Chapter 45: Math Competition

Chapter 45: Math Competition

The principal handled things efficiently, and Ye Xiaoxiao received the school's reward right after school.

Ye Changyuan was so excited after school that he couldn't stop jumping around.

"Xiao Xiao, did you really stand up to Witch Qian?"

Ye Xiaoxiao: "It wasn't a big deal, just a bet."

Ye Changyuan: "That's still impressive. Lucky for you, Qian Fenfang doesn't teach your class, or she would definitely give you a hard time."

"Let's go, I got the school's reward. We're treating ourselves to a good meal tonight."

Ye Xiaoxiao waved the money in her hand.

Ye Changyuan was surprised, "Our school actually has this policy? Brother Sheng always used to get first place, and the principal never gave any rewards."

Ye Changsheng: "It's probably because this incident got out of hand."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Exactly, this is the principal's way of keeping things quiet."

Ye Changsheng: "Qian Fenfang has connections back home, and the principal doesn't want to offend her, so he stepped in to cover for her."

Ye Changyuan: "Actually, it's worth it. We got some money out of it."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "You're right. Let's go check out a small restaurant today."

First, the three of them went to the old residential area behind the school to let Aunt Sun know they wouldn't be back for dinner.

Then, they found a newly opened restaurant not far from the school gate.

Not many people were starting their own restaurants back then, as state-owned restaurants still existed, and not many were willing to take the risk.

But those confident in their skills had already started to take the risk.

This small restaurant was clean and tidy, and the service was better than at state-owned restaurants.

As soon as the three of them sat down, someone came over to ask what they wanted to order.

Ye Xiaoxiao: "What are your best dishes here?"

"We have a menu here, take a look! I recommend our braised duck."

"Alright."

Ye Xiaoxiao ordered the restaurant's signature dishes.

"Let's try them. If they're good, we'll bring some back for our parents and my older brother and sister-in-law next time."

As soon as the dishes arrived, Ye Xiaoxiao noticed.

The portions here were bigger than at state-owned restaurants, but the prices were lower.

No wonder they were doing better than state-owned restaurants.

They ordered three of the restaurant's signature dishes and finished every last bite.

Ye Changyuan slumped in his chair, rubbing his stomach: "I'm stuffed!"

Ye Changsheng nudged him, "Let's go, time to study."

Ye Changyuan: "You're being too harsh. We just finished eating, and you're already making me study."

Ye Changsheng: "It's not like it's physical labor. What does it have to do with you just eating?"

Ye Changyuan: "I can't win this argument with you. Anyway, I'm going to join this year's military recruitment. If I get selected, it doesn't matter whether I take the college entrance exam or not."

Ye Changsheng looked at him with a gaze full of disappointment, "No matter what, you're taking that college entrance exam."

Ye Changyuan: "Let's go already."

Ye Xiaoxiao got up too, and the three of them walked out of the restaurant together.

At the compound gate, the gatekeeper shouted loudly, "Ye Xiaoxiao, you've got something here!"

Ye Xiaoxiao told Ye Changsheng and the others to go back first, and she ran to the duty room to get the item.

"Thank you, uncle."

She took the cardboard box from the uncle. It was as big as a radio, heavy, and she had no idea what was inside.

"Uncle, who left this here?"

The uncle waved his hand, "Dunno, some soldier left it."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "..."

It had to be Lu Hanchuan.

Sending stuff without a word—that's just like him.

Ye Xiaoxiao lugged the thing home.

Ye Changyuan and Ye Changsheng were already studying in the living room.

Ye Changyuan looked up, curious as ever, "Xiao Xiao, who sent you something?"

Ye Xiaoxiao held the box, "Just a friend..."

Ye Changyuan: "..."

Xiao Xiao sure has a lot of friends.

Ye Changsheng patted his head, "Focus on your studies. I'll go over the problem-solving method with you again."

Ye Changyuan deflated, losing interest in prying into others' business.

Ye Xiaoxiao went back to her room and opened the cardboard box. Inside, there was a wooden box and a key.

Not worried about losing it, huh?

She used the key to open the wooden box. It was stuffed with cash and all sorts of vouchers.

Ye Xiaoxiao slammed the box shut.

Lu Hanchuan must be out of his mind.

She had to call him up and get some answers.

Ye Xiaoxiao closed the box and tucked it under the blanket.

She stood up and walked around the room a couple of times.

The places where she could make a call were already closed for the day, so she would have to wait until tomorrow to call.

She finally found the phone number Lu Hanchuan had left her the first time.

She decided to ask him for details when she had time tomorrow.

...

Ye Xiaoxiao remembered that there was a phone in the principal's office. Not wanting to waste time, she went straight to the principal to borrow the phone.

However, the first time she called, the call didn't go through.

Ye Xiaoxiao wasn't sure if the number Lu Hanchuan gave her was correct. Maybe he wasn't home yet.

"Ye Xiaoxiao, are you interested in this national math competition? If you do well, you might get a recommendation for admission," the principal said, handing her a brochure.

After reading it, Ye Xiaoxiao replied, "Principal, I'm not that interested in getting a recommendation. I just want to get into Jinghua University's medical school. Recommendations come with too many restrictions."

The principal was excited, "Jinghua University... Wow! Our county has never had a student get into Jinghua University. Your ambition is pretty high."

Ye Xiaoxiao said, "Principal, I'm actually from the capital city. I think I can get in. Lately, I've been studying materials from capital city teachers, and they're way more challenging than what our local teachers give us."

The principal put his hands behind his back, "Ye Xiaoxiao, you even have study materials from the capital city.

Honestly, among our students from these remote areas, only Li Bowen's family has those kinds of resources. That's why he was always recommended for competitions in the past.

Other students might sometimes rank first or second, but when it comes to competitions, they're completely out of their league."

Ye Xiaoxiao said, "Principal, among the students you mentioned, is Ye Changsheng included? He's been pushing himself harder lately. You might want to let him try the competition."

The principal nodded, "Alright! I'll think about it!"

"As for Jinghua University... keep up the good work."

The principal didn't want to discourage her. Ambition is a good thing.

After a few setbacks, she'd come to understand reality.

But if she really got in, it would bring great honor to our Bai Chuan No.1 High School, and he'd be thrilled.

...

Qian Fenfang stood on the podium, tapping the desk with a rolled-up book.

"For this national math competition, our school only has two spots, and both are given to students from our class.

Li Bowen, Ye Changsheng... come and get the registration forms after class, fill them out, and give them back to me.

The school's recommendation shows trust in you. You must perform well and not let down the teachers' efforts."

"Understood, teacher."

Li Bowen and Ye Changsheng replied in unison.

Ye Changsheng's deskmate whispered, "Changsheng, you're going to the capital! The competition is held there."

However, Ye Changsheng didn't seem as happy as expected.

Because the travel expenses, accommodation, and competition fees would be a significant burden for his family.