"Beep Beep Beep - Random task completed, IQ increased by 10, 'Knowledge Arena' issued."

Qiao Chu was overjoyed: "001, the results of the math competition preliminary round have come out? I am the first in the city?"

Although she answered the test smoothly that day, she was still worried. After all, there were so many students participating in the competition, and they were all top students from various schools. It was a gathering of talented people. She was not sure if she could stand out.

"Yes, Master, you have achieved the first place in the city, congratulations."

"Yeah! Great! I got the 'Knowledge Arena'!"

Qiao Chu couldn't wait to open the virtual screen, and saw that there was indeed an extra button below the "Famous Teacher's Classroom" on the right side of the screen, with "Knowledge Arena" written on it.

Qiao Chu clicked the button and a search engine appeared, similar to the search bar on Baidu and Google.

Qiao Chu was puzzled: "Zero Zero One, what does this mean? Can you explain to me the purpose of this 'Knowledge Arena' now?"

"Okay, Master. The 'Knowledge Arena' is, as its name implies, a competition venue. Once you enter, you can compete with the top experts in various fields. The difference between the two will be clear. How can an undefeated academic god fail in a competition? Therefore, you must familiarize yourself with competition, get used to competition, and win competition. The 'Knowledge Arena' is your best choice, and you definitely deserve it!"

I don’t know who Ling Lingyi learned this TV shopping tone from.

“…”

what to do? Suddenly I feel a little regretful...

However, it was too late to regret now. Ling Lingyi continued, "Master, as long as you enter the event you want to compete in the search engine, the corresponding arena will appear. Enter the arena and the master will be waiting for you. All you have to do is defeat him! Come on!"

Qiao Chu reluctantly entered the word "mathematics" in the search box and clicked OK. Then, an icon in the shape of a small door appeared on the screen. This should be the entrance to the arena that Ling Lingyi mentioned.

She clicked on the icon and a box popped up -

"You need to buy a ticket to enter the arena, which costs 100 hours. Is the challenger sure?"

Below are two options: 'OK' and 'Cancel'.

"Do you still need to buy tickets?"

Another 100 hours of study? Isn’t this too expensive? 100 hours of study can be exchanged for 1 point!

"Yes, Master. Each time you enter the arena, it takes 100 hours of study. However, if you win the competition, you will receive 300 hours of study as a reward. This deal is definitely worth it."

"What if I fail? Wouldn't my 100 hours of study be wasted?"

"Yes, Master, but there is a saying that goes 'Fortune and honor are sought in danger'. Go forward bravely, I have faith in you."

Qiao Chu looked at the accumulated study hours at the bottom of the screen. There were only a pitiful 350 study hours. Fortunately, she had not had time to exchange them for points, otherwise she would not even be able to enter the arena now.

She clicked OK, bought the ticket, and the next second she appeared in a place that looked like a stage. She was standing behind a platform, which was a bit like the table used by leaders for speeches, with a fixed microphone on it. Opposite her was an identical platform, facing her, and behind the platform stood a gentle middle-aged man.

Snap——Snap——

Suddenly there was thunderous applause, accompanied by various shouts of cheering.

"come on!"

“We will win!”

Only then did Qiao Chu notice that a few meters to her right, there was a group of spectators sitting neatly.

It turns out that this is really a stage.

She asked Ling Lingyi in surprise: "Why are there still viewers?"

"Yes, Master. Everything here is a complete simulation of a real competition scene. It is 100% accurate. These are all virtual spectators. However, their reactions are completely synchronized with those of real humans."

——What a grand project, worthy of being produced by the system.

Now she felt that the 100-hour ticket was well worth it. With such a grand ceremony and such a grand occasion, it was worth it to come and see the excitement...

"Welcome to the math competition. I am the host of this competition. Now I will announce the rules of the competition..."

There is actually a host?

Well, she wouldn't be surprised if her dad showed up in the cheering group...

An hour later.

Qiao Chu looked at her accumulated study hours in frustration. There was clearly "250" written on it, as if it was a ruthless mockery of her.

Completely defeated... Being abused badly...

Seeing her so disappointed, Ling Lingyi comforted her: "Don't be discouraged. This is your first time in the arena. You are not familiar with the rhythm of the competition. Just practice a few more times. Master, I believe you will succeed."

"But, Ling Lingyi, did you know that success has a mother called 'failure'?" Qiao Chu gritted his teeth, "I finally know why you kept it a secret and said you would give me a surprise! This is simply your routine! Do you know that if you introduced the function of 'Knowledge Arena' when you released the task, I might not want it at all, right?"

This "knowledge arena" not only wastes study time but is also discouraging. What on earth is she doing here? This is not a reward at all, it's more like a punishment!

Zero Zero One remained silent.

Qiao Chu understood, and understood very well. She looked up to the sky and screamed: "Ah - I am a human being, the essence of the universe, the most intelligent creature in the universe, and I can't even beat a system?"

However, it was too late, and the reward was given and could not be returned.

"Qiao Chu, the preliminary results are out, you are the first in our Hai City!"

Wang Yisheng's face was filled with ecstasy. He heard the good news last night and was so excited that he couldn't sleep the whole night. He, Wang Yisheng, actually taught a student who was the best in the city?

No... this is not the end. Qiao Chu still has to participate in the finals. Maybe... he can get first place in the country?

He couldn't suppress his excitement just thinking about it. He just wanted to go out and shout a few times, announcing the good news to everyone and letting everyone know that his student was number one in the city!

Although Ling Lingyi had told Qiao Chu yesterday, she still pretended to be surprised and asked, "Really?"

Wang Yisheng confirmed: "It's true. I received a notice last night that the transcript will be sent to the school today."

Qiao Chu covered his mouth, looking so surprised that he didn't know what to do, and said excitedly: "That's great! Thank you teacher for your training and encouragement, otherwise I wouldn't have such good results!"

"Haha, you're welcome. It's all your hard work. I just played a supporting role."

Wang Yisheng felt unworthy of Qiao Chu's gratitude, as it seemed that he did not cultivate her much? He treated her the same as other students, just giving lectures in class. The main reason was Qiao Chu's diligence and hard work, as well as her intelligence and eagerness to learn...

The two teachers and students were laughing face to face in the office early in the morning, which soon attracted the attention of other teachers.

"Xiao Wang, what's the matter? Why are you so happy so early in the morning?"

I've been waiting for you to say this. Now is my chance to show off.

Wang Yisheng said proudly: "It's my student Qiao Chu. She won the first place in the city in this math competition."

--What?

"Student Qiao Chu is really excellent."

The teacher praised. You have to know that this is a first-tier city with a large area, a large population and a high level of education. There are so many key middle schools in the city, and there are even more outstanding students. You can imagine how difficult it is to get the first place in the city.

She said to Wang Yisheng with envy: "Xiao Wang, congratulations to you for teaching such an excellent student."

Their teachers' performance depends entirely on their students. If their students' performance is good, it means they teach well, have strong teaching ability and high level. Naturally, they will be valued, and bonuses, promotions, and professional title evaluations will naturally follow.

Qiao Chu had good grades in mathematics and won honors. As her mathematics teacher, Wang Yisheng’s contribution can be attributed to her, regardless of whether he helped her or not, and whether the help was big or small.

I didn’t expect Xiao Wang to be so lucky at such a young age. It would be great if she could have a student like Qiao Chu.

——She was so envious!

After Wang Yisheng finished showing off, he turned around with satisfaction and said to Qiao Chu gently: "Qiao Chu, although you are already the first in the city, this is only the preliminary round after all. The teacher hopes that you can continue to work hard and strive to get a good result in the finals."

Qiao Chu nodded obediently: "Well, I know, I won't let up."

This student is really satisfying no matter how you look at him.

"Well, then you should go back to your morning self-study class. I'll let you know when the finals are set. However, according to past practice, it will probably be during the National Day holiday. Just be prepared, because you still have to go to Beijing to compete."

"Okay, Mr. Wang, I understand."

"Xiao Qiao, congratulations! You are amazing! The questions in the preliminary round were so difficult, and you actually won first place? Especially the last question, I had no idea at all and just wrote it all randomly. Compared with you, I am really far behind..."

Jiang Yuzhou sat down with his plate in hand and said with admiration: "I heard that you are going to Beijing to participate in the finals. Maybe you can even come back with the first place in the country. Xiao Qiao, I believe in you, you can do it!"

Qiao Chu won the first place in the city this time. The school leaders of Haishi No. 1 Middle School were also very happy. You know, the last time their school achieved such good results in a mathematics competition was three years ago.

In order to publicize this good news and to encourage other students, the school specially turned on the radio during the break time to praise Qiao Chu to the whole school.

So, now all the students in the school know...

Jiang Yuzhou wanted to go to Qiao Chu's class to congratulate her at that time, but after thinking about it, he decided not to do it. He endured the congratulations for two whole classes.

Even Fu Zhen, who always adhered to the principle of silence, said: "Congratulations."

Qiao Chu was flattered. He shook his head and said modestly, "Thank you. I'm lucky to be the first in the city. I can't even think about being the first in the country. There are so many talented people in the country, how could it be my turn?"

By the way, why does she always meet these two great men recently?

Especially in the cafeteria, she has been eating at the same table with them almost every day recently, and she is really about to suffer from indigestion.

Being with two campus idols, the girls around her are almost staring at her. She must be under a lot of pressure, okay?

"Yes, Xiao Qiao, you are awesome! No. 1 in the city. I feel like those people are all legends. I never thought that one day my good friend would also become a legend. Just thinking about it makes me proud too!"

Jia Xianxian had been silent just now and only joined the conversation at this moment. She is a talkative and active person, and there is only one reason for her silence - today is Friday, the ribs in the second window are on sale in limited quantities, and she just happened to grab them.

She was wolfing down the delicious ribs just now, and now she opened her mouth again, which meant that she had finished the ribs.

Qiao Chu knew this good friend too well. She glanced at Jia Xianxian's plate and found that the area where the ribs were just placed was empty...

Jia Xianxian licked her lips with satisfaction. The fragrant smell of meat had not yet dissipated, and it was so fragrant that she even wanted to swallow her tongue.

"Xiao Qiao, as your best friend, I am proud of you!"

Shen Ling also echoed: “Yes, Xiao Qiao, although I can’t be as good as you, but as your friend, I am also proud!”

"Yeah, there's me too!"

Jiang Yuzhou also raised his hand without being left behind.

“…”

Three people, six eyes, were staring at her in admiration. Qiao Chu felt a little embarrassed. She looked at Fu Zhen who was eating with his head down. Fortunately, he didn't join in the fun.

"Uh... okay, okay, I got it. Thank you. Let's eat."

She has been too conspicuous recently, and now she wants to keep a low profile.

Low-key, low-key, as if it had never existed...

However... her wish to keep a low profile is doomed to fail...

If a person is too outstanding, he can't keep a low profile no matter what.

Qiao Chu looked at the red banner above his head speechlessly. It said "Warmly congratulate our student Qiao Chu for winning first place in the city's mathematics competition."

The banner fluttered in the wind, looking very majestic and imposing. Her name was also specially enlarged, making it look two sizes larger than the other fonts. Of course, it was also more... conspicuous.

Oh my god, I feel inexplicably ashamed. This is too... grand, right?

How could she be so worthy...

The banner was hung so conspicuously that all the students passing by could see it. Later, Qiao Chu discovered that the school had more than one banner hung, but banners were hung on all the main roads in the campus.

When school was over, a large number of students poured out of the teaching building. Looking at the banners all over the campus, they couldn't help but stop their hurried steps and gather around to watch, occasionally discussing with the classmates next to them.

"Congratulations to our student Qiao Chu... who won first place in the city? So impressive..."

"Yeah, it's not easy to be the best in the city."

"I heard that she ranked first in the grade last semester!"

"No. 1 in the city... I can't even be No. 1 in the class. People are most afraid of comparison..."

"Thinking about it, I feel like a scumbag..."

"Qiao Chu is really excellent..."

"Yeah, she's pretty too. I think she's much prettier than Yu Siying."

"Are they comparable? Qiao Chu is already number one in the city!"

"yes……"

The banners had been hanging for several days. Qiao Chu kept looking forward to it, hoping that the school would take them down after hanging enough banners. But the school seemed to be addicted to hanging banners, or they forgot about it. In short, the banners were still hanging there...

Is it possible that she will have to wait until she finishes the finals?

Oh God, please forgive her!

These days, wherever she went, she could hear congratulations. She politely thanked them one by one, her face almost frozen from smiling. What's even more frightening is that her team of admirers seems to have expanded a lot, their actions have also escalated, and some people even come up to her and confess their love to her, which makes her very troubled.

What's going on? Is it so blatant now?

If she remembered correctly, the school didn't allow premature love, right? Aren’t they afraid of the teacher?

"Okay, Xiao Qiao, stop bothering me."

Seeing Qiao Chu's irritable face, Jia Xianxian comforted him, "You are so outstanding now, you will definitely attract a lot of boys. With your firm attitude, they should give up soon. Just be patient, it will be fine after a while."

Shen Ling also advised: “Yes, Xiao Qiao, adjust your mood and don’t be affected by these things. The most important thing for you now is to calm down and study. You still have to participate in the finals.”

"Qiao Chu, someone asked me to pass your letter to you. Please take it."

As the three were talking, a classmate handed a letter to Qiao Chu and winked at her ambiguously with a hint of teasing in his eyes. After completing the task, he left with a sense of relief.

Qiao Chu looked at the letter in his hand. The envelope was hollow and carved. The carving technique was delicate and there were no rough edges. It was very exquisite. There were also two red hearts hand-painted on the front of the envelope, and an arrow passed through it, connecting the two hearts together...

"Oh oh oh, here it comes again! Who is it this time? Let me see!"

Jia Xianxian stretched out her hand to grab it, but Qiao Chu quickly threw the letter into the desk in the living room.

“Nothing to see!”

You must not let Jia Xianxian see it. If she sees it, she will definitely make fun of her in her ear for a month!

"You stingy guy! There's nothing wrong with taking a look. I haven't even seen the love letter yet. I don't know what's written in it... No one likes me..."

There was a bit of envy, a bit of loss, and a bit of yearning in Jia Xianxian's eyes.

She is so fat, her looks are just average, and her academic performance is not outstanding. She is not as pretty, smart and outstanding as Qiao Chu. No one will like her...

Sigh - I really want to know what it feels like to be liked by others...

At noon, Qiao Chu and the other two went to the cafeteria to eat together. Today was not Friday, so there were no limited dishes to grab, so they walked slowly and were not in a hurry at all.

When I passed by the basketball court, I saw many people playing basketball there.

"Pass, pass——"

"Quick, stop him!"

"Oh no! He scored!"

When we were students, there were always some people who loved basketball, were even obsessed with it, and were willing to spend their spare time playing basketball, watching the NBA, and even saving money for a long time, even if they were starving, to buy a pair of basketball shoes that would make them feel proud.

Look, these students don’t even have time to eat lunch and they want to play basketball.

Qiao Chu simply couldn't understand this kind of craze. She had never touched a basketball and didn't even understand the basic rules of the game.

However, just because she doesn't like it doesn't mean others don't like it. The tall and strong boys ran and sweated on the court. Their youthful faces were full of energy, attracting a large number of girls to gather around the court to cheer them on.

I wonder if they are watching the football game or looking at handsome guys?

Qiao Chu smiled slightly, turned her head, and thought: No matter what I'm looking at, it has nothing to do with her anyway.

However, some disasters come upon us on our own and we cannot avoid them even if we want to...