20 Economics

"Her."

"She came out from nowhere and snatched the first place!"

Shouts of admiration resounded from the crowd. The image of the girl in vermillion dress was shining in brilliant light ever more. Over and above praises were poured onto her. Her respect and charm points must have been increased by several hundredfold if there was such system.

Defeated, the orange senior harrumphed and silently turned away. Her followers helplessly moved along. She had wasted her spit for no returns, with her investments bore no fruits towards her reputation. Instead, she had marketed the competitor!

In the upcoming annual event, she vowed to reclaim her rightful place, The Springwater City number one performer! She would ensure that everyone shall see her glory and trample down on that Yue. An ace card was under her sleeves, how wouldn't she win?

"Alright! Session ends!", the lead Senior clapped her hands together. "Form a line and move out to the next place!"

'She's fierce and neat,' an unnecessary comment from Little Jae.

***

Due to limited time, the new intake were permitted to enter any classrooms of their interest. But they had to do it discreetly as classes were still in session.

They were currently lingering around the open corridor that led to various rooms of varied sizes. Some of them were far apart than the others and a room was placed at the farthest back of the corridor.

The classrooms for both Embroidery and Drawing had a rather open space like a patio. They were adjacently placed too. The doors were pulled to the side ends and the inhabitants could enjoy the natural brightness that mother nature could offer. Drawing class looked more rigid than Embroidery as the students were seated in rows and columns, with a table for two.

A voice reciting a poem was heard from across the corridor. The voice was neither loud nor soft, its sound was clear and crisp like a bell, refreshing those who listened to it.

Then there were the clappings, complimentary from the newbies.

'Zhi, don't dilly dally anymore, quickly go to the room at the farthest end.'

"What kind of class is there?"

"Huh?"

The conversation between Little Jae and Zhi could only be heard by the two of them but the twins bun girl heard Zhi muttering something. Should she reply to her? Did Zhi just talk to her? Or to herself?

Before the confusion cleared away, Zhi hastily went in reverse, causing Lai Ming to be flustered.

"Zhi, please wait (for me)."

Lai Ming huffed to catch up with Zhi who seemed to be enveloped by the shades of trees as she strode towards the corridor's corner. She knew that there was a room filled with people at that corner but the thick bushes and growing trees at the sides of the entranceway gave her the creeps.

'Let's not pick this class, Zhi!' Lai Ming cried and begged to Zhi in her heart. 'It's creepy, uwa.'

Crying with no tears, Lai Ming bumped headfirst into Zhi's feathery back who stopped by the door. This class had peculiarly no signboard or nameplate attached. Zhi knocked on the door thrice and waited a bit for a response.

..

..

"You may come in."

At the voice ghastly reply, Lai Ming clutched Zhi's robe tightly. She fearfully shooked her head and whispered a no. Zhi did not realize her actions and nevertheless, pulled the door open. To be greeted with a near empty classroom.

"How may I help you, my dear?"

There were two people by the window looking at the newly arrived guests. The one just spoken was a lady in a purple robe. She wore a friendly smile on her slightly wrinkled face.

Zhi entered inside and said, "I want to enquire about the Economics course. Please."

..

"I am surprised the new disciples already came to know the existence of this class."

She then gestured both Zhi and Lai Ming to come nearer. "Close the door and I'll brief you about the class."