Otaku Translation: Literary Genius: This Kid Was Born Smart C56

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Just to clarify: in China, middle schools often offer high school-level courses. So, when someone says they've been admitted to a high school, they might still be attending a school officially named 'XXX Middle School.' The term 'middle school' in the name doesn't necessarily mean it's only for lower secondary education."

Chapter 56: Level Up

"No. 1 Middle School feels like a shopping mall, No. 3 is practically a dating hotspot, and No. 8? That’s a full-on battlefield."

All three were elite middle schools in Chongqing, often referred to as three of the city's legendary "Seven Dragon Balls" of education.

But that little saying perfectly summarized just how strict No. 8 Middle School was.

Gu Lu had done his homework online. Some students jokingly called it “Prison No. 8.”

“If we’re talking about studying,” Gu Lu muttered to himself, “calling it ‘Pawnshop No. 8’ might be more accurate. You pawn your time and energy for some vague idea of a future.”

Choosing a school was a two-way street. No. 8 Middle School already knew quite a bit about him. His academic potential was promising, though not uniformly strong.

He did have a knack for writing. From Grade 7 to Grade 9, he’d entered multiple essay contests—nothing stellar, but consistent.

“If it weren’t for those final two months before graduation, who knows if Gu Lu would’ve even made it into high school.”

The admissions officer Mr. Hu—a man with eyes so narrow they practically disappeared when he blinked—was reading through Gu Lu’s file.

“National preliminary round record-breaker. First prize at nationals. Listed among China’s Top Ten Young Writers… signed by Young Literature under the recommendation of Director Jian…”

That last point, Director Jian’s support, carried serious weight—not just in publishing circles, but across education as well. After all, Director Jian was one of the most widely used co-authors of early childhood education materials in the country.

“I always say,” Mr. Hu said, adjusting his glasses, “you never know what you're capable of until you’re pushed to the limit.”

School competition in Chongqing was fierce. Bashu High School, No. 1 Middle, and No. 3 Middle were all circling like hungry sharks, eager to claim the title of “Chongqing's Best High School.”

It wasn't just bragging rights—they got real policy backing, real funding boosts.

Producing a renowned children’s literature writer while they were still enrolled? That could give No. 8 Middle a huge reputation lift.

“This plan will definitely satisfy Gu Lu…”

After internal discussions, the school leadership learned that Bashu High was also trying to recruit him—and had offered something nearly irresistible. That only bolstered Mr. Hu’s confidence.

The second meeting wasn’t held in the principal’s office this time—it was set in the multimedia classroom at No. 37 Middle School.

A space usually reserved for public demonstration lessons or large assemblies. Today, there were about seven teachers present.

They'd been personally invited by Principal Chang.

Gu Lu scanned the room. He recognized most of them—but couldn’t recall their names.

Mr. Li had class, so he wasn’t here today.

This whole thing felt a bit too formal…

Gu Lu exchanged greetings with Mr. Hu, then got straight to business.

“First, we’ll waive all tuition and miscellaneous fees for Gu Lu. We’ll also cover his meals. Additionally, we’ll provide a 400 yuan subsidy per semester for off-campus housing.”

Considering it cost 400 yuan per semester to live on campus, this basically meant free accommodation and food.

“Regarding talent scholarships, we’ll grant Gu Lu the scholarship the day his new work publishes. And to support student creativity, should he publish a book, our school library will purchase 100 copies.”

The second part of the offer was conditional—more like a promise than a guarantee. Still, the odds of Gu Lu fulfilling the conditions were pretty high.

“We have the highest admission rate to top-tier universities in the city, and our overall college acceptance rate leads the region. But despite our performance, we pride ourselves on being open-minded. Cultivating individual strengths and nurturing artistic talents is central to our philosophy. Considering Gu Lu’s unique profile…”

Mr. Hu handed him a piece of paper.

No. 8 Middle School Daily Schedule

(Each class: 40 minutes | Breaks: 10 minutes)

Morning

6:50 Wake-up bell

7:30 Morning Reading

8:00 First Class

12:15 Lunch

Afternoon

1:00 Nap Time Bell

2:00 Wake-up Bell

2:20 Preparation Bell

2:30 First Class

5:45 Dismissal

Evening

6:00–7:25 Literature & Foreign Language Evening Reading (News on Sunday/Monday)

7:35 Evening Self-Study Begins

9:45 Self-Study Ends

10:30 Male Dormitory Lights Out

11:00 Female Dormitory Lights Out

“This is our senior high timetable,” Mr. Hu explained.

Gu Lu’s face darkened slightly. The wake-up call was before seven o’clock. Classes ended at five forty-five, and evening study started at six. Only fifteen minutes for dinner?

Was it really this brutal for high schoolers nowadays—or was No. 8 Middle particularly harsh?

No wonder people said one’s brain peaked in senior year of high school. Back when he was in vocational school, skipping morning classes was effortless—he could hardly remember showing up at all.

Putting the schedule down, Gu Lu felt a pang of regret. Maybe challenging his weaknesses wasn’t worth it after all.

“But,” Mr. Hu added, “if Gu Lu achieves outstanding accomplishments, he may be exempt from homework, morning reading, evening self-study, and other requirements.”

Perhaps Mr. Hu had spoken to Mr. Li beforehand. These terms were surprisingly tempting.

If he could earn those privileges, maybe No. 8 Middle wouldn’t be so bad, after all.

Curious, Gu Lu asked, “Mr. Hu, could I ask exactly what counts as an ‘outstanding accomplishment’?”

Mr. Hu listed them clearly: publishing serialized works in major publications, releasing books with notable sales, winning writing competitions, etc.

The school’s vision was surprisingly progressive. Gu Lu began to warm up to the idea.

His own high school plans included participating in the Wenpei Cup Youth Creative Writing Competition, hosted by Peking University. Winning the grand prize guaranteed university enrollment.

Under those circumstances, of course Gu Lu hoped for a stress-free high school life.

“So,” he thought, “is my upcoming high school journey going to feel like leveling up in an RPG?”

Convinced by Mr. Hu’s sincerity, Gu Lu agreed—in principle. All that remained was for No. 8 Middle to contact his alcoholic father and finalize everything.

Not that he wanted the drunkard involved. But as a minor, he needed legal consent for most decisions.

Mission accomplished, Mr. Hu smiled broadly—his tiny eyes almost wide open.

“Our school leaders really had a point...…” he mused proudly.

English could be improved later. But if a student hadn’t passed basic math or science in junior high, surviving in a school like No. 8 Middle would be about as likely as Big Orange writing ten thousand words a day.

Mr. Hu jotted down Gu Lu’s father’s phone number, gathered his things, and left briskly. The admissions office still had plenty on its plate.

Back in the classroom, the teachers began chatting once Mr. Hu was gone.

“Mr. Li sure got lucky with such a standout student.”

“Most recommended students get partial fee waivers, but No. 8 Middle waived everything. That’s intense—it says a lot about how exceptional he must be.”

“A bunch of kids in our class read novels, but none of them can write one like this.”

“Mr. Li, looks like you’ve secured a slot in this year’s faculty promotions. Real lucky break for you.”

They weren’t even trying to hide their conversation from Gu Lu.

He finally stepped forward and responded.

“You’ve got it backwards,” he said simply. “Being Mr. Li’s student is my luck.”

Without Mr. Li’s help, even with his transmigration advantage, life would’ve been far bumpier.

As surprised murmurs rippled through the group, Gu Lu gave Principal Chang a polite nod and walked out of the multimedia classroom.

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