Just then, the host on stage spoke again, "Alright, now we're at the most anticipated and intense moment! Everyone must be curious about which school has won first place, right?"
Immediately, a deafening chorus of "Yes" rang out from the audience.
Everyone was curious to know which dark horse had eclipsed the prestigious Li Tang First Middle School and Fushan Third Middle School.
The host gestured for silence, "Everyone, please quiet down. Now I am going to announce the biggest dark horse of this math competition!"
The host looked exceptionally excited as she enunciated into the microphone:
"The first-place prize of this math competition goes to... Mu Qingli from Grade 11 Class 8 of North China High School! Now, we invite Mu Qingli to come up to the stage to receive his award and say a few words. Let's welcome him with applause."
As these words were spoken, the stage fell silent.
So did the audience below.
Liu Ziqing was stunned.