The homeroom teacher gave an awkward little chuckle as she tried to smooth over the tension in the room. "You're both new transfers," she said to Xu Sheng and Su Bing with a bright, practiced smile. "This is Su Bing—why don't you get to know each other a little before heading to your seats?"
Just outside the classroom, the stately woman—elegantly dressed and clearly someone accustomed to more refined surroundings—finally took notice of the other new student. Her eyes fell upon his face, and in that very instant, her heart gave a sudden, involuntary jolt.
She stared, transfixed. That face... it was far too familiar.
After the registration process concluded, students began streaming out of the classroom, saying goodbye to teachers and classmates, reuniting with parents and heading home.
