“If I practice my handwriting a bit more, I could become a calligrapher.” Brian Bolton stuffed the letter into the envelope, sealed it with glue, and thought smugly that even after not writing for a long time, once he picked it up again, his handwriting was still beautiful.

　　After sticking on a stamp and writing the address, he handed the envelope to a small shop in the teacher’s residential area in front of the teaching building. This little shop not only sold snacks and such, but also handled mail collection and delivery.

　　Having sent the letter, Brian Bolton temporarily set aside the matter of writing.

　　The first place he chose to send his work was the “Legend of Today and the Past · Story Edition” magazine under the Legend of Today and the Past publishing house. This magazine is a monthly publication, so there’s no need to rush when writing submissions.

　　The manuscript could wait.

　　Now, the three things he most wanted to do: first, move out of the school and rent a place of his own. Second, get in shape—his skinny arms and legs were just too lame. Third, make up for regrets by forming a soccer team for Class 5, Grade 1, train hard, and dominate Shuangdun Middle School!

　　“One thing at a time.”

　　Brian Bolton thought, stroking his chin.

　　With some time before evening self-study, Brian Bolton ran to the staff dormitory building, which was temporary housing for single staff members. Natalie Young was currently staying there.

　　“Room 302 on the third floor, this should be it.”

　　Knock, knock, knock.

　　“Who is it?” Natalie Young’s voice came from inside the room.

　　“Ms. Yu, it’s me, Brian Bolton.”

　　Click—the bolt was drawn, and Natalie Young opened the door. “Oh, it’s Brian Bolton. What’s up?”

　　“There’s a small favor I’d like to ask, teacher.” Brian Bolton said as he entered Natalie Young’s single apartment.

　　The room was simply furnished: a bunk bed like the ones students use, with the lower bunk for sleeping and the upper for storage, a desk, a wooden stool, and in the corner, a broom, dustpan, and water bottle.

　　“How did you know I live here?” Natalie Young asked curiously.

　　“I deduced it.”

　　“Deducted?”

　　“Yes, I like reading ‘The Complete Sherlock Holmes’, so I often observe things around me. This building is the apartment for single staff, so you must live here. Also, if you ask the security guard downstairs, you’ll know which room you’re in—after all, there’s only one truth!”

　　Natalie Young probably hadn’t read “Detective Conan” and didn’t catch the reference in Brian Bolton’s words, but she nodded. “So you asked, but you said you deduced it.”

　　Brian Bolton smiled. “Isn’t it more mysterious that way? Makes me seem deep and unfathomable.”

　　“What are you talking about? What’s going on in your head?” Natalie Young still didn’t know there was a word in the world called “showing off.” “So, what do you need help with?”

　　“Just a small thing.”

　　“Go ahead.” Natalie Young looked at Brian Bolton, finding it odd—this student was nothing like a student. He spoke like an old man, with none of the nervousness students usually have around teachers.

　　Brian Bolton ran through his prepared speech in his mind before speaking: “Here’s the thing, Ms. Yu, I’m sick.”

　　“You’re sick?” Natalie Young was surprised.

　　“Yes.” Brian Bolton sighed dramatically. “I have neurasthenia. Do you know, teacher, neurasthenia causes me a lot of pain.”

　　Natalie Young wasn’t quite sure what neurasthenia was, but that didn’t stop her from showing a sympathetic look.

　　Brian Bolton quickly caught that look and was delighted, knowing he had a chance, but kept up the act: “Neurasthenia refers to a condition caused by long-term tension and stress, leading to mental excitability and easy fatigue, often accompanied by emotional distress, irritability, sleep disorders, muscle tension pain, and so on… The symptoms can be mild or severe, and its occurrence is closely related to the environment, so…”

　　Natalie Young unconsciously nodded, waiting for Brian Bolton to continue.

　　“So, I can’t stay in the dormitory. The environment is too noisy, I can’t sleep all night, I feel irritable and under a lot of pressure. Although I’d like to live with everyone, I really can’t. Teacher, I plan to rent a place off campus, right next to the Tianyuan Restaurant—it’s very convenient.”

　　Brian Bolton finally revealed his true purpose.

　　……

　　Natalie Young didn’t agree right away, saying she needed to think about it.

　　Brian Bolton exaggerated his neurasthenia a bit more, but still couldn’t persuade her. She only said they’d talk after evening self-study. When evening self-study came, Natalie Young called Brian Bolton out of the classroom.

　　“Why isn’t your home phone number written on your contact form?” Natalie Young stared intently at Brian Bolton.

　　She was trying to pressure Brian Bolton this way.

　　Unfortunately, she had no idea that standing before her, Brian Bolton was actually an odd uncle a few years older than her. As Natalie Young stared at him, he met her gaze without hesitation.

　　He even seemed to be admiring Natalie Young’s appearance.

　　Wearing a pink shirt with white peony flowers, glasses, no makeup, very thin and delicate—she didn’t look like a teacher at all, just an older student girl.

　　“Uh, actually, the thing is, my family doesn’t have a phone.”

　　“How could you not have a phone?” Natalie Young was very skeptical.