Chapter 3: A Subtle Stirring of the Heart

The light in the office gradually softened as the afternoon progressed. Long Hua sat by the window, focused on grading a stack of senior physics exam papers, occasionally frowning, sometimes nodding, his red pen leaving various marks on the papers.

"This problem, Zhang Hao solved it quite creatively..." he muttered to himself, writing comments on the paper.

The physics department office was typically quiet, with its five physics teachers busy with their own work, occasionally discussing teaching issues in low voices. Today, however, this tranquility was broken by a slight commotion.

Long Hua noticed his colleagues' glances repeatedly drifting toward the door. He looked up to see Lin Ruoxi standing at the entrance, holding a stack of books and materials, seemingly hesitant about entering.

"Teacher Lin, please come in," Long Hua rose to welcome her. "Director Li mentioned you'll be working in our office temporarily."

Lin Ruoxi smiled as she entered. "Sorry to disturb you all." Her voice wasn't loud, but it immediately brightened the atmosphere of the entire office.

Old Wang promptly stood up, enthusiastically introducing, "Teacher Lin, there's an empty seat here, right next to Teacher Long. Our physics department isn't crowded; it's usually quite peaceful, so make yourself at home."

"Thank you, Teacher Wang." Lin Ruoxi nodded politely and walked to the empty desk beside Long Hua.

Long Hua helped tidy up the desk for her. "This desk previously belonged to Teacher Li Mingyang, who transferred to the first-year department. He cleared everything out." Glancing at the books in Lin Ruoxi's arms, he couldn't help but take a second look. "Research on Ancient Astronomy and Calendars? Teacher Lin, you research this area?"

Lin Ruoxi placed the book on the desk, a flash of surprise crossing her eyes. "Is Teacher Long also interested in ancient astronomy?"

"I know a little," Long Hua smiled modestly. "I took an elective course in college and found it fascinating. The ancients, without modern telescopes, could still accurately predict celestial phenomena—it's quite admirable."

The light in Lin Ruoxi's eyes brightened. "Yes, my graduate research was on comparing ancient Chinese and Western astronomy. Many people don't realize how precise ancient Chinese calendar systems were. Some achievements still amaze modern astronomers today."

She seemed to think of something and took out an antiquated thread-bound book from her bag. "If Teacher Long is interested, you might want to look at this 'Record of Celestial Phenomena.' It's from my advisor's private collection, which he lent me for research."

Long Hua accepted the book with surprise and gratitude, carefully opening it. The pages had yellowed but were well-preserved, densely filled with ancient text and beautifully hand-drawn star charts.

"This is..."

"An astronomical work from the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty. It records many unusual celestial phenomena, some of which still can't be fully explained by modern astronomy." There was a hint of mystery in Lin Ruoxi's voice. "My advisor believes that the ancients had their unique perspective on astronomical observations and may have discovered patterns that modern science has yet to reveal."

Long Hua was deeply captivated. He carefully examined the ancient text, feeling a connection across time and space. One page particularly caught his attention—a peculiar image that seemed to depict some abnormal light phenomenon.

"This diagram... what does it show?"

Lin Ruoxi leaned closer to look, suddenly reducing the distance between them. Long Hua could smell the faint jasmine fragrance in her hair.

"This illustrates the 'Thousand-Eye Light.' The ancients observed that under specific celestial conditions, light would display unusual splitting phenomena, as if divided into thousands of fine lines." Lin Ruoxi's tone carried professional confidence. "Interestingly, only certain people could see this phenomenon. The ancient texts called them 'Clear-Eyed Ones.'"

Long Hua felt a jolt in his heart, recalling that he had indeed seen similar light anomalies as a child but had never mentioned it to anyone, fearing he would be seen as different since others couldn't see it. This common point sparked a deeper interest in his new colleague.

"Teacher Lin's research is very special," Long Hua said sincerely. "If you don't mind, I'd love to hear more."

A subtle gleam flashed in Lin Ruoxi's eyes. "Teacher Long, we should exchange ideas sometime. I've always believed there's a connection between ancient wisdom and modern science that we haven't fully understood yet."

"I think so too!" Long Hua blurted out, then realized his tone was too eager and scratched his nose in embarrassment. "In physics too, there are many phenomena that we can describe with formulas, but their essence remains a mystery."

They exchanged smiles, as if establishing some kind of tacit understanding in that moment.

"Hey, you two, don't forget this is still an office," Old Wang's teasing voice broke the serenity of the moment. "Long Hua, looks like you've found a kindred spirit. It's rare to see you so excited."

The other teachers in the office joined in with good-natured laughter. Long Hua felt somewhat awkward, but Lin Ruoxi seemed unperturbed. She gracefully returned to her seat and began organizing her teaching materials.

The afternoon passed imperceptibly. Long Hua found his attention repeatedly drawn to Lin Ruoxi beside him. She worked with focus and elegance, slightly furrowing her brow when grading papers, unconsciously biting her lower lip when thinking. These subtle actions gave Long Hua an inexplicable sense of familiarity, as if they had known each other for a long time.

"Teacher Lin, are you heading in the same direction after work?" As the end of the day approached, Old Wang tidied his desk and asked casually, "Want to walk together?"

Just as Lin Ruoxi was about to answer, several students appeared at the office door, led by Zhang Hao. "Brother Long, we've come to ask you some questions!"

"Now?" Long Hua checked his watch. "School's over. Can it wait until tomorrow?"

"Our physics papers are due tomorrow," Zhang Hao looked urgent. "Just a few questions, it won't take long!"

Long Hua smiled helplessly and turned to Lin Ruoxi and Old Wang. "You two go ahead. I'll leave after I help these students."

"Teacher Long is so dedicated," Lin Ruoxi nodded approvingly as she gathered her things. "I have some matters to attend to as well, so I'll leave first."

Watching Lin Ruoxi's departing figure, Long Hua felt a tinge of regret in his heart. He shook his head and turned his attention to the students' questions.

Half an hour later, having finally answered the last question, Long Hua stretched tiredly but with satisfaction. The campus had quieted down, with the evening sun casting a golden glow over the teaching building.

After tidying his desk, Long Hua locked the office door and headed toward the school gate. Just as he reached the ground floor, he unexpectedly saw Lin Ruoxi standing under a cherry blossom tree, apparently waiting for someone.

"Teacher Lin? You haven't left yet?" Long Hua was surprised.

Lin Ruoxi turned around, sunlight filtering through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on her face. "Oh, Teacher Long. I just finished delivering some materials and was about to leave." She paused. "Are you heading home in the same direction?"

"I live in Mingyuan Complex in the East City," Long Hua replied.

"What a coincidence. The apartment I'm renting is near there," Lin Ruoxi smiled. "Shall we walk together?"

Long Hua's heart skipped a beat as he nodded in agreement. "Sure."

The two walked side by side out of the school gate, their shadows stretching long in the setting sun. The small path outside the school was lined with plane trees, their tender green leaves rustling in the spring breeze.

At first, both were somewhat silent. Long Hua wasn't skilled at casual conversation, especially with a female colleague he had just met. But as their steps gradually synchronized, the atmosphere became more natural.

"How long has Teacher Long been teaching?" Lin Ruoxi was the first to break the silence.

"Ten years, always at this school," Long Hua answered, then asked in return, "Why did Teacher Lin choose to come to our school? The conditions at schools in the provincial capital should be better."

Lin Ruoxi gazed into the distance, with a depth in her eyes that Long Hua couldn't quite read. "Sometimes, you choose a place because it has something you need, even if you yourself might not yet know what that is."

This somewhat mystical answer gave Long Hua pause for thought. As they reached an intersection and waited for the traffic light, Lin Ruoxi suddenly asked, "Teacher Long, do you believe in fate?"

"Fate?" Long Hua was somewhat surprised and pondered for a moment. "To be honest, I believe more in cause and effect. Every choice has its consequences. What seems like a chance encounter might be the result of countless factors working together. In that sense, I suppose it's similar to fate."

Lin Ruoxi smiled slightly. "An interesting answer. Many people think science and fate are opposites, but actually, the most profound science and the most mysterious philosophy often connect at a certain level."

The light turned green, and they continued walking. Long Hua found himself increasingly curious about his new colleague. She appeared to be a literature teacher yet had unique insights into science; her manner was gentle and polite, but her eyes often flashed with an elusive light.

"Teacher Lin, can modern science explain the 'Thousand-Eye Light' phenomenon observed by the ancients?" Long Hua couldn't help asking after they had walked for a while.

Lin Ruoxi seemed very interested in this topic. "Modern optics can indeed explain some special light phenomena, such as diffraction and interference. But some phenomena described in ancient texts do exceed the scope of conventional explanations." She glanced at Long Hua. "Are you particularly interested in this?"

Long Hua hesitated for a moment, then decided to be honest. "Actually, I think I saw something similar as a child. When sunlight came through the gaps in leaves, at certain angles, I could see the light split into countless fine lines, as if filtered through some kind of grid. But strangely, no one else could see it, so eventually I stopped mentioning it."

Lin Ruoxi suddenly stopped walking. She turned around, looking at Long Hua with a serious expression. "Are you sure that's what you saw? When did it start? Can you still see it now?"

Her intense reaction caught Long Hua off guard. "It started around elementary school. I rarely see it now, though it still appears occasionally under specific lighting conditions." He was puzzled. "Is this important?"

Lin Ruoxi seemed to realize she had overreacted and regained her composed expression. "I just find it coincidental. The ancient texts I study mention that people who can see this phenomenon are extremely rare. The ancients believed they had a special connection with the universe."

She checked her watch. "It's getting late, and we have classes tomorrow." Changing the subject, she pointed ahead. "I live in that complex, which is in a different direction from yours. See you tomorrow, Teacher Long."

Before Long Hua could respond, Lin Ruoxi had turned and walked toward another path, quickly disappearing around the corner. Long Hua stood there, looking in the direction she had gone, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and unease rising in his heart.

On his way home, Lin Ruoxi's words and the image from the ancient book kept replaying in Long Hua's mind. That feeling of being understood warmed a corner of his heart. For the first time in many years, he had met someone who could understand the strange phenomena he saw, without dismissing them as illusions or nonsense.

Reaching his doorstep, Long Hua looked up at the night sky. The stars were particularly bright tonight, as if winking at him. He suddenly had a premonition that his peaceful life was about to undergo some kind of change, and this woman he had just met might be the starting point of that change.

Opening the door, Long Hua's gaze fell on a stack of exam papers on his desk, bringing him back to reality. Regardless, tomorrow he still had classes to teach, and preparations for the physics competition needed to begin.

He smiled slightly, turned on the desk lamp, and sat down to continue preparing his lessons. Outside the window, a shooting star streaked across the night sky, vanishing in an instant, unnoticed by anyone.