Chapter Eight: Winter Break
Ding-ding!! Ding-ding!!
The final bell marking the end of the last exam echoed through the campus. The previously quiet first-year classrooms, subdued by the exam atmosphere, now rippled like a still lake disturbed by a thrown stone.
Having once again declined Zhang Feng’s invitation to join the math competition after the exams, Li Jie felt justified. His stockpile of drafts for "The Devotion of Suspect X" was running low, and with the distraction of tutoring Geng Geng, he had little energy left. Although he possessed the talent, Li Jie preferred to avoid the spotlight, simply wanting to quietly finish high school. Zhang Feng wasn’t discouraged by the refusal but wisely chose not to press further; after all, forced fruit never tastes sweet.
As the teachers left, the students, like unbridled horses, burst into lively conversations, eagerly discussing the long-anticipated winter break.
“I’m going to stay up all night playing 'Fantasy Westward Journey,' leveling up and catching a mutated mystical beast pet.”
“Hey, which server are you on? Snowy Dragon? No way, same server! Let’s add each other and hunt ghosts together.”
...
“This year, I’m definitely going to collect tons of red envelopes.”
“You money-grubber!”
...
“My parents are taking me to Europe during the break. Anyone want me to bring something back?”
“Aww, so jealous!”
...
“I’m going to do a hundred practice problems every day during the holidays!”
“You’re a real boss! I bow to you!”
Listening to the excited chatter, most classmates were animatedly discussing their joyful holiday plans. But as Zhang Ping entered the classroom with several boys carrying their winter assignments, the room instantly fell silent, soon replaced by a chorus of groans. The underachievers howled with frustration while the top students maintained their disdain; after all, winter homework was basic protocol.
Li Jie sighed, feeling the energy in the air. He planned to retreat quietly during the holidays to ponder the next chapters of "The Devotion of Suspect X." Having read the book multiple times in his past life, his memory was sharp but not flawless. His stockpile of drafts had dwindled after tutoring Geng Geng, so to avoid trouble when Editor-in-Chief Liang came knocking, it was best to keep writing diligently.
“Lu Xinghe, what are your plans for the winter break?” Geng Geng’s slightly nervous voice sounded beside him.
“Probably just stay home and write, but if Lady Geng Geng calls, I’ll be ready at a moment’s notice.”
“Don’t talk nonsense! We haven’t had a break since our National Day photoshoot. This winter, I’m thinking of visiting those places we talked about, to practice my skills.”
“Sounds great! Sophia Cathedral, Riverside Railway Bridge, Qunli Music Park, Volga Manor — I’ve wanted to go to all of them for ages. Perfect timing for a trip, and we can celebrate your recent impressive progress with a few good meals.”
“Haha, now that you mention my grades, I think I did pretty well on this exam! You told me about most of the math question types. If I do well, you deserve half the credit. When the report card comes out, I’m treating you to a big feast.” Geng Geng said proudly, hands on her hips.
“Really? Then I look forward to that feast.” Li Jie smiled.
It wasn’t easy; all that time spent tutoring Geng Geng was finally paying off, bringing the first wave of joyful rewards.
***
A gentle, sisterly voice soon came through the school’s PA system.
“This next song is dedicated to all the senior students. While you watch the younger students enjoy their holidays, you remain here studying hard. ‘My Future Is Not a Dream’ is for all of you.”
...
I know my future is not a dream
I live each minute earnestly
My future is not a dream
My heart moves with hope
My future is not a dream
I live each minute earnestly
My future is not a dream
My heart moves with hope
Following hope’s rhythm
...
As the song ended, the students murmured among themselves.
“Again? They play this song every day. No matter how good, it’s getting old.”
“Yeah, it’s nice, but eating gourmet food every day loses its flavor too.”
Li Jie smiled slightly, admiring the power of the song. The new artist from Hongyan Records performed it just as well as the original by Zhang Yu. Hongyan’s rising star was impressive.
After distributing the holiday homework, students began leaving in small groups. Li Jie and Geng Geng walked out of school together, chatting and laughing.
That night, Li Jie was immersed in writing the latest installment of his serialized novel when a phone call interrupted him. The music distribution director of Hongyan Records invited him to their corporate annual gala. Li Jie politely declined, not feeling ready for public exposure yet. Though he understood the overture was normal, he wasn’t prepared to step into the spotlight.
Despite declining, Li Jie reassured Director Ni, promising to prioritize Hongyan for future lyrics and compositions. A little strategic flattery was necessary. He then sent over "The Brightest Star in the Night Sky."
Though disappointed not to have Li Jie attend, Director Ni was comforted by the promise. Losing such a treasure would be unthinkable. Just the three songs Li Jie had provided — "Deskmate," "The Most Important Decision," and "My Future Is Not a Dream" — had already brought Hongyan tens of millions in revenue.
Opening his email, Ni Liang hummed softly along with the sheet music.
...
The brightest star in the night sky
Can you hear
The loneliness and sighs
Of the one looking up?
Oh, the brightest star in the night sky
Can you remember
The silhouette
That once walked with me
Disappearing into the wind?
...
Another masterpiece, reinforcing Ni Liang’s determination to win Li Jie’s favor.
***
Volga Manor, located 16 kilometers along Hacheng Road by the Ash River in Chenggaozi Town, Xiangfang District, Harbin, covers over 600,000 square meters. It is a garden themed around Russian bear culture, completely filled with exotic ambiance.
They agreed to meet at the manor’s ticket office. Amid the bustling crowd, Geng Geng quickly spotted Li Jie, striking in a long red woolen coat and a warm hat. Secretly, she tiptoed behind him.
“Guess who I am?” she whispered, covering his eyes and pinching her throat.
“Geng Geng?”
“No, no, I’m not Geng Geng. Guess again!”
“Could it be a little fragrant pig?”
Hearing Li Jie’s teasing tone, Geng Geng huffed, put her hands down, and stormed forward with quick little steps, silent and sulky. Li Jie hurried after her, coaxing and pleading. Only after promising several big meals did Geng Geng calm down.
The winter manor was blanketed in snow: the lawns, trees, and rooftops all shimmering in white. Pavlov Castle stood silently by the Volga River. Looking from afar, many newlyweds were taking wedding photos. Li Jie led Geng Geng as they strolled through the exotic grounds, their footsteps tracing the manor’s paths. They stopped and started, sometimes posing for photos, sometimes whispering softly. As the sun set in the west, its golden light bathed the castle’s facade, as if dressing the white fortress in a gown of gold.
“This day has been amazing. I never thought Volga Manor was so beautiful in winter. We took so many pictures! Later, let’s show them to Teacher Tian, okay?” Geng Geng said, still full of energy after a full day’s walk.
“Sure, once we visit all the spots, we’ll pick the best photos to send to Brother Tian for his critique.”
During the remainder of the winter break, Li Jie and Geng Geng explored the unique winter beauty of the Ice City, indulging in its distinctive cuisine. Sophia Cathedral, Riverside Railway Bridge, and Qunli Music Park echoed with their laughter and joy.