First Day At School

At the age of six, Chan Juan took her first step into the world of formal education as she was admitted to a school. Right from the start, it was evident that she had a natural aptitude for learning. Her enthusiasm for knowledge and her ability to grasp new concepts quickly set her apart. The school became a place where her curiosity and intellect thrived, laying the foundation for a bright academic future.

With father's strong arms lifting her up onto his shoulder, Chan Juan couldn't help but giggle. "My sweet daughter is going to school for the first time today," he said with a loving smile. "Are you happy?"

Chan Juan, her eyes filled with curiosity and innocence, replied, "I'm happy because I'm going out with you, Baba. But what is school?" She was eager to understand the world her father was introducing her to.

"Haha, haha, haha,"

_______

Laughter erupted from her grandmother, mother, sister, and aunt, filling the room with their affectionate mirth. They shared a knowing bond, amused by Chan Juan's innocent question.

Her grandmother, her eyes crinkling with warmth, chimed in, "My granddaughter, are you going to educate yourself or going to have picnic?"

Chan Juan, with a sincere and simple heart, responded, "Nainai, as long as it allows me to go out, it's fun."

Her mother, a tender smile on her lips, added, "Our Juan'er loves to go out. Let her be."

Chan Juan's sister couldn't resist teasing her, laughter dancing in her eyes. "It's a trap, you know... When you come to me crying, it won't help you," she warned playfully.

Her aunt, joining in the familial banter, chuckled and agreed, "Yes, now there's still time to avoid it."

Undaunted, Chan Juan turned to her sister and aunt and said, "I'm not a coward. Hihi, I will go out, no matter what."

Amid the laughter and affectionate teasing, the family came together and said, "Alright, alright, as you wish." Their support and understanding reflected the love that wrapped around Chan Juan as she embarked on this new adventure, ready to face the world beyond their home.

With a gentle and reassuring smile, Chan Juan's father leaned closer to her. He spoke in a tender tone, "My sweet girl, listen. School is a place where we educate ourselves to become better people. It's where everyone gathers together, people of all ages, both elder and younger kids. There are teachers there to teach us wonderful things about the world, history, and economic development. You'll enjoy yourself, you understand?"

Chan Juan, her eyes filled with trust and curiosity, nodded her head in agreement. She was ready to embark on this new journey, eager to explore the world of learning that awaited her at school.

With backpack in hand and a heart full of excitement, Chan Juan and her father bid farewell to everyone in the house. Their voices filled with affection, they said, "Goodbye, goodbye."

As they prepared to step out the door, their family members offered their parting words. "Be careful on the way," they advised, their concern and love evident in their voices. It was a moment of both new beginnings and the warmth of familial support.

On the morning of her first day of school, the path from home to the school was a mere five-minute journey. As Chan Juan and her father strolled along the road, they were enveloped by the serene beauty of nature. The path was surrounded by majestic trees, their branches reaching out like protective guardians.

The azure sky stretched endlessly overhead, welcoming the morning sun as it painted the world in hues of gold. Fluffy clouds floated lazily in the heavens, casting soft shadows on the ground. It was a scene of pristine beauty,.

Chan Juan walked alongside her father, her small hand gripping his hand, and as they neared the school, she couldn't contain her joy. Looking up at him with a bright smile, she said, "Baba, I'm really happy today." Her words were a reflection of the pure and unbridled happiness.

He lowered his head towards Chan Juan, his eyes twinkling with affection, and though he didn't say a word, the love and pride in his smile spoke volumes. It was a silent acknowledgment of the happiness that they shared in that precious moment.

Jiangzhen Lan Primary School.

In the way of principal's office, Chan Juan's initial nervousness was palpable, and she instinctively tried to seek refuge behind her father, even though her attempt was unsuccessful. With a polite and respectful demeanor, her father asked, "May we come in?"

The teacher, Zhang Zitong, greeted them with a warm and welcoming smile, saying, "Of course, come in."

As they entered the room, the principal invited them to sit down, and her father carefully arranged a chair for Chan Juan, positioning himself in another. They began to discuss the particulars of her admission to the school.

The principal proceeded to conduct a brief verbal examination with Chan Juan, and she demonstrated her strong aptitude for learning, impressing everyone in the room. However, an unexpected incident disrupted the otherwise smooth flow.

When the teacher posed the seemingly simple question, "What is Two+Two ?" Chan Juan hesitated inexplicably and couldn't muster a response. Fear and nervousness seemed to have taken hold, and the teacher's expression reflected a sense of disappointment. Her father, bewildered by her silence, passionately urged her to answer the question, as he knew she was capable of doing so.

The teacher, perhaps recognizing Chan Juan's nervousness, decided to change her approach. She asked, "How many letters are there in ABC?" This was another opportunity for the young girl to showcase her abilities, but once again, she couldn't respond.

The principal, with a gentle understanding, inquired, "Are you nervous?" Chan Juan raised her head, but the words seemed to elude her.

Her father, Chan Muchi, stepped in with reassurance, asking, "There's nothing to be afraid of. What's the matter?"

At that moment, Chan Juan's emotions overwhelmed her, and she began to cry, her tears falling unchecked. The principal, Zhang Zitong, comforted her, saying, "There, there, don't cry. We are not ghosts."

With a comforting gesture, he pointed towards the window, where children were playing happily outside. Chan Juan looked out and saw the other children running and laughing, but her tears continued to flow.

The principal turned to Chan Muchi, saying, "No problem. Don't be too hard on her. It's her first time, and many children are afraid of new environments. She'll enjoy herself."

Chan Muchi nodded and said, "I understand. Thank you."

The admission process had been an unusual one for Chan Juan. While her initial examination had been less than ideal, the school recognized her potential and the impact of the unfamiliar environment on her. Instead of focusing solely on her academic performance, they valued her enthusiasm to learn and her overall potential. It was a unique and compassionate approach, and it marked the beginning of her educational journey, despite the unconventional start.

The next day

______

In the soft morning light, Juan'er stirred in her cozy bed. Her eyes, still heavy with sleep, blinked open slowly. The room was bathed in a gentle glow, as if the sun itself was whispering to her, calling her to the new day.

With a sleepy yawn and a stretch, she threw back the warm covers, revealing a pair of small feet eager to meet the floor. Her room was a sanctuary of childhood, filled with toys, books, and the promise of adventure.

As they rose from her bed, a sense of curiosity and wonder filled her heart. The day was a blank canvas, waiting to be painted with the colors of play, discovery, and imagination. Each morning held the promise of new experiences, and this day was no different. It's her first day at school.

With a yawn turned into a smile, she set out on her journey through the day, ready to embrace whatever adventures lay ahead...

Breakfast time

___

The family dining table was a lively scene, filled with the delightful cacophony of children excited for their meal. Each child, with eyes brimming with enthusiasm, took their place, a sense of anticipation in the air.

The aroma of a home-cooked feast enveloped the room, drawing everyone closer. The table was a colorful canvas, a mosaic of dishes brimming with flavors and textures. Parents and older siblings served with loving care, ensuring every plate was just right.

As the family gathered, animated conversations and laughter filled the room, a backdrop to the clinking of utensils and the passing of dishes. Politeness was encouraged, and the little ones chimed in with their "please" and "thank you," learning the etiquette of family meals.

The youngest members of the family, with their eager appetites, explored their plates with curiosity. Food was an adventure, and each bite a discovery.

Amid this orchestrated chaos, the shared meal was a symbol of togetherness and love. The table was a sanctuary where stories were told, traditions passed down, and the bonds of family were nurtured.

Around the dining table, as the family savored their meal, Chan Juan's father leaned in and offered her words of encouragement. "Juan'er, don't be afraid today like you were yesterday. If you're afraid, you won't be able to learn anything," he advised, his eyes filled with kindness.

Despite his reassuring words, Chan Juan felt a wave of unease wash over her. She confided in her father, "Baba, don't you think the school is strange? The teachers are scary, and the other children are so naughty. I don't like it."

Her elder sister, Chan Chun Hua, couldn't help but laugh at her younger sister's candidness. "Haha, didn't I warn you before going? Do you regret it now? Fool!" she teased, her tone light but with a hint of sisterly affection.

Chan Juan's expression, in response, was a mix of bemusement and understanding, as if to say, "Duh, you were right. Mmh!"

Their grandmother, ever the peacemaker, intervened with a gentle reminder. "Alright, alright, no speaking while eating. Let's all focus on our meal and eat up already," she said, ensuring that their family dinners remained a time for togetherness and nourishment.

After a hearty breakfast, Chan Juan's mother lovingly prepared her new school bag and books, laying the foundation for a day of learning. Chan Juan, brimming with excitement, hurried to change into her crisp school uniform. As she opened her cupboard and retrieved the neatly pressed uniform, a sense of anticipation filled her.

With great care, she donned the uniform, and her mother couldn't help but be impressed. "Wow, you look so good!" her mother exclaimed, her eyes filled with admiration.

Chan Juan's eyes lit up with delight,she jumped up and she asked eagerly, "Really?"

Her older sister, Chun hua entered the room with a playful laugh. "Haha, fool! There's no need for you to look good," she teased, not one to miss an opportunity to jest.

Chan Juan, ever inquisitive, inquired, "Why?"

Chun hua playfully retorted, "Because you're a fool! Hahaha..."

Chan Juan's expression scowled at her sister's words. Her mother,interjected, "Alright, don't bother your little sister anymore."

With a loving touch, her mother began to comb Chan Juan's hair, skillfully creating two pigtails. "Your hair is so curly," her mother remarked.

Standing in front of the dressing table, Chan Juan admired her reflection, her smile growing as she playfully applied lipstick to her lips. Her sister, however, was quick to tease her, saying, "Alright, Miss Fool Universe, stop wasting my time."

Chan Juan responded with an indignant and somewhat annoyed sisterly expression, casting an amused but affectionate atmosphere over their morning routine.

As Chan Juan and her sister, Chun Hua, entered the school, the curious gazes of other students were fixated on them, and Chan Juan felt a discomforting unease settle in. She turned to her sister and asked, "Where is my classroom?"

Chun Hua responded with a teasing tone, "Fool! Don't you know that?"

Chan Juan, feeling a bit lost, replied, "How would I know that?"

Chun Hua, although still teasing, reassured her, "Fool, I'll bring you there. Let's go."

They began to walk through the corridors, but Chan Juan's pace was slower, which led Chun Hua to impatiently call out, "Fool, hurry up!"