Chapter Twelve: Shortlisted for the Essay Contest

The matter of betting with Wei Xinyu did not occupy any of Zhou Xuan’s attention. He continued to study, progress, and strive alone, just as planned. Another week had passed, the third week after National Day. The next Monday and Tuesday were the monthly exams for this semester. After the monthly exams, the first week back would be the eagerly anticipated midterm exams.

Wei Xinyu was no fool. He knew Zhou Xuan must have some advantage to aim for high scores, but he couldn’t afford to be careless. Thus, he had been quite diligent these past few days, likely fearing an unexpected outcome, and had intensified his revision.

When Zhou Lin reminded Zhou Xuan to pay attention, Zhou Xuan merely smiled and dismissed Wei Xinyu from his mind. Zhuo Lian, however, was more worried. “Zhou Xuan, are you confident you’ll beat Wei Xinyu?”

“Beating him? That’s a minor matter,” Zhou Xuan responded.

“You’re not bluffing, are you? Look at Wei Xinyu’s smiling face—he must have done a thorough review!”

“Just wait until next week. My skills aren’t just talk. If I reveal even a little, I’ll crush that guy with the surname Wei.”

Zhuo Lian gazed steadily at Zhou Xuan for a long moment before finally saying, “Zhou Xuan, lately I’ve noticed you’re getting better at showing off.”

Hearing this, Zhou Xuan helplessly rubbed his head. Oh heavens, how did God send me such a desk mate? The term “showing off” had come up in a recent conversation with Zhuo Lian, and when she asked what it meant, Zhou Xuan had no choice but to explain it to her, referencing the encyclopedia entry from his previous life.

Unexpectedly, Zhuo Lian took it to heart and immediately began using it. Zhou Xuan looked at her in resignation and said, “Zhuo Lian, you’re not being fair. Is this how you treat a teacher who broadens your horizons? Such disrespectful slander will surely bring divine retribution.”

Zhuo Lian’s eyes sparkled. “Zhou Xuan, I always find your words so entertaining,” she said, her gaze filled with admiration, her expression utterly innocent.

Zhou Xuan glanced at her and thought: Of course. With decades of witty remarks ahead, it’ll be effortless to amuse girls like her. But looking at Zhuo Lian’s figure, Zhou Xuan shook his head—best not to.

“Zhou Xuan, why are you shaking your head? Are you secretly badmouthing me?” Seeing Zhou Xuan shake his head without speaking, and with a mischievous smile, Zhuo Lian felt a chill run through her.

“Ah, this era is wonderful. Back then, I was introverted, mediocre in grades, lacking in talents, and had no sense of presence after graduation. I avoided class reunions for fear of embarrassment. Now, half a month into my rebirth, I seem to have made a few notable appearances, attracting the attention of young girls in the grade. What a sin!” Zhou Xuan thought smugly.

“Zhou Xuan, the homeroom teacher wants you,” someone called just as Zhou Xuan was about to reply to Zhuo Lian. “Nothing on my mind. I’ll be off—teacher wants me,” he said to Zhuo Lian.

With that, he headed straight for the office, without a backward glance.

“Hmph, I’ll let you off!” Zhuo Lian pouted, displeased.

Upon entering the office, Zhou Xuan found his homeroom teacher, Mr. Liu, chatting and laughing with the literature teacher, Ms. Chen.

“Good day, Mr. Liu, Ms. Chen!”

Mr. Liu smiled as Zhou Xuan entered. “Well done, Zhou Xuan. You’ve passed the preliminary round of the city essay competition. After the midterms next month, I’ll accompany you all to the city for the semi-finals. Prepare well after the exams, and keep up the good work.”

Ms. Chen added, “Apart from you, Liuyi Xue from our class, Xue Ting from Class Three, and Li Donglai from Class One have also advanced to the semi-finals.”

Zhou Xuan replied modestly, “It’s nothing, just a stroke of luck. Inspiration struck, and my essay skills suddenly improved. I’ll keep working hard to achieve good results.”

“Good. To encourage everyone, I’m planning to publish your essay in next week’s class bulletin. Ms. Chen mentioned that Ms. Li Yun from City No. 1 High praised your essay highly. I’ll be sure to read it when it’s posted,” Mr. Liu said.

Ms. Li Yun from City No. 1 High was a renowned teacher, having mentored several students into top universities. Even at the provincial level, she was famous; earning her praise was no easy feat.

Hearing that his essay would be published on the class bulletin, Zhou Xuan felt quite pleased, even though his work was about to become typeface. “Thank you, Mr. Liu. If you say such things, I might become arrogant.”

Ms. Chen encouraged him further, “Zhou Xuan, keep it up. I have high hopes for you. I heard you’ve been performing well in English class. Just the other day, Mr. Wang praised your pronunciation as even more standard than his.”

Mr. Liu chimed in, “Zhou Xuan, you’ve been doing well lately. Keep at it. Don’t get ahead of yourself and lose focus just because you’ve achieved something. I’ve heard about your bet with Wei Xinyu. I’ve spoken to Wei Xinyu as well; let’s call it off. If the school finds out and it becomes public knowledge, it won’t be good. Now is the time for you to focus on your studies, not to mess around. Put your energy into learning.”

How did that matter reach Mr. Liu’s ears? He even spoke to Wei Xinyu and declared the bet null.

Too bad Wei Xinyu never told Zhou Xuan. Wei Xinyu was sly, agreeing to Mr. Liu’s request on the surface, but keeping the bet alive in private, still wanting to compete—thinking he’s the only one good at math.

Should Zhou Xuan tell Mr. Liu that Wei Xinyu never informed him? Ultimately, he decided not to; after all, Wei Xinyu would lose in the end, and Zhou Xuan would pocket a hundred yuan, enough for several good meals. His weekly allowance was only ten yuan, not enough for meat every meal, his mouth had gone bland.

“Mr. Liu, it was all Wei Xinyu talking nonsense that day. I had nothing to do with it. I agree, win or lose, it’s best to cancel—no need to let it affect our friendship,” Zhou Xuan said.

“That’s best,” Mr. Liu sighed in relief.

“By the way, Zhou Xuan, do prepare well for the essay competition. After the midterms, I’ll organize a writing workshop to help you all improve further,” Ms. Chen said.

Feeling Ms. Chen’s sincerity, Zhou Xuan thanked her. “Thank you, Ms. Chen, for your trouble.”

Then he turned to Mr. Liu. “Well, Mr. Liu, I’ll head back now.”

“Alright.”

Returning to the classroom, Zhou Xuan glanced at Wei Xinyu and sneered to himself. Let him enjoy his triumph for one more day; when the math results are out, he won’t be smiling so brightly.