[The act of bullying had always been categorized as heinous. However, discovering the bullies seemed to be a difficult challenge for people and organizations. Most times, bullies appeared harmless; other times, they became insidiously crafty with high unneglectable backgrounds. Some bullies acted conspicuously; others would do anything to obliterate their trails. In elementary school (junior and even senior high), there appeared people who always struggled with bullies—they were the victim. However, those doing the act became the bullies. These two categories could never be mistaken because they were related. Whenever one appeared, the other lagged like a shadow. Regardless, even if some schools knew about bullies, it was never easy to deal with them. After all, what if the bully was the principal's son or daughter.]
[The same thing applies to rape victims and rapists. The rape victim, out of social mockery, decides to hide her shame—unintentionally helping the rapist. Meanwhile, the rapist has some unique psychological hint, which durably made him lose control whenever they find themselves alone with their potential victim. Most often than not, these rapists have already determined their victims, so they would follow up until that moment they get the chance to execute their evil desires.]
The reason everyone found themselves on an assembly ground was simple.
Early today, rumors had spread everywhere about a special gathering. The school had sent an email to all the students in the first year; the content of the email said: meet up in the general ground for your test debriefing. How could the school suddenly decide to give a comprehensive exam? So most students panicked at the suddenness of the test; they were unprepared. However, others knew in advance, but it didn't matter. In any case, they had cunningly retrieved that information. After all, only the second year and the third year knew about these tests. But the school banned them from exposing it.
But who could stop the lion from roaring? Who could stop the wolves from breaking their prey? Therefore when people decided resolutely to get themselves something, they would go all out for what they wanted.
I lay on my bed facing the ceiling. And that was when I got the message; the message was vivid—it gave me enormous pressure. I lost myself in thought about the test the school would implore. Of course, Li Min had given me clues about this test before when she told me that each class would face off soon. My mind churned through different ideas. What kind of test would the school try to give? It wasn't as if I was afraid, but being kept in the dark made me uneasy. At this moment, I got a message from Li Min.
Hey, are you prepared for the test? The academy is finally ready—they are getting serious. You remembered our business, right?
Just what the hell! Why was this girl such a bloodsucker?
'It was only natural that I won't forget since you are the devil's robe,' I complained within myself. No to be precise, only fools would forget the devil's request. During the first semester, Li Min approached me for cooperation. At that time, I had accepted it because I needed some information and some assurance when I messed up. During those periods, I had only helped her menially by elaborating on challenging subject matter—those contents she had little to no knowledge about them. However, I had a suspicion that this girl intended to use me to get somewhere, but I'm yet to confirm this conjecture. Honestly, I understood this school had a high probability of securing jobs or getting into creative industries after graduation, but I guessed it was more than that for some people. 'What was it that interested her so much? In truth, the way she talks about the ancient prince families was unexpecting. Was she one of them? Did they expel her? Does she want to go back?' So many unanswered queries.
So thirty minutes after getting the tip-off, the student flooded the general assembly ground. It was as though everyone had an order. The place was expansive; it had an inconspicuous roof hanging above everyone's head. The canopy was to shade us from the sun. The hall looked almost plain with nothing, in particular, to remember except the tiles—they were beautiful. The school raised a platform at the vanguard with a colorful parasol shimmering above.
...
At this moment, the principal had already finished with his opening remark. His deep, terrifying gaze darted at us to no end—exuding pressure.
There was no use looking at us like that; were no preys of yours. It was good that this exam followed the terrain of generality instead of individuality. That way, I would be safe. That ghost, gods-mind better not play any tricks this time because even though I didn't particularly appreciate shining. The idea of total failure was never good either. After all, these two extremes could put people into the limelight. In any case, I wasn't afraid of the principal baled gaze. After all, it wouldn't make me move an inch if I deemed it unnecessary.
After the principal walked out, Kang Hop walked to the platform. He was a Class A homeroom teacher—a reasonable and decent man. As this person stood with a warm and composed demeanor, the student became quiet, but this quietness was full of life; unlike Jian He, it was different crowd control. In the case of Jian He, people had no choice but to listen even if he bored them to no end; they could bear it haphazardly. In other words, all grunting died down—it was as simple as that. However, the Kang Hop here was a genuine grip—a factual control. I guessed his demeanor spoke for him. You dare not lend him your ears. Then your conscience would judge you.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." He began. "The school has proposed its test."
Kang Hop passed his gaze across the crowd like a water snake. However, it was not eerie and cold—it was warm and felt more comfortable. This person did not only possess a good temperament, but he also had a good look. However, in my case, I felt this person might be cunning—all pretentious. Well, as long as he didn't test my limit. The students were respectful of him, especially the class A student. They were all eager to hear the content he wanted to present.
"We divided this test into two sections, and you only have ten days to produce the needed result." He passed his gaze once more in an intimidating silence before he continued. "The first session of this test is bullying. We all know what bullying implies. It is…" Kang Hop explained.
The student all strained their ears to grab every detail they could. It couldn't be more obvious—that these students had no intention of missing any part of the information, which might prove fatal to them. In any case, Shen Yongrui and Chonglin Mingxia weren't that enthused. Regardless, they didn't have to show any unusual expression to tell others they had no interest. It could also be that their level of understanding had reached a new dimension. So that what seemed to be difficult for others wouldn't amount to enough challenge for them. Either way, I couldn't care less.
"This test is a class adventure; this point, you should remember. If a class member won the test—the class would be awarded with 100point. For example, if a member of class C uncovers the case on this bullying test, the school would reward 100 points to class C. However, if they also managed to uncover the rape case, the school would reward them an additional 100 points, making it 200. Then class C would become the king of the first-year class. All first-year would listen to their order. The two tests are 200 points; you should understand the meaning."
"However, if class A and class C won 100 points each, they will be the kings for your level. The leadership will happen until the duration of another test. Nonetheless, when next the school introduces another test—things would change depending on the class that had accumulated the highest points."
At this moment, the student betrayed both fear and determination in their expression. One of the students raised her hand, and she was permitted to speak. The student was Feng Ah Kum; she was the class A leader.
This person was gentle as a firefly; she also looked intelligent. She had a braided bun and a conventional smile. Also, her neck appeared slightly longer, and it was moreover white. Now that my visuals had developed to another level, my sight had become more detailed. So this girl looked delicate.
"About what you said. What if the three classes had the same amount of score?" She asked calmly.
"If that was the case, no class will be a leader until the next test. Remember, you can do everything humanly possible to stop other classes from either gaining information or submitting the information. However, you will not use violence. If the school found out, then you will leave immediately." Kang Hop declared.
"So if they never discovered you, it should be okay then," I muttered. In fact, I knew that without solid evidence, no one could implicate anyone. This result presented another ground where variant occurred. Anyone could change the rules according to the situation or even the person involved. No one could even guarantee that the school would expel the bully and rapist of this test. At the same time, it was impossible to stop anyone from submitting information. "Rule breakers! These people appear everywhere in all works of life. Many people had done many things but got scot-free. It was not magic, nor was it a bluff; they all happened. Sometimes when your existence brings more results than misfortune; then escaping such calamity becomes relatively easy. Of course, no one could proclaim themselves a perfect rule breaker. After all, it was never a good thing to be notorious. At the same time, people could use your past deed to damage your unparalleled results with just a simple scheming." I sighed.