Chapter 13 Familiar yet Unfamiliar Back to School Procedures (2)

Then she saw her own child, Ouyang Xiasha, who with just a simple action managed to subdue the parent's rage while remaining calm and collected herself, smiling as she looked at her. This was completely different from the Ouyang Xiasha she knew. Perhaps there was a problem somewhere, but for some reason, Ouyang Xiasha's smile always sent chills down her spine. Sighing helplessly, regardless of whether her feeling was right or not, she had indeed spoken out of turn just before. So, with some shame, she explained, "I'm sorry, Mother Ouyang, I apologize for what I just said. As an educator, I shouldn't have been so quick to label a child. I'm really sorry! But what brings you here today?"

In response to Principal Li's apology, Ouyang Xiasha showed no reaction, as if it were expected. Mother Ouyang's face, which had previously fallen, suddenly brightened. It seemed that Mother Ouyang took Principal Li's words to heart, and so she cheerfully began, "Hello Principal Li! I brought Sasha here to transfer her to another class."

"Transfer? Mother Ouyang, you do know that Xiasha is already in the fifth grade, and in just one month, it's time for the middle school entrance exams. Is it appropriate to transfer at this time? It takes time for a child to adapt to a new environment, and she has only one month left before the exams. Do you think there's enough time?" Principal Li thought for a moment and seriously spoke to Mother Ouyang. His words were free of any discriminative intent— he was merely basing his concerns on the practical situation at hand, worried that the child's mother might be acting impulsively. It wouldn't be good if a hasty decision harmed the child!

"Principal Li, don't worry. Our family has discussed this at length. Our daughter really can't adapt to Teacher Zhang's management. Rather than continuing like this each day, it's better to let her give it her all. At least she won't have any regrets, and I believe Sasha won't disappoint me!" declared Mother Ouyang resolutely.

"Okay then! Which class would you like to transfer to? But honestly, and please don't be offended by this as there is no discrimination meant, I'm just being frank: Considering Sasha's performance in school, probably only the well-behaved fifth class with Teacher Wang and the less advanced eighth class would be willing to accept her," Principal Li said attentively while observing Mother Ouyang's determined expression and the gleam in her eyes when she spoke of her daughter. He understood that the child's mother was dead set on her decision, and so he earnestly began to explain.

"It doesn't matter which class, let's just choose one," replied Mother Ouyang upon hearing Principal Li's words, understanding that the principal was speaking the truth without any personal bias—just stating a fact. She didn't plan to be pretentious but of course, given the option, one would choose the better class. So, she was just about to choose the fifth class when suddenly her daughter interrupted and took over the conversation.

"Eighth class!" Ouyang Xiasha quickly cut off Mother Ouyang's words and answered.

"You're sure about the eighth class?" asked Principal Li, surprised. Had he misread the sharpness in her eyes and her resolute expression? Had the child decided to give up altogether?

One must understand that the eighth class wasn't just any class for underachievers; the students there were not only poor academically but were also all problematic in their way. However, since each had a somewhat complicated background the school dared not interfere arbitrarily, and simply let things be. In the eyes of the teachers, only good-for-nothing mud that couldn't stick to the wall would go to the eighth class. Had Ouyang Xiasha decided to willingly degrade herself?

Seeing Principal Li's expression, Ouyang Xiasha certainly understood what he meant. However, the reason he'd guessed was indeed one of her reasons for wanting the eighth class. One shouldn't underestimate those kids from the eighth class; she had vowed to become stronger in this lifetime. But with no background, no wealth, and at such a young age, what could she use to empower herself? Thus, she thought about leveraging the influence of others. Don't blame her for using these still childish hearts, or call her shameless or despicable. She really had no choice, for there were only a few years left before meeting Mu Qingchi, and she had to make the most of her time!