudden reversal, she learned Zhang Tan had already published a novel.

Publishing a novel was no trivial matter.

Since ancient times, the Chinese have revered literature—once upon a time, good writing could win you an official post. Even now, Yu Na couldn’t help but look at writers with a certain awe.

Even if it was just a martial arts novel.

After all, those martial arts novelists from Hong Kong and Taiwan—Wolong Sheng, Zhuge Qingyun, Sima Ling, and others—were household names whose works were adapted into countless films and TV dramas, wielding enormous influence. Martial arts culture, an extension of kung fu culture, was on the verge of becoming a national treasure.

In a daze, she realized her class had produced a writer.

And she wasn’t the only teacher in the office curious about this budding novelist; soon, all the teachers crowded around, eager to catch a glimpse of “Legends of the Past and Present: Story Edition.”

Luo Jinsong was left standing alone.

His expression soured, his face darkening as he said, “Regardless of whether Zhang Tan wrote this or how well he writes, it doesn’t change the fact that he doesn’t pay attention in class. Ms. Yu, a student’s main task is to study. I hope you take this matter seriously.”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Luo, I will speak with Zhang Tan at once,” Yu Na nodded. In truth, she was now burning with curiosity; she just had to talk to Zhang Tan.

Mr. Zhang Shanming adjusted his reading glasses and smiled. “Ms. Yu, be tactful. Don’t crush his enthusiasm. Every year, Shuangdun Middle School graduates hundreds of students who go on to all kinds of professions, but we’ve never produced a writer. Don’t let his talent be snuffed out.”

Luo Jinsong protested, “Mr. Zhang, we can’t encourage students to ignore their studies.”

Unhurriedly, Zhang Shanming retorted, “We shouldn’t be so rigid in our teaching. The country’s educational system is being hotly debated—are we cultivating specialists or well-rounded individuals? Should education be flexible or remain rigid? Whatever the outcome, whether it’s specialists or generalists, what matters most is nurturing talent, wouldn’t you agree?”

Luo Jinsong wanted to continue arguing.

But the bell rang.

Zhang Shanming stood up, stretched, and cut him off: “Enough, let’s leave the rest for another time. I have a class to teach.”

The teachers filed out. Luo Jinsong, still frowning, tucked his textbook under his arm and left as well.

Yu Na, who had no class, waited until the others were gone. She picked up “Legends of the Past and Present: Story Edition” from the desk and began reading eagerly.

...

As soon as the dismissal bell rang, the history teacher, Mr. Shan, couldn’t wait to grab his books and leave—sometimes he seemed more eager to end class than the students.

Yu Na, who had been waiting by the door, took the opportunity to enter the classroom and called to Zhang Tan, “Zhang Tan, come to the office with me for a moment.”

Liang Wei immediately grinned—Zhang Tan, you’re in trouble now!

Zhang Tan smiled and nodded at Yu Na. Then, before the students could leave, he announced loudly, “I’ve been summoned by the homeroom teacher for a chat, and I don’t know how long it’ll take. But don’t forget, football team practice is at noon. Meet on the field after lunch. Zhu Ran, you organize everyone. The official match is tomorrow—make sure everyone’s ready.”

Liang Wei’s smile faded, his face turning sullen. Even when called out by the teacher, Zhang Tan was still putting on airs—couldn’t he go a moment without showing off?

Unaware of Liang Wei’s inner monologue, Zhang Tan finished his instructions, then followed Yu Na to the office under the curious gaze of his classmates.

There was no “The wind howls bleakly at the Yi River’s edge,” nor “This parting may leave only empty scenes in the years to come”—he felt perfectly calm.

“Is the class football match tomorrow?” Yu Na, not as stern as Zhang Tan had expected, asked with genuine interest.

“Yeah, we’re playing Class 3, Grade 2.”

“Do you think you’ll win?”

“Absolutely!” Zhang Tan declared, clenching his fist.

Occasionally, students from Grade 1 or 2 who knew Zhang Tan would pass by, greet him with a nod or a smile, or ask, “Why are you headed the other way?” Some recognized Yu Na as the homeroom teacher and shot him a “Take care of yourself” look.

Zhang Tan responded to them all with a smile.

Yu Na, still curious, asked, “You seem to know a lot of people at school?”

“Yeah, I met most of them on the sports field—playing soccer, basketball. The school’s not that big; it’s easy to get to know everyone.”

“You seem quite mature for your age,” Yu Na observed thoughtfully.

“Uh.” Zhang Tan smacked his lips. “I think ‘precocious’ sounds better, don’t you, teacher?”

“Mature is more accurate. Precocious means you’ve been smart since childhood…”

Zhang Tan nodded. “I’ve always thought I was a genius.”

Yu Na blinked, unsure how to respond, and an awkward silence fell.

Fortunately, they had reached the office.

It was empty; all the other teachers were gone.

Yu Na motioned for Zhang Tan to choose a seat, then settled behind her desk. She cleared her throat, instantly slipping into her stern teacher persona. “Zhang Tan, do you know why I called you here?”

“Uh, what is it?”

“Didn’t you say you were good at deduction?”

“Huh?” Zhang Tan was taken aback, then remembered she was referring to the joke he’d made when he pretended to be sick to rent a room. Clearly, Yu Na hadn’t forgotten his little trick. “Heh, you still remember that, teacher? Well, as the saying goes, ‘It’s easier to read others than oneself.’ I’m better at deducing other people.”

Seeing Yu Na’s face darkening, Zhang Tan sighed inwardly. Whether it was Luo Jinsong or Yu Na, they all saw him as just a high schooler.

He, on the other hand, always faced teachers with an adult’s mentality, wanting to be on equal footing. That was the main reason for his clashes with Luo Jinsong—he was still a bit self-centered, forgetting that his body was just that of a high schooler and he should behave as such. At the very least, until a truly equal environment was established, he needed to play the part.

With that realization, Zhang Tan immediately shed his flippant attitude and said sincerely—at least outwardly—“Teacher, I was wrong. I know why you called me in. I had an unpleasant exchange with Mr. Luo during math class. I’ve reflected deeply and realize my mistake. Please forgive me.”

Yu Na’s expression softened. She took out “Legends of the Past and Present: Story Edition.” “Zhang Tan, I know you’re talented. I’ve noticed you sometimes write in class—I thought you were taking notes, but I didn’t expect you were writing a novel. ‘The Four Great Constables Shock the Northeast’ in this magazine—is that your work?”

Seeing the magazine, Zhang Tan was genuinely surprised. “Ah, teacher, you found out?”