At 9 a.m., on the first floor of the teaching building, in the reception room.

The small room was furnished with a set of rosewood sofas, and on the coffee table were three cups of hot tea and some snacks. The walls were adorned with a calendar, some cheap ink paintings, and banners with various compliments.

In the corner stood a vintage-style clock.

"Tick-tock. Tick-tock. Tick-tock..."