Sempre avante

“This time, I will not be so timid again.”

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At the entrance of Luo City No. 1 High School

Wang Zhen dragged his suitcase through the gates, walked to the new student registration desk, completed his enrollment procedures, and followed an upperclassman toward the dormitory.

In the crowded 305 dorm room, bathed in the waning light of dusk, Wang Zhen finally shed the exhaustion of his long journey. He slowly unfolded his bedsheet, each movement betraying both anticipation and anxiety about his new surroundings.

He carefully placed his luggage at the corner of the bed, each item carrying the warmth of home and his hopes for the future. When all was arranged, he sat down, sinking into the mattress as its springs softly yielded beneath him, as if his unease settled along with him.

From his pocket, he took out a crumpled pack of cigarettes, his trembling fingers gently pinching one out. He lit it, and the faint flame stood out strikingly in the dim room, as if it were his sole anchor in the moment.

Wang Zhen took a deep drag. Smoke curled around him, his gaze turning hazy as his thoughts drifted far away. Yet, this rare tranquility did not last.

Just as he was enjoying this brief peace, having taken only two puffs, the dormitory door was suddenly pushed open. A gust of cold wind, carrying the bustle from outside, swept in and shattered the heavy silence.

At the doorway, a figure stepped inside. He was tall and walked with a steady stride. Most striking of all were his exposed arms: a vibrant, intricate tattoo snaked aroun