Huo Yao listened to the Principal quietly.
“There are a lot of brilliant participants at the international level. The questions in the national finals are considered to be pretty basic in comparison. In the past, the top ranked students that we sent, did not make it into even the top ten.”
The Principal smiled sadly and shook his head. He turned to glance at Huo Yao and continued. “Huo Yao, you are the first student who has maintained the first position and attained full marks all through the competition. I think you stand a good chance at making it into the top ten.”
In the past, he would have been happy to see her return with any rank in the International Quiz Contest. It did not matter even if she was placed in the 20s or 30s. However, he changed his mindset when the results for the finals were released today. He felt that this young lady was far more capable than he had imagined.
He did not dare dream of Huo Yao getting the first place internationally. However, he felt that she had a chance at finding a place for herself in the top ten. He was praying hard for a miracle to happen.
Huo Yao stood at the sidewalk, while the red light was still on. She suddenly tilted her head when only three seconds were left on the signal’s clock. She looked at the Principal and said solemnly, “I think you can set higher targets.”
The Principal went into a daze. He did not understand what she was driving at.
Huo Yao stepped onto the zebra crossing and said softly, “Like bringing back the champion’s trophy!”
The Principal blinked. Her indifferent words left him in shock for a few seconds. He stepped on the zebra crossing when he finally composed himself.
It was an awfully challenging target to set for oneself.
The Principal looked at Huo Yao walking unhurriedly in front of him. She had an innate sense of pride oozing from her slim, straight back.
His heart suddenly felt lit with an exhilarating sensation.
Perhaps… he could dare to hope.
*
Huo Yao rested for a while after getting back to the hotel and then started to pack. The flight to City S was scheduled for 7:00 pm, and it was almost 5:00 pm already.
They would be gathering downstairs soon to head to the airport.
Huo Yao found time to buy some gifts while they waited at the airport.
Those big babies and her parents were such big spenders.
Huo Yao still had some time after buying the presents, so she placed her stuff by her feet before pulling out her earphones. She put them on and swiped through her music application. She tapped on her favorites. They were all Phenom’s songs and she played them on a loop.
Suddenly, a text message popped up on her screen.
It was sent anonymously using an encrypted number.
[Were you the one who caused such a huge commotion at the cultural relic exhibition?]
Huo Yao paused and then replied: [I’m a student. How could I have found the time?]
Unknown Person: […]
Unknown Person: [I didn’t think it was you, either. It isn’t your style.]
Huo Yao raised her brow. The unknown person had her attention now.
She replied: [Oh, then what’s my style?]
Unknown Person: [You are always in control. Things never go out of your hand.]
Huo Yao: [Who taught you Chinese?]
Unknown Person: [?]
Huo Yao: [You should study harder.]
Unknown Person: [You’re so childish.]
Huo Yao: [Your papa will teach you how to be an upright person one day.]
Unknown Person: [Sheesh.]
Huo Yao twitched her lips and switched off her phone. She placed it in her pocket before she pulled her hood up and rested her eyes.
**
At 9:00 pm, the flight to City S landed punctually at the airport. Huo Yao turned on her phone as she walked out with her luggage.
She had a few notifications showing some missed calls and text messages.
