Journey To Revenge

This happened in my current English class. We have a project for character analysis. We get to pick the character, as long as they are from a book we haven’t read yet and said book isn’t a graphic novel. I have been meaning to get around to reading an English translation of “Journey To The West” for a while, so I think this is the perfect chance. We have weeks before the project is due, and I happen to be a fast reader.

“Journey To The West” is a rather popular Chinese novel that was written in the sixteenth century. If you haven’t heard of the novel, you might have heard of the most popular character from the novel, despite not being the main protagonist: Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. I’ve decided to pick him for my project.

I’m reading in the school’s library, purposely sitting in the “quiet zone” as I get easily annoyed with people talking while I’m trying to read.

These three boys, obviously friends, sit down at the table and start chatting. Okay, I’m a bit peeved. I recognize them from my English class, too. We’ll call them [Boy #1], [Boy #2] and [Boy #3].

Soon, they turn their attention to me, and since obviously I’m trying to read, they start asking me questions to get a reaction. I give the driest, short responses I can and hope they’ll get bored. Eventually, [Boy #2] asks what I’m reading.

Me: “Journey To The West.”

Boy #2: “Oh, I’m reading that, too.”

[Boy #1] snickers, finding this hilarious.

I don’t believe a word he says, but I’m not going to throw out any accusations.

Me: “Uh-huh.”

Boy #3: “I’ve already finished it. The ending sucks.”

Again, I don’t believe a word.

Me: “Does it now?”

Boy #3: “Yeah, the main character dies.”

I’m slightly amused at this point, really annoyed, but amused by how far these guys are going with the lie.

Me: *Desperately trying to keep my tone flat* “Good, I hated him.”

The three guys burst into laughter. They leave after a few more “spoilers” for the book. I’m left to read in peace for a few more minutes before my next class starts, a small plan half-forming in my mind.

Skip to English class the next day.

Teacher: “Okay, class! I’m going to call a few people out to tell us about the character they’re analyzing and the book they’re from. Remember, no judgment! Let’s see…”

She goes on calling on a few students. I really don’t like answering questions in class due to anxiety, and the teacher is familiar with this, but she does have to be fair, so eventually, I do get called on.

Teacher: “[My Name], who’s your character?”

Me: “Oh. Sun Wukong, from Journey To The West.”

Teacher: “That’s quite a long read. Do you know anyone else who’s read it? I don’t know if you’ll be able to complete the book in time, so maybe there’s someone who can fill you in on details?”

I start to shake my head, but I pause.

Me: “I think [Boy #3] told me he finished it.”

The expression of confusion on [Boy #3]’s face then slowly turned to one that said, “Oh, s***.”

Totally worth getting called on.

Sadly, the teacher didn’t ask him much about it, and [Boy #3] just gave really vague answers on when he’d read the book and if he’d read it at all.

He and his friends haven’t messed with me since, though!