Chapter 27

After the class, Lin Miaomiao's trembling hands dialed Lin Dawei's phone number. 

Her voice was gasping in the air as she ran to the telephone booth. "Dad, you have to save me. I have to say I can't live anymore. This week we are going to have a parent-teacher meeting. What should I do?"

Lin Miaomiao was back to normal; she was lively again after the team effort of Jiang Tianhao and Ye Bai to cheer her mood up.

But it was broken after Zhang Rongbao announced that there would be a parent-teacher meeting this Friday. Lin Miaomiao's face turned white as sheet paper. Her most-feared situation has come.

... 

Lin Family House

Wang Shengnan was putting on some make-up. When anxious Lin Dawei comes in, "How about I'm the one who goes to the parent-teacher meeting?"

"When she was young until now, how often did you go to the parent-teacher meetings? You're not normal," Wang Shngnan responded.

"Actually, due to what you said, I just want to compensate her for a bit," Lin Dawei replied. Wang Shengnan is usually the one who goes to school meetings, but now Lin Dawei insists on going. 

Wang Shengnan already smells the conspiracy of this father-daughter duo. "Are you worried about me? Don't worry; regardless of how bad her result is, I can accept it."

Wang Shengnan stood up, got two different clothes, and showed them to Lin Dawei.

"The gray one," Lin Dawei pointed out. Lin Dawei knows he can't change Wang Shengnan's mind. He can only make preparations when they come back from school.

...

The parent-teacher meeting is an event for these parents to establish their power through the grades of their students. As long as your child is academically successful, the spotlight is yours. In the world of 'Youth Pi', respect are based on grades. Even if you are just a market vendor, as long as your child has top-ranking grades, those rich parents can only flatter you.

Wang Shengnan came to the Class 1 classroom. Jiang Tianhao was working as a receptionist in the room. When he saw Wang Shengnan, he hurriedly greeted her. "Hello, ma'am, please sign here." 

Wang Shengnan saw Lin Miaomiao's name and signed it.

"Are you Miaomiao's mother?" Jiang Tianhao asked.

Wang Shengnan looked up and said, "Yes."

"My name is Jiang Tianhao; I am Miaomiao's friend." Jiang Tianhao introduces himself. "Please sit, ma'am. This is Miaomiao seat." Jiang Tianhao enthusiastically accommodated her.

The first thing you will notice in Class 1 is a big mountain drawn on the chalkboard. Every student's name was written on the flag, and it was standing on the slope of the mountain. 

Wang Shengnan remembers that Jiang Tianhao is Lin Miaomiao's friend, and she says that it was in the middle of the mountain. She also caught sight of Ye Bai's name, and it was at the top of the mountain. Wang Shengnan was surprised that Ye Bai surpassed the top student at Elite High School. Suddenly she notices the name Lin Miaomiao, and her face suddenly changes from shock and disappointment to embarrassment.

She slowly walked to Miaomiao's seat, sat down, and looked around. On the desk, the test papers of every student were spread out on the table. Wang Shengnan looks at the test result for Miaomiao. Miaomiao results and analyzed them. Liberal arts subjects are above standards, but when she saw the science subjects, it was a big red mark. Then she saw written words on Miaomiao's table saying, 'There are always 28 days every month when I don't want to study'. Wang Shengnan took a picture of it with her cellphone.

...

Miaomiao and Deng Xiaoqi slipped away from the playground, avoiding the chaos of the ongoing parent-teacher meeting. As they found a quiet spot, Miaomiao's mind and heart were in disarray, anticipating the impending trial she would face after the meeting.

"My mother definitely saw that mountain-drawn picture. I bet she's plotting my demise right now," Miaomiao sighed, expressing her anxiety.

Deng Xiaoqi, standing beside her, couldn't help but inject a bit of humor. "Is your mother a terrorist or something?"

"You might not believe it, but I'm fortunate that my father sees it as a normal thing."

Deng Xiaoqi, reflecting on her own family dynamics, responded, "My mother doesn't control me much."

Miaomiao, curious, inquired further, "And your father?"

Xiaoqi hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit awkward. "He doesn't control me much either."

...

Principal Xie's eyes rested on the student who had surpassed Qian Sanyi. Ye Bai stood waiting, unsure why he had been summoned.

"Congratulations, Student Ye Bai, for achieving the top rank. Zhang Rongbao always speaks highly of you and is enthusiastic about your academic performance," Principal Xie commended.

"Thank you, Principal Xie," Ye Bai replied respectfully.

"I won't beat around the bush. Qian Sanyi and you, Ye Bai, are the pride of Elite High School. We aim to produce students who will dominate the entrance examinations of Peking and Tsinghua. You two are our Golden Duo, which is why we're asking you to reconsider if you want to major in Liberal Arts."

Ye Bai realized the purpose of Principal Xie's summons. They wanted to separate the two to excel in both subjects, not wanting to waste resources on Qian Sanyi if he was overshadowed by another student.

Principal Xie awaited Ye Bai's decision anxiously, expressing the school's desire for greatness. "Before you decide, know that we're offering you 500,000 yuan and other special treatments that Qian Sanyi receives."

Ye Bai didn't mind the choice of major, as it didn't affect him greatly. Liberal arts offered additional benefits due to his enhanced memory, and it would also allow him to monitor and assist Lin Miaomiao.

"Principal Xie, I've made my decision. I'll follow your recommendation and major in liberal arts," Ye Bai declared.

Relieved, Principal Xie smiled and stood up. "Alright, let's head to the Class 1 classroom."

...

"Miss here, sign here, please." Jiang Tianhao greeted the person who entered.

"Hello, I'm Deng Xiaoqi's mother," Deng Xinhua said.

Jiang Tianhao entertained her enthusiastically with, "I thought you looked like Deng Xiaoqi's sister." 

"Really?" Deng Xinhua happily answers. "You talk really well. Where should I sit?"

Jiang Tianhao happily helps her to her seat. 

"Thank you!" Deng Xiaoqi appreciates Jiang Tianhao's effort. 

Suddenly, Jiang Tianhao heard a familiar, booming voice. He hurriedly walked out, calling, "Father, don't shout anymore."

Dressed grandly for the occasion, Jiang Qilong, a wealthy businessman, always maintained a polished appearance when socializing. "Is your teacher already here?" he inquired.

"Not yet, Dad. Please don't get too close to my teacher," Jiang Tianhao cautioned.

"Why not? Your teacher is important to help you get a good result," Jiang Qilong reasoned.

Jiang Qilong signed his name and scanned the board until he found Jiang Tianhao's name. "You're in the Top 20? That's good. You must study harder and aim for a doctorate."

...

When Zhang Rongbao arrived, he found himself surrounded by energetic parents, each clamoring for attention. "I can't answer all of you at the same time. Let's sit for now," he suggested.

Once everyone had settled, Zhang Rongbao began the meeting. "Good morning, parents. Your child's test papers are on the table. Please take a moment to review them carefully."

All the parents except for Wang Shengnan examined their children's results. Wang Shengnan had already seen Miaomiao's grades and didn't want to revisit them.

"Allow me to make two simple points. The essence of education is best reflected in your child's exam performance. As they progress through Class 1, preparing for the upcoming college entrance exams in the next two years is crucial. Please don't underestimate the significance of being in Class 1. Success requires diligence," Zhang Rongbao emphasized.

"Yes, of course," the parents murmured in agreement.

"However, upon examining these results more closely," Zhang Rongbao continued, glancing at the mountain adorned with student names, "it's evident that the challenges they face are significant. Perseverance alone may not suffice."

Just then, he spotted the principal approaching with two individuals. "Please wait a moment," Zhang Rongbao called out, stepping towards the classroom door to greet them warmly.

"Principal, please come in," Zhang Rongbao greeted warmly.

Principal Xie entered the classroom accompanied by Ye Bai and Qian Sanyi's mother.

"Allow me to introduce our esteemed principal, Principal Xie Weizhong. He holds an advanced degree in educational labor and is a leading figure in educational reform nationwide. Please give him a warm welcome," Zhang Rongbao announced.

The classroom erupted in applause as Principal Xie smiled graciously. "Thank you all. Today, however, the spotlight is not on me. The important individuals are Miss Pei and Ye Bai. Please join me up here."

"Allow me to introduce Miss Pei Yin, the mother of Qian Sanyi, who topped the School Entrance Examination at Jiangzhou," Principal Xie continued.

Another round of applause filled the room as Pei Yin stepped forward.

"Miss Pei, would you be willing to share some insights into your successful approach to family education with Qian Sanyi for the benefit of other parents?" Principal Xie requested.

The parents eagerly took out their notepads, including Wang Shengnan, hoping to glean some wisdom.

Pei Yin humbly replied, "I'm not sure I can offer much. Sanyi's success is largely attributed to the guidance of his teachers and the material covered in class. I don't want to take up too much of everyone's time. I'll yield the floor back to the teachers. Thank you."

Disappointed but understanding, Wang Shengnan watched as Pei Yin returned to her seat.

"Next, I'd like to introduce Ye Bai, the top-ranked student at Elite High School," Principal Xie announced.

All eyes turned to Ye Bai, who stood confidently before them.

Pei Yin already knows that her son was surpassed by this boy. Qian Sanyi told her that when the result was released, it was the first time she saw her son study more advanced study materials, and he also asked for the medicinal soup that he did not like.

"Ye Bai's parents couldn't be here today as they're overseas. However, he'll be sharing some valuable tips for parents on how to support their children's studies," Principal Xie explained.

"Thank you, Principal Xie. Every student is unique in their learning abilities. Some thrive under pressure, while others make more mistakes. When I was younger, my parents implemented a reward system. If I made progress, they'd reward me with something I wanted. It's a great way to motivate kids to study. That's all. Thank you," Ye Bai concluded.

The parents nodded in agreement, impressed by the simplicity and effectiveness of Ye Bai's suggestion. Wang Shengnan eagerly jotted down the tips, believing they could help Lin Miaomiao.

As Ye Bai returned to Jiang Tianhao's side, his friend whispered, "You were amazing up there. You looked like a true scholar."

"Why just now? I thought I've always been a scholar," Ye Bai teased, eliciting a chuckle from Jiang Tianhao.

...