Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
The next day, in school.
Tang Qianmiao sat at her desk weaving a bracelet out of a skein of red string. The bracelet was decorated with beads of tiny pearls that resembled pollen, making it look really pretty.
In contrast to her quietness, the others in the classroom were noisily discussing a common topicーLu Wanyu playing hookey again.
The reason was attributed to the recent news that her father had been made a cuckold.
Just this morning, an authoritative newspaper published an article reporting that Lu Qintian, late chairman of the Lu Corporation, had raised a daughter for more than ten years without realizing it. All that time, his wife Chen Lan had kept in touch with her lover. A chat log was published alongside the article, exposing that Lu Xinqing, the eldest daughter of the Lu Corporation, was not Lu Qintian’s biological daughter.
The most contentious point was that upon Lu Qintian’s death, all his assets had gone to his wife and younger daughter, while his eldest and only biological daughter had inherited nothing.
The moment this piece of news was released, Lu Wanyu at once gained everyone’s sympathy.
A member of the Committee of Art turned around and said to Tang Qianmiao, “Qianmiao, have you read the news? Poor Lu Wanyu.”
“I’m not interested.” Tang Qianmiao did not even raise her eyes as she picked up a tiny pearl and threaded the red string through it.
The committee member narrowed her eyes and said, “I’ve been reading thriller novels for more than ten years. I can tell that there’s some sort of conspiracy here. Firstly, Lu Wanyu is the child of the first wife. Nextーsbe has a malicious stepmother. Her stepmother doesn’t love her and doesn’t want her to inherit the old man’s assets. Hence, she poisoned Lu Wanyu’s father and ended up having the estate to herself! Don’t you think so?”
Tang Qianmiao kept a calm face and did not answer the girl.
The girl twitched her mouth and at this point, suddenly noticed Tang Qianmiao’s hands. She couldn’t help but take a sniff and exclaimed, “It smells really nice… is there some sort of aromatic essence in there? Are you making this for your boyfriend?”
Without waiting for Tang Qianmiao’s reply, she reached out to touch the red string and continued, “This string seems quite special. It’s so soft to the touch and different from the ones I usually use. Where did you get this from? Wow, the fragrance makes me feel so comfortable. Have you got more of it? Won’t you spare me some? I’ll buy it from you.”
Tang Qianmiao raised an eyebrow and looked behind the girl, saying, “The teacher’s here.”
The committee member stopped smiling at once, turned around, and sat primly facing the front.
They were in a maths class.
The maths teacher’s surname was Yan, given name Su. And she was just like her name: Yan Su [1. In Chinese, it means “strict”].
At this point, two of the class leads were returning the marked assignments. The class was quiet until…
“Tang Qianmiao, stand up.” Yan Su was holding a ruler and standing on the lecturing platform, looking every part the disciplinarian.
Tang Qianmiao stood up expressionlessly.
“Tell me, why haven’t you submitted the last two assignments? Alright, there’s no need to explain. I’ve given you adequate time to do your work but you haven’t done it. I won’t accept any sort of explanation.
“Your behavior is a classic case of individualism, you lack team spirit and consideration for your peers. I’ve already informed your teacher-in-charge. So that you will more deeply reflect on your own behavior, for the rest of the maths lessons this week, you will come with me to attend them with the focus classes. This is an opportunity for you to observe people who fare better and in a different level, but also work a lot harder than you!”
“Wow…” The moment the others heard this, they immediately shot envious glances at Tang Qianmiao.
Tang Qianmiao looked somewhat frustrated. “Thank you, teacher. But I’m a naturally rotten student who can’t catch on. Please don’t worry about me.”
Yan Su was infuriated by her remark. “I’m not negotiating with you, I’m informing you. That is all. Sit down.”
For the rest of the lesson, Tang Qianmiao was the focus of the teacher’s attention. Whenever she showed the slightest hint of being distracted, she would be yelled at.
With a sigh, her dainty brows knitted together and she was left frustrated.
It was such a bother being a student.