First grade in elementary school.
The mother holds the hands of two little boys, one on each side, as they walk toward the school.
At the school gate, the mother takes out a tissue, squats down, and wipes Zhang Xinglie's nose clean.
"Little Xinglie, be good friends with Zhou Leng at school, study together, and cultivate together."
"Mm." Zhang Xinglie instinctively wipes under his nose where there is no snot, making a sniffling sound.
"Alright, we said we could come by ourselves." Xiaozhou Leng hugs Zhang Xinglie's shoulder, carrying a large backpack, happily walking into the campus.
Evening of sixth grade.
A group of kids are leaving school.
Several middle school students approach, laughing.
"Hey, buddy, lend me some pocket money."
Zhou Leng and many kids are frightened by the tall, burly hooligans, sweating all over, bodies stiff.
Zhang Xinglie puts down his backpack, standing in front of Zhou Leng.
He raises his head, staring at the leading hooligan.
