The following morning, at the Jinling Olympic Sports Center.
As a provincial-level essay competition, the awards ceremony was of a very high standard.
The huge stadium was packed to capacity.
Teams from thirteen prefecture-level cities across the province sat in neat rows.
On the dais, flowers were clustered and a red carpet was laid out.
A promotional video for the "Worry-Free Cup" was playing on a giant LED screen.
Jiangcheng No.1 Middle School is located in the middle to back area.
Shen Qingqiu wore a light blue business suit today, which made her look capable and intellectual.
But the way she gripped her handbag tightly betrayed her inner nervousness.
"Teacher Shen, stop shaking."
Lin Que sat next to her, peeled a mint and popped it into his mouth.
"Anyone who didn't know better would think you were going up on stage to receive an award."
"Shut up."
Shen Qingqiu glared at him and lowered her voice.
"You still have the mood to eat candy? Do you know how important this competition is to the school?"
I just ran into Liu Yi from Experimental Middle School; his nose is practically pointing to the sky.
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
In the next area, Liu Yi was leading the students from the Experimental Middle School to their seats.
Upon seeing Shen Qingqiu, he put on that unsettling fake smile across the aisle.
"Teacher Shen, did you sleep well last night?"
Liu Yi asked loudly, attracting the attention of teachers from several nearby schools.
"I heard from a teacher at the neighboring high school affiliated with the Normal University that the marking team had a huge argument last night."
It seems that one of the essays was highly controversial and received a zero!
Shen Qingqiu's heart skipped a beat.
Zero points?
dispute?
Her gaze unconsciously drifted towards Lin Que.
This little guy definitely likes to take unconventional approaches.
Could it be...?
"Teacher Liu is quite well-informed."
Shen Qingqiu forced herself to remain calm and responded coldly.
"Is it something you can just ask about the marking team's affairs?"
"Hey, Teacher Shen, there's no need to ask about this."
Liu Yi adjusted his glasses, adopting the demeanor of a senior.
"Many teachers in Nanjing are talking about this."
They said that during the grading process, they found one essay that took a skewed approach and had a very dark theme.
He was given a zero on the spot by the impartial and strict teacher.
Tsk, these young people nowadays...
They always try to do something shocking or unconventional, thinking that's what makes them profound, but what's the result?
Cleverness backfired. What a waste of talent.
He said it was a pity, but his eyes kept glancing at Lin Que.
A murmur of discussion immediately arose from the surrounding area.
Zero points? Someone gets zero points in a competition of this level?
"You don't know? That teacher Yan Zheng is known for his iron-fisted attitude. If you fall into his hands, you'll be lucky to escape with your life."
"He probably wanted to imitate Mr. Jian Shen's profundity, but ended up failing miserably..."
Zhao Zichen and Zhang Ya both looked a little pale.
Although they did not know exactly what Lin Que had written.
But given Lin Que's usual style, it is indeed very likely that he will run into trouble.
"Lin Que..."
Zhang Ya tugged at Lin Que's sleeve with some concern.
"You didn't actually write something illegal, did you?"
Lin Que chewed the candy in his mouth, looking completely indifferent.
"Who knows? Maybe Teacher Yan prefers watching the evening news."
Shen Qingqiu took a deep breath, turned her head away, and ignored Liu Yi.
But her palms were already covered in cold sweat.
If Lin Que really got zero points, it wouldn't just be a joke for Jiangcheng No. 1 High School.
It was a devastating blow to the child's talent.
Just then, rousing music began to play.
A host dressed in a formal suit walked onto the stage, holding a microphone and speaking in a loud voice.
"Respected leaders, distinguished guests, dear teachers and students, good morning!"
Welcome to the awards ceremony for the inaugural "Relief Cup" Provincial Middle School Students' On-site Essay Competition!
Thunderous applause erupted.
After a lengthy speech by the leader...
The most exciting moment has finally arrived.
"Now, let's begin awarding the prizes for this competition."
The host took out a cue card:
"The first prize awarded is the third prize."
Thirty third-prize winners were selected in this competition. Students whose names are called, please come to the stage to receive your awards…”
A series of names were read out.
Zhang Ya, from Jiangcheng No.1 Middle School, was among those listed.
"Wow!"
Zhang Ya was so excited she almost jumped up.
"I won! I won!"
Shen Qingqiu breathed a sigh of relief, and a smile finally appeared on her face:
"Hurry up, don't fall."
Next up is the second prize.
Twenty-three slots.
"Liang Fei, Sucheng No.1 Middle School".
"Shen Jiahang, Gangcheng No.4 Middle School".
...
There was neither Zhao Zichen nor Lin Que.
Shen Qingqiu's fingers clenched tightly.
"Next up is the first prize! Eight first prizes will be awarded in this competition!"
The music became more exciting.
"Zhou Kai, Jinling Normal University Affiliated High School!"
The bespectacled man stood up, smugly straightening his suit.
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