Chapter 44: Winning

Chapter 44: Winning

Li Bowen: "Principal, I don’t need this."

The principal frowned: "Li Bowen, think it through. Your exam results are crucial for your recommendation for admission."

Li Bowen: "Principal, I respect the results of every exam."

The principal could only say: "The re-examination is the result of the homeroom teachers' discussion. You’ll need to complete the exams first."

Li Bowen wrote his paper in the principal's office, while Ye Xiaoxiao was in the next room.

The two took the exam separately, and the teachers graded the exams right away.

Zhang Xia and Qian Fenfang, as their homeroom teachers, stayed out of the grading process.

This time, only math and Chinese were included in the exam, and the teachers graded the papers immediately after receiving them.

"Her handwriting is really neat."

Ye Xiaoxiao's handwriting was clear, which worked in her favor.

Looking at the answers on the paper, which were completely filled out, the teacher could tell.

"Principal, Ye Xiaoxiao got a perfect score in math."

The grading teacher immediately brought the paper to the principal.

Qian Fenfang's expression, which had been disdainful, turned to shock.

"That can’t be!"

Qian Fenfang reached for the paper, but the principal took it first.

"Teacher Qian, as a teacher, you should show some professionalism."

The principal took the paper and looked at it, praising it over and over: "Good, very good."

"Li Bowen's paper has also been graded. He was deducted four points because the steps for solving two problems weren’t clear."

Qian Fenfang: "That can’t be!"

The teacher responsible for grading snapped back coldly: "If Teacher Qian doubts it, you can check it yourself, but be careful not to tear the paper."

Qian Fenfang took the paper and examined it carefully, only to confirm that it didn’t get a perfect score.

The principal also finished reviewing Ye Xiaoxiao's paper and agreed with the grading.

"Teacher Qian, would you like to see this paper?"

Qian Fenfang: "No need... there’s still the Chinese exam score."

However, she had a bad feeling because Li Bowen was best at science subjects, and for Chinese, she could only hope the gap wouldn’t be too wide.

Ye Xiaoxiao found the Chinese exam easy.

As long as it didn’t involve sensitive topics of the current era, the essay was also easy to write.

An hour later, Ye Xiaoxiao handed in her paper.

"Teacher, have our math scores been released yet?"

Principal: "Yes, Ye Xiaoxiao, I must say, I didn't expect your academic performance to be this impressive. Previously, placing you in Class Nine was not well-considered. Would you be willing to move back to a higher class?"

Ye Xiaoxiao flat-out refused, "Principal, I don't want to change classes. It's said that school is a place for teaching and nurturing. While ensuring good academic performance, moral integrity should take precedence."

Principal: "Ye, you can't be too sharp with your words."

An enthusiastic teacher in the office exclaimed, "Principal, Ye Xiaoxiao's Chinese score is also full marks!"

The principal took the paper: "Excellent, this essay could serve as a model example."

Li Bowen showed up at the office a half-hour after Ye Xiaoxiao.

He submitted his exam paper to the teacher and also saw Ye Xiaoxiao in the office.

Li Bowen had been aware for some time that someone at the school had outscored him, but he was not discouraged; instead, he became more motivated.

The Chinese group teacher took the paper and quickly graded it.

Perhaps due to rushing towards the end, Li Bowen's essay lost five points, and his final score was only ninety-two.

When the results were announced, joy and concern were mixed among the students.

Zhang Xia was overjoyed, while Qian Fenfang's smile faded.

Qian Fenfang: "Well... I must admit, I didn't anticipate our new transfer student being this competent. The principal is quite good at recruiting. This exam went well, and I hope this trend continues, especially not faltering in the college entrance exam."

Qian Fenfang was about to take Li Bowen back to the classroom.

Ye Xiaoxiao casually reminded: "Teacher Qian, does our bet still stand? You said you would apologize to me and Teacher Zhang Xia in front of the whole school with a loudspeaker."

Qian Fenfang's face turned red, but more out of anger.

"Ye, you're merely fortunate; don't overstep."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Sigh... it appears Teacher Qian never intended to apologize. So teachers don't have to keep their word."

Other teachers in the office were also spectators to the drama.

"Teacher Qian, as an educator, your word should be your bond."

"Precisely... your actions are tarnishing the reputation of Bai Chuan No.1 High School."

"Enough! You're all here merely to mock me. There's no such thing as a teacher apologizing to a student.

This incident stems from my lack of preparation, jumping to conclusions without proper investigation, and I extend my apologies to Teacher Zhang Xia."

After delivering this sarcastic remark, Qian Fenfang stormed off.

The principal also appeared somewhat embarrassed, "Ye, the school mishandled this re-examination incident. You performed exceptionally this time, and the school has decided to award you twenty yuan."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "..."

The principal met Ye Xiaoxiao's innocent gaze and tentatively asked, "How about a reward of fifty yuan?"

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Agreed."

Qian Fenfang's apology doesn't even amount to fifty yuan.

The principal grinned, "That's right, let's put this matter behind us. Make sure to study hard from now on. Are you sure you don’t want to switch classes? After all, the academic environment in Class Nine isn't that great."

"No need to switch."

Ye Xiaoxiao felt that her current class was just fine.

Since Ye Xiaoxiao was willing, the principal didn't persuade her further.

After giving a few words of advice, he let Ye Xiaoxiao return to her class.

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Can I get the reward soon?"

The principal: "..."

By the time Ye Xiaoxiao returned to her class from the principal's office, her daring bet with Qian Fenfang had spread throughout the grade.

Several Class Nine students, studying on their own, were waiting at the door.

"She's back, she's back."

"The new girl is pretty impressive—she even managed to get out of a tight spot with Witch Qian."

"I heard Witch Qian promised to apologize but then backed out."

"Like Witch Qian would ever apologize."

As soon as Ye Xiaoxiao got to the door, she saw a crowd gathered.

Zhang Xia followed closely behind: "What are you all doing here? Did you all ace the exams? Did you even check your papers for mistakes?"

The crowd at the door scattered quickly.

...

Qian Fenfang brought Li Bowen back to the classroom, taking out all her office frustration on the students.

"Sit down and behave! Look at your grades—how can you even laugh? Class Nine beat us, and we lost first place. Aren’t you embarrassed? I sure am!"

"If you pull this again, don’t bother staying in Class One—go wherever you want."

"Why are you staring at me? Do I have the answers written on my face? Check your papers!"

The moment Qian Fenfang walked in, she started yelling at the students, ranting for half the period before finally going over the papers.

When the class ended, the class let out a collective sigh of relief.

Ye Changsheng's deskmate whispered, "Do you think Witch Qian’s lost it?"

Ye Changsheng shook his head: "I don't know."

He was worried that Qian Fenfang's bad mood was related to Ye Xiaoxiao, after all, he had seen that Ye Xiaoxiao had scored the highest in the school this time.

Qian Fenfang valued her reputation the most, always proud of having the best students.

This time, it was a huge blow to her pride.