Gold will always shine
He returned to his office and added a name to the list: Class 8, Grade 11, Xu.
Chen Yihe's reappearance was like a thorn piercing Han Xue's memory.
The unforgettable betrayal in sixth grade, a memory that had been lost for a long time, replayed clearly once again in the night.
She once regarded Chen Yihe as a precious friend, but in return, she received the most vicious knife in her back.
Han Xue will never forget that scene: she accidentally stumbled upon Chen Yihe hiding in a corner, slandering her with the most vile language.
"Ha, I really don't know what she's so arrogant about all day long? She even said that her dad is the principal and she doesn't care about twenty yuan? That's hilarious!" Chen Yihe's voice was sharp and piercing, which drew a burst of laughter from those around her.
A deeper stab followed: "Luckily, I stuffed the twenty yuan into her pocket back then, otherwise, with that arrogant look on her face, she would really think she was someone important!"
Han Xue's fingers clenched instantly, her anger flaring. She strode in, her voice icy: "Don't like me? Then close your eyes."
After saying that, he left without looking back.
The stigma of that twenty yuan was like an inescapable shadow, isolating her throughout junior high school.
From then on, she built a wall around her heart and no longer easily placed her trust in anyone.
Besides Qi Xu, this is her younger sister. Although they are not blood relatives, she was initially somewhat reluctant to accept her, but at least she showed her basic respect.
The open provocation from Experimental Middle School was like a potent drug injected into Mingde Middle School.
Looking down on Mingde Middle School is looking down on all Mingde students, instantly igniting the silent campus.
An invisible fighting spirit permeated the air, and the noise during breaks was replaced by the scratching sound of pens slicing across paper, with the classroom atmosphere becoming almost static with intense focus.
On the podium, the teacher was explaining the exercises in detail. But Han Xue, who had been haunted by old dreams last night, was now propping her head up with her eyes closed, her eyelids heavy, completely out of place with the focused atmosphere of the entire classroom.
The teacher paused, his chalk still, and turned a sharp gaze to Han Xue.
The other students followed her gaze. Qi Xu, who was next to her, gently nudged her.
Han Xue woke up with a start, and only then did the teacher pick up the chalk again. A spirit of never giving up was quietly seeping into the very bones of every student.
Meanwhile, in Class 2 of the second year of high school (humanities stream).
Tingyue watched silently as Jiang Hui packed up his books, her eyes dim.
"Are you really going to switch majors?"
“Yes, that’s what my dad wants me to study science.” Jiang Hui didn’t even look up.
"And what are your own thoughts?" Tingyue pressed.
"Studying literature or science is the same for me." Jiang Hui's hands did not stop moving.
He had a lot of things, and Tingyue and Tingxubai silently helped him move them to the door of Class 1, Grade 11 Science.
Tingyue stood outside the door, watching Jiang Hui tidy up his desk in the unfamiliar classroom.
"It's time to go. If you're reluctant to leave, you can turn around here," Ting Xubai suggested gently.
Tingyue shook her head, her voice soft but firm: "No, I have my own path, and he has his ideals."
The brother and sister returned to their class, and their seats were rearranged. Tingxubai moved forward and became Tingyue's deskmate.
Jiang Hui watched their departing figures from the doorway, the moments he spent with the brother and sister feeling like a dream.
This time, we probably really won't have any more contact.
The list of participants for the art competition in the school's group chat has finally been released.
The bell had just rung when Qi Xu went to the restroom. The homeroom teacher walked into Class 8 of Grade 11.
"Is Qi Xu here?"
"Not here," Wan Xiaoyi replied.
“She came back and asked me to come find her.” After saying that, the homeroom teacher added, “In the art competition, our class has seven students selected.”
Hao Nan abruptly stopped writing, looked up, and the joy in his eyes instantly brightened his face.
Han Xue and Wan Xiaoyi immediately started whispering excitedly.
"Even God is on Qi Xu's side, she'll definitely succeed." Hao Nan couldn't help but walk over and join them.
"Let Qi Xu teach those guys from Experimental Middle School a lesson." Wan Xiaoyi clenched her fist.
"Especially that Chen Yihe." Han Xue's anger was undisguised.
Just then, Qi Xu returned. Before she could react, she was surrounded by her enthusiastic classmates.
"Go, Qi Xu! Defeat Experimental Middle School!"
"Let's teach them a lesson!"
"Qi Xu, you're the best!"
...
The sudden encouragement left Qi Xu somewhat bewildered, and she subconsciously took a step back: "What happened?"
"You've been selected for the art competition!" Hao Nan's voice was filled with genuine joy.
"That's impossible, I didn't register." Qi Xu frowned in confusion.
“Nothing is impossible. We, the Seven Xu, are talented and shouldn’t be overlooked.” Han Xue put her arm around her shoulder.
Qi Xu remained silent. Wan Xiaoyi thought she was worried: "Don't be afraid, Xu Sheng must have been selected too. I'll ask him to take good care of you."
"Alright, that's your skill level. Go find your teacher now," Wan Xiaoyi urged.
"This is a great opportunity, and we believe you can win." Hao Nan encouraged her again, his eyes bright.
Qi Xu's gaze swept over the expectant faces around him, finally settling on Hao Nan.
She had no intention of participating; she planned to join the company after graduating from high school.
But at this moment, all eyes in the class were focused on this, and the outcome was already decided.
She took a deep breath and gave a faint smile: "Thank you everyone, I will do my best."
After saying that, he turned and walked towards his office.
As he watched her figure disappear through the doorway, the light on Hao Nan's face dimmed.
The guaranteed admission spot has already been given to Qi Xu, and now, it seems that a new chasm has been created between him and Qi Xu.
He always felt like he was standing still, while she was constantly rising higher and higher, her radiance growing brighter and brighter, making him afraid to touch her, lest he tarnish that beauty.
He clenched his hands tightly at his sides, returned to his seat, and focused all his attention on the exercises in front of him. There was still more than a year left, and he had to do everything he could to catch up.
Han Xue watched Hao Nan's back as he focused intently on his studies, almost as if in self-torture.
He devoted almost all his spare time to books, which made him much calmer, and even his skin had a cool, pale glow.
She saw his determination, and she also saw the extraordinary influence that Qi Xu had on him.
Perhaps my initial prejudice was wrong? Maybe Hao Nan truly loved Qi Xu.
But ultimately, the future depends on Qi Xu's own choices. Han Xue, who has spent time with Qi Xu these past few days, knows that while she appears easygoing and laid-back, she possesses an astonishing dedication to the things she truly loves.
She walked up to Hao Nan and said, "Hao Nan, I'm sorry for what I said to you before."
Hao Nan continued writing, his voice calm: "No need to apologize, you're right." Han Xue didn't disturb him any longer and silently walked away.
Not long after Qi Xu left, I heard that my siblings had come to congratulate me.
"Where's Qi Xu?" Tingyue peeked into the classroom and looked around.
Hearing Bai look around, he said, "It seems he's not here."
"Han Xue," Tingyue called out.
Han Xue walked to the door: "I was called away by the homeroom teacher."
Tingyue sighed in disappointment, "We're too late! We wanted to cheer her on in person!"
"Sighing and groaning, you've squandered all your good luck," Ting Xubai scolded lightly.
Tingyue quickly covered her mouth and mumbled an explanation: "Um, I didn't say that."
Han Xue and Ting Xubai couldn't help but laugh at her expression. Wan Xiaoyi also came over: "What are you talking about?"
Tingyue covered her mouth and shook her head, determined not to ruin Qixu's good fortune any further.
At this moment, Xu Sheng came to gather the contestants and saw everyone at the door: "Are you all here? Where's Hao Nan?" Everyone's eyes turned to the figure buried in his books in the classroom.
The three couldn't help but exclaim, "Working so hard? Did they get stimulated?" Their gazes then turned to Han Xue and Wan Xiaoyi.
"It's all because Experimental Middle School is too arrogant," Wan Xiaoyi said indignantly.
“That’s right.” Tingyue immediately put her hand down. “Mingde Middle School is not easy to bully. We must let them know what’s what.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Qi Xu was selected, and we were just saying we wanted to celebrate and cheer her on," said Wan Xiaoyi.
"As expected, she drew very well." Xu Shengchao glanced into the classroom. "Where are the seven people? The art teacher told them to gather in the club room."
"They're not back yet," Wan Xiaoyi replied.
"Okay, let her know when she gets back." Xu Sheng turned to leave.
"Hey!" Wan Xiaoyi called out to him, "Qi Xu is rather quiet, so please take good care of him during the competition."
Xu Sheng took a few steps, then turned back and waved, "I understand."
The school bell rang at the right time, and everyone dispersed, the campus once again filled with the concerto of pens and paper.
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