Continue Your Performance

Tang Qiao had mixed emotions as she looked at Jiang You. The man in front of her seemed detached from the person she knew yesterday.

He didn't resemble an eight-year-old child anymore; instead, he appeared as an adult.

Tang Qiao shook her head. "The investment in the stock market is good, but the real economy remains crucial."

Jiang You's eyes shifted slightly. This woman's thoughts echoed his own. When he retired from the stock market, it gave rise to numerous speculations. Some believed he feared actions from higher authorities, some said he had gained sufficient wealth, and some even claimed he had exhausted his talent. However, the truth was rather simple; he was merely weary of it all. It was too virtual to stir up the storm in the stock market. Every day, a string of numbers slid through his account.

Jiang You leaned back, the pillow softly supporting his body. He nodded. "I understand. I'm just trying to make some money."

Tang Qiao's heart skipped a beat.

...

The following day, Tang Qiao headed to school for her classes. As she neared the school gate, she noticed many people gazing at her, whispering, "Hurry, hurry, Tang Qiao is here!"

"Oh, my God, she's so stunning! She looks even better in person than in the videos!"

Tang Qiao couldn't help but furrow her brow at the scene. Upon entering the teaching building, five people approached her. The leader was a girl in a school uniform. She rushed up to Tang Qiao, placing her hands on her hips, and asked, "Are you Tang Qiao?"

"Yes?" Tang Qiao nodded.

The girl disregarded Tang Qiao, instead circling her and closely inspecting her face. "I don't care if you've had plastic surgery or whatever, just don't mess with Lin Qingyu! Someone like you can't compare with Lin Qingyu!"

"Aya," a pleasant female voice came from behind.

Tang Qiao turned to look. The girl was strikingly attractive with fair skin and a high ponytail. She wore a school uniform, resembling a pristine white gardenia.

Lin Qingyu approached and glared at Han Ya. "Aya, don't speak to Tang Qiao like that. She isn't aware of what happened on the forum."

"Why wouldn't she know? Perhaps she's the one who posted that thread on the forum!" Han Ya pouted. 

"Aya…" Lin Qingyu began to reprimand once more.

"Carry on with your performance, don't let me stop you," Tang Qiao suddenly interjected.

Lin Qingyu paused and looked at Tang Qiao with a smile. "Hello, I'm Lin Qingyu."

"So why are you looking for me?" Tang Qiao inquired. She found these two people rather perplexing. Despite their lengthy conversation, she remained clueless about their intentions.

"It's nothing. We've disturbed you..." Just as Lin Qingyu was about to respond, Han Ya pulled her aside. Han Ya stared at Tang Qiao with determination. "We're just here to warn you not to mess with us! Lin Qingyu is very busy. She needs to study and prepare for the competition. She doesn't have time to engage with you!"

Tang Qiao suddenly broke into a smile, causing her dark eyelashes to arch and her brows to curve, giving her a captivating allure. Yet, her demeanor remained pure and reserved, which balanced her charm. These elements combined to create a unique aura around Tang Qiao.

Lin Qingyu's expression darkened.

Those curious students trailed behind them. Upon witnessing this interaction, they couldn't help but murmur to each other.

"After setting everything else aside, Tang Qiao's beauty is so striking that it almost eclipses Lin Qingyu's."

"Yeah, I used to think Lin Qingyu was quite pretty, but now her face seems a bit dull compared to Tang Qiao."

"What nonsense are you guys talking about? Lin Qingyu didn't rely on looks. She's always been dedicated to her studies. Her grades are consistently top-notch, and she ranks in the top three of our class. The homeroom teacher is very proud of her!"

Tang Qiao paid no attention to the chatter behind her. Instead, she glanced at her watch.

"Are you sure you didn't make a mistake? You stop me early in the morning and spout all this nonsense. Is this what you call studying hard? If you have the time, wouldn't it be more productive to complete a few extra questions?"

Han Ya didn't expect Tang Qiao's response. Her eyes widened. "Tang Qiao! Be quiet! What right does someone with the lowest grades have to criticize us? Lin Qingyu consistently ranks among the top three in our exams. She studies diligently every day, and she recently participated in the Mathematical Olympiad competition. What about you? Skipping classes and having low grades; those are the marks of troublemakers!"

Han Ya's words were accurate. Lin Qingyu was indeed diligent in her studies. People always admired individuals who combined good looks with hard work.

Lin Qingyu lowered her gaze, concealing the satisfaction in her eyes.

"Oh," Tang Qiao responded casually. "What a coincidence. I've been studying lately to prepare for a competition."

Han Ya frowned. "What competition can you prepare for?"

"The Mathematical Olympiad."

Everyone was stunned. Are we in an alternate reality? How can it be possible? How can Tang Qiao, who consistently ranked at the bottom and struggled in every subject, participate in the Mathematical Olympiad competition?