"Tianjin has several internal groups that do not always agree. They noticed me at a time when tensions were particularly high. Someone thought well of me and invited me to take the exam, and I did well enough to be seen as a possible solution that gave no group an advantage. I will be doing the maintenance shifts for the other Tianjin students in my year of all affiliations."

Julian wonders if all the mainland enclaves are this ...dramatic. 

"I'll probably end up picking up a few maintenance shifts myself, so we might run into each other! I'm trying to limit it, though, so I can keep my grades up." 

"I understand it can be a tricky balance."