Chapter 6: Bag of Goodies

The next morning, the students in 1-3 were abuzz! Everyone received a bag of goodies with a personal note from their class beauty, Su Ning. The bag contained snacks that grade schoolers typically like to eat. Lin Miao and Li Youqing who had helped her pick out the snack also received a bag each. This small gesture served as a type of icebreaker for the people in the room. Pretty soon, the classmates started to go up to Su Ning to say their thanks. They happily exchanged names and contacts and talked about their weekends. Su Ning, who firmly believed the saying, "Best way through a person's heart is through their stomach." was quite pleased with herself. She was not naive enough to think that she can befriend everyone with this small bribe but it is good enough to cultivate some positive feelings. Friendly relationships can be fostered with a few individuals who have interests in common.

Of course, there were some that were unhappy with Su Ning. Qing Mei who used to be the class flower before Su Ning entered 1-3 disliked the amount of attention Su Ning was currently receiving. She really wanted to throw away the bag of snacks on her desk before she was stopped by friends Ma KeLi and Qiu Wei. They whispered something in her ear which made her smile evilly. 'Trying to take the class attention from me? In your dreams!' thought Qing Mei.

Meanwhile a chubby boy went up to Su Ning, "That.. uh.. Su Ning. Thank you for the snacks!" He was a bit nervous since Su Ning doesn't usually talk to other kids and was known as an ice fairy. But who knew she could be so nice! Su Ning tilted her head and smiled at him, "Qin Rong classmate, you are welcome! Were you first in class again last month when I was out?" "Uhh.. yes. Yes. How did you know?" "Well I remember you have been first in class since primary 1. I missed class a lot before, I hope you don't mind if I ask you for guidance." "That...that...I don't mind at all!" Qin Rong suddenly shouted. His loud voice surprised the surrounding students and they began to laugh. But Su Ning just kindly smiled and said "Okay then I will make sure to ask a lot of questions. Help me get to top 10!" This made Qin Rong nod vigorously.

Classes went on as usual and Su Ning realized that the original body didn't pay much attention to her studies. She barely took notes during the days she attended class. Thankfully, Su Ning had Li Youqing's notes! Although she decided that she will not be studying law or medicine in the future, in C Country it is very important to finish secondary school with good grades and get high scores in the Gaokao aka the National College Entrance Examination. Her scores in the Gaokao will determine if she can get into a first tier or second tier university which will then impact her employment options. Companies will give preference to graduates of first tier universities who studied the same major as other graduates.

Being out of school for 7 years, there was a lot that she has forgotten. The subjects were still pretty easy but it will take time for her to review unfamiliar topics and complete her homework. She doesn't miss doing homework. "Why do schools in C Country give students weekend homework and even summer break homework?" Su Ning mumbled as she scribbled on her notebook.

Pretty soon, Friday rolls by. Su Ning is having a good time in school and hanging out with her new friends. That afternoon, head teacher Mr Song began to take nominations for the school singing contest. The class was silent for a bit, but very quickly Qing Mei was nominated as a contestant. Qing Mei is a popular student and is known for her pretty looks and nice singing voice. She regularly competes in these kinds of contests. At around this age group, people tend to become more self conscious of their skills. There are less people willing to nominate themselves for fear of being humiliated in public. Mr Song prodded the class a bit more saying, "Come on children, I am sure there are a lot of talented people in this class. You don't have to worry about getting first place. The joy is in competing."

Qing Mei rolled her eyes at this. "If you don't win then what is the point of competing? No one likes to be around losers." she thought. Then she gave Ma KeLi a wink. The latter then raised her hand, "Mr Song, I nominate Su Ning." Everyone turned around to look at Su Ning who was surprised. 'Ahh? Why is an unfamiliar person nominating me? ' thought Su Ning. Mr Song appeared to hesitate since Su Ning just came back after a long leave. But then another girl, Qiu Wei piped in "I nominate Su Ning as well. She is excited to be back and join school events! She even made the class a bag of snacks this week."

Mr Song looked around and noticed that the students seem to be nodding in agreement so he wrote down Su Ning's name on the board below Qing Mei. "Su Ning student, teacher is really happy you want to participate in the talent contest. Teacher doesn't want you to feel burdened that you have to win for the class. Teacher knows that you just came back from leave so just prepare the best you can and enjoy it. The contest is still a month and a half away." Mr Song addressed Su Ning. After observing the group of girls snickering at her, Su Ning realized that the original body was being targeted. The head is probably Qing Mei since she appears the most smug. 'Aiii kids.'

Su Ning smiled beautifully at the head teacher, "Okay Teacher Song. Thank you. Su Ning understands." Mr Song who saw the obedient student reply politely felt quite happy and continued on with his announcements. Meanwhile, Li Youqing felt that something was not quite right and scribbled a note to Su Ning.

[NingNing, what are you performing?]

Su Ning read the note and wrote back.

[Hmm. Do you know if I have any talent? I don't remember.]

[Aaaaah!! I don't know either! I don't remember you saying anything about wanting to participate in school events.]

[Haha. That's because I didn't say anything like that. I only said I want to get along with my classmates.]

[Ahhh! Your words got twisted by them. Then do you think you are being picked on?!]

[En. Pretty sure I am. Don't worry little QingQing, I will figure something out.]

Li Youqing looked quite worried upon reading Su Ning's last note and wondered what she could do to help her friend.