The feud between the two schools

Actually, today is not his birthday. He just simply wants to receive a gift made by Qi Xu as a unique memento.

For some reason, he had a strong premonition that drove him to want the gift, as if missing it would mean losing something extremely important.

He softly echoed her humming melody; the joy at that moment was so pure that even time seemed to stand still, just to appreciate this tranquil beauty.

In order to broaden students' artistic interests, the provincial capital held a grand art competition.

The first prize winner will be guaranteed admission to a prestigious university and receive a prize of 3,000 yuan; the second prize winner will receive 2,000 yuan; and the third prize winner will receive 1,000 yuan.

The head of teaching at Experimental High School led the school's art students into the campus of Mingde High School with great swagger.

The students followed closely behind him, each with an arrogant expression, casting disdainful glances at each classroom without any attempt to hide it.

The teachers and students in the classroom were all drawn to the commotion outside the window. The teachers watched the uninvited guests warily.

The head of teaching at the Experimental Middle School eventually stopped at the door of Class 8, Grade 11, and led the students straight inside.

He glanced around the classroom, a sneer playing on his lips: "Your school has been in decline for over a decade. No matter how hard you struggle, you'll never return to your glorious past."

"It's been over ten years, and you're still causing us trouble every day," the substitute homeroom teacher retorted without backing down. "It seems you're afraid we'll rise again?"

"Hmph," the head of the teaching department sneered, "Experimental Middle School will always be one step ahead of your Mingde Middle School, making you unable to hold your heads up."

After saying that, he led the students away, heading towards the principal's office.

Hao Nan's gaze met that of a girl in the Experimental Middle School group.

She noticed him too, and in the instant their eyes met, she broke away from the group and walked to Hao Nan's table.

"So you're here, Hao Nan." Chen Yihe said with a seemingly friendly smile.

The homeroom teacher was about to speak up to stop them, but was stopped by the director of the experimental middle school: "Let the children talk to each other and make friends."

Chen Yihe glanced at the sketches on Hao Nan's table and reached out to take them.

Hao Nan reacted quickly, snatching the drawing back and shoving it into the drawer. His voice was filled with icy anger: "Don't touch my things."

Chen Yihe and Hao Nan are childhood playmates, and their parents have a good relationship.

But Chen Yihe was a snob. In order to curry favor with those big sisters, she joined forces with them to bully weaker girls.

After hanging out with those older brothers and sisters for a while, he started bullying all sorts of people and even demanded money from Hao Nan. If Hao Nan refused, Hao Nan would beat him up.

Fortunately, Hao Nan ran fast enough to avoid being beaten.

If you don't fight back, you'll seem weak; if you do fight back, you'll be accused of bullying the weak.

Therefore, no matter which option you choose, it will be wrong; the only solution is to run away.

Hao Nan's parents also learned about Chen Yihe's situation. They broke into her home, slapped her, and moved away, severing all ties with her family.

"I'll come find you to play after school." Chen Yihe wasn't annoyed, and after saying that, she returned to behind the head teacher.

Her gaze did not linger on Hao Nan, but instead fell on Han Xue.

Han Xue looked disgusted and immediately turned her face away, as if even looking at her once made her feel nauseous.

Chen Yihe simply smiled and left with the group.

The classroom door closed, and the homeroom teacher faced the class, her tone grave: "Students, let's prove ourselves and not let other schools look down on us." The classroom then returned to silence.

The new transfer student, Qi Xu, was a little confused and whispered to his deskmate, Wan Xiaoyi, "What's going on? Is there some kind of feud between the two schools?"

Wan Xiaoyi explained in a low voice, "In the past, Mingde and Experimental School were both top in terms of college entrance examination pass rates and teaching staff, and the competition was fierce, but Mingde always had the upper hand over Experimental School."

"The principal of the experimental school couldn't swallow this insult and always wanted to challenge us to a competition."

"Perhaps our glorious era has passed, and they never came again. It's strange that they suddenly reappeared this time."

"It can't be that bad, can it? I don't think our class's grades are bad either," Qi Xu said, puzzled.

Wan Xiaoyi shook her head: "Mingde was much more prestigious in the past than it is now, with countless students getting into 985 and 211 universities."

"Let's talk after class, let's listen to the lesson first." Qi Xu stopped the conversation, but her doubts deepened: Why had the teaching quality of a once glorious school declined so much? She was eager to know the answer, but she kept it to herself.

At this moment, Han Xue gently poked Qi Xu in the front row with her pen. Qi Xu leaned back slightly, and Han Xue whispered in her ear, "Want to sneak off and take a look?"

"No, the teacher is explaining the key points, I have to listen." Qi Xu shook his head.

“Okay, I’ll go by myself.” Han Xue raised her hand. “Teacher, I want to go to the restroom.”

After receiving permission, she quickly left the classroom and took a shortcut straight to the principal's office.

Seeing her hurried appearance, Principal Han asked, "Why are you in such a rush?"

"The people from Experimental Middle School are causing trouble again." Before Han Xue could finish speaking, there was a knock on the door.

She quickly found a seat, picked up her teacup, and slowly sipped her tea.

"Please come in," Han Cheng replied.

A group of students from the Experimental Middle School walked in. Chen Yihe saw Han Xue, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

The head of the teaching department sat down with a smile: "Principal Han, how have you been?"

"What brings you to our school with your students?" Han Cheng asked indifferently.

"The province is going to hold an art competition. The first prize winner will be guaranteed a place in a prestigious university. I've come to see the strength of your school." The dean of studies leaned back in his chair, his posture casual.

Upon hearing the words "art competition" and "direct admission," Han Xue was thrilled. This was definitely good news, and she immediately thought of Qi Xu, who had superb painting skills.

Han Cheng snorted coldly: "I don't have time for that."

"Is it that you're too busy, or that you're too afraid?" the head of the teaching department pressed on.

"Your school has already gotten what it wanted, so what exactly do you want?" Han Cheng asked rhetorically.

"It was just a friendly exchange. Since you're not welcome, we'll leave." The students from Experimental Middle School left again, looking dejected.

Han Xue couldn't contain her curiosity: "Dad, I still don't understand why Experimental Middle School is so persistent in pursuing us?"

Han Cheng sighed: "This shows that our school still poses a potential threat to them, and they are afraid of our resurgence."

"But we're still quite far behind them now, aren't we?"

"Back then, Experimental Middle School went to great lengths to crush us." Han Cheng's voice was heavy. "They had connections in the Education Bureau, spread rumors that were detrimental to us, and took the opportunity to poach a large number of our excellent teachers, which is what made Experimental Middle School what it is today."

“But we haven’t given up; we’ve maintained a moderate level, so of course they’re on guard,” Han Cheng added.

Han Xue recalled those rumors: "Are those rumors true?"

“Every school inevitably has its share of unsavory things, some of them are true,” Han Cheng said frankly.

"Then why don't we fight back? And spread their rumors too?" Han Xue pressed.

"Even if the news gets out, their people will suppress it. If they trace it back to me as the source, it will only backfire and cause trouble for me."

Han Cheng said earnestly, "Don't do anything risky unless you're absolutely sure you have the chance."

Han Xue nodded thoughtfully, finished her water, and returned to the classroom.

As Hao Nan and Qi Xu walked out of the school gate at the end of the day's classes, Chen Yihe came up to greet them.

"Long time no see, Hao Nan."

Hao Nan took a step back, creating some distance: "Stop with your hypocritical act, it's disgusting."

Chen Yihe shrugged, seemingly unconcerned, and turned her gaze to Qi Xu: "My name is Chen Yihe."

Qi Xu recalled the girl who had followed the Experimental Middle School group during the day and made people feel inexplicably uncomfortable, and said in an icy tone: "Qi Xu."

Chen Yihe was clearly dissatisfied with the two people's attitude, but she maintained a calm smile on her face.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, she finally got to the point: "Who did your school send to participate this time?"

Hao Nan and Qi Xu looked at her at the same time, understanding in their hearts that she had finally lost her composure and her ultimate purpose had been revealed.

Han Xue saw Chen Yihe entangled with the two from afar and immediately rushed over, shoving her away: "What exactly do you want!"

"Han Xue, you've misunderstood." Chen Yihe still smiled.

"I don't care what you're trying to do, stay away from my friend and get lost!" Han Xue shouted angrily.

"Han Xue! I didn't do anything to you, why are you so hostile?" Chen Yihe pretended to be aggrieved.

"How do you know her name is Han Xue?" Hao Nan and Qi Xu asked in unison.

"I...I know her," Chen Yihe stammered.

"She's right. You, get out of here," Hao Nan suddenly said, his tone forceful.

Knowing she wouldn't gain anything by staying any longer, Chen Yihe dropped her pretense: "Hmph, that guaranteed admission spot is ours for Experimental High School." With that, she turned and left without looking back.

"A spot? What spot? Han Xue?" Qi Xu looked at Han Xue.

"The art competition offers a guaranteed admission to a prestigious university for first prize winners, plus a cash prize. This is the only large-scale art competition held in recent years; previously, it was all about math, physics, and chemistry," Han Xue explained.

Hao Nan's eyes lit up, and he said eagerly to Qi Xu, "This is an excellent opportunity to be recommended to a prestigious university. With your abilities, Qi Xu, you can definitely succeed."

Han Xue also strongly encouraged Qi Xu to give it a try.

“No need,” Qi Xu said calmly but firmly. “Let’s leave the spots for those who need them more.”

She already had a plan in mind; this competition wouldn't actually help her on her chosen path, and might even take up a valuable spot.

Her persistence made Hao Nan and Han Xue understand her feelings, and they stopped forcing her.

News of the art competition spread like wildfire among art clubs in various schools.

After an emergency meeting, the homeroom teachers at Mingde Middle School immediately returned to their respective classes and announced: "Students who are interested in participating in the art competition can register here. Art students, please follow the arrangements made by your art teachers."

Soon, the art students from each class were gathered in the club room.

Xu Sheng is naturally an important candidate for this competition.

The art teacher assigned a task: each person was to create a piece of art that they were best at on the spot.

The classroom fell silent instantly, with only the scratching of paintbrushes on paper as they sketched lines and colors.

...

After completing their artwork, everyone signed their names and classes, handed in their drawings, and left the classroom one after another.

"Your drawing skills have improved so quickly!" Hao Nan exclaimed, looking at Hao Nan's drawing.

"Hey, keep it low-key," Hao Nan said with a smile. "I'm still far behind you."

"Is Qi Xu really not planning to participate?" Xu Sheng asked Hao Nan.

"Her?" Hao Nan shook his head. "She doesn't seem interested in any competitions."

"With her skills, whether she participates in the competition or not, her future is bright." Xu Sheng patted Hao Nan on the shoulder and said goodbye as he walked towards his class.

At that moment, Principal Han Cheng suddenly remembered something. He strode to the archives and found Qi Xu's enrollment information.

According to the information, she was admitted to Luojia Middle School as the top student in the art exam in Luojia County, and her identity is clearly that of a student with special artistic talent.

Han Cheng had a better idea of ​​what was going on. He guessed that Qi Xu might not dare to try easily because of his introverted personality and dislike of showing off.

As her father in her blended family, he understood that regardless of the outcome, such a rare opportunity was worth encouraging her to try. Her talent should not be buried.