Chapter 39: Joining Math Competition

Ye Bai lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind consumed by the events that had transpired on the bus earlier. As he replayed the scene in his mind, the memory felt surreal, almost like a dream.

He remembered how Lin Miaomiao had drifted off to sleep, her head finding a resting place on his shoulder. At that moment, Ye Bai had found himself drawn to her, his gaze lingering on her peaceful face.

Then, in a moment of impulse, he had reached out to remove her glasses, wanting to see her more clearly. As he looked at her, something inside him shifted, and before he knew it, he had leaned in to kiss her.

But just as their lips were about to touch, Lin Miaomiao suddenly woke up, her eyes wide open in surprise.

Now, lying in bed, Ye Bai couldn't shake the feeling of embarrassment and confusion that washed over him. Why had he acted on his impulse? What did it mean for their friendship?

...

Lin Miaomiao hugged her stuffed animal, Lin Haohao, tightly as she rolled on her bed, her cheeks still flushed from the memory of the bus incident. Sitting up, she glanced at herself in the mirror, adjusting her hair, and put her hand on her waist, striking a playful pose.

"You!" she pointed at her reflection, a mischievous grin on her lips. "I didn't know you had that charm in you," she teased, attempting to wink but only managing to blink instead.

Suddenly, a wave of realization washed over Lin Miaomiao. Ye Bai hadn't explicitly confessed his feelings, yet he had tried to kiss her. Doubt crept into her mind. "Is he a pervert?" she wondered, her face paling at the thought. But she quickly dismissed the notion, knowing Ye Bai wasn't that kind of person. "I need to know what his thoughts about me," she resolved.

Unable to shake off her racing thoughts, Lin Miaomiao lay back on her bed, but couldn't sleep. This was a night where two hearts couldn't find rest in the wake of an unexpected turn of events.

...

Looking at the equipment going inside Ye Bai's room, Wu Qian can't help to ask his son. "What is that equipment for?"

Ye Bai who is checking the equipment that has been delivered. "This is a recording equipment." replied to his mother's curiosity. He ordered some recording equipment for himself and started to put some sound insulation in his room.

While he was doing this his phone rang. Ye Bai took his phone and found that it was Principal Xie who was calling.

"Hello, Principal Xie what can I do for you?" Ye Bai asked.

"Hello, Ye Bai are you busy this time, I want to talk to you in the school as soon as possible I need some of your help if you can." Principal Xie asked.

Ye Bai looks around his room and the installation of insulation is still ongoing. "Okay, I'm going Principal Xie."

He walked to the contractor who led the installation and talked about it. He got the news he wanted and it will be finished this afternoon.

"Mom I need to go to the school, can you look out for this after I leave." Ye Bai said while eating his breakfast.

"Leave it to me, just do your work." Wu Qian's response puts Ye Bai at ease.

...

Principal Office

Principal Xie fixed his gaze on the two students who stood before him, Qian Sanyi and Ye Bai, both renowned for their academic prowess at Elite High School.

"Please, have a seat," he gestured, and they complied, their curiosity evident in their expressions.

"I've called you here today regarding the upcoming math tournament scheduled for this week," Principal Xie began, his tone serious yet encouraging. "Qian Sanyi, you'll be representing our school as our main competitor. However, due to the exceptional grades you both have achieved, the school has received a recommendation letter."

Turning his attention to Ye Bai, Principal Xie continued, "Ye Bai, although your focus lies in Social Science, we've decided to enlist you for the second part of the competition. Your mathematical aptitude makes you a valuable addition to our team."

Ye Bai nodded in understanding, now comprehending why he had been summoned.

"Qian Sanyi has already undergone the training program, and you'll need to do the same," Principal Xie added. "I'll speak with your adviser to arrange a temporary leave for you to fully participate in the tournament."

Ye Bai recognized that he had no choice but to adhere to Principal Xie's directives, silently accepting the responsibility placed upon him for the upcoming competition.

...

Ye Bai wandered around his bedroom, admiring the newly installed equipment and feeling pleased with how it looked. The musical instruments gleamed in the light, inviting him to play.

As he examined the setup, his mother, Wu Qian, entered the room, her curiosity piqued by the new additions. She reached out to touch the equipment, knowing that her son had developed a passion for music and spent countless hours practicing.

Turning to Ye Bai, she inquired, "When will you be back?"

"The principal mentioned it'll be a four-day trip. Two days for training and two days for the competition," Ye Bai replied, neatly arranging his belongings into his travel bag.

"Take care on your journey, and don't hesitate to message me if you need anything," Wu Qian reminded him, her maternal concern evident in her voice.

Ye Bai nodded gratefully, appreciating his mother's words of caution and support as he prepared for the upcoming challenge ahead.

...

"Students as you embark on the journey towards your future, you'll encounter numerous diverging paths, each demanding decisions. The initial crossroad you'll face is the choice of courses. This decision holds the power to shape not just your future, but potentially your entire life. Therefore, alongside your personal preferences, it's imperative to assess your strengths and discern the unique advantages of each course. Proceed with caution, for the decisions you make now will sculpt the landscape of your tomorrow."

As the students ran around the track, Principal Xie's voice resonated throughout the field, echoing his words of wisdom about the importance of decision-making and choosing the right path for the future.

Lin Miaomiao, running alongside Deng Xiaoqi, scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face. Frowning slightly, she murmured, "I can't find Xiaobai."

Deng Xiaoqi, hearing her, chuckled softly. "That's the advantage of being a day student—they can skip the morning run," she remarked to Lin Miaomiao, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Despite her initial concern, Lin Miaomiao couldn't help but smile at Deng Xiaoqi's observation, realizing that her friend was probably enjoying the extra time for rest

...

Social Science Classroom

On the first day of the new school year, excitement filled the air as students reunited with old friends and forged new connections with their classmates.

Lin Miaomiao sat with Deng Xiaoqi, reserving a seat for Ye Bai with a small gesture. "This seat is for Ye Bai," she announced.

Deng Xiaoqi, overcome with emotion, looked at the empty seat with crocodile tears in her eyes, gently touching the desk as if mourning its vacancy. "Yiyi"

Lin Miaomiao reached out and took Deng Xiaoqi's hands in hers. "That seat belongs to Ye Bai now. There is no Yiyi anymore," she reassured her friend, her tone gentle but firm.

"Yiyi," Deng Xiaoqi whispered, her voice tinged with longing.

"You'll forget about him," Lin Miaomiao insisted, trying to comfort her friend.

"But Yiyi—" Deng Xiaoqi began again.

"That seat doesn't belong to him anymore," Lin Miaomiao interrupted, determined to help Deng Xiaoqi move on.

"Yiyi!" Deng Xiaoqi persisted, playfully acted heartbroken.

Lin Miaomiao gently took Deng Xiaoqi's hands and placed them on her own face. "You still have me, Miaomiao," she said, trying to lighten the mood with a playful smile.

"But I want Yiyi," Deng Xiaoqi pouted, feeling stubborn.

"Hmp! I won't talk to you then," Lin Miaomiao teased, pretending to be offended.

As they engaged in their playful banter, Teacher Tang Yuanming entered the classroom, his presence commanding attention. "You may choose your seats freely," he announced.

Upon hearing his words, the students eagerly found their seats, each settling into a spot that felt just right for them.

Lin Miaomiao swiftly placed her bag behind her seat, ensuring no one would occupy it. Her surprise was palpable when she realized that the teacher entering the room was none other than her uncle. "Uncle," she murmured under her breath, her eyes widening in astonishment.

Teacher Tang walked to the front of the classroom and began his introduction. "Students, from this moment onward, I will be your homeroom teacher. Regardless of how you've come together, we are now all members of the Social Science Department at Elite High School. This department represents the high standards of social science education at our school. I urge each of you to give your best effort."

The students beamed with pride, fully aware of the significance of this opportunity. Being accepted into the Social Science Department at Elite High School marked a significant milestone on their journey toward the College Entrance Exam.

"Now, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tang Yuanming," the teacher continued, adding with a touch of humor, "Tang from the Tang dynasty, Yuan from the Yuan dynasty, and Ming from the Ming dynasty."

His introduction elicited giggles from the students. Lin Miaomiao leaned closer to Deng Xiaoqi and whispered, "He's my uncle."

Deng Xiaoqi's eyes widened in surprise at the revelation.

"Yes, I teach History," Teacher Tang confirmed with a warm smile. "If you encounter any problems, feel free to come to me directly. We all share the same goal in being here: to enter university. I hope you will all do your best and strive towards that goal."

"Yes!" the students chorused enthusiastically, clapping their hands in agreement.

...

Lin Miaomiao stood inside the telephone booth, dialing her father's number. "Can you guess who my homeroom teacher is?" she asked eagerly once he picked up.

"How would I know the teachers at your school?" her father replied.

"But you know this man," Lin Miaomiao insisted.

"Is it your uncle?" her father guessed correctly.

"Wow, you're so smart! There's a rumor in our class that the principal tried to recruit him three times to be the director of the training bureau, but uncle turned it down," Lin Miaomiao explained.

"Your uncle is a great teacher, one of the best in our city. But I thought he was teaching the graduating class?" her father pondered aloud.

"I don't know. Uncle is now my homeroom teacher," Lin Miaomiao chuckled.

Lin Dawei smiled at his daughter's laughter "Don't think it's necessarily a good thing. Now your mother can keep a closer eye on you," he teased gently.

Lin Miaomiao paused, considering her father's words. "You're right," she realized with a hint of resignation.

...

Lin Miaomiao made her way to the classroom, her excitement from sharing the news with her father earlier now overshadowed by a sense of disappointment. As she took her seat, she glanced behind her, only to find that Ye Bai was absent. Her disappointment deepened; it seemed he had avoided coming to school after the incident on the bus.

Just then, Deng Xiaoqi hurried over to Lin Miaomiao with urgency in her voice. "Miaomiao, I've been looking for you! Your radio manager was here earlier, and he's looking for you," she informed her friend.

Lin Miaomiao's spirits lifted slightly at the mention of her radio manager. "Okay, Xiaoqi, thanks for letting me know. I'll head to the radio station now. See you later," she replied, quickly rising from her seat and making her way to the radio station.

...