Professor Qing and other professors were also present, surprisingly enough with the principal.
Professor Lu started taking their attendance, and found one student absent. And of course, it was Sizi. She called her twice and thrice but no answer. Then her tentmate who was also the friend of Anning's tentmate said that she is sleeping since the incident.
Miss Lu first furrowed her brows, because it happened in the early morning, surely she has enough time to sleep before that, then why she is sleeping now.
She wanted to send someone to wake her up, but the principal stopped her while whispering something in her ear.
She nodded at that and let it slide.
After taking the attendance, professor Qing came in the front with a rare gloomy look. Miss Lu was still there beside him. He said to the students, " Everyone, I hope your trip is going well, and you are conducting yourself appropriately.
" As you already know that -'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, but all play and no work makes Jack a mere toy'. So that's why, we have decided to conduct a fieldwork research for which you will get points and that will show in your degree as credits.
" This will also help you in getting jobs more securely specially if you're interested in research jobs. The equipment is already provided by the authorities, and you also have to make a portfolio of whatever you have found.
" Be ready at 10 o'clock. The faculty members will always be with you to assist yourselves in any way possible, so do your best. Also if any of you are feeling unwell, report to us immediately.
" Okay students that's it. Try to slack less and enjoy your trip productively. "
After this announcement, professor Qing returned to his previous place with Miss Lu in tow. Well, someone was boring holes in her with his gaze. Sigh...
The principal cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention, and then dismissed everyone after saying a few more things. The clamour and excitement were not going to fade very soon.
Anning and Baizhi were going to their own separate tents. Actually, Baizhi had offered to stay with Anning, but Anning refused saying she is okay with herself and there's no need to worry.
Baizhi was first surprised at her rejection but compiled half- heartedly.
It was already half past eight o'clock, so everyone was getting ready with their backpacks. But somehow someone was feeling very prickly while sitting in their tent and as a result decided to take a look outside.
She was pacing back and forth outside her tent, thinking who knows what, and after a fierce battle with her own self she decided to look in the other tent.
She was hesitating, if she should open the tent flap or not when a voice interrupted her from behind.
" Hey child, are you her friend ?"
When Anning turned back, she saw a middle- aged woman staff, the same who was allotted to share the tent with professor Lu. She approached her and looked at her expectantly, asking for the answer,
Anning pursed her lips, but- " Y- Yeah. I am."
The middle aged woman seemed to sigh in relief. She further asked, " Can you help me bring her breakfast inside ? The professor said that she is sick, and I have many other works too and can't tend to her for now. "
Anning was baffled at first- Sick. How? She was alright the previous night. Why didn't she said anything ?
Still she agreed and went with the lady.
The kitchen area was not too far. That woman started to laddle out some soup and fried vegetables with bread. The items were being reheated.
While laddling, she said to Anning, " Thank god, I saw you. I haven't seen anyone around her and was worried that she will have to suffer alone."
Hmph. Thanks to her nature that no ones around her.
" You know what, she is a very good child. She had helped me so much, and I feel really bad that I can't help her now that she is in need."
Anning, confused at her statement asked, " She helped you? I mean everyone was ordered to help the staffs in preparing breakfast and all. This is our trekking after all."
The lady smiled and said, " Oh, she not only helped in the early morning, but also in the evening to carry some stuffs when I was not able to hold it. She even helped everyone in making their tents. Alas, when she is sick, no one is around to help her now."
But isn't she sleeping since then? Don't say that she only woke up to lend some hands, then went to sleep and caught a illness then.
" Oh, the plates are ready. Here you go."
Anning shook her head to clear her thoughts and took the tray from the lady's hands. Her mind was still swirling with those words which doesn't seem like they can be applied to Sizi. Whereas, her heart was hammering with frustration she doesn't know she was feeling.
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