Jump Over, Xiao Xu

Not everyone is naturally considerate of others. Liang Xiaoqing felt that Jiang Xu, despite her youth, gave off a sense of reliability. In small matters, Jiang Xu was always attentive and thoughtful.

Shuiqing Town's education quality was lacking, and the students' levels varied greatly. Few were as well-behaved and polite as Jiang Xu, whose demeanor set her apart from the other students.

Liang Xiaoqing did appreciate Jiang Xu's temperament, though she sometimes found her too quiet and withdrawn. Her reticence made her seem unapproachable, and it would be hard for her to make friends at school.

When she first enrolled Jiang Xu, she had worried about this and deliberately placed her in her original class so she could adjust more quickly. Poor social connections could affect a student's grades, especially for adolescents prone to overthinking.

Fortunately, her worries were unfounded. Jiang Xu had recently found a companion—that chubby little girl named Jiang Erya. Liang Xiaoqing had asked Yang Man about her situation and learned she had two younger brothers. A pitiful child, it seemed, but her mother was reasonable and willing to let her study. Her grades were poor, though, and Liang Xiaoqing wondered if her mother might change her mind.

School was full of such troubles, keeping Liang Xiaoqing busy to the point of exhaustion. Taking care of Jiang Xu left little time for others. She wished she could do more for students like Jiang Erya, but her hands were tied. Fortunately, nothing had gone wrong so far—Jiang Erya, inspired by Jiang Xu, continued attending school with no intention of dropping out.

Was it her imagination, or was Jiang Xu becoming more skilled at pleasing her? At least, that was how it seemed when they were together.

Jiang Xu rarely spoke, yet she made an effort to chat with Liang Xiaoqing on their walk home every evening, as if searching for topics. They usually talked about school—studies, classmates, Jiang Erya, herself—and sometimes she'd even crack jokes and tease the teachers. Liang Xiaoqing listened, and the conversation eased her weariness. After all, not everything could be shared with colleagues.

In the end, the most pleasant part of her day was chatting with Jiang Xu on the way home.

Jiang Xu would complain about her teachers with a dead-serious expression, as if discussing something of grave importance. Liang Xiaoqing listened to her quirky gripes and learned about her worries. Jiang Xu, like any other child, talked about the confusion typical of her age.

Liang Xiaoqing would patiently guide her, and sometimes she'd tease, "Tomorrow I'm going to the office to tattle on you to the other teachers."

Jiang Xu usually let it go in one ear and out the other. Every time she watched the furrowed brows on Jiang Xu's little face relax under her guidance, Liang Xiaoqing felt a sense of accomplishment. For someone her age, clearing up Jiang Xu's doubts was almost too easy.

Walking home with Jiang Xu after evening study session had become the happiest part of her day.

The sky was as dark as spilled ink. On clear nights, stars filled the sky or a bright moon hung overhead. Jiang Xu repeatedly assured Liang Xiaoqing that she would study hard and never disappoint her.

And indeed, Jiang Xu's efforts were visible. Her diligence in learning filled Liang Xiaoqing with relief and even sparked hope for her future—that she could escape her current circumstances and take charge of her own life.

But just as Liang Xiaoqing held this unwavering hope, reality dealt her a heavy blow.

On the day the results of the last monthly exam before the final were released, Liang Xiaoqing sat at her desk analyzing the report card of her class.

As a homeroom teacher, she had more responsibilities—worrying about students' daily lives and their grades, sometimes going the whole day without a sip of water during busy times.

At night, she had to check the dormitories. Some Qing Middle students lived far away, in neighboring villages or, like Jiang Xu, in the mountains, requiring crossing several hills to reach school.

Most students couldn't even afford boarding fees; only those who lived too far away had no choice but to stay on campus.

As the homeroom teacher, Liang Xiaoqing had to make evening rounds. Today was her heaviest teaching load, and she also had to adjust her lesson plans based on the students' scores.

After a busy morning, she finally had time to rest in the office during the students' morning exercise—having some water and a snack.

At the desk beside her, Yang Man was also studying the report card, frowning one moment and pursing her lips the next, lost in thought. She looked rather serious.

Liang Xiaoqing had her own reasons for concern, but she smiled and asked, "What's wrong, Sister Yang? I thought Class Five did pretty well overall this time. Why the long face?"

Yang Man relaxed her brows, smiled at her, but seemed hesitant.

Liang Xiaoqing asked, "Is something the matter, Sister Yang?"

Yang Man pulled her chair closer to Liang Xiaoqing. "Xiaoqing, take a look."

She handed the report card to Liang Xiaoqing.

"I know you sympathize with Jiang Xu, but in a place like this, to be blunt, there are countless children in her situation. Here, it's not just the education that lags behind the city—people's mindsets are backward too. So some things can't be solved by teachers alone. Besides, how much power do we really have? Some students just aren't cut out for studying. No matter how much effort you put in, it's useless... There's a saying: slow birds must start early. Learning requires diligence and hard work, but you have to admit that there are gaps between people..."

Liang Xiaoqing found Jiang Xu's name on the report card. Her score wasn't near the top—about average in the class. Her math and English scores this time were poor, dragging her down significantly. Her performance had declined compared to previous exams.

"With someone like Jiang Xu, you've already done more than enough. If it comes to that, just give up." Yang Man spoke slowly, choosing her words carefully. "It's not that I'm trying to lecture you, but you're a teacher from elsewhere, with no kin here. If you want to make something of yourself, you need to go to a bigger place. You're a college graduate—college graduates are rare these days. Focus on your own work, and a promotion will come sooner or later. Just drop the Jiang Xu matter and stick to your teaching."

Yang Man paused, then said, "You need to think about yourself. I know about Jiang Xu's family situation. Don't let her parents come causing trouble for you. ...Xiaoqing, I've been meaning to tell you this for a while."

"..." Liang Xiaoqing listened quietly. Yang Man's words went in one ear and out the other without really registering. She stared at the report card, and when Yang Man finished, she gave a soft "Mm" and nodded to show she'd heard.

Having said her piece, Yang Man didn't press further. She patted Liang Xiaoqing's shoulder and slid her chair back to her own desk.

Liang Xiaoqing handed the report card back to her and sat there. The music from the broadcast outside drifted through the window, impassioned and vibrant, like every youthful, energetic student.

The teachers' office faced the playground, and Liang Xiaoqing's gaze unconsciously moved to the window. The people on the playground looked as small as ants, their voices a distant buzz.

Somewhere in that crowd, where was Jiang Xu? Liang Xiaoqing felt a twinge of defeat. She wondered if it was her fault. Was Jiang Xu really not cut out for studying? Or was the effort she showed merely an act put on for her sake?

Or maybe she had been too lenient with Jiang Xu?

...

Liang Xiaoqing couldn't figure it out. But Jiang Xu's poor grades did unsettle her. If Jiang Xu stopped studying, what would become of her? She was far more striking than her peers. If she were sent back to her parents, given their attitude, Jiang Xu would likely not have a good life—let alone escape Shuiqing Town...

Liang Xiaoqing averted her gaze, pushed the matter aside for now, and continued analyzing her class's report card.

At the office doorway, the small room held teachers of all subjects.

At the entrance appeared the faint white tip of a shoe—a pair of canvas shoes washed so many times they'd faded to white.

Their owner stepped back, leaning against the wall, clutching a homework notebook she'd forgotten to hand in, peering through the green-tinted glass.

The window frame was painted yellow, and from the floor above, long tendrils of winter jasmine hung down beside the window.

Half of Jiang Xu's face was reflected against the window pane. Her dark eyes, through the glass, watched Liang Xiaoqing, who sat hunched close to the window, her head bowed.

Her hair was tied up neatly, revealing the soft lines of her profile. Her side profile wasn't as striking as her front view, but her features were pleasing—a small, delicate nose with a gentle curve and a rounded tip.

She was frowning, her lips slightly pursed. Though her gaze rested on the paper in her hand, it was clear from the earlier conversation that she wasn't happy.

Or rather, she was disappointed that Jiang Xu's grades had dropped significantly again.

Liang Xiaoqing's desk was close to the door, and Jiang Xu, standing at the office entrance, had overheard their conversation.

Her grip on the notebook tightened. She'd always known Yang Man didn't like her, and now she was advising Liang Xiaoqing to—

Give up on her.

But her poor grades were a fact. Jiang Xu didn't step into the office. Instead, she turned and walked back to the classroom, a faint melancholy lingering in her heart.

Dismal, and utterly without motivation.

Jiang Erya still came to class. After the morning exercise, she was the first to sprint back to the classroom, panting with fatigue. Seeing Jiang Xu staring blankly at her seat, she patted her shoulder. "Jiang Xu, how did it go? Did you hand in the homework?"

That incident had become their unspoken secret. Jiang Xu never mentioned it, and Jiang Erya dared not bring it up either. But Jin Xiao—their math teacher—was dissatisfied with Jiang Xu's grades. She no longer called on her as frequently as before, whereas Jiang Erya was now under Jin Xiao's constant watch.

Jiang Erya had grown afraid of Jin Xiao.

She didn't know what consequences her actions might have for Jiang Xu, but she'd learned that Jiang Xu received special attention from Liang Xiaoqing.

Jiang Xu had told her that she lived at Liang Xiaoqing's house because her family wouldn't let her study anymore.

Liang Xiaoqing was essentially sponsoring Jiang Xu's education.

But anyone who saw such poor grades would likely be disappointed.

Sponsorship came with conditions.

At the thought, Jiang Erya unconsciously shrank her neck and hesitated, "Jiang Xu, maybe I..."

"Next time, I'll get first place." Jiang Xu said it out of nowhere, as if she knew what Jiang Erya was thinking.

She squeezed her notebook.

Her books and notebooks were always kept in pristine condition—clearly read multiple times but never dog-eared.

Jiang Xu glanced at Jiang Erya, then turned her head back to face the front. "Don't do that kind of thing again." Her voice was cold, tinged with indifference and stubbornness.

"...Oh." Jiang Erya didn't ask further.

After evening study, Jiang Xu walked faster than usual, determined to confirm one thing.

As soon as she exited the school gate, she saw someone standing by the big tree. In front of the gate was an old, decrepit streetlamp. Its light was dim, but enough to recognize who it was. The tension that had gripped Jiang Xu all the way relaxed, and she slowly approached the figure from behind.

The lamplight stretched Liang Xiaoqing's shadow long across the ground. Jiang Xu tiptoed over, cautious as a cat.

"Sister Xiaoqing."

She stopped two steps behind her, her eyes fixed on the back of Liang Xiaoqing's head.

The slightly bowed head moved, and Liang Xiaoqing turned around. When she saw Jiang Xu, the emotion in her eyes hadn't fully faded. By the time Jiang Xu blinked, it had vanished completely.

"You're here," Liang Xiaoqing said.

"Mm." Jiang Xu had spent the entire afternoon wondering how Liang Xiaoqing would treat her. That slightly self-conscious, uncontrollable swell of emotion dissipated in an instant the moment Liang Xiaoqing spoke.

Jiang Xu immediately felt lighter.

"...Let's go, then. We're heading back."

"Okay."

Jiang Xu nodded, thinking everything was the same as before, nothing had changed. Her hand instinctively reached forward—but grasped nothing. Only air.

Jiang Xu was startled by her own reflex—a habitual, unconscious gesture—and then, by the fact that her hand met empty space, the turmoil that had plagued her all afternoon surged back.

She couldn't help but overthink. What did she have to do to get things back to how they were?

Was Liang Xiaoqing upset? Why hadn't she held her hand tonight? Why did she feel a pang of sadness? She even had a momentary urge to explain herself, to defend against whatever Jiang Erya was thinking...

Of course, what she thought about most was whether Liang Xiaoqing would give up on her. If she were sent back to that home where everyone despised her and she had to watch Jiang Daguo's face every day...

Just thinking about it made her shrink back. Once you've basked in the sun, returning to darkness is unbearable. Liang Xiaoqing was right in front of her, but Jiang Xu knew that if she didn't hold on to her, she would never find her way back to the light.

Tonight, stars had finally emerged. The path home was reasonably visible in the night.

Liang Xiaoqing walked ahead, holding a flashlight. Jiang Xu followed behind. A thin veil of starlight draped over Liang Xiaoqing's shoulders, shifting as she moved. Her hair, neatly tied at first, had drooped slightly, swaying against her back.

Whenever they passed patches of wild grass, Liang Xiaoqing would bend down to push the blades aside, keeping the dew from brushing against her—though she'd likely already gotten wet herself. She did it for Jiang Xu, walking behind her.

Jiang Xu didn't have to worry about what lay ahead, because someone was there to clear the way.

In the past, working in the fields meant coming home under the stars, walking the dark roads alone.

On the winding paths, wild grass grew unchecked on both sides. Jiang Xu was always afraid something might jump out of the darkness, and every stretch of the way was walked in fear.

With Liang Xiaoqing, she had no such worries.

The two walked one after the other, leaving two shadows on the ground. Crossing a field, they reached the teachers' dormitory.

"It rained yesterday, and the ground up ahead hasn't dried yet. Be careful—it's slippery."

Liang Xiaoqing spoke as she walked.

Jiang Xu could feel the dampness the night breeze carried with her voice.

This stretch of tractor path required extra care. If you slipped and fell into the field, someone would likely come after you the next day for ruining their crops.

Jiang Xu murmured assent, stepped forward, and grabbed hold of Liang Xiaoqing's clothes—whether by instinct or design. She only pinched the hem of Liang Xiaoqing's shirt lightly, the motion so subtle it would be hard to notice if you weren't looking.

But Liang Xiaoqing stopped. She turned to look at Jiang Xu. In the dim night, with the flashlight's glow, she could barely make out Jiang Xu's silhouette.

She paused for a moment, and finally took Jiang Xu's hand.

As she continued walking, Jiang Xu looked up and stole a quick glance at her.

"Mind your step," Liang Xiaoqing reminded her again.

Liang Xiaoqing's hand was warm and could completely envelop hers. Jiang Xu's fingertips trembled, and her heart raced.

She gave another dazed "Mm," following Liang Xiaoqing. She held on tighter. Up ahead was a puddle. Liang Xiaoqing stepped over it, then turned back and said, "Jump over, Xiao Xu."

The stars in the sky grew brighter. Jiang Xu looked at her glowing face and suddenly felt a surge of courage. She rose on her toes and jumped over, the movement both swift and slow.

The momentum of her body carried her into Liang Xiaoqing's arms.

Her heart pounded against her chest, echoing in the silent night.

She leaned gently against Liang Xiaoqing's shoulder, like moonlight resting upon it.

In her ears, a clamor rose and fell, all of it rushing toward one person.

Jiang Xu closed her eyes, rubbed her cheek against that soft shoulder, and kept her breathing in check.