After the arts and science track split in the second semester of first year, almost all of Jiang Chan’s spare time was devoted to the robotics competition. She frequently took leave from school to participate in events, sometimes gone for an entire week at a time.
The robotics competition alone consumed more than half a semester of her time. She successfully missed the first monthly exam and the midterm, which gave other students in the grade a rare opportunity to rise.
At least for the moment, the name at the top of the grade was no longer Jiang Yuhui.
When Jiang Chan returned, she happened to catch the third monthly exam. Having missed classes for most of the semester, everyone was watching closely to see whether she could continue her undefeated streak.
The most anxious person was the homeroom teacher. Approving her leave for competitions had drawn protests from several competition instructors. He had been under considerable pressure.
If she returned without awards and her grades dropped, the administration would surely call him in for a talk.
Was Jiang Chan someone who could be easily defeated? Of course not. Even while competing, she had continued studying. Qin Fen sent her daily notes without fail.
She had chosen the science track. Although the humanities were not difficult for her, the original owner’s wish was to pursue computer science, which leaned heavily toward science subjects.
Moreover, once science formulas and principles were fully understood, losing points became rare.
After the second monthly exam, Jiang Chan reclaimed first place. Others could only sigh in resignation.
They had known she would not be easily beaten. It was better to compete for second place. After all, near perfect scores were not something everyone could achieve. Why had such a prodigy appeared among them?
Before meeting her, many had considered themselves outstanding. Now they realized they were merely ordinary. Their arrogance faded, replaced by a more grounded attitude.
After class, Qin Fen hooked an arm around Jiang Chan’s neck. “Confess. How did the competition go?”
He had seen her constantly tinkering with that small robot. Of course, he kept a safe distance from it after his traumatic experience with the cream launcher.
“Not bad. We got a team award. It’s on the official website.”
Jiang Chan rarely smiled so openly. The original owner’s wish to win a robotics award was now fulfilled. Staying away from Song Miao was also progressing well. All that remained was protecting the Jiang family and Jiang Yuzhi’s company.
In truth, that part seemed simple. As long as she stayed away from Song Miao, future troubles would not occur. It might be the easiest task she had undertaken.
But would things truly be that simple? Of course not. She could control her own distance, but not Song Miao’s actions.
Her thoughts lasted only a moment before Qin Fen shouted, “No way. You got a gold award? That’s insane.”
He was sociable. With one shout, most of the boys in the class gathered around.
“What gold award?”
“That explains why Hui Ge was gone so long.”
“It felt weird not having him first in the grade.”
“Qin Fen, stop dragging it out. What gold award?”
“Was it the robotics competition?”
Qin Fen read aloud dramatically, “Our province won the team gold at this year’s National Youth Robotics Competition…”
Before he finished, Jiang Chan was surrounded.
“Hui Ge, that’s incredible. You left and came back with gold?”
“Why team gold? Wasn’t there an individual event?”
“It’s team based. No individual category.”
Jiang Chan was happy to share details. She had learned a great deal. The designs she saw were astonishing.
You could not imagine it until you saw it.
Listening to the excited chatter, Song Miao’s face twisted.
What was so great about robotics? Jiang Yuhui had always liked these things, burying himself in programming books. Hard work without real profit. Nothing like high ranking executives.
Qin Fen declared loudly, “To celebrate Xiao Huihui’s gold award, I’m treating everyone this afternoon. No evening study tonight and tomorrow’s a break. Let’s go out and have fun.”
“Nice. Qin Fen, you’re generous.”
“One from our class counts as one. Everyone’s invited. I haven’t properly bonded with you guys yet. You have to give me face.”
“Of course. We’ll enjoy a big meal tonight.”
Under Jiang Chan’s subtle influence, Qin Fen’s playboy air had diminished. Without it, his personal charm became more evident.
He was generous and did not hold grudges. Having lived a second life, he was more mature than his peers. When he suggested something, it was immediately supported.
Among classmates, compared to the aloof Jiang Chan, Qin Fen might have had better popularity.
Hearing the excited planning behind her, Song Miao’s lips curled in mockery.
Qin Fen was still the same, buying favor with money. Did he think money solved everything?
Part of her wanted to skip the gathering. But Jiang Yuhui would be there. If she did not go, future chances would be even scarcer.
Despite her resentment toward Qin Fen, she decided to attend.
Perhaps distracted by anticipation, many students failed to focus in the next class.
Finally, school ended.
Qin Fen stood. “Half an hour at the school gate. We’re going to Sheng Tang.”
“Sheng Tang is expensive. The buffet is almost two hundred per person,” a girl exclaimed. The rumors about Qin Fen being wealthy seemed true.
“It’s worth it. Their buffet is excellent.”
Song Miao returned to the dormitory with several girls, considering what to wear. Surely she could not go in her school uniform.
Wu You pouted, pulled off her uniform jacket, and leaned toward Jiang Chan. “Hui Ge, I’ll head to the gate with you. I don’t need to change.”
She had a round face. Qin Fen often pinched her cheeks.
Seeing her ingratiating smile, he tugged at her cheek again. “Little Dumpling, you’re asking the wrong person.”
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