CHAPTER 305: CHAPTER 261

In a class of barely more than twenty, the majority were boys, with only two girls. Now with Lan Tian, the count came to three girls. No teacher was lecturing in the classroom; the students were studying on their own when the department head brought Lan Tian in.

"Classmates, our class has a new transfer student today. Come, introduce yourself," the department head invited Lan Tian to the platform.

The students, who were studying below, looked up at the podium and noticed a beautiful girl standing there—finally, a spark of life in the otherwise dreary classroom.

"Hello everyone, I’m Lan Tian. Let’s all get along," Lan Tian introduced herself before stepping aside to make room for the department head, whose eyes twitched. Such a simple and clear introduction comprised only of her name.

"Classmate Lan Tian..." The department head glanced around to see lots of empty seats with students scattered throughout; it didn’t matter where she sat. "Pick any seat you like, Lan Tian. Our Archaeology department isn’t strict about seating."

There were plenty of empty seats; it made no difference where Lan Tian sat. She looked around and chose the back row, settling into the corner by the window.

"Classes have started for a while, and I’m sure you’re all feeling a bit lost. Your professor is on an archaeological expedition with an indefinite return date, so I’ll be taking over his duties. Let’s start with everyone introducing themselves," the department head swept a look across the classroom, "beginning with the two female students. The girl by the window, you go first."

"My name is Zhou Sisi, from the eastern part of Beijing. I’m twenty years old, I like archaeology, and I look forward to learning and progressing with everyone. Thank you," she bowed and sat down.

From her introduction, classmates could tell she was a cheerful girl, skilled in social interactions – her talk of learning from others and progressing together didn’t mirror Lan Tian’s simple pledge for harmony; it seemed she was the real troublemaker.

Suddenly, the classroom erupted in warm applause.

The other girl stood up, "I’m Zhang Xilan, twenty years old, from the west side of Beijing. I too like archaeology, which is why I came to our school. Please guide me in the future, thank you." Zhang Xilan was somewhat shy, her voice grew quieter towards the end; if the classroom hadn’t been so silent, listening only to her, the other students might not have caught her words.

The students were supportive, their applause just as enthusiastic.

When it was the boys’ turn, each one was overflowing with energy, introducing themselves like they were in a matchmaking session—spilling an endless stream of details about their age, name, being single, expectations for a future wife, boasting of their talents, and looking forward to a bright future. If the department head hadn’t interrupted them, they would have continued till the end of class. After hearing their essential details, the department head efficiently cut them off for the next person.

Some male students were unsatisfied, demanding a do-over, and the class passed with just introductions.

With a pretty new girl in class, the boys were eager at first, but seeing Lan Tian’s aloof demeanor, as if she didn’t want to talk, their restlessness subsided, and they let go of any thoughts of approaching her.

The new student had just arrived; they weren’t in a rush.

"Hello Lan Tian, may I sit in front of you?" Zhou Sisi approached with her books. Zhang Xilan hesitated but also came over with her books.

Lan Tian glanced at Zhou Sisi who had already sat down and insipidly said, "Even if I say I disagree, would you leave?"

Zhang Xilan’s face went pale, she bit her lip, looked at Zhou Sisi, then back at Lan Tian, and started to walk away with her books.

"Not leaving," Zhou Sisi shook her head, reaching to pull Zhang Xilan to sit, "Come on, since you’re here already. Lan Tian is brash but sympathetic, don’t mind her." Zhou Sisi was quite forward, not showing even a hint of consciousness that they had just met; thick-skinned people always find their way.

Lan Tian, portrayed as brash but sympathetic, said nothing more.

Zhang Xilan’s eyes brightened, full of hope as she looked at Lan Tian, who glanced at her and faintly said, "Whatever."

It wasn’t her territory, driving out one sheep or two made no difference to her.

If the two female classmates knew that Lan Tian compared them to sheep, they would have started a fight.

Zhang Xilan sat down happily.

"Lan Tian, do you have something against us?" Zhou Sisi turned around to ask just after sitting down, with Zhang Xilan also looking anxiously at Lan Tian, who appeared completely baffled. Zhou Sisi had quite entertaining speech, making interesting deductions from nowhere.

The male students envied Zhou Sisi and Zhang Xilan for successfully snagging seats near Lan Tian; they too wanted to sit by Lan Tian but lacked any reasonable excuse.

Lan Tian rested her chin on her hand and looked out the window, her textbooks still inside her bag, untouched. At the questioning, her gaze landed on Zhou Sisi’s face, and she nonchalantly replied, "No."

"That so," Zhou Sisi tilted her head and smiled cutely, "Can I be your friend? Let’s get to know each other again. I’m Zhou Sisi; you can call me Sisi or Little Si. My family and friends all do. Why did you come to the Archaeology department?"

To slack off, of course!

Before Lan Tian could answer, Zhou Sisi continued, "My grandpa, my dad, they’re all archaeologists. I’ve been around this stuff since I was little and eventually found myself liking it. What about you, Xilan?"

Zhang Xilan looked at the two, shame-faced, "I only scored enough for the Archaeology department..." She had no choice but to join.

Classmates: "..." So when you said you liked the Archaeology department during your introduction, it was just to make a good impression in front of the department head. We can’t see it, but for someone so young, you sure think a lot.

Not quite normal—Lan Tian, who came in through the backdoor, didn’t understand Zhang Xilan’s shame; she had rightly earned her place and had nothing to be embarrassed about.

The male students were thoughtful.

"Lan Tian, can we call you by that? Where did you attend school before, and why did you transfer to Jing University?" Zhou Sisi was full of curiosity, "Do you know it’s rare for Jing University to accept transfer students mid-term? Of course, it happens, but seldom. It’s said that only children of powerful and influential people transfer, and the school accepts them. Is your family...?" She looked sly, as if saying, ’Just admit it. We all know your family is rich and powerful, don’t worry we won’t tell anyone.’

Every student held their breath in anticipation, listening for the truth, perhaps they had a formidable figure among them.

Lan Tian smirked at Zhou Sisi, "Are you sure you’re in the right place?"

"What?" Zhou Sisi looked at her puzzled, "What do you mean? I’m not in the wrong place; this is the Archaeology department."

The surrounding students were also baffled.

"You’re too talented for the Archaeology department; with such a rich imagination, you should join the Journalism department. You’d dig up several big stories for sure. The position of head of the next Journalism department is yours for the taking. Staying in Archaeology is a waste of your abilities," Lan Tian said with a serious expression.