Chapter 31: His Choice Was Correct

When it comes to making requests of the school, Xu Ming was naturally most concerned about the bonus; after all, that was the only tangible benefit.

After a moment of contemplation, he asked, "How much money does the school award for getting into Tsinghua or Peking University?"

Before the principal could respond, his homeroom teacher, Wang Qingtao, chimed in with a smile to explain. "Although our school has had students admitted to Tsinghua and Peking University for several consecutive years, the bonuses for each student are quite substantial. Based on previous years, you can expect at least tens of thousands of yuan in cash rewards."

"Right now, you just need to maintain your grades until the college entrance exam."

Having heard this, Xu Ming felt satisfied, knowing the amount was quite generous. Dongping No. 1 High School held a certain reputation in the city, and as it drew the best students from across the county, it was no surprise to see students admitted to prestigious universities. Had he been at Dongping No. 3 High School, the bonus from the school alone would have been a significant sum, as it would effectively break their zero-record.

However, his ambition went beyond merely getting into Peking University, so he threw out another question: "And what if I become the top science scorer?"

This time, before Wang Qingtao could speak, Principal Sun Hai couldn't help but step in, making a firm guarantee on the spot. "If you truly manage to secure the title of top science scorer this year, I will personally ensure you receive the maximum bonus within my capacity."

"I will definitely become the top scorer," Xu Ming replied with unwavering conviction.

Sun Hai beamed with delight. "Good." He was extremely satisfied with Xu Ming's confidence.

With that, Sun Hai decided not to take up any more of Xu Ming's time and had Wang Qingtao take him back. Once only the two of them remained in the office, Cui Zhibang looked toward the doorway, his eyes filled with undisguised envy.

"Old Wang is incredibly lucky. To find a candidate for Tsinghua or Peking University in a regular class—if Xu Ming really does become the top scorer, he'll surely be assigned to lead the next key class."

"It's a good thing for the school to have such a student. You should also pay extra attention to Zhou Junhao in your class; make sure he doesn't suffer a slump because of Xu Ming," Sun Hai said, leaning back in his chair to instruct Cui Zhibang.

"Please rest assured, Principal, I will keep a close watch on his emotional state," Cui Zhibang pledged.

When Xu Ming left the principal's office, the bell for class had already rung. He walked back to his classroom at a steady pace. As he reached the door, he heard the English teacher lecturing Li Wenhui.

"Why are you sleeping during class?"

"With the second mock exam over, the college entrance exam is right around the corner. The closer we get, the less you can afford to slack off."

"It's like rowing a boat against the current; if you don't advance, you fall behind."

Li Wenhui stood ramrod straight, head bowed in silence. He had intended to emulate Xu Ming’s diligent study habits, but he hadn't expected to be woken up before four in the morning. Consequently, he had been drowsy ever since breakfast and couldn't help but doze off during the noon English class, only to be caught by the teacher.

Just as he braced himself for the inevitable reprimand, he was interrupted by a voice at the door.

"Report!"

Xu Ming didn't walk straight in, but politely asked permission, successfully diverting the English teacher's attention. Han Xiaolan turned to see Xu Ming, her expression instantly softening as she responded gently, "Come in."

Then, she added to Li Wenhui, "If you feel sleepy again, stand up on your own."

Once Xu Ming returned to his seat, he saw that the English test papers had been handed out, but since he already knew his score, he felt no particular excitement. He tucked the paper into his desk and went back to studying formulas and theorems in advanced algebra.

Soon, study hall arrived. In the liberal arts classroom on the east side of the building, Zhang Yingxin sat with a sullen face, ignoring all persuasion from her desk-mate, Zhao Xin.

"I believe Xu Ming still likes me. If I just try to talk to him a few more times, he will understand my past circumstances."

"He has already clearly rejected you. It’s better to part ways gracefully," Zhao Xin said, frowning as she repeated her advice. Having learned about Zhang Yingxin's encounter that morning, she was certain there was no chance for the two of them. Furthermore, since she had seen Zhang Yingxin eating with the class monitor while Xu Ming had risen to rank first in his grade, she felt that Xu Ming’s decision to cut ties completely was the right move.

It was only out of the remnants of their friendship as desk-mates that she hadn't spoken more bluntly. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been so patient in her attempts to persuade her.

Just as Zhang Yingxin was about to insist further, the figure of their homeroom teacher, Yang Xing, appeared in the corridor. Peering through the window, she called out, "Zhang Yingxin, step out for a moment."

Zhang Yingxin, who had been so confident just a moment ago, felt a flicker of panic upon hearing her name. "The teacher is calling me?"

Feeling uneasy, she stood up and walked out. "Teacher Yang," she greeted her timidly.

"Do you know why I asked to see you?" Yang Xing asked, a habitual inquiry. Seeing the girl shake her head, she spelled out the situation. "Do not go looking for Xu Ming from the science class anymore. His goal is to be the top science scorer this year; with your current grades, you're barely hoping for a standard university."

"Putting more effort into your revision is worth more than anything else."

"If I hear that you are pestering him again, I will have no choice but to call your parents to school."

After listening to her teacher, Zhang Yingxin was left in a daze. No matter how she looked at it, she couldn't imagine that not long after breaking up with her, Xu Ming would already be aiming for the title of top science scorer. It made it seem as if she had almost stifled a future top scorer.

As these thoughts raced through her mind, she felt a sense of grievance, and her eyes quickly welled up with tears. Unfortunately, this tactic was ineffective against Yang Xing.

"I’ve said what needed to be said. Go back and think it over carefully," she said before turning and walking away.

...

As the mock exams drew to a close, the pace for the seniors became increasingly frantic. It was as if everyone were a tightly wound spring, unable to find a moment to relax. With the number of exams increasing, every day began with nothing but solving problems.

Especially after entering May, the school implemented a policy of full-scale simulations, with exams held every two days. According to the teachers, this intensive and frequent testing was to ensure the students maintained their "feel" for the exams when the college entrance exam finally arrived.

Meanwhile, thanks to his steadily rising grades, Xu Ming’s plan to study advanced algebra, mathematical analysis, and analytic geometry was not only unaffected but largely mastered. This pushed his mathematics experience points over four hundred, bringing him within reach of leveling up to Level 2 Mathematics.

It was also worth noting that during this time, Zhang Yingxin did not come to disturb him, allowing him to finally focus on deriving his formulas and theorems. As the days passed and the countdown to the college entrance exam reached single digits, there wasn't much time left to spend at school.