Fantasmas de la tumba antigua

Capítulo 6

Yan Hao entered the classroom with the "fly" on his face. He attracted countless sidelong glances and snickers from the girls along the way.

Yan Hao found an empty seat in the last row. Next to him was "Alien Boy" Li Yuanbin, and right next to him was Ren Xuefei. Alien Boy looked at Yan Hao's face, winked, and said, "Haozi, which dinosaur bit you? It was way too hard."

Yan Hao chuckled and said, "That's from shaving. Unlike you, kid, so carefree! You're a well-fed man, how could you know the hunger of an empty one? How was it? The pickled mustard green buns tasted delicious, didn't they?"

Yan Hao knew that the boys secretly called Ren Xuefei "Snow Cabbage Bun," so he simply went along with it. However, he deliberately lowered his voice when he said this, so Ren Xuefei didn't hear him. Li Yuanbin blushed slightly, punched Yan Hao, and said, "Damn your dog mouth. So what if I want to eat it? I'm just afraid that your Sichuan buns are too spicy, I can't handle it."

Judging from the tone of Shen Zihan's voice, Yan Hao guessed that the news about the alien boy and Ren Xuefei getting involved was true. Looking at their posture, legs together, shoulders touching, as if afraid their comradeship wouldn't be close enough. Even though the lecture hall was crowded, there was no need for such a revolutionary act. Judging from their choice of the last row, it was probably more convenient for conducting clandestine activities.

Thinking about this, Yan Hao felt extremely uneasy. Look at how comfortable other people's university life is, balancing dating and classes perfectly. And him? It's like he's been haunted. One thing after another has happened, and this morning he even saw a strange face!

Yan Hao was lost in thought when the teachers entered. The one leading the way had short, shoulder-length hair, black-rimmed glasses, and an impeccably straight posture, walking briskly – clearly the "old maid" professor. But behind her followed another woman, a young woman with long, straight hair. She carried a chalk box and wall charts, seemingly a teaching assistant. Both were wearing white lab coats, their expressions identical – expressionless and rigid.

Yan Hao thought to himself, "This is no good! Not even a smile. What kind of act is this? Are they trying to intimidate us in the very first class?" He glanced at Li Yuanbin and Ren Xuefei beside him; both were keeping their heads down and behaving obediently.

This "old maid" taught with the decisive, military-style efficiency, launching into her lecture the moment she stepped onto the platform. Not a single wasted word, not even a self-introduction. She probably assumed everyone in the school knew her. The young female teaching assistant hung up the charts on the blackboard, quickly wrote dozens of rows of handouts, and then stepped down from the platform to sit in the first row of the classroom.

The spinster's first class was an introduction. But her teaching style was clearly different from Professor Lan's anatomy class. She lacked the latter's humor and affability, and her lectures were packed with rigid rules, as rigorous and rational as her appearance. However, her class was very substantial; she spoke concisely and efficiently, making the most of the forty minutes. The lecture hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; everyone was engrossed in taking notes, a picture of diligent and studious learning.

It wasn't until the bell rang that Yan Hao realized he still needed to pee. Li Yuanbin, sitting next to him, threw down his pen, shook his wrist, and yelled, "This is torture!" He then whispered in Yan Hao's ear, "Who lectures like this? Isn't she a pervert? Is she just taking her anger out on us?"

Ren Xuefei, on the other end, pursed her lips and said, "Foreigners study medicine much harder than we do. I read in *University Student* magazine that in Western countries, to study medicine, you first have to study at a science and engineering university for four years, then go to medical school for five years, followed by two to three years of internship, and finally pass an exam to get a medical license. So, all the doctors there have already spent more than ten years in university, and they all have doctoral degrees. Isn't that amazing? Otherwise, how could the English word 'Doctor' be translated as both 'physician' and 'doctorate'?"

Li Yuanbin made a face, scratched his head, and said, "Damn! No wonder foreigners earn more than Chinese doctors; they use the time they would spend getting married to study."

In medical school, each course is taught in two class periods. There are four class periods in the morning, and the afternoons are usually dedicated to group labs and internships. Evenings include general education courses, electives, and video demonstrations, making medical students far more stressed and time-constrained than students at other universities. Human lives are at stake, and medicine is no trivial matter; they have an immense amount of work to deal with in five years.

Yan Hao went to the restroom on the first floor of the teaching building and returned to the classroom. He saw the "old maid" and the young female teaching assistant talking in the first row. Just as he was about to pass by them, the young female teaching assistant inadvertently looked up and their eyes met.

Yan Hao was stunned. Suddenly, he realized where he had seen this teacher before. A jolt went through him—ah, that face… wasn't that the face…?!

Yan Hao wasn't sure. He hurriedly turned back and went out of the classroom again, standing by the window in the hall outside, secretly peeking inside.

Yes, that's right, her appearance is exactly the same as that face! In fact, it's the same person! Yan Hao's heart suddenly raced. Although the eyes of the face in the basin were closed, he was still 100% certain that she was the one he had seen this morning…

The face that surfaced in the basin of blood spun in Yan Hao's mind, spinning and becoming clearer and clearer...

"I must have seen a ghost in broad daylight!" he muttered to himself, glancing disdainfully at the female teaching assistant whose face was devoid of a smile. Only when the jarring school bell rang did he mechanically follow his classmates into the classroom. But he deliberately avoided passing by the female teaching assistant, instead returning to his original seat via the side aisle.

Yan Hao didn't hear a word the "old maid" said in the second period. He wanted to see the female teaching assistant's face again, that delicate yet chilling face. But he was sitting in the last row, and the female teaching assistant was in the first row; he couldn't even see the back of her head. Yan Hao thought that he would remember that face in the blood for the rest of his life.

At 9:30, the bell rang, signaling the end of get out of class. By the time he snapped out of his reverie, the "old maid" and the female teaching assistant had already left the classroom with the surging crowd. All he saw was a fleeting glimpse of their white lab coats at the doorway.

At the medical university, there's a one-hour break after the two morning classes. Students use this time to eat breakfast or go to their dorms to get the textbooks for the next class. This is also the busiest time on campus, with teachers and students moving about, creating a lively atmosphere.

Yan Hao weaved through the crowd, heading towards the Physiology Department.

The Physiology Department is located on the second floor of the Basic Medical Sciences building. The Anatomy Department is located on the floor below it.

Yan Hao came alone. He had too much curiosity and too many questions, so he was determined to find that face first. Because it was daytime and people were coming and going in the building, Yan Hao wasn't afraid to pass by the anatomy classroom on the first floor.

He walked with his head down through the ground floor lobby and went upstairs. Yan Hao deliberately avoided looking at either side of the anatomy teaching and research office.

The Physiology Department also occupied an entire floor of the building. Similar to the Anatomy Department, it had two corridors, one on the left and one on the right. Following the stairs up, the left corridor led to the professors' offices, while the right one led to the laboratories. Yan Hao went straight to the professors' offices.

He easily spotted the female teaching assistant in a sunny office. She had taken off her white lab coat and was wearing only a tight-fitting grass-green turtleneck sweater and straight-leg, light blue LEE jeans. When Yan Hao saw her, she was sitting at a desk with its back to the window, flipping through a thick English document and muttering to herself.

"Hello, teacher." Yan Hao had already figured out how to strike up a conversation.

The female teaching assistant was slightly startled and looked up at him. Her face showed only confusion. "Is there something you need?" she asked, her tone very gentle.

"I'm a student in your class that you just taught. Teacher, I'd like to go to the library to find some reference books that will be helpful for my physiology studies. Could you please recommend some?"

Yan Hao behaved very politely. He was certain his plan wouldn't fail. Teachers are always generous to eager learners, opening their doors and even their hearts to them.

Sure enough, a slight smile appeared on the female teaching assistant's face. "Actually, Professor Luo recommended two books to you in the last five minutes, you didn't notice, did you?" Her tone was still light and gentle, but it contained a hint of reproach.

Yan Hao's face was burning. Not to mention the last five minutes, for the entire forty minutes of the second quarter, his notebook was cleaner than his face.

"Here's what we'll do: I'll write down the book title and author for you, and you can look it up at the library yourself. If you'd like, I can also recommend a couple more original English works. Give it a try; it'll be very helpful for your studies!"

Yan Hao could only nod hurriedly.

While she was engrossed in writing, Yan Hao secretly glanced around—besides two desks back to back, there was a Lenovo computer and inkjet printer against the wall, and an aluminum alloy double-door filing cabinet—it was incredibly simple! Yan Hao then carefully examined the face that had frightened him. The face was delicate and calm, with nothing terrifying or strange about it—in fact, one could even say it possessed a rather outstanding air.

"Okay, here you go. Let's talk about any questions later." The female teaching assistant handed Yan Hao a piece of paper with a written message. Yan Hao took it with both hands; it was written in beautiful running script. Unlike her delicate appearance, her handwriting was sharp and vigorous, not like something a young woman would write.

"Don't squeeze or touch the sore spot on your lip, it's easy to get infected!" These words drifted into his ears while he was looking at it.

"Teacher, thank you so much! May I ask your surname?" This last question was what Yan Hao really wanted to say and ask. However, he asked it naturally and sincerely.

"Oh, my surname is Xia." She smiled faintly. But the smile vanished in an instant.

"Thank you for your help, Professor Xia. Goodbye!" Yan Hao bowed deeply and gently closed the office door behind him as he left. He thought this gesture would surely leave a good impression on Professor Xia. Just like his impression of Professor Xia—if it weren't for that inexplicably frightening face she had that morning, it would have been wonderful!

"Old Jiang, even if you're a lovesick fool, you don't have to cut yourself off from the people like you did!" Shen Wei pounded on his lunchbox, venting his dissatisfaction by Jiang Boyu's bedside.

Since his drunken outburst and emotional breakdown last Saturday, Jiang Boyu has been bedridden for three days. Aside from going to the bathroom, his feet haven't touched the ground. He only eats two steamed buns that Shen Wei brings him in the morning; he doesn't eat a single grain of rice at noon or in the afternoon. He doesn't go to class, doesn't speak to anyone, and his beard is unshaven and his hair is disheveled.

Until Wednesday night, Shen Wei dragged his "strategist" Duan Youzhi to the corridor outside the dormitory and said, "Are you fucking going to do anything about this? This was your terrible idea! If Old Jiang ends up in a mental hospital, I'll beat you into a schizophrenia too." Duan Youzhi looked at Shen Wei's fist, which was as big as a clay pot, and chuckled, saying, "Brother Shen, after this self-inflicted injury, how can you not be determined? Besides, that kid is suffering from typical teenage heartbreak syndrome, characterized by three losses and one deficiency: insomnia, listlessness, dehydration, and taciturnity. The most effective treatment is Slip capsules and Fugeke syrup, three times a day. Keep it safe."

Shen Wei grabbed Duan Youzhi and said, "Why didn't you say so earlier? Hurry up! Go buy the medicine. Don't let it affect the football match at the Golden Autumn Arts Festival. Damn it, we can't play football without Lao Jiang!"

Duan Youzhi pouted and said, "Isn't he taking his medicine?" Shen Wei glared at him and said, "He only eats two steamed buns a day, when has he been taking medicine?" Duan Youzhi chuckled and said, "The main ingredient of Slip capsules is 'Sleep' in English, and the main ingredient of Forget syrup is 'Forget' in English, just transliterations. Don't you understand?" Shen Wei raised his fist to hit him, but Duan Youzhi laughed and ran away in a flash.

Perhaps it was true that the strategist's words were true; after three days of treatment with Slip capsules and Fugeke syrup, Jiang Boyu got up on his own, albeit unsteadily. As if nothing had happened, he went to get a haircut, comb his hair, and shave, paying as much attention to his appearance as ever. His torn Adidas jacket, after being cleaned and then dry-cleaned and ironed, was practically brand new again.

Shen Wei breathed a huge sigh of relief at Jiang Boyu's improvement. This was their department's first time participating in the school's Autumn Arts Festival football tournament, and Jiang Boyu was considered a key player. Shen Wei mentally calculated that among the freshman classes, their 1998 Anesthesiology Department football team, if they performed normally, could easily reach the top two in the group stage and qualify for the knockout stage! With a bit more effort and a bit more luck, reaching the semi-finals was also possible. Hopefully, Jiang Boyu, that lovesick fool, wouldn't have too much of a mood swing—the team's victory was still within reach.

With two weeks to go before the official competition, Shen Wei decided to have the team practice on the track every morning. However, he wasn't without worries. He knew that the girl Jiang Boyu had a crush on was on the school's track and field team. Would Jiang Boyu be distracted by their daily interactions? Shen Wei decided to talk to Jiang Boyu in person.

It just so happened that the school auditorium was showing the American blockbuster "Forrest Gump" on Friday night. Tickets were two yuan each. Shen Wei bought two tickets and pulled Jiang Boyu along, saying, "Come on, let's go relax with your brother!" Jiang Boyu didn't have any plans, and he quite admired Tom Hanks' acting skills, so he didn't refuse and went with Shen Wei.

Before the movie started, Shen Wei said, "Old Jiang, our team is starting practical training next Monday. Can you participate?"

Jiang Boyu rolled his eyes at him and said, "Sure!" Then he didn't say anything more.

Shen Wei gritted his teeth and got straight to the point. "That guy's on the playground too! I'm worried you might get distracted and quit, and end up ruining things for me."

Jiang Boyu paused for a moment and said, "That's all in the past. Don't worry about it, boss. A good horse doesn't turn back to eat the grass it already grazed!"

Shen Wei slapped his thigh with delight. "You've got guts! If we really win this time, I'll treat everyone."

At six o'clock on Monday morning, Shen Wei was shouting in the dormitory hallway. He even banged on the door, trying to shoo the soccer players away. When he turned back into the dormitory, he didn't see Jiang Boyu. Shen Wei thought the guy was still asleep, so he went to his bed and pulled back the covers. Hey, the bed was empty. "Damn it, where did he go so early in the morning?" Shen Wei wondered, then went to the bathroom and shouted twice, but still no one was there. He had no choice but to go downstairs dejectedly.

On the covered sports field, Shen Wei had just finished calling his soccer team members to line up when he saw a white figure bouncing and jumping on the steps in the distance. "Jiang Boyu—come here!" he shouted. Jiang Boyu jogged over and said, "You're only just getting here? I've already run three laps."

Shen Wei punched him on the shoulder and said, "Your grandma's got ulterior motives, isn't she?! Who are you looking at so early in the morning?"

Jiang Boyu wiped the sweat from his face and said, "I keep my word!" Looking at his flushed face, it was hard to tell whether it was from the cold or from embarrassment.

Training began quickly. After warm-up exercises, Shen Wei arranged group scrimmages, and he deliberately observed Jiang Boyu's training. "Hmm, not bad, his form is pretty good, his running is quite active and precise." Shen Wei was secretly pleased. As long as Jiang Boyu, who plays as a defensive midfielder, can maintain this level of energy, he, as a striker, wouldn't have to worry about trouble at home.

The football field, which was not yet 7 a.m., was already covered in dust and bustling with activity.

Although it was mid-autumn, these players were sweating profusely, playing with great energy. The most striking among them was Jiang Boyu. He was a sentimental person, which was evident in his playing style. He was happier than anyone else when he scored, running wildly across the field, shouting and roaring. But crying after a loss was also a common occurrence. His pure white Adidas jersey made him appear even more valiant. It was impossible to tell that just a few days ago, this spirited student was also devastated by the pain of a broken heart.

On the track next to the football field, the school track and field team was training as usual.

This morning, He Jihong, as usual, wore a simple ponytail, a bright red short-sleeved crew neck shirt, and trousers. Running on the track, she resembled a burning flame. She occasionally glanced at the energetic players, but only with a fleeting look. Jiang Boyu, on the other hand, was almost entirely focused on the rolling football. Whether he intentionally ignored He Jihong on the track, or had truly forgotten that youthful passion, it was unclear.

But on this wind-swept playground, Jiang Boyu in all white and He Jihong in all red were undoubtedly the two most eye-catching highlights. His white and her red moved across the playground, yet they never intersected, collided, or came together.

There was a minor accident during the second day of training.

Shen Wei was standing in the middle of the field directing his men when a tall girl on the sidelines started waving at him. Shen Wei glanced at her and, not recognizing her, ignored her. A moment later, Li Rui, the substitute goalkeeper, ran over and said, "Boss, there's a girl over there looking for you. She wants you to come over."

Shen Wei shouted, "I'll be right back, you guys keep practicing." He turned around and gestured with his hands as he ran towards the edge of the field.

When Shen Wei got to the girl, he still didn't quite recognize her. "You wanted to see me? Is there something you need?" he asked breathlessly.

The girl was about the same height as Shen Wei. She extended her hand to Shen Wei and said, "You don't come here unless you need something! Captain Shen, I've come to ask you for help."

Shen Wei was confused when he let go of the hand he had lost his grip on. "What kind of help do you need?" The girl smiled slightly and said, "Let me introduce myself first. My name is Wang Danyang. I am from Class 1, Department of Clinical Medicine, Class of '97. I am currently the captain of our department's women's soccer team."

Her Mandarin was spoken in a clear and crisp voice, leaving Shen Wei completely bewildered, still unsure of what this girl was up to. But his enthusiasm hadn't waned, "Oh! Senior Sister. What can I do for you?"

Wang Danyang said, "Please be our coach."

Shen Wei's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Coach?"

It turns out that a women's soccer event was added to this year's Golden Autumn Arts Festival soccer competition. Wang Danyang and her friends somehow found out that the 1998 Anesthesiology Department's soccer team was quite strong, so they came to Zhuge (a nickname for a female soccer player) for help. Another reason was that the male teams from the same year were all arrogant and boastful, and everyone knew that a bunch of girls were hard to please, so they all slipped away without a second thought when faced with this kind of task.

Shen Wei chuckled and said, "Senior sister, look at me, I'm the team captain, it's a matter of life and death for the whole team, how can I leave? Besides, we're freshmen, we have no competition experience, you should find another strong team. Huh?"

But Wang Danyang wouldn't let it go. He raised his voice and said, "That won't do! If you don't agree, we'll come to the football field every day and cause trouble. Do you still want to train?"

Shen Wei was stunned. He couldn't afford to offend or touch these female seniors; if they really came to cause trouble, he was at a loss.

Seeing his predicament, Wang Danyang smiled and said, "Captain Shen, don't worry. Don't you guys practice in the morning? We'll change it to two hours in the afternoon, okay? It definitely won't conflict with your work. Besides, we'll definitely be your cheerleaders during your competition. Just imagine how wonderful that is!"

Shen Wei didn't find it particularly appealing. He was naturally a careless and straightforward person, and his tongue would twitch around girls, let alone be entrusted with a group of "football babes." But Wang Danyang was so assertive, bringing up all sorts of reasons, that he couldn't refuse any longer. He felt like he'd received a hot potato, and he was so anxious that he kept rubbing his hands together.

As they were talking, Jiang Boyu ran over and said, "Boss, come quick, there's a dispute over a corner kick." Shen Wei's mind raced, and she hurriedly pulled Jiang Boyu aside, saying, "Hey, senior sister, I'll recommend a handsome guy with even better skills." Jiang Boyu asked, completely confused, "What are you doing? Recommending what?"

Shen Wei quickly relayed Wang Danyang's entire conversation. He omitted the fact that Wang Danyang had intentionally approached him, instead casually mentioning that they were looking for a coach for their team. Finally, Shen Wei said, "Jiang Boyu, I think this job is perfect for you. Your technique and eloquence are both top-notch. It's also a good external liaison task for our team!"

Jiang Boyu was unaware that from the moment he ran over to find Shen Wei, Wang Danyang's eyes hadn't left his face. Before he could even speak, Wang Danyang, who had been listening intently, had already extended her hand to him. "As long as the technique is good, thank you for your help."

Shen Wei grabbed Jiang Boyu's hand and placed it in Wang Danyang's. "OK, it's settled then. He'll train you every afternoon. Starting today!"

"Junior Brother Jiang, we'll follow your orders completely. And we'll take care of dinner. Plus, the coach will get a bonus if we achieve good results!" Wang Danyang said to Jiang Boyu with a smile. She had clearly come prepared, using both threats and inducements—she was practically trying to snatch him away.

Jiang Boyu didn't say anything. After thinking for a moment, he nodded, turned around, and ran back to the middle of the football field.

Shen Wei breathed a sigh of relief. He knew Jiang Boyu's temperament; if he didn't want to do something, begging wouldn't work, and he would refuse on the spot. If he didn't refuse, it basically meant he agreed. Besides, Jiang Boyu was always warm-hearted, quick-witted, and chivalrous; Shen Wei was certain that Jiang Boyu wouldn't run away from this job.

At five o'clock in the afternoon, the setting sun was like blood, outlining Jiang Boyu, who was already standing on the football field, with a golden edge.

Wang Danyang and her team arrived on the playground on time. They appeared to be of varying heights and builds, dressed in different clothes. Some were even wearing thick-soled platform shoes, making them look less like football players and more like a ragtag group of misfits. Jiang Boyu frowned at the sight.

However, what he didn't expect was that He Jihong was also on this team. Among these girls, she actually had the most athletic bearing. Secondly, even the tall Wang Danyang was passable.

As the team leader, Wang Danyang stepped forward generously. After calling out "Assemble! Attention! Right dress! At ease! Count off!" several times, she invited Jiang Boyu, who was standing to one side with his hands behind his back, to the front of the team and said, "This is our new coach, Jiang Boyu from the Anesthesiology Department of the Class of '98. He is also a key player in their department's team. Let's give him a warm welcome!"

Not only did the applause erupt, but whispers also rippled through the crowd. The girls' eyes scanned Jiang Boyu's face and body like X-ray machines. Jiang Boyu blushed slightly, unsure of what to say, so he gave a slight bow and said, "Please take care of me."

He Jihong clapped like the others, a slight smile on her face. It was as if she didn't recognize the person in front of her at all. Jiang Boyu simply tried his best not to look at her—but the more he tried to avoid looking, the more his gaze lingered on her. He felt quite uncomfortable.

After the introductions, Wang Danyang returned to the team, indicating that command was now entirely handed over to Jiang Boyu.

Jiang Boyu put his hands behind his back and asked, "Who has ever played football? Please raise your hand!" Instead of answering, the team burst into laughter.

Jiang Boyu coughed twice, signaling them to quiet down.

The news of his appointment as the women's team coach had already spread. With the new coach in charge, a few guys from the department team were playing football nearby, waiting to see him fail. Faced with this team that had nothing to offer, he had no choice but to start from scratch.

After leading them through warm-up exercises like chest expansions, leg presses, and high knees, Jiang Boyu had them run a lap around the track. Before they even started, two slightly overweight girls cried out, "We're exhausted! Can we take a break, Coach?" Jiang Boyu was a little embarrassed, unsure what to do. Luckily, Wang Danyang clapped her hands twice and said, "Everyone, hang in there! It's just the beginning, you'll get used to it. Don't let Junior Brother Jiang laugh at us!" The group then quieted down.