Most people present knew what a vortex collider was, but only on a superficial level. Even someone as arrogant as Ren Wanxuan and Chen Zhe did not dare claim to know much. As for vortex collision data, that was the kind of data that could only be produced in laboratories. To what extent was this new student, who scored 85 in science, sensitive to such data that she was specially recruited into the training class?
So why did Ren Wanxuan say at the time that Bailian got in through connections?
Everyone’s gaze subconsciously turned towards Ren Wanxuan.
Ren Wanxuan’s sneering smile froze. She had always assumed that Ji Shaorong had spoken to the school, given the Ren family connection. She didn’t believe the Ji family wouldn’t make use of it.
But now…
She felt the questioning, puzzled looks from those around her. Ren Wanxuan felt like she couldn’t stay in this classroom another second.
“Hey, Old Li, are you listening?” The principal had been talking to himself for a long time without any response.
The homeroom teacher of Class 8 snapped back to awareness. “Principal, I’ll explain to you later.”
“Then let’s resolve the second issue now,” he hung up the phone and spoke to Chen Zhe: “Chen Zhe, you used one wrong character just now in your word ‘borrow’.”
Chen Zhe was also taken aback.
He stared blankly at the Class 8 homeroom teacher, seeming to realize something in that instant.
At the same time, the Class 8 homeroom teacher looked at him plainly, his tone extremely disappointed. “You guessed right. That book did indeed belong to Bailian originally. I was returning her own book to her. Did I need to consult your and Ren Wanxuan’s opinions? I can hardly imagine how you uttered those words.”
No one spoke.
Chen Zhe opened and closed his mouth. In a daze, he sat back down.
He had imagined ten thousand possibilities, but the one thing he never considered was that the book belonged to Bailian.
Neither he nor Ren Wanxuan had a way to obtain that book. How did Bailian get a copy?
Especially since…he had just been questioning the teacher for lending the book to Bailian. So it turned out it was originally her book!
“I don’t know how the rumor got out that Bailian got in through connections,” the homeroom teacher surveyed the steeped classroom again amidst the silence. “But as students who have received ten years of education, you cannot be unaware of how deeply harmful gossip can be to someone.”
Many people quieted down and lowered their heads.
“Privately slandering and maligning others,” the Class 8 teacher looked at them, disappointment in his eyes. “I was just thinking, why would something like this happen with you top students? Or could there be an issue with my teaching methods?”
His final glance landed on Bailian. For a moment, he desperately wanted to know who her teacher was that could educate such a student.
From her he seemed to finally grasp the meaning of the phrase “prudent solitude”.
Most of the time he wouldn’t tell Bailian about many matters, lest flecks of dust clung onto an unsoiled gem.
The homeroom teacher retrieved his gaze and left the steeped classroom, phone in hand. Though his footsteps were not as light as before.
**
From 7:30pm to 8pm, the usually boisterous training class said not a word this time.
They all knew Bailian had a copy of Jiangjing University Physics.
Many wanted to borrow it. Everyone was aware how helpful it would be to possess that book.
“Thank you,” Ning Xiao received the copy of Jiangjing University Physics Bailian handed him under everyone’s gaze. “I’ll return it once I finish reading it.”
“No rush,” Bailian held a black pen in her right hand, lazily writing out a set of formulas on paper. “I’m done with it, feel free to read it.”
Everyone else stared fixedly at the book in Ning Xiao’s hand, eyes blazing. Who could have imagined that the book Chen Zhe and Ren Wanxuan unsuccessfully begged for would be so casually lent by Bailian to Ning Xiao?
Ning Xiao disregarded their gazes and seemed to casually place the book on his desk.
“Let’s go,” Ren Wanxuan didn’t know how to feel. This Ji family member she always looked down on actually had something unimaginable to her. “Dr. Gao has been waiting anxiously.”
Only Dr. Gao could allow her envious heart to calm slightly at this time.
She didn’t even glance at Bailian’s side as she picked up her schoolbag and left.
Usually most would pay attention to her and Chen Zhe’s movements, yet today no one gave her another look.
At 8pm, most had left. A circle of people surrounded Tang Ming.
“Tang Ming, have you read Jiangjing University Physics?” They usually had decent relations.
Their tones were now envious.
Ning Xiao was of solitary temperament. Hardly anyone from training class dared to speak to him.
Tang Ming hurriedly put his book away. “Jiangjing University Physics? Bailian just asked if I wanted to read it, but I don’t have time for it right now so I let Ning Xiao borrow first. Hey Ning Xiao, wait for me!”
Now he was already struggling daily to comprehend Jiang Fuli’s analysis. How could he be like those two freaks reading extra books on top of that?
“Zhu Jiaren,” some familiar with Zhu Jiaren also spoke up. “Your group is so fortunate to have access to Jiangjing University Physics. I wonder if I’ll ever get the chance in my life to own a copy.”
Yet Zhu Jiaren’s mouth corners were very stiff.
What others didn’t know was, ever since they formed project groups, she hadn’t exchanged more than a sentence with Bailian. Every night she used excuses to head back to the dorm.
She packed up her things, pushed her way past the others, and hurriedly caught up to Tang Ming.
“Tang Ming…”
“Zhu Jiaren,” At the sight of her, alarm bells went off in Tang Ming’s mind. “Shouldn’t you be heading back to wash your hair? See you in a couple days!”
Zhu Jiaren stood rigidly in place, face stiff.
Using needing to wash her hair was an excuse she herself came up with, yet now she couldn’t refute it.
She could only watch Tang Ming’s retreating back as he left the area.
She now seemed to understand what the Class 8 teacher meant by “sociable”…
**
There were midterm exams this weekend.
On Friday night at training class, after playing the screen recording, the Class 8 teacher rarely cracked a smile as he announced welcome news to them.
Gripping the lectern with one hand he said: “I have good news to share with everyone!”
Those on their way to copy the video footage stopped in their tracks, waiting for the teacher to declare the good news.
The Class 8 teacher was evidently in high spirits. He scanned the steeped classroom: “Yesterday at the meeting, the principal said the registration quota for the preparatory camp has increased by one. So we now have two openings.”
Two?
In the past the school had zero, and now there were suddenly two vacancies?
The training class, subdued for a while due to Ren Wanxuan’s matter, finally livened up again.
“Teacher, how come there are two spots now?” Someone excitedly raised their hand.
The teacher shook his head. “I’m not clear, but it’s fortunate for us. So I hope everyone will work hard and believe anything is possible.”
Hearing it didn’t pertain to studying, Bailian started spacing out.
She took out a workbook, bending it under one arm while uncapping a pen to start calculating, emitting an aura of casualness.
Ning Xiao and Tang Ming sat in front of her. Occasionally the two would exchange a couple sentences, mostly Tang Ming asking Ning Xiao questions. In the past he didn’t dare inquire.
But after experiencing Jiang Fuli, he felt the gloomier Ning Xiao was ten thousand times more approachable than Jiang Fuli.
As for the openings?
Tang Ming didn’t care either way. He believed that compared to those vacancies, the half hour of analysis at night held more value.
Most training class students grew very excited, until someone muttered:
“What’s there to strive for? One more spot makes no difference to us. It’s obvious those two are shoo-ins.”
“Shua—”
The chatter ceased as all eyes turned to Chen Zhe and Ren Wanxuan.
Ren Wanxuan and Chen Zhe also exchanged a look. Even Ren Wanxuan’s fine manners couldn’t conceal her elation and subtle sense of superiority in this moment.
She had been considering competing with Chen Zhe, knowing she would lose.
Naturally Ren Qian didn’t hope for her to compete with Chen Zhe either, since the Ren family wanted to sell Chen Jing a favor due to Mayor Chen.
Now there was an extra vacancy…
It was perfect for her and Chen Zhe.
With Dr. Gao’s backing, she didn’t expect there would be anyone else who could vie with the two of them.
Ren Wanxuan, who had resentment stewing these last couple days over Bailian’s matter, finally heaved in relief at this time.
Getting her hands on Jiangjing University Physics took precedence, but right now the most crucial thing was securing a spot in Jiangjing’s preparatory camp.
Chen Zhe’s thoughts mirrored hers.
He looked towards Ning Xiao’s side. In school, the number of times Ning Xiao took first place exceeded his, but this time, Ning Xiao had lost his chance to compete with him.
**
The midterms that weekend were for Xiangcheng No.1 Middle School.
On Saturday morning they tested language, Saturday afternoon math and English were together.
They didn’t get time off until finishing science Sunday morning.
It was Bailian’s first time taking exams. She was with Zhang Shize in the last testing room.
Right after completing it, she heard Zhang Shize’s cries of anguish from behind: “What physics was this test even on? For multiple choice I just shook my sieve. The long questions were incomprehensible…”
Bailian put her things away and walked out.
They didn’t have to wear school uniform on weekends. She had on a light snow-green dress embroidered with orchids, spotless and refined.
She casually held the backpack Ji Heng made her, unhurriedly taking out her phone to switch it on, revealing a glimpse of excessively fair wrist.
Her entire temperament clashed with others from the last exam room.
Only daredevil Zhang Shize interacted with her, scratching his head and seeking comfort from the study master: “You finish the exam?”
He asked Bailian.
Bailian shook her head. “No.”
“That’s good then,” Zhang Shize relaxed, “Since even you didn’t finish, at least the physics teacher won’t scold me this time.”
Bailian gave him a look, opting not to tell him she had completed the entire physics test.
She lowered her head to reply Jiang Fuli’s text:
?I’ll take the bus there this afternoon?
Dr. Jiang: ?Alright, I’ll be back in the afternoon?
Jiang He said the vortex colliders could be disassembled. Bailian had been either in class or tutoring this entire week and lacked any time until finally today.
She took the bus back to Qingshui Street.
The moment she alighted, she saw Mao Kun alone, crestfallen as he squatted at the stop.
“What happened?” She noticed the bruising on Mao Kun’s face.
“My godfather had someone custom make this for you,” Mao Kun passed the items to Bailian, rubbing his head. “Got beaten by the fighting ring people.”
The fighting venue was the strongest existence on Heishui Street.
“Thanks,” was all Bailian said. She accepted the pack of wool yarn he handed over, and only lazily glanced his way once as she walked towards Qingshui Street. “So weak.”
Mao Kun: “……”
Nearly crying.
“Wait for me here at 10pm tonight.” She turned and entered an alley. By the time Mao Kun lifted his head, all he saw was a swish of lightly swaying snow green skirt.
Mao Kun pondered her words for a bit. Then grew excited and ran to the small convenience shop at 112 to work a short shift.
The shop owner’s attitude towards Little Mao had softened up too. “Lil Mao, Bailian was right that you’re a good kid.”
He stuffed a bottle of Vitasoy for Mao Kun.
Mao Kun happily bit on the milk carton as he lugged goods inside, happening to spot two patrolling policemen. He shot them a glare, acting all cocky even with his injury: “Whatcha looking at…morons…”
“Lil Mao,” the shop owner sternly regarded him. “You need to be polite to Uncle Officers.”
Student Mao Kun reluctantly mumbled an acknowledgment.
Then made sure to viciously glower at them again when the shop owner wasn’t looking.
The two “uncles” who just received notice that Student Mao Kun brawled with mercenaries: “……”
**
At Ji Heng’s home.
Today was Ji Heng’s birthday. Ji Shaojun and Shen Qing both came.
Shen Qing’s face held an ingratiating smile as she busied about, serving tea to a tall, formally dressed woman.
“Madam Ren, please have a seat and rest. Those two still need a while.” Shen Qing used her sleeve to wipe a brought out chair clean then placed it by the woman, looking up with eyes full of currying favor.
Ji Shaojun and Ji Shaorong were bustling in the kitchen.
Ren Jiawei wore a beige suit, one hand holding her phone, elegant and distinguished, eyes slightly narrowed yet astute.
She ignored Shen Qing.
By Ren Jiawei’s side, her secretary smiled as she sized up Shen Qing: “No need to trouble you, if Madam Ren requires anything I can handle it.”
Scrutinized by the secretary’s odd look, Shen Qing let out an awkward laugh then retreated to the corner.
The yard gates were pushed open.
Ren Jiawei peered over, gaze landing on the girl who just entered. Sizing her up.
She had long heard her husband, daughter, and Ji Shaorong mention this niece before. This was their first meeting.
The girl wore a snow-green dress. The entire outfit didn’t seem like any particular brand, likely Ji Heng’s handiwork.
She had seen Ren Wanxuan bring back quite a few, but they were all stored away.
“Ms. Bai.” The secretary had met Bailian a few times and cheerily greeted her, simultaneously informing Ren Jiawei “This is Bailian.”
“Bailian?” She narrowed her eyes.
Shen Qing quickly cut in, worried Bailian would inadvertently displease the Ren family with that temper of hers: “Ah Lian, this is your second-auntie. Greet her!”
Bailian also guessed who she was. She removed an earbud while nodding at the secretary, only then did she give Ren Jiawei a slight nod back.
It counted as a greeting.
Ji Shaorong and Ren Qian both claimed how polite Bailian was, but that didn’t seem the case today.
Ren Jiawei held her phone, brow faintly furrowed. She never beat around the bush: “I heard from Wanxuan you have a copy of Jiangjing University Physics. How much for me to buy it from you?”
Bailian’s dark eyes dimmed a fraction. Strands of hair not tied up slipped down, scattered across her snow-white nape.
Her tone was tranquil: “It’s not for sale.”
“200,000 yuan, good enough?” Ren Jiawei lifted her chin.
In her perspective, even saving up their entire lives, the people on this street wouldn’t be able to scrape together 200,000 yuan. Buying a mere book would be easy as pie for her.
Yet Bailian completely ignored her and headed straight for her own room.
No one expected this attitude from Bailian.
The secretary was taken aback. He took two steps chasing after Bailian, lowering his voice: “Ms. Bai, Ren Jiawei came today specifically regarding this matter. You can’t even comprehend that book. By selling it to Ms. Ren, consider it the Ren family owing you a favor. It’s only one book, you can’t possibly be this petty?”
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