“That’s right. We worked hard for a month and were never late. But we were all harmed because of you!”
“Since you’re already guaranteed a spot in Huaxia University, why don’t you just quit school instead of staying in class every day, interfering with everyone’s else interest in studying?”
“…”
A few other people had spoken those words sourly.
Xue Xi had been a part of their class for only a short period of time. But Li Hanlei aside, there were also others who defended her.
“I don’t think her presence will affect me negatively. Every day, when I see Xue Xi who’s already admitted to Huaxia University still working hard to solve exercises, I feel more motivated!”
“That’s right, alright? She didn’t do it on purpose. She’d done it only this once yet you already won’t let her live it down. Who doesn’t encounter unusual situations? What if there was really something going on this time that made her late?”
“…”
Xue Xi was stunned by the students’ discussion.
She did not know that the silk banner hanging in front of the classroom was not a permanent fixture. If she had known, she would definitely not have followed Xue Gui to the hotel.
Just as she was about to speak, Qin Shuang suddenly stood up. “Enough! Why are all of you being so mean? Sister Xi will take note next time and not do it again!”
When Qin Shuang saw that someone else was about to speak again, her face darkened. “Will I have to go back on my words? Should I get Brother Chen to make you guys understand?”
The classroom finally fell silent.
Immediately, Li Hanlei said in a low voice, “Whenever there’s an issue, someone here just hides behind others and encourages a little idiot to stand up for her. Some people are really too scheming!”
Xue Yao clenched her fists.
After the results of the Physics Olympiad were released, she had been in a depressed state. She was only in her third year of high school, and she would regret it for the rest of her life if she did not receive this award.
She had already thought about it carefully. There were no problems with her previous exams. It was only after Xue Xi returned and used her grades to torture her time and time again that Xue Yao became restless of late, causing her grades to plummet.
Hence, she hated Xue Xi even more.
Her aura was strong and her attitude was firm. “Regardless, shouldn’t Xue Xi apologize to everyone?”
The discipline scores for Class One and Class Two were almost full marks every month. Since Xue Xi was late, she would cause two marks to be deducted from the class. This silk banner might be going to Class Two next month.
Xue Xi felt that Xue Yao’s request was not unreasonable. After all, her actions had affected the whole class, so she slowly said, “Sorry.”
The classroom fell silent. The other students waved their hands and said, “It’s nothing.”
“It’s a small matter. Our class can’t always occupy first place and not let it go. Let’s just take it that we’re giving Class Two a chance!”
Her humorous words made the rest of the class laugh.
However, in the midst of the laughter, Xue Yao completely abandoned her image as a white lotus and a magnanimous person. She said in a domineering tone, “Would a simple apology do?”
“Then what do you want?” Qin Shuang raised her face with its thick makeup and retorted angrily, “You want Sister Xi to kowtow to you? Do you think you’re worthy? Don’t be so shameless!”
Xue Yao sneered. “There’s no need to kowtow, but she should at least bow to everyone, right?”
She pointed at the podium and said, “If you are sincere, stand there and bow and apologize to everyone!”
The class went silent.
Qin Shuang could not stand it any longer. She pushed back her chair and the chair made a sharp sound as it scraped against the ground. Immediately, she rushed to the first row and stood in front of Xue Yao’s table. “Say it again if you dare.”
Seeing her rush over, Xue Yao dared not speak further.
Qin Shuang pointed a finger at her. “Before you speak next time, you better consider it carefully. Some people are not someone you can mess with!”
With that, she returned to her seat.
Just as she sat down, Class Two’s president’s voice came from the door. “I heard that someone in your class missed half a class today and got deducted two marks?”
The students in the class immediately shouted, “Get lost!”
Class Two’s president craned his neck and deliberately looked at the banner. “Don’t be like that. I’ll just take a look in advance. Don’t worry, we’ll move this flag to our class tomorrow and we’ll definitely treat it well!”
After saying that, he hurriedly ran away before everyone could get too angry.
After he left, the class fell silent again.
After a while, Li Hanlei started complaining again. “It’s all someone’s fault. Otherwise, why would our class be mocked?”
“I’m so angry just thinking about it. It’s going to be the general points assessment soon. Two points can be the key!”
While everyone was discussing, Old Liu walked in. The second period was mathematics.
Seeing that everyone was listless, he knocked on the table and shouted, “It’s only the second period and you’re already sleepy? Keep your spirits up and sit up straight! Don’t bend your back and lie on the table all day long. You’re so listless! Look at Xue Xi. She has already been accepted to university yet her attitude in class is still the best!”
As soon as he said this, Old Liu suddenly felt that the atmosphere in the class was a little strange.
He did not ask what was going on and took out a stack of papers. “I’m going to talk about the recent exam today. The first question asked you to connect A and B together. This is such a simple question and I’ve done it more than a hundred times. I really don’t understand why some people would still make mistakes. Li Jian, tell me, how did you calculate this question wrongly…”
The lesson ended very quickly. After class, Old Liu called Zhou Zhen, the class representative, and the class monitor. After asking about the situation, Old Liu frowned.
After a moment, he sighed and walked back into the classroom with his hands behind his back. “Let’s not do gymnastics during today’s class. I’ll hold a small class meeting for you guys for ten minutes!”
The students who were about to stand up immediately sat down obediently.
Old Liu walked up to the podium with his hands behind his back. “Before class started, the Academic Affairs Office came to look for us to calculate this month’s scores. Initially, we were on par with Class Two, but Xue Xi was late for class. After deducting two marks, we fell behind. I know that everyone is definitely blaming her in their hearts.”
He pointed at the brocade flag in front of him and said earnestly, “This brocade flag does not always belong to our class. Also, have you forgotten our school’s motto?”
The school motto…
Everyone was stunned.
Old Liu said, “Be strict with yourself and not with others.”
Li Hanlei immediately said, “Why? It was her fault!”
Xue Yao was also indignant. “Mr. Liu, will you always be biased toward anyone whose grades are good?”
“That’s right, Old Liu. You are too biased!”
The students clamored. Old Liu stared at them and frowned.
At this moment, the dean of the Education Bureau appeared at the entrance. “Old Liu, you’re here. Perfect! I won’t have to go to your office!”
Old Liu was taken aback. “We can just move the silk banner tomorrow, right? Are you here to pluck it already?”
The director instantly laughed. “Why should I take it? I’m here to inform you of something. Didn’t Xue Xi win two first prizes? I have therefore given her some personal rewards and awarded your class 20 marks!”
