novelhk Chapter 200 My name is Lin Yan, and I know a little Tai Chi.
Chapter 200 My name is Lin Yan, and I know a little Tai Chi.
Looking at the growing crowd at the school gate, Lin Yan instructed Lin Gang, "Just stop here, I'll walk over myself."
Lin Gang parked the car steadily on the side of the road, some distance from the school gate, as instructed. He got out of the car, took out an exquisite multi-layered insulated box from the trunk, and handed it to Lin Yan: "Young Master, this is lunch prepared by Sister Yuling. She was worried that the school food might not suit your taste."
Lin Yan took the still-warm insulated box, stuffed it into his already bulging backpack, nodded, and said, "Got it." He then turned and mingled into the small groups of students heading towards the school gate.
On the sidewalk leading to the school gate, there were mostly white students, wearing jeans and thick coats, chatting loudly in small groups about last night's TV shows, ball games, or weekend parties. The air was filled with the vibrant energy unique to teenagers, as well as a hint of the chill of a winter morning.
Lin Yan's solitary figure, especially his distinctly Asian face and striking good looks and demeanor, attracted some curious, scrutinizing, and even slightly judgmental glances. He remained calm, long accustomed to such attention, and simply quickened his pace slightly.
Walking through the somewhat noisy school gate, looking at the intricate corridors and unclear classroom signs, Lin Yan was too lazy to search slowly. He quietly spread his divine sense and instantly locked onto his target—Class C of Grade 11, the second classroom on the left after turning left onto the second floor of the main building.
Following the path he had "seen," he quickly arrived at the classroom door. The door was open, and six or seven students were already inside, chatting together. When Lin Yan entered the classroom, the laughter and chatter noticeably paused.
All the students' eyes fell on the unfamiliar, handsome young man from the East. He wore simple but clearly well-made clothes, stood tall, and had a calm gaze, a stark contrast to the demeanor of their classmates.
A boy with brown curly hair and a few freckles on his face was the first to react. With a mixture of curiosity and friendliness, he stepped forward and asked, "Hi, who are you? I've never seen you before."
Lin Yan gave a perfectly timed, slightly shy smile and replied in fluent American English, "Hello, my name is Lin Yan, you can call me Lin. I'm a new transfer student." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the empty seats in the classroom, and asked politely, "Excuse me, where may I sit?"
The freckled boy with brown curly hair was the first to respond enthusiastically: "Wow, transfer student! Welcome, Lin! My name is Mike Anderson." He patted a muscular boy with a blond buzz cut next to him, "This is Tom Burke, our class's basketball star." Tom grinned, as if to say hello.
A tall, thin boy with black-rimmed glasses, who looked somewhat scholarly, pushed up his glasses and said in a soft but clear voice, "Hello, Lin, I'm Daniel Lee."
A girl with beautiful long brown curly hair and a few freckles on her face spoke up confidently: "Hey, Lin, I'm Sarah Connery. Welcome to Class C!" Next to her, a blonde girl with a ponytail and a more reserved demeanor added quietly, "I'm Jennifer Miller."
Lin Yan smiled in response, noting down the names and faces of the students who had initially shown goodwill. Just as he was about to ask about the seating arrangement, the students began to arrive in the classroom one after another.
As more and more people arrived, Lin Yan, a tall and striking new face from the East, stood out conspicuously among the white students. He could feel many eyes, both overt and covert, fixed on him, accompanied by hushed whispers and curious stares. He remained calm, simply standing quietly near the group he had been talking with earlier, awaiting the formal arrangements.
About seven or eight minutes later, the pre-class bell rang, and a male teacher who looked to be in his forties, wearing a plaid shirt and khaki pants, with slightly curly hair and metal-framed glasses, walked in carrying a stack of folders. The classroom gradually quieted down.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen." Mr. Morris's voice was gentle but clear. He walked to the podium, his gaze swept around the classroom, and soon landed on Lin Yan, a knowing smile appearing on his face.
"Before we begin our lesson today, first of all, please pay attention." He raised his voice slightly to make sure everyone could hear him, "Our class has a new member this semester, a transfer student." He gestured for Lin Yan to enter.
"Lin, please come to the front and introduce yourself to everyone."
What's meant to happen will happen. Lin Yan smiled helplessly to himself, but remained calm on the surface. Under the watchful eyes of the entire class, he stood up from his seat and walked to the podium.
When he stood completely upright next to the podium, his towering height of 188cm was instantly on full display. He was almost half a head taller than Mr. Morris. His clear features and calm demeanor created an invisible aura that made many male students in the audience subconsciously straighten their backs and feel a subtle sense of pressure.
Lin Yan's gaze swept over the curious young faces below the stage, a friendly and relaxed smile curving his lips as he began his self-introduction in fluent, authentic American English:
"Good morning, everyone. My name is Lin Yan, you can call me Lin. I come from a faraway and mysterious country—China, yes, the place with the Great Wall and amazing food. I promise I won't bite, unless it's lunchtime and what you have looks more delicious than the cafeteria food... However, if you happen to have a basketball with you, I might be tempted to have a match with you."
His humorous opening remarks, especially his mention of China and basketball, drew soft chuckles and curious glances, lightening the atmosphere in the classroom considerably.
"I just moved here recently. I'm still figuring out which way is north in this maze-like school building, so if you see me wandering around looking lost, please feel free to point me in the right direction. The good thing is, if you get stuck on a math problem, I might be able to help you out—consider it my contribution to international friendship."
When he mentioned his mathematical strengths, he spoke modestly, but his confidence was subtly evident.
He continued, then, as if suddenly remembering something, a mysterious smile with an oriental flair appeared on his face. "Seriously, I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone... Back in my hometown, besides studying and playing ball, I also learned a little kung fu... well, let's call it 'Tai Chi'."
As he spoke, under the curious gaze of the entire class and Mr. Morris, Lin Yan didn't make any exaggerated movements. He simply stood naturally beside the podium, his feet neither too far apart nor too far apart. His right hand was casually raised to his chest, his palm slightly cupped, and he slowly circled inward. The movement was fluid and steady, carrying an indescribable rhythm and sense of power. It was just a variation of an extremely simple Tai Chi starting stance, without any fluctuation of spiritual energy. However, with his 188cm height and calm temperament, it instantly exuded a restrained and harmonious beauty, as if the surrounding air itself seemed to freeze slightly.
He quickly finished his stance, his movements so natural it was as if he were merely adjusting his collar. Then, he winked at the somewhat stunned students below the stage. "It's an ancient Chinese martial art that can not only strengthen the body but also protect oneself."
This perfectly timed humor deflated the subtle sense of pressure and mystery that had just been there, and the classroom erupted in laughter of sudden realization and sporadic applause.
"Anyway, that's pretty much it. I'm looking forward to a great semester with you all. Thanks."
He nodded slightly and, amidst the relaxed atmosphere and mostly curious and kind gazes, calmly returned to his seat. This self-introduction, which blended humor, special skills, and a touch of Eastern mystery, undoubtedly left a deep impression on him. In particular, the seemingly casual yet charming gesture at the end drew even more interest from many people, including the basketball player Tom Burke.