The Exam, Part 1

In stark contrast to the relaxed atmosphere of Class Four, Class One was steeped in tension. 

Liang Hua stood at the podium, her expression severe. "We are Class One, the top class in the senior year. For this exam, you must perform at your absolute best. Our class should dominate the top ten ranks, and the top scores in every subject must come from our students. Anyone who ranks outside the top thirty, don't expect any mercy from me."

Although Liang Hua's teaching skills were not particularly exceptional, she always led the best class. With her students consistently occupying the top three positions, she regularly earned the title of Outstanding Teacher and a substantial bonus. 

She was a woman who cared deeply about her reputation and would not tolerate students from other classes claiming the top ten spots. If the exam results were poor, Liang Hua's attitude would turn sharply unforgiving. 

The students of Class One bowed their heads in silence, not daring to utter a word. 

Liang Hua privately called Lu Ming, Su Yixiu, and Qin Churou for a talk. The three of them generally occupied the top three ranks in the senior year, with Su Yixiu always holding first place, Lu Ming perpetually second, and Qin Churou's ranking occasionally fluctuating, though she mostly secured third place. 

This time, Liang Hua pinned high hopes on them. 

To these academically outstanding students, Liang Hua's demeanor was notably pleasant. 

"Yixiu, I am aware of your family situation, but you must focus on your studies and maintain your first-place standing." 

Su Yixiu was an orphan, raised by his grandmother, who was currently in poor health. Since the end of the last semester, she had been hospitalized, and the medical expenses were covered by the money Su Yixiu earned from part-time jobs after school. 

Liang Hua was a snob who looked down on those with less privileged backgrounds, but because Su Yixiu excelled academically, speaking of him brought her pride. Thus, she treated him relatively well. 

However, now that Su Yixiu had to spend time earning money, his study hours outside of class were greatly reduced. Liang Hua worried that he might not achieve the excellent grades he usually did. 

Su Yixiu nodded coolly, showing little emotion. 

Liang Hua shifted her gaze to Lu Ming, her attitude evidently more favorable. 

"Lu Ming, you must also strive hard this time." 

After speaking many words of encouragement, Lu Ming, with one hand in his pocket, appeared visibly impatient. Knowing his temperament, Liang Hua wasn't offended by his demeanor but stopped nonetheless. 

Lu Ming came from a wealthy family, which endeared him to Liang Hua. 

"Churou, you must give it your all this time. Secure third place, and there's a chance you'll qualify for the math competition."

This offer was undoubtedly a tempting lure. 

Qin Churou had always longed to participate in national competitions, but with Lu Ming and Su Yixiu around, she never got the chance. 

Upon hearing that she might have an opportunity to join the math competition, Qin Churou's eyes lit up. She was determined to seize third place, smiling as she replied, "Teacher, I will certainly strive to achieve third place." 

Liang Hua nodded in satisfaction. "That's all. You may go now." 

The three of them left the office. 

The homeroom teacher of Class Two remarked enviously, "Teacher Liang, you are truly fortunate to have such outstanding students. Su Yixiu has a good chance of ranking in the top ten nationwide in the college entrance exams. When that happens, Teacher Liang, you might be named a National Outstanding Teacher." 

There was a hint of envy in her tone. Liang Hua was younger and had less experience than she did. If it weren't for Liang Hua's scheming, the position of Class One's homeroom teacher would have been hers, and those exceptional students wouldn't have been under Liang Hua's guidance. 

The homeroom teacher of Class Three also flattered Liang Hua, saying, "Teacher Liang, it's because of your talent that these students are performing so well. I certainly couldn't manage what you have. Your class's average score is nearly twenty-five points higher than Class Two's, which is quite an achievement." 

(End of Chapter)