My Future Refreshes Weekly

Chapter 5  Long Time No See, Teacher Zhong

“Hello, student Jiang He, I am Zhong Honglian, the principal of our First High School. Just call me teacher.”

The red-haired woman extended her right hand.

In fact, without an introduction, Jiang He already knew her identity—

Because she was not only the principal, but also one of Zhongzhou City’s top A-rank Transcendents, honored as the 【Blazing Red Lotus】, and the creator of the A-rank profession 【Sunflame Wielder】.

It was precisely she who shared this profession with Du Lingwei.

If Du Lingwei was the rising star of Zhongzhou City, then Zhong Honglian was the blazing red sun above Zhongzhou City.

For such a figure to stand before him, extending her hand so gently, struck Jiang He with far greater impact than the future self who had called himself the “strongest S-rank.”

Jiang He stood up awkwardly, instinctively extending both his hands, grasping Zhong Honglian’s right hand: “Principal Zhong… Teacher Zhong, hello, my name is Jiang He.”

As he spoke, Jiang He felt the handshake was wrong, hurriedly pulled one hand back, then pulled the other back… only to notice his palms sweating, and wiped them on his clothes.

White Crane, standing invisibly by the window, covered his eyes, unable to bear watching.

Is this really me?

Zhong Honglian acted as though she had not noticed Jiang He’s clumsy state, smiling: “I heard from Teacher Wei that you awakened the Word-Spirit talent. Can you demonstrate it?”

“Oh, uh, yes!”

Jiang He’s palms sweated as he took a deep breath, speaking to himself.

「Calm down」

The voice of Transcendence resounded. His flustered mood instantly settled, and Jiang He regained his composure.

In that moment, he became aware of his earlier awkwardness.

However, he did not feel embarrassed or regretful—since Principal Zhong only wanted to verify whether he possessed the Word-Spirit talent, all he needed to do was show this ability.

Jiang He’s lips moved slightly, and he spoke to Zhong Honglian.

「Become stronger」

Jiang He’s energy was almost instantly drained, his face turning pale.

As the target of the Word-Spirit, Zhong Honglian’s eyes lit up—when Jiang He spoke the words 「Become stronger」, she actually felt an extremely faint enhancement.

One had to understand, she was an A-rank Transcendent, yet she was influenced by the ability of a mere G-rank Transcendent who had just awakened!

For such a thing to happen, there was only one possibility.

This was an S-rank talent.

Only an S-rank talent could, under the same ability, display effects far surpassing its level.

“That’s enough.” Zhong Honglian immediately spoke, supporting the weakened Jiang He, joyfully saying: “Student Jiang He, congratulations. You truly awakened an S-rank talent!”

“Even if you awakened later than others, the school will still pour resources into cultivating you with all its strength.”

“You should first transfer into the honors class and study with the other top students…”

“Principal!!”

Wei Sheng grew anxious at once. This was about his own advancement—never mind an A-rank Transcendent, he would dare to argue even with an S-rank! He had finally found a genius student, how could he let someone else take him away?

“Jiang He is my student, you—”

“Teacher Wei, if I remember correctly, you are a history teacher?” Zhong Honglian placed Jiang He back into his seat and looked at Wei Sheng: “The honors class has always lacked a history teacher. I think you can handle it.”

“Also, Jiang He awakened too late, and will most likely need to delay graduation.”

“Before he officially graduates, you can serve as his personal teacher, helping him consolidate his basic academics.”

“…Truly perceptive, Principal!” Wei Sheng’s expression shifted, blooming into a smile.

“You really do see people clearly. I’ve wanted to teach in the honors class for so long!”

After soothing Wei Sheng’s emotions, Zhong Honglian continued: “However, students in the honors class already have a heavy workload. Adding an extra history class requires schedule adjustments… that may take some time. For now, you can be listed as an affiliated teacher in the honors class and coordinate lessons with the other teachers.”

“Also, for Jiang He’s transfer, you’ll need to make the arrangements.”

Wei Sheng’s face grew solemn: “Leave it to me!”

Zhong Honglian then looked at Jiang He: “Student Jiang He, since you’re drained from using your talent, take a rest… later, let Teacher Wei take you to visit and register with the honors class.”

“Also, because you awakened late, if you want to catch up with others in your studies, it would be best to transfer into a high-potential Transcendent profession.”

“As principal, I’ll try my best to prepare things for you… do you have any ideas?”

Zhong Honglian did not elaborate further.

This was the Transcendent Era. Even if Jiang He had only just become a Transcendent, he must have already learned about countless professions.

In fact, even toy companies had made all sorts of Transcendent professions into card games for children to play, which was also a part of knowledge dissemination.

Hearing Zhong Honglian’s question, Jiang He instinctively looked at White Crane, only to see him staring out the window with no intention of offering advice.

Thus, after a brief hesitation, Jiang He spoke the answer hidden in his heart.

“…Sunflame Wielder.”

Just like yesterday afternoon, after school, when he saw Du Lingwei training, and that surge of envy rose within him.

For a youth who had suppressed himself for years, the brilliance, strength, and excellence she displayed no doubt represented all his fantasies about the strong.

Each time he lingered by the playground, deep down he could not help but feel an intense longing—

If only he could take her place, how wonderful it would be.

The 【Sunflame Wielder】 profession carried this long-hidden dream.

If he had to choose a Transcendent profession, this was his only answer.

“Sunflame Wielder?” Zhong Honglian was a little surprised.

“Word-Spirit is an all-purpose talent, and it can indeed control fire… but the Sunflame Wielder is only an A-rank profession I developed. With your potential, you could completely choose a stronger profession.”

“Even if you wanted to transfer into an S-rank profession, I could find someone for you…”

“Thank you, Teacher Zhong, but I want to transfer into Sunflame Wielder.”

Jiang He spoke firmly.

An S-rank profession? With the Ferryman of Time talent, he was not lacking in such things.

If nothing else, White Crane had already provided him with the 【Rumor Bearer】 profession, one that led directly to S-rank and was perfectly suited to him.

Right now, he only wanted to fulfill a dream.

“Very well, if you insist.” Zhong Honglian did not refuse, but said:

“【Sunflame Wielder】 is an A-rank profession, with a minimum requirement of C-rank Transcendence.”

“You are currently G-rank, so you must first transfer into the C-rank profession 【Fire Controller】, then later advance into the B-rank profession 【Flame Envoy】, before finally reaching the A-rank 【Sunflame Wielder】.”

“Since you have chosen it, I will first prepare the ritual for the Fire Controller transfer.”

“Once it is ready, we will arrange your transfer.”

“Thank you, Teacher Zhong!”

Zhong Honglian nodded, her gaze sweeping past the window and settling on Wei Sheng.

“Then Jiang He, rest well. I will go prepare things. From here on, I’ll leave it to Teacher Wei.”

“Principal, don’t worry, I’ll handle everything!” Wei Sheng beamed with delight.

After bidding farewell, Zhong Honglian left the office.

She walked outside, closed the door, but then paused, frowning slightly.

Just before Jiang He answered with “Sunflame Wielder,” he had glanced toward the window, as though seeking someone’s opinion… was there someone there?

Yet, her senses told her that beside the window, there was nothing.

Even now, as she carefully probed again, she could only sense two presences in the office.

Was she overthinking?

Zhong Honglian shook her head and turned away.

In a place she could not see, White Crane sat on the corridor railing, one leg crossed over the other, propping his chin with one hand, watching her back with a deep gaze.

“Long time no see, Teacher Zhong.”