River's time at the Academy had started out normal.

The 14-year old would go to her scheduled lessons and to her dance practice.

Then six weeks into her one year stay, her teachers said all of her lessons were being suspended.

River was confused, her teachers explained that Dr. Mathias the academy's head doctor had picked her and a few select students to participate in a exclusive round of treatments.

To improve your intellect was how Dr. Mathias explained the treatments.

River was ecstatic when she had gotten the news.

She was soon disappointed however after learning she would have to give up her lessons and dancing. Before she started the treatments River was interviewed by the academy's lead psychiatrist, Dr. Lao

She asked hopeful "Is their no other option that will allow me to keep dancing?"

Dr. Lao replied clinically "I'm afraid their isn't, these treatments are going to take up all of your free time here."

She said persistently "Yes I understand that but I still want to keep up with my dancing."

Dr Lao replied intensely " River if you completed these treatments all of your skills will be enhanced, your mind and body will be at extraordinary levels of brilliance, even higher than they are now isn't that why you came to this institute, to better yourself?"

River slowly replied uncertain " Yes..that is the reason, but I don't want to stop dancing."

Dr. Lao said discouragingly " River if you don't consent to these treatments then you will be expelled form this institute and sent home."

She looked at him in shock for a few seconds then asked sadly "There is no other way, have I no other options?"

Dr. Lao replied bluntly "No, their is none, if you are expelled form here, think how disappointed your family will be, how much shame you will bring to them, certainly do not want that now do you River?"

River sighed and said sadly "No that is the last thing I want."

Dr Lao looked at her for a few seconds intently

River looked at him straight in the eye and replied confidently " All right I'll do the treatments."

Dr Lao said pleasantly "Jīngcǎi, River Dr. Mathias will be most pleased!"

River said resigned "I'm sure he will be, I'm honored that he chose me for this program."

Dr. Lao replied darkly "Of course he chose you River, no one else in this facility is as gifted as you."


Mandarin Translations

Jīngcǎi- wonderful