through the strait gates(过门/Guomen)//work by priest(CN)//BL

Chapter 18: Intersection (vol. scallions)

Xu Jin's study was clean, almost serene. Unlike her occasional wild streak, all her old documents and papers were sorted and put away. The tidy novels, and all types of legal texts on the bookshelves were lined up in a way that hinted at OCD.

She sat behind the desk. There was a wide swath of wooden desk between her and Dou Xun, as if he was a client.

"Take a seat." She put on her thin prescription glasses, analyzing him through the thin lenses. She couldn't comprehend what made Zhu Xiaocheng and Dou Junliang's genes combine into such a human being. "I heard what your teacher told your mom yesterday."

Seeing as she was going to unleash a familiar string of verbal flogging, he immediately lowered his head, a tasteless feeling in his mouth. He exhibited a demeanor that said I've made up my mind.

Unexpectedly, Xu Jin said nonchalantly, "Overall, delaying taking the exam for a year isn't as severe as they think. I looked into the situation a little. It's a shame that you can't have the bonus scores anymore, but if someone thinks that a mere ten extra points in the entrance exam can change your life, then they probably don't have anything better to do in life."

Hearing this out of line comment from her, Dou Xun still glared at her, guarded——starting the conversation flamboyantly was a tactic not uncommon among teachers and parents.

"I've already listened to Ms. Zhang's complaints. She expresses her thoughts on how you have no justified reason to give up entering the entrance exam," Xu Jin told him calmly.

"However, I think everyone has their own logic on the inside. Especially so for someone your age. You might even have more concerns than we do, it's just that you won't tell us what they are, isn't it?"

" If you won't tell anyone, you probably won't tell me either. Nor will I bother asking." Xu Jin maintains her open and honest stance. "It was you who signed up for the exam; it is also you who makes the decision to give up on it. It's a good thing to make the decisions for yourself early on, Dou Xun——it explains how mature you are for your age. You have won at the starting line. But as an adult, I have to give you a fair warning."

"Since you have made the decision, you will also have to bear responsibility for it. That's why your teacher calls you reckless, that's why she's playing the nice guy and calling everyone she can think of. Because she doesn't think you can take responsibility; can you understand what I mean?"

Xu Jin bore almost no likeness to Xu Xilin. She seemed astute without glasses, but with them on she gained a harsh tint. At first glance, she presented an icy cold, business-type of exterior. It was a mystery how she gave birth to the permanently overexcited Xu Xilin.

"You're actually not that young. Had you been born in a poorer household, you would've been one of the family's main incomes. But you're brash, and that's why the adults are afraid to let you decide for yourself," said Xu Jin.

No adolescent would let this slide. Dou Xun opens his mouth for a rebuttal.

"The Politics teacher has taught this before, right? 'Economic foundation decides the formation of the upper class'—— are you economically independent yet?" Of course, since you're still in high school, objective factors prevent that from happening. But what about the subjective ones? Have you ever thought of future events in this direction? You've helped a classmate with his shift at a restaurant before, you should know what a day's work is worth. Think about it. Can young spoiled misters like you live with such a meager pay? What if one day Dou Junliang finally loses all conscience, and puts a stop on your allowance? What would you do then? Ever thought about it before?"

Dou Xun was speechless.

"Once you've reached economic independence, there's the issue of mental independence," said Xu Jin, "Who do you want to become, what kind of life you want to have, what path down life you want to take. Have you thought of any of it? It's fine if you haven't; it's normal. No one will criticize you, because you're still a kid, and the parents and teachers are still responsible for your wellbeing. We will help plan out an ideal future for you within our knowledge and available resources. To ensure this process runs smoothly, we will ask for your obedience and cooperation. Please stop trying to challenge the problem-solving ability of us mediocre adults. Can you understand this too?"