Chapter 2: Goddess's Attendant

  As the proud daughter of heaven, she was used to being the center of attention and receiving special treatment. Being fought over by boys had also made Zhu Ling develop a princess-like temperament, both delicate and arrogant.

  She was originally very confident in her grades, almost full marks, which is an absolute value, not a relative value. When she saw that two of her subjects were not first but second during the single subject exams, she didn't mind too much, after all, there were still three other subjects with full marks, weren't there?

  This first place should be a sure thing.

  So she didn't even go to check the rankings, this is the confidence of a strong person.

  It's as if reality had slapped her in the face.

  She didn't go to see, there are people who have seen her come to congratulate her. Especially the boys who just took the exam and weren't very familiar with her, came to flatter her for getting the second best grade in the year.

  The smile on Zhu Ling's face suddenly froze.

  Then when others told her that the first one was Xia Liqiu sitting in the front row, Zhu Ling's face became even longer.

  One mountain cannot accommodate two tigers, let alone two old mother tigers.

  Among girls of equal conditions, the secret comparison is always more intense, whether it's appearance, family background, figure, grades, or even boyfriends and suitors... Zhu Ling has always been extremely confident in her looks and academic performance. She can tolerate a pretty vase or an ordinary-looking female scholar, but she cannot tolerate another girl who, like her, excels in both talent and beauty.

  No, she is a girl who is even more talented and beautiful than her.

  Xia Lixiu was beautiful, she discovered on the first day of school, elegant and refined, like a delicate orchid in bloom, with her own unique style. She felt slightly dissatisfied, but didn't care, as Zhu Ling had never been one to rely solely on her looks; she also possessed talent and substance.

  She had observed Xia Liqiu, who spoke very little and showed even less expression. Sometimes when answering questions, she seemed to need to think for a moment, looking a bit like the kind of silly and naive girl who needed boys' protection.

  So she didn't mind at the time, and besides, she was still the focus of the boys. There were less than ten boys within three feet of Xia Liqiu.

  But in fact, who knows that Xia Liqiu was playing dumb and unexpectedly got the first place without making a sound?

  The gap in Zhu Ling's heart suddenly grew larger.

  Her expression changed in an instant, and soon she was flashing her signature charming smile again, thanking the crowd of people congratulating her.

  "Li Qiu, you're the first again!" Zhang Doudou smiled and bowed to Lao Tou, then lay back down on his desk: "So boring."

  "And you, how's it going?" Xia Liqiu asked softly. She wasn't afraid of being hit by a war drum, everyone knew she had a strong heart: "Are there any in the top 100 of our grade?"

  "Wow, you're so smart! 38 in the class and 98 in the grade!" Zhang Doudou gave a thumbs up, beaming with praise.

  "Uh, next time try harder, Uncle Zhan wants you to be in the top 150 of your grade." Xia Liqiu said lightly, this sentence sounded a bit sarcastic, but Zhan Dandan knew there was absolutely no such intention.

  "Alright! I'll at least maintain a mid-level standard, if I'm too bad the old man will kick me out and I won't be able to be in the same class as you." Zhan Dandan sneaked a glance at Lao Lao, and also caught sight of Zhu Ling who was looking over: "Look, that's the second place holder, only four points less than you, tsk tsk, you two beauties are also academic geniuses, it's so pitiful for the elegant male students." Zhan Dandan sighed, then saw the boys surrounding Zhu Ling with excitement and quickly changed her tone: "Oh, no, it seems like it's actually good news for the elegant male students!"

  Plump or slender, light or strong, each has its own charm for hundreds of years. Qingyang High School is famous for its science and liberal arts programs, and it's always been a boys' world. In the past, there were ten handsome guys in Qingyang High School, but never a popular school flower. It seems that this generation can change history, and there are even two of them.

  "Alright, have you all finished reading? Return to your seats." Mr. Lu Feng, the old teacher, glanced at the time and waved his small whip to signal everyone to return to their places.

  The classmates all sat down one after another.

  "I believe that after this exam, everyone has a deeper understanding of their own grades and levels! Now, let's make a formal self-introduction based on the ranking of scores. I'm sure classmates will have a more profound impression of each other." The old man's approach was quite peculiar, absolutely result-oriented: "Starting from the first place, name, class ranking, grade ranking must be said, others are unlimited! Let's begin!"

  Xia Liqiu slightly furrowed her brow, she didn't particularly like this way, but also didn't have anything that made her extremely disgusted. After a slight hesitation, she slowly stood up, her voice as clear and sweet as a canary's song: "Xia Liqiu, first in class, first in grade."

  This is consistent with her usual concise and frugal words, but in the ears of some people, this is simply extreme arrogance.

  "In everyone's heart, Zhu Ling hummed a cold sound, but with a smile all over her face, she stood up: 'Hello everyone, I'm Zhu Ling. This time, I was very lucky to achieve the second place in class and second place in grade. The students in our class are all excellent, and I will continue to work hard as before, striving for better results. I also hope that we can help each other, exchange ideas, learn from each other, and create wonderful memories of our three years in high school together.'"

  Zhu Ling's self-introduction was much more enthusiastic, and her words were suitable for both old and young. Even Old Man Lu couldn't help but nod in satisfaction. The boys were especially looking forward to the three "mutuals".

  "Hello everyone, I'm Liu Gang Hai from TY Middle School. I'm third in my class and third in my grade. Please take care of me from now on."

  The top five almost monopolized the top five in grade, and from sixth place onwards, there was a slight difference in grade ranking. Classmates introduced one by one, some were generous, some stuttered, and finally it was the turn of thirty-eight.

  "Hey," War Dul Dul stood up and smiled without saying a word, but it didn't have the same effect as Xi Feng's aunt. Her smile seemed particularly sly to Old Man Lu: "Hello everyone, I'm War Dul Dul, my grades are average, 38th in class, 98th in grade. We've been classmates for three years, what a coincidence! To show our class's harmony and unity, I've decided that from now on, I'll occupy one of the last three places in class, to put everyone's minds at ease!"

  Boom! The whole class burst out laughing, some thought it was funny and laughed, some sneered and laughed, and a few who had also taken the entrance exam for Qingyang Middle School laughed in understanding yet helpless amusement.

  Pfft! Old man Lu Feng spat out blood. Is there a student who dares to be so unambitious in front of everyone, and with such an attitude?

  Winning applause and laughter, regardless of what it represents, first accept it as a form of entertainment that entertains the masses, like a great man waving his hands with a smile on his face.

  After the bell rang, a tall and sturdy boy stood up and said simply: "Meng Xiran, Class 3, Grade 9, ranked last in the final exam."

  Wow, Meng Ke Ran this kid... Zhan Liuliuli smiled, she likes this score very much, and she also likes her personality, can get along well with her.

  One warrior had already gotten Old Man Lu so angry he was choking, and now here came Meng Ziran... Old Man Lu's lips were trembling with rage as he glared fiercely at Meng Ziran, who sat down calmly, acting as if he hadn't seen a thing.

  Then, the last one to come out with glory. A chubby boy with a silly face stood up shakily, his face red and sweaty, with sweat on his forehead: "......that......I......I am Su Ye Qiu......the last in class......one hundred and sixth in grade......that......I will work hard......or else, I'll also guarantee the last three places?"

  This honest kid, deeply poisoned by the first two... War sighed and looked at this little fatty with a refreshing name, secretly lamenting that the gap between fatties was still very large.

  For example, ten Da Bao can't beat one Su Ye Qiu in an exam, but ten Su Ye Qiu can't defeat one Da Bao in a fight.

  "Everyone sit down!" Su Ye Qiu's words caused another burst of laughter, and Lu Lao finally couldn't bear it anymore. He slammed his hand on the table, stopping the commotion: "What is most important for a person? It's the desire to advance and the sense of shame! If someone doesn't even have these two qualities, can they still grow? Can they still make progress? Will they be successful? Will they amount to anything in the future?"

  "Teacher, teacher, I think this is a bit biased! As the saying goes, 'every move produces a top scholar!' Whether or not one's grades are good is not the standard to measure a person. What's more important is to look at their character, their attitude towards life, and whether they can create value for themselves and society in the future. This value doesn't necessarily have to be monetary; spiritual value counts too! For example, I plan to open a small restaurant in the future, bringing delicious food to everyone and making people healthy and happy. Isn't that great? Full of positive energy!

  This isn't because I don't have ambition or shame. On the contrary, it's because I do have ambition, and I've clearly recognized my direction for the future. Nineteen years of education - three years in kindergarten, six years in elementary school, three years in middle school, three years in high school, and four years in university... If I spend nineteen years studying food instead, wouldn't I become the greatest chef of all time? Maybe I'll even become a royal chef at Zhongnanhai! And if I have my own column on TV, newspapers, or magazines, won't that be influential too?

  And another thing, this absolutely isn't self-abasement. Isn't it said in ancient times that 'a person is valuable for having self-awareness'? Although people are not divided into noble and base, there are still differences in intelligence and inheritance. If we acknowledge and accept our own shortcomings in a certain area, shouldn't that be a praiseworthy and sympathetic behavior? Moreover, we're not lazy, we're not making no effort! Look at us - we've worked hard to get into Qingyang University and even made it into the top class. Isn't that the best proof?"

  The little raccoon waved its small paws, smiling and discussing the orientation of life values with Old Man Lu. The rapid-fire speech was like a string of firecrackers, leaving Teacher Lu, who had a belly full of poetry and books, unable to get a word in edgewise.

  Lu Feng's finger trembled as he pointed at Zhan Zhu, his whole body stiffened, only his lips quivering, but unable to say a word - not because he was refuted and left speechless, but because he was furious!

  "Expel him!" After a long period of simmering, Mr. Lu finally burst out with a big move, shouting loudly: "Get out! Punishment standing!"

  "Mr. Lu, this is corporal punishment of students, I have the right to apply to the teaching office." Zhan Yu's mouth was pouting, with a very wronged expression, her words were absolutely free from any disrespect. "One of Qingyang School's mottoes is 'open-minded'."

  Pfft! Lu Feng almost wanted to throw his head back and let out a long howl, like a Shaolin monk or Wudang Taoist priest being brutally beaten in a martial arts movie, spitting out a mouthful of bloody mist... No, no, he was too old for this, his heart was healthy but also aged, he couldn't teach students like these... He had to switch classes!

  The bell rang, saving the situation. The great gardener Lu Feng wiped the sweat from his forehead, stumbled and leaned against the podium, waved his hand to signal the end of class, and walked out of the classroom.

  Huh? Why does the teacher's back look so old, and his footsteps seem so unsteady? ... Won't I be too excessive myself? Huh... It seems that I shouldn't bully a fifty-something-year-old elder like this, right? Wara Wara suddenly felt greatly condemned by her own conscience and morals.

  "Autumn is established, did I say it wrong?" Warthog knocked on the wall next door, seeking moral support.

  "Uh-huh, no." Xia Lìqiū's reaction was still as calm and collected as ever.

  "Hello," the first thing that appeared in Zhang Dandan's line of sight was a pair of beautiful legs, cowboy shorts only reaching the top of the thighs, white and bright, dazzling to the eyes, so beautiful... If there is one flaw to be found, it is that these legs do not have Zhang Dandan's slender length, nor are they as delicate as Xia Lixiu's.

  "Hello," Warmed up, also belonging to the enthusiastic and polite crowd, he lifted his head and smiled at the newcomer. Zhu Ling is a great beauty, who doesn't love beautiful things?

  Zhu Ling's smile stiffened slightly, the person she was talking to was Xia Liqiu, but not this mediocre-looking and poorly performing person. In her eyes, Zhan Erzhan was just a small follower beside that goddess-like girl.

  Xia Liqiu slightly furrowed her brow, then nodded slightly and smiled shallowly: "Hello."

  "I've introduced myself earlier, I'm Zhu Ling, let's take care of each other as classmates from now on." Zhu Ling smiled and extended her hand.

  Xia Liqiu, although not as meticulous as Xia Feihan, was also not a particularly enthusiastic person. Faced with the slender jade hand that had been extended to him, he hesitated for a moment before extending his own hand and giving it a light shake: "Hello."

  Cut! Is this really the top of our grade? She looks like an autistic girl no matter how I look at her. Zhu Ling thought, but the depression in her heart didn't decrease. How could she lose to someone like that?

  "Hello, hello! I'm Zhan Liuli!" Zhan Liuli promptly stretched out his small paws and saved Xia Lixia's right hand from being slapped, taking the initiative to fill in: "I've introduced myself before, I'm Zhan Liuli."

  What a person... Just now, she was so rude to the teacher. She's also a problem girl with poor grades and many excuses. Zhu Ling is very self-important, looking down on those who are better than her, but also not taking seriously those who think they're much worse than her. Facing Waruwaru's enthusiasm, for now, she just responded with a simple "uh-huh".

  Xia Liqiu had no chance of answering, and Zhan Rourou had no desire to talk. Zhu Ling's face changed several times, feeling embarrassed, she left.

  "Huh? Just like that?" Warmed up and scratched his head.

  "Baobao, don't get too close to her," Xia Liqiu suddenly said. She had seen Zhu Ling's subconscious expression just now.

  "Huh? Your intuition?" Zhan Yu jumped in fright, Li Qiu rarely spoke, but every sentence was incisive and often had the ability to predict the future, which had been proven countless times before.

  For example, at the beginning of the first year of junior high school, there was an incident where a group of hooligans were reprimanded at the school gate. The girl had originally been asked out by a refined boy, but it turned out that the refined boy had been coerced by the hooligans. When they arrived in the alley, a large group of hooligans emerged, and one of the leaders attempted to befriend the girl and act like a rascal.

  Xia Liqiu only took a glance at the elegant boy and girl, then looked at several people not far away with a ghostly expression, frowning and saying that the girl seemed to be in trouble.

  Having trouble and danger, in the eyes of war, is naturally not troublesome or dangerous, but interesting and fun. Such a good thing will not be missed, even if it doesn't exist, it's worth making a scene for. As soon as the autumn goddess spoke, the female knight immediately turned back and returned with a thud.

  As soon as I entered, I saw the younger brother surrounded by the big brother, who thought he was very cool learning from "The King of Comedy", leaning against the wall and flicking his hair to surround the girl. The girls were all scared to tears.

  Then, there was no then. War broke out with a loud cry, and a heroic figure emerged, punching and kicking in all directions, saving the beauty with a single blow, and winning great fame for herself in the "Great War". From that day on, her name was known throughout Qingyang. At the same time, this heroic deed also earned her... um, a big demerit.

  The younger ones didn't know their limits, although no one was seriously hurt, but the oldest of the eight young people stayed at home for a month - with a swollen nose and bruised face, they didn't dare to go out. If it weren't for the girl and the elegant boy coming forward to prove that the other party was wrong first, War would have been considered a minor, and the police uncle would also have had a good impression of those little rascals, this might have become Qingyang's first criminal case.

  In Zhāng Wǎn's heart, Lì Qiū has always been very accurate in judging people. Although sometimes she can't explain the reason, her intuition is reliable. It's said that a woman's sixth sense is very accurate, and Lì Qiū lives up to being a goddess among women.

  So, Li Qiu told Zhu Ling not to get too close to her, and Zhan Yu decisively implemented it. Anyway, others didn't seem to care about her much either. Zhan Yu happily accepted this.

  She won't be like others, calculating the other person's attitude towards her. Between people, after all, there are very few who truly understand each other, only one or two good friends, and most are just acquaintances. They can't develop further, it can only represent that the fate is not enough.

  The 15-minute class break passed quickly. When everyone was waiting for Old Lu to continue today's class, Zhan saw the familiar Director Zhu walking towards the classroom with a stern expression.

  Isn't that so? Old Lu has gone to report the matter? How petty can one be as a role model? Zhan Daoda shrunk his neck, wanting to pretend he hadn't seen anything, but things didn't go as he wished. Director Zhu strode straight towards him:

  "Get out! Go to the discipline office!"

  Digression

  Cough, a small spoiler, the appearance of the bad guy is to give the good guy a chance to make an entrance... Fan thinks that having good looks and grades is important, but first and foremost, one must have good character, right?