“Chen Zhe, you’re most clear on this right?” The Class 8 teacher’s gaze turned to Chen Zhe. “The first analysis you received was from Bailian. I assumed that with Bailian giving the vacancy to Tang Ming, it was already enough to demonstrate she doesn’t actually care about these things at all.”
“Classmate Ren, you were the one who said that absolute fairness was necessary. I felt you made an excellent point, so I took the liberty to decide on deducting Bailian’s analysis for you all and provide the fairness you required.”
Chen Zhe suddenly lifted his head.
Of course he knew that first answer sheet belonged to Bailian. Back then he had even asked the teacher.
But the other party didn’t tell him whose it was, only asking if he wished to team up with Bailian.
He declined.
So it turned out Bailian later had the intention of giving them her analysis?
Ren Wanxuan’s mind was in complete turmoil.
Bailian had actually agreed to provide it to them?
She always believed if it wasn’t beneficial for herself then even heaven and earth would condemn the other party.1 In this competitive relationship, even she and Chen Zhe would guard against each other.
Bailian agreed to let them see her analysis?
“It’s time for class. You two can head back first.” The Class 8 teacher continued looking down at his teaching plan.
The two left with complicated feelings.
**
Xiangcheng No.1 Middle School had two cafeterias.
One was built when the school first established. The other was a small cafeteria sponsored by the Ren family.
Prices ran higher at the small cafeteria. Rumor was the chef was a 5-star hotel chef.
But apart from Class 8 students, other pupils seldom went.
They operated on separate tracks.
So when Lu Xiaohan took her meal back to the table and saw Chen Wei at the cafeteria entrance, her brows knitted. “Why would she come here?”
“Who?” Zhang Shize carried two drinks over passing her as he searched for Bailian and Ning Xiao.
The usually solo Ning Xiao eating with them today wasn’t surprising to Lu Xiaohan after experiencing group study together last Saturday.
The long table was packed.
Zhang Shize handed the two beverages over to Ning Xiao and Bailian. Bringing his palms together, he devoutly prayed: “You two must bless me to get over 60 points for next month’s physics test. Amen.”
“I suggest enshrining that commemorative photo in your room and burning incense to it daily,” Lu Xiaohan saved Yang Lin a spot. With the corner of her eye indicating Chen Wei’s direction, she told Zhang Shize: “Or you might as well give in to that woman?”
Only then did Zhang Shize notice Chen Wei.
He jolted at the sight of Chen Wei, shrinking his neck back. “No way. I daren’t offend her. Also, my heart and body belong solely to Ah Yan. All you other chits back off!”
He gesticulated exaggeratedly. Truly an idiot.
Lu Xiaohan rolled her eyes. For a moment she somewhat felt Chen Wei’s gaze was blind.
Everyone in Class 15 knew Zhang Shize adored a celebrity. Her posters covered his desk.
At the cafeteria entrance.
Chen Wei watched Zhang Shize set the drinks before Bailian.
Murderous aura seemed on the verge of spewing out from her eyes. Squinting, she slowly asked: “Who’s that girl?”
“Bailian. A transfer to Senior Year Class 35,” the brawny girl beside Chen Wei recognized Bailian. “Sis Wei, want us to…”
Chen Wei appeared very irritated. “Dad won’t let me stir up trouble.”
She suddenly kicked the table in front.
The boy sitting there dropped his meal tray on the floor yet didn’t dare utter a word. Somewhat trembling, he picked it up without lifting his head, then hurriedly retreated to find another table at the corner to sit.
It was as if someone pressed a pause button at the cafeteria entrance as silence abruptly descended.
Chen Wei walked to Zhang Shize’s side. Malevolently glancing at Bailian, she then shoved Zhang Shize’s tray away and sat down beside him, smiling. “Zhang Shize, let’s eat at the small cafeteria instead. The chef made squirrel mandarin fish2 for me today.”
Zhang Shize lifted his head, smiling awkwardly as he declined: “Sorry, I don’t take well to spicy food.”
“I see. What a pity,” Chen Wei regretfully released his tray. Swiftly her expression turned smiling and enthusiastic again: “I’ll have the small cafeteria customize dishes to your tastes tomorrow then.”
She regretfully got up and left.
Just happening to encounter Yang Lin who had returned with her meal. Yang Lin stood at the side holding her tray, giving way for them to pass the aisle first.
“What’s with that gloomy mug. Need me to send you off to reunite with your deceased parents?” The brawny girl grabbed Yang Lin by the collar and yanked her before them. She spat in revulsion: “Who allowed you to make that face?”
Slap!
Bailian’s chopsticks clattered onto the table as she coldly lifted her head.
Before she could even rise, both her sleeves were clutched tight on either side.
Zhang Shize reacted swiftly. He stood, frowning: “Chen Wei. We’re all schoolmates…”
“Fine. You’re all in the same class as Zhang.” Chen Wei admired his expression for a bit before speaking.
The brawny girl grudgingly released her grip.
The few arrogantly strode out the cafeteria.
Only when they left did the cafeteria resume its former liveliness.
Yang Lin calmly sat down beside Lu Xiaohan with her tray wearing an impassive expression.
Lu Xiaohan turned and asked: “You alright?”
Yang Lin spoke even less than Ning Xiao. She shook her head indicating she was fine.
Only then did Lu Xiaohan let go. They had all witnessed Bailian’s reaction to Shi Yutong before.
She softly told Bailian: “We should avoid that Chen Wei if possible. I mentioned she’s from the Chen family. Chen Zhe’s younger sister. Any trouble she causes can be smoothed over by her family.”
Everyone at their table from Class 15 deeply concurred.
Only Ning Xiao differed. He had also grabbed Bailian’s sleeve earlier, explaining very plainly: “Chen Wei learned Muay Thai. You can’t beat her.”
Hearing this, Lu Xiaohan silently eyed Ning Xiao from the corner.
Look at what Mr. Top Scorer said. As if they could fight the Chen family as long as she could beat Chen Wei.
Chen Wei’s preposterous acts at school weren’t limited to this one incident.
Forcing other students to drop out also wasn’t the first time. Ordinary pupils would evade provoking them when possible.
Bailian retracted her gaze from the cafeteria entrance. She lowered her long lashes, composedly taking up her chopsticks again.
She slowly mimed something before her.
Staring at Bailian’s pitch dark pupils, Lu Xiaohan somehow felt a faint chill creeping down her spine despite the other party not actually saying anything.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Chopsticks pinched between index and thumb, Bailian tilted her head, pulling up the corners of her lips at Lu Xiaohan.
Lu Xiaohan found her smile somewhat bloody.
“Oh right, don’t you not need to go to training class today?” Lu Xiaohan sharply tugged back from her thoughts. She asked Bailian.
Forearms lazily propped on the table, Bailian uttered: “Yeah.”
“Then we can head home together after school today,” Lu Xiaohan beamed then grew serious again. “School anniversary celebrations are crucial this time. Absolutely no slip ups allowed. I’ll walk you through the procedures again after school lets out this afternoon.”
The school anniversary neared. Lu Xiaohan and the student council cultural committee members had signed up to volunteer.
**
After school dismissal.
Lu Xiaohan went to help decorate the auditorium stage. Bailian accompanied her to familiarize with the process.
As usual following class, Yang Lin headed to her milk tea shop part-time job until 8pm.
Afraid of running into Chen Wei on his way home, Zhang Shize didn’t dare go shoot hoops either. So he stuck with Lu Xiaohan and Bailian to take refuge from Chen Wei at the auditorium.
Many people filled the venue at this time.
Upon arrival, the student council president was in the middle of a meeting. Catching sight of Lu Xiaohan bringing Bailian over, he came forth holding the program schedule. “Oh Lu Xiaohan, I slotted Bailian as the second last performance.”
Lu Xiaohan took out Bailian’s sword to inspect it.
Hearing the president she was baffled. “Why the sudden change to the performance order?”
“Just pushed it back by one spot,” the student council president naturally wouldn’t mention Ren Wanxuan. He smiled. “I heard Bailian’s act is extremely brilliant. It’s to retain more audience.”
He hadn’t observed Bailian’s rehearsal himself. Some from the student council saw and said she could rival Ren Wanxuan.
The student council president neither confirmed nor denied. He only felt the rumors exaggerated.
Nevertheless, this transfer student was indeed prettier than Ren Wanxuan. Possibly some filters got added regarding that aspect.
His explanation Lu Xiaohan could barely accept.
Letting Bailian take the finale spot reflected the school heads had vision.
“Xiaohan,” a member of the culture committee rushed over quickly. She beckoned Lu Xiaohan: “You guys arrived early. Walk through everything first.”
Holding a vocabulary workbook in one hand, Bailian’s other hand casually stripped off her blazer uniform.
Wearing a pale green satin shirt, statuesque as jade, her temperament extremely outstanding. This style truly differed from average students.
She politely greeted the culture committee member as she lifted her head.
The girl instantly switched to taking tiny steps over, lips pursed at Bailian in a modest smile.
Lu Xiaohan: “……Xu Qian I’m scared of you like this.”
Xu Qian resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Then said to Zhang Shize: “Why aren’t you here as a mascot?”
“There’s a new student now. I’ll pass this time.” Afraid of getting commandeered by Xu Qian again like last occasion to cheer, Zhang Shize quickly declined: “Whoops, I have something to do. I’m gonna use the bathroom!”
Xu Qian cursed “Dumbass” under her breath.
It was difficult for Lu Xiaohan to not concur. She patted the committee member on the shoulder with raised brows and squinting: “Isn’t someone absent today?”
Following convention, the student council would naturally reserve the first slot for Ren Wanxuan.
Yet they were actually going in sequence today without giving Ren Wanxuan special treatment?
“I heard Ren Wanxuan is practicing calligraphy today,” Xu Qian shrugged. Noticing no one around was paying attention to them, she softly said: “You know school leadership has always placed great importance on her writing.”
This wasn’t some secret at school.
After all whenever significant events occurred, or the honor roll banners under teaching building needed an inscription or posters made, Ren Wanxuan would be called upon.
Ren Wanxuan’s fans abounded at the school. Talented, scholarly and hailing from prominent lineage – someone well-rounded like her was rare indeed.
Beside her, Lu Xiaohan explained this matter to newly transferred Bailian: “Our school received investment from Jiangjing investors. They stress students’ calligraphic style greatly. Ren Wanxuan’s regular script3 is exceptional.”
A seldom heard admiring tone colored Lu Xiaohan’s words.
She reiterated quite some time ago how Class 8’s brilliance awed her.
Since Lu Xiaohan herself also studied regular script for a period, without mastering it well in the end.
Thus she understood the difficulty behind attaining Ren Wanxuan’s level.
“Regular script?” Carrying vocabulary lists on her back, Bailian faltered slightly. She shifted a little to one side.
Lu Xiaohan knew Bailian wrote in official clerical style4.
Teacher Lu complimented it in class before for neatness and aesthetic. Not only Teacher Lu, many instructors in Class 15 had begun collectively expressing distaste towards science stream students’ penmanship.
Lu Xiaohan wrote cleanly so wasn’t impacted much.
“It’s Liang Shenwen’s calligraphy style. Don’t tell me you don’t know?” Lu Xiaohan assumed Bailian wasn’t aware and gave her some background: “Lots of students at our school use this writing style. But only Ren Wanxuan has the best command of it. So every time there are visitors from Jiangjing, the school will have Ren Wanxuan accompany those VIPs.”
More specific details like who exactly those people were wouldn’t be something an average student like Lu Xiaohan could find out.
“I see.” Bailian’s gaze retreated.
“Here we are,” Xu Qian brought Bailian to the altered backstage side entrance. She lifted the curtains bringing Bailian onstage to explain the process. “Later when it’s your turn you’ll come out from this entrance. Spotlights will shine on you. The final pose has to align dead center…”
The school placed immense importance on this anniversary celebration. Each student council member worked diligently.
Ensuring zero mistakes the day itself.
Not far away.
A few brawny girls clustered around someone headed their way. The student council president halted briefly then walked over to greet. “Chen Wei. What brings you here?”
He got along well with Ren Wanxuan and Chen Zhe.
He wasn’t really afraid of Chen Wei either, merely the sole person daring enough to speak with Chen Wei here.
Chen Wei’s gaze lightly skimmed past him and landed on Bailian ahead of them. “She has a performance too?”
“Yes,” the student council president peeked to that side. “It’s the new student’s sword dance. Lots of people backstage. Chen Wei why not head outside instead? I saw Zhang Shize went out just now.”
Chen Wei murmured an indifferent “Mm”.
She turned and walked outside. Zhang Shize who hid himself amidst the crowd in the auditorium caught sight of Chen Wei and absconded early.
When Chen Wei came out she only saw his retreating back.
The smile on her face started twisting. “Zhang Shize came here with Bailian? To watch her performance?”
“Yeah,” the brawny girls beside Chen Wei sneered in disdain, spitting out everything learned that afternoon. “Bailian sits in front of him.”
“I see,” Chen Wei halted her steps. She looked back, gaze murky as she ran her tongue over her lips staring maliciously at the sword Lu Xiaohan held onstage: “Sword dance?”
That ominous look pierced painfully into Lu Xiaohan’s spine.
Clutching Bailian’s arm, she tensely grabbed Bailian the instant she glimpsed Chen Wei from the corner of her eye. “Qian Qian, let’s go first then.”
Chen Wei blatantly stood right below them.
Xu Qian noticed the change in mood. Voices across the entire auditorium had quieted by a lot.
Lu Xiaohan handed the sword to a student council member, once more emphasizing sincerely: “Help keep our props safe. Same spot as last time.”
This custom-made sword specially for Bailian.
“OK.” He gave Lu Xiaohan a ‘don’t worry’ gesture.
After Lu Xiaohan left, he cradled the sword towards the props room. He had just taken two steps when someone blocked his path.
- ???????? — Chinese idiom meaning that in situations of competition or conflict, people will disregard ethics, rules, etc. in order to defend their own interests. Essentially ‘every man for themselves’. ↩︎
- ???? squirrel mandarin fish — A sweet and savory Chinese style dish of fried fish with tangerine peel, a specialty of Jiangsu cuisine. It’s considered an expensive dish, part of eight major Chinese cuisines of ancient earth and used to be eaten by Qing Dynasty emperors. (You can see what it looks like here; it’s very yummy.) ↩︎
- Ren Wanxuan’s regular script – referring to the regular script style of Chinese calligraphy originally developed by calligrapher Liang Shenwen during the Qing dynasty. Known for its balance between strength and flexibility. ↩︎
- Bailian wrote in official clerical style – referring to the clerical script style of Chinese calligraphy used in government/official documentation during parts of Chinese history. Characterized by straight strokes and angular structures. ↩︎
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