The four of them each had their own thoughts. Department Chair walked the fastest, with the tall, thin, hunched-over Director Harris following closely behind, both wearing gloomy expressions. As they entered the dormitory, every student they passed recognized this Director Harris who seemed to have traveled here from the last century, and all hurriedly avoided them in silence. There was no choice but to dodge—this Director Harris could hardly tolerate any student attire other than school uniforms, or any hairstyle other than a crew cut. If you dared to wear something eccentric or sport a trendy hairstyle, you were sure to get a scolding. Fortunately, today he was preoccupied and didn’t pick on any students he found displeasing, heading straight for the second-floor dorms.

The two behind followed slowly. Homeroom TeacherReed quietly asked the class committee secretary, “Emily, was it the 222 dorm that did it?”

“Um... I’m not sure either.” Emily Walker pursed her lips, looking troubled.

“What class did they have this morning? Did you see any of them?” asked Homeroom Teacher.

“One class on literary theory. I don’t think I saw them,” Emily Walker replied softly, trying hard to recall, but really couldn’t remember seeing them. It wasn’t her fault—by senior year, skipping class was common, and with several classes combined for public lectures, as long as roll wasn’t called, it was impossible to know if a dozen or twenty students were missing.

Teacher Reed sighed and said nothing. Emily Walker walked mechanically, glancing at Homeroom Teacher. This Teacher Reed, who taught ancient literature, had a great reputation among the students—modest, kind, and scholarly, with a strong academic aura that even made the girls in the class flock to her, some even imitating Teacher Reed’s signature hair bun. Usually, there wasn’t much trouble in the class, and even if there was, the class officers could handle it—except for issues with the 222 dorm. Whenever something happened there, Teacher Reed could always be seen frowning. Those three oddballs in the class were famous not just in the department, but across the whole school. Even if Emily Walker wanted to help, there wasn’t much she could do.

“Sigh... These guys, almost about to graduate and still causing trouble. Chad Bennett was a mischievous prep student, so that’s expected, but Victor Smith has always had good grades—why does he always join in? And then there’s Dan Brooks, who manages to stir up trouble every semester. There’s just no dealing with him.”

Teacher Reed shook her head, as if talking to herself. Any student who could give Director Harris a headache was no ordinary student, and now all these unusual ones were in her class. Reed felt that even if a renowned education expert were brought in, they’d be exhausted too.

Henry Walker, who had gone up first, was familiar with the way. He turned up the stairs, passed the washroom, and knocked on the door of the neighboring 222 dorm. After a brief pause, as the door creaked open, Victor Smith poked his head out, looking quite surprised. “Huh? Director Walker, what brings you here?”

Aside from class, it was rare to see teachers around, so a visit from the Department Chair was unusual. Henry Walker tried to push the door open, but Victor Smith inexplicably blocked him. Behind them, Chris Harris reached out and unceremoniously pushed the door open. Victor Smith, unable to stop him in time, hurried forward and nudged the person under the covers on the lower bunk to the left—Chad Bennett—whispering, “Get up, get up, Department Chair is here.”

Turns out someone was still sleeping. The bed creaked as Chad Bennett groaned and rolled over, finally managing to open his eyes a sliver, grumbling at Victor Smith not to disturb his rest. But when he saw the face of the Department Chair, he was startled and shot up. In his haste, he exposed himself completely—his chubby back and bare bottom in full view—scaring Teacher Reed and Emily Walker at the door into retreating. Director Harris was at his wit’s end with this lazy rascal and said angrily, “It’s broad daylight—why aren’t you wearing any clothes?”

“I sleep naked, it’s not like I’m streaking. And even if I was, that’s performance art. What’s the problem?” retorted Chad Bennett, twisting his head and snapping back at the Director in annoyance. Victor Smith, at least, knew the situation and quickly threw some clothes over him. Director Walker urged Chad Bennett to get dressed and then told him to go wash his face. Still disgruntled, Chad Bennett got dressed and took his washbasin to the washroom next door. Only then did Homeroom TeacherReed and Emily Walker dare to enter the dorm.

University dorms are all the same—bunk beds, single desks, simple and shabby. The four uninvited guests who entered all looked at Victor Smith without saying a word. With his thin, short, and frail appearance, Victor Smith looked like a rule-abiding type, someone who wouldn’t stand out even among high schoolers. Even Director Harris couldn’t connect the person in front of him with the image of someone who could rally others and lead a strike, and instead suspected the villainous-looking Chad Bennett. Reed and Department ChairHenry Walker both breathed a sigh of relief—at least the most troublesome and likely ringleader, Dan Brooks, wasn’t there. With just Victor Smith and Chad Bennett, things might not get out of hand.

Could the truth be found here? And what was the truth, anyway? Each person had their own thoughts, and no one spoke up. Victor Smith was left confused, starting to suspect that Chad Bennett had gotten into trouble with the department or student affairs again.

For a moment, the air in this 222 dorm—famous for producing oddballs—grew inexplicably tense...

Chapter 04 Chad's Words Shocks Everyone