Su Nanzhi, when requesting leave, always found Lin Wencheng to be accommodating.
But this time, he said, "The leave can be approved, but for the absence from the competition class, you'll have to personally speak with Teacher Jiang."
Since the number of students entering the finals was significantly more than last year, the school leadership was giving it special attention. As the mathematics competition class teacher, Jiang Beiyu's lessons were naturally the kind where missing one meant losing a lot.
Based on past experiences, those who made it into the finals were almost surely candidates for guaranteed university spots; it was just a matter of school distinction.
Su Nanzhi called Jiang Beiyu to ask for leave. She didn't explain the reason, and Teacher Jiang didn't approve.
Then she just skipped it.
Su Nanzhi was earning some extra cash on the side.
