Chapter 3 The Entrusted Box
Advanced Nurturing High School boasts a campus much larger than any other school. Surrounded by a heavily fortified wall, it houses not only the school building, gym, sports grounds, and student dormitories, but also entertainment and commercial facilities such as karaoke bars, cinemas, cafes, clothing stores, and more. In essence, it resembles a small business district rather than a mere school.
Located in the heart of a metropolis, the school's sprawling campus spans an area of over 600,000 square meters, comparable to that of a bustling shopping street.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, students dressed in red uniforms come and go, making use of these facilities. Although new students may be overwhelmed and fascinated by the campus, they eventually settle into a routine and head to their respective classes, following the admission guide.
But Fang Li is not like the others.
Upon entering the campus, Fang Li heads straight to a particular location.
Fang Li stood before the Headmaster's Office, checking the number on the door before glancing at the letter clutched in his hand.
Upon admission to Advanced Nurturing High School, students receive an admission notice along with a guidebook to help them navigate the unfamiliar territory.
However, Fang Li's admission letter contained something extra: an invitation to the Headmaster's Office, with a specific request written on it.
As he gazed at the letter, he realized that he was the only student to receive such an invitation.
Taking a deep breath, Fang Li stepped forward and knocked on the door.
A voice called out from behind the door, "Please come in." Without hesitation, Fang Li pushed open the door to the Headmaster's Office. Inside, a spacious and opulent room greeted him.
Seated at a large desk, a man looked up and smiled at Fang Li, as if he had been eagerly awaiting his arrival. "Welcome to Advanced Nurturing High School, Nanaya-kun," the man said. He has a commanding figure, exuding an air of authority and confidence, despite being in his forties.
"I'm the Superintendent of this school. You can call me Sakayanagi," the middle-aged man introduced himself.
Fang Li raised his eyebrows in surprise and asked, "Isn't it supposed to be Headmaster?"
He had assumed that man as the Headmaster, but in private schools in the country, the Superintendent held a position equivalent to that of a supervisor. The Headmaster was subordinate to the supervisor, who was the top person in charge.
Thus, the middle-aged man before Fang Li represented the highest-ranking official in the school. While this might not be significant in other schools, it held great significance in Advanced Nurturing High School, a state-sponsored cultivation institution.
"I don't need someone like you to meet some ordinary student like me," Fang Li stated bluntly.
Superintendent Sakayanagi responded with a smile. "If you are just an average student, then the world must have run out of ordinary students," he said, He turned to Fang Li with a kindly expression. "Meeting you is a personal desire of mine. I've borrowed the Headmaster's Office for this occasion."
Looking directly at Fang Li, Superintendent Sakayanagi spoke solemnly. "I was eager to see for myself why you're being called an unprecedented and exceptional individual. My words are sincere, believe me."
Fang Li remained silent, but it was not surprising. After all, he knew his own situation very well. As long as he bore the name "Nanaya," he would inevitably draw attention from the highest ranks wherever he went, for better or worse. The name "Nanaya" carried such weight that it made him an extraordinary individual.
Superintendent Sakayanagi went on to explain that his position as superintendent was inherited from his father's will. He emphasized the school's philosophy and policy of cultivating useful talents and pillars for the country. He concluded by saying, "I always welcome good people, and I believe that you are one of the few talented individuals in this country's history."
"In addition, I have also been entrusted by someone to give you something," Superintendent Sakayanagi suddenly changed the subject.
"they said this, 'Don't forget what belongs to you'," he continued, as he took out a rectangular box slightly larger than a hand.
The box looked quite old, hinting at its long history. Fang Li stared at it intently, knowing what is inside it.
"I don't think students are allowed to carry stuff like this?" Fang Li asked.
Superintendent Sakayanagi nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, carrying something like this is against the school rules for ordinary students," he said with a smile. "But I believe you will not abuse this item. Besides, Kiri-sama personally asked me to give this to you. It's a special case."
With that, Superintendent Sakayanagi pushed the box toward Fang Li, indicating that he could take it. Fang Li closed his eyes for a moment, as if grappling with complex emotions, before stepping forward and taking the box.
"I have received it," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. "I will be leaving now."
As Fang Li turned to leave the Headmaster's Office, he heard Superintendent Sakayanagi's voice behind him. This time, it sounded calm and low, in stark contrast to his previous friendliness.
"May I ask you a question?" he said, "Why did you choose to attend this school? As far as I know, it was a decision you made unilaterally, despite opposition from your clan. I am genuinely curious to know why."
This question gave Fang Li pause. He stopped in his tracks, fixed in place.