She headed to Class 20. It was currently the self-study period, so Xi Yan went straight to where Yao Tang was seated. The girl was so engrossed in her reading that Xi Yan had to rap against her desk to call her attention.

  Yao Tang took off her earphones and looked up at her form teacher.

  Class 20 was extraordinarily quiet. Unlike the other classes Xi Yanhad passed by, however, everyone was in their seats, quietly reading their books.

  It was a stark contrast to the way her students normally behaved.

  “Yao Tang,” Xi Yansaid softly. “Come out with me for a moment.”


  “Hmm.” Yao Tangnodded and set her book aside before following the teacher out into the hall.

  …


  They stopped just outside the classroom.

  The rest of the students slowly poked their heads through the doorway, though they were still quiet as a mouse.

  Xi Yan facedYao Tangand took a deep breath.

  She opened her mouth, then hesitated, not knowing where to begin.

  In the end, it was Yao Tangwho spoke first.

  “Teacher Xi, is there something I can help you with?”


  The afternoon sun filtered through the windows of the building, bathing her delicate features with a golden light.

  Her eyes were bright and clear, her voice steady.

  Xi Yan found herself pausing to admire the girl’s beauty. ‘As expected of the campus belle that everyone calls their goddess.’


  “It’s nothing,” Xi Yansaid. All at once, she came back to her senses and settled into a comforting calm. She smiled. “You did very well. At this rate, the most prestigious universities will be vying for your admission. You must prepare yourself, but at the same time, don’t feel too pressured to do anything against your will.”


  “I understand,” Yao Tangreplied, still looking at her teacher intently.

  “Now go and review your mistakes. Check your notes and see why you made the wrong—”


  Xi Yan caught herself and stopped short.

  What was there for Yao Tangto review when she had scored full marks?

  She burst out laughing and nodded toward the classroom. “Go and get some rest. Don’t strain yourself from reading too much.”


  Yao Tang nodded politely and walked back inside.

  Xi Yan watched her go, feeling like she had won the lottery.

  She had accepted Yao Tang into her class for no other reason than wanting to help out another struggling student. Who knew that her compassion would bring such great rewards?

  She was very fortunate, indeed.

  …


  Class 1.

  Luo Hua stood at the podium with a thunderous expression on his face. He swept a disdainful glance over his students, lamenting the fact that nobody among them had been able to outdoYao Tang.

  It infuriated him just thinking about it!

  He remembered the scene that had unfolded at the office earlier, and the same feeling of dread washed over him.

  After Huang Danhad come over, she had wasted no time yelling for everyone to hear: “The first placer is actually thatYao Tangfrom Class 20! And she got full marks! In all subjects!”


  She was so loud that even the students loitering in the hallway had heard her.

  Like a swarm of hornets, the students had shamelessly barged into the office and crowded around Luo Hua and Huang Dan. They hadn’t even bothered to greet their teachers!

  They took turns peering at the document bearing Yao Tang’s name, snapping pictures and taking videos.

  By the time Xi Yanhad come to see what the fuss was all about, the news thatYao Tanghad placed first in the school rankings was already widespread on the campus.

  Luo Hua’s face darkened even more, and he closed his eyes to dismiss the memory.

  Just then, Yao Ranwalked up to him and spoke in a hushed voice. “Teacher, I have something to tell you aboutYao Tang.”


  Luo Hua nodded and gestured for her to follow him out of the room.

  They stepped into the corridor and had a quiet discussion.

  …


  “I swear, Teacher, I’m telling the truth!” Yao Ransaid.

  “The day after the exam, I heard some students talking. They said that Yao Tangtried to offer them the questions in advance for a fee. So I went to Class 20 when school was dismissed, and sure enough, I saw the exam papers onYao Tang’s desk. They were exactly the same as the national exams we took, only they already had answers written on them!”


  She sounded aggrieved, and her eyes were burning with anger.

  Luo Hua, on the other hand, brightened after hearing her words. “Say, Ranran, do you think those exam papers are still on her desk?”


  “Well, I suppose. But I don’t think we should go right now. We’d better wait until the classes are over, when the students have all gone home. If her classmates learn of this, she might get ostracized again.”


  Luo Hua frowned and tapped her forehead with his index finger. “You’re too kind, you know. She’s cheated you out of being the top student, but you’re still thinking for her sake.”


  Yao Ran heaved a helpless sigh. “She’s still my uncle’s daughter. I don’t mind it at all. I just don’t wantYao Tangto go down the wrong path at such a crucial time in our lives.”


  “Okay, okay, I understand. We’ll wait until school dismissal to go to Class 20. Are you happy now? Honestly, if you keep this up, you’re bound to get bullied when you go to university!”


  “It’s fine. Thank you, Teacher!”


  Yao Tang’s grin was genuine. This time, Qin Jingwouldn’t be around to defendYao Tang.

  ‘Let’s see how you explain your way out of this, Yao Tang. I’m going to destroy you today, once and for all!”


  The smile remained on her face long after the classes had commenced.