At almost the same time.
In the experimental building of Nancheng High School.
Wu Fangying, a distinguished chemistry educator known as a "Special-Grade Teacher," burst into the principal's office holding a small test tube like a madman!
"Principal! I've succeeded—I've done it!" His eyes were sunken with exhaustion, deep shadows beneath them betraying days of relentless work.
The principal shot up from his chair, disbelief warring with excitement on his face. "You've succeeded?"
Wu Fangying raised the tiny test tube in his hand. Inside was a vivid blue liquid.
"The most crucial part of the experiment has been completed. There shouldn't be any major obstacles left now. I plan to submit the results to the International Research Institute next week. This will undoubtedly be a groundbreaking discovery!"
Once the findings were recognized, Nanceng High School would receive more resources, and students would gain greater opportunities to participate in international competitions, fostering even more talent.
Improving both educational quality and scientific research had always been the principal's primary goal.
The principal's cheeks flushed red with excitement. "But Wu, you've been working on this for so long—why did it suddenly succeed today?"
The principal didn't mean anything by the question; he was simply curious.
Teacher Wu scratched his head, looking equally baffled. "To be honest, I think I owe it to my upset stomach this morning."
The principal blinked. "What?"
Wu continued, "I was stuck halfway through the experiment when I suddenly felt sharp pains in my abdomen and rushed to the restroom. It happened to be at a critical stage, so I hastily added some materials I'd prepared earlier and jotted down their details before leaving. When I returned fifteen minutes later, the experiment had somehow worked!"
Hearing this, the principal grew serious. "Are you absolutely certain you didn't make a mistake? Did anyone else enter the lab while you were gone?"
The principal wasn't doubting Wu; rather, he wanted to ensure nothing unexpected had occurred that might undermine the credibility of the research if presented to the International Research Institute.
While the lab had external surveillance cameras, there were none inside. However, Wu noticed something peculiar: not only had the amount of his prepared materials decreased, but two substances he hadn't used also showed changes in quantity. Additionally, it seemed someone had neatly arranged the materials he'd utilized in one spot—though he hadn't noticed at the time due to his excitement.
This meant that during those fifteen minutes, someone must have entered the lab and completed the experiment.
It was a grave matter. "Principal, we need to find this person. The credit for this achievement should rightfully include their name."
"Absolutely."
The principal immediately convened the school's chemistry teachers and homeroom advisors to discuss the situation. They reviewed the security footage and identified individuals who had passed near the experimental building during that timeframe.
No other teachers appeared, but several students did. Among them were a few from the Qihang Class, including Wen Xinyue, who consistently ranked first in her grade, and Ji Chuxing.
Seeing Wen Xinyue in the footage, Teacher Liu couldn't hide his pride. "It must be Xinyue. She represented our school in a chemistry competition last semester. Her abilities are exceptional across all subjects. Even a physics professor from Sal University praised her highly."
Sal University was a globally renowned institution, a dream destination for countless aspiring researchers and one of the world's top science and engineering universities.
Wu nodded knowingly. But then he pointed to the girl wearing a black baseball cap in the footage. "Who is she?"
Teacher Liu scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Her? Ji Chuxing? Impossible. She's from a rural area. Her exam scores never pass, and she doesn't even know what a chemistry experiment entails. How could she possibly conduct one?"
Upon hearing this, Teacher Huang frowned. "Liu, there's no need to speak so harshly. From what I understand, she excelled academically in her hometown middle school, ranking among the top students there."
Teacher Huang had spent the morning familiarizing himself with his new students' backgrounds. He knew Liu's arrogance well, but such disparaging remarks about a student were wholly inappropriate and unprofessional.
Liu dismissed Huang's concerns with a sneer. "That rural middle school? You think it compares to Nancheng High School?"
"You—!" Huang started angrily, but the principal quickly intervened.
"Enough, enough. Let's call Wen Xinyue to the office and ask her directly."
Wen Xinyue arrived promptly and listened carefully as the situation was explained—not fully detailed, just that an experiment had encountered issues. They asked whether she had entered the lab.
Wen Xinyue was astute. After a brief pause and seeing Liu's encouraging glance, she understood what was expected.
With apparent guilt, she said, "I passed by the lab this morning and saw the experiment was partially done. Recalling a discussion I'd had with a Sal University professor last year about a similar phenomenon, I took the liberty of using the materials."
She bowed her head in shame. "Principal, Teacher Wu, I'm sorry. Have I caused trouble?"
"Not at all!" Before the principal or Huang could respond, Liu jumped in enthusiastically. "Xinyue, you've been a tremendous help to Teacher Wu! He's been working on this experiment and hit a snag at a critical point. You solved the problem!"
Wen Xinyue remained modest, exhaling as if relieved. "I—it was purely coincidental. I never imagined something like this would happen. Fortunately, no harm was done. I was in such a rush to return to class that I didn't stay long and nearly forgot about it afterward."
"You're truly remarkable," Liu lightly scolded, though his delight was evident. "Since you've helped Teacher Wu so much, he'll certainly express his gratitude."
Wu nodded. "Indeed. I plan to finalize the results within two weeks and submit them to the International Research Institute. Since it was your contribution, Wen Xinyue's name will be included in the report."
Wen Xinyue clenched her fists tightly, feeling a surge of pride and anticipation.
"Thank you, Teacher Wu."
After a moment, Wu added, "My lab currently needs an assistant. Would you consider helping me when you have time?"
Wu Fangying was an esteemed graduate of North City University, where he maintained strong connections. Rumor had it that he chose to teach at Nancheng High School because of its environment, lured by the principal's generous offer to elevate the school's research profile—and because his wife hailed from Nancheng.
Assisting Wu in experiments and research effectively guaranteed admission to North City University without needing to take the entrance examination—a gateway to the upper echelons of society, a dream cherished by many Chinese families.
Wen Xinyue knew she could easily pass the exams to enter North City University. But she didn't want to rely solely on her scores; she wanted to earn a recommendation.
Without hesitation, she agreed. "Teacher Wu, it would be my honor!"
Meanwhile, Ji Chuxing remained entirely unaware of the events unfolding in the principal's office.
She had settled comfortably into Class 16, gaining acceptance from her peers. By lunchtime, word of the incident had spread back to the Qihang Class.
On its own, this wouldn't have been significant.
But given her earlier display of confidence in the Qihang Class, seeing her embraced by Class 16 prompted the others to console themselves with thoughts like, People tend to gravitate toward those similar to themselves.
"Hmph. Only someone like her could fit in with those underachievers in Class 16. It's embarrassing for her family. If Lu Xing had been here today, she wouldn't stand a chance. By the way, Xinyue, does your mother know about this?"
Mo Xueer trailed behind Wen Xinyue, visibly indignant.
As a member of the Qihang Class, Wen Xinyue had naturally heard about Ji Chuxing's circumstances.
She sighed. "My sister and mom argued last night. She didn't come home."
"Figures!" Mo Xueer sneered. "I saw her stepping out of a luxury car this morning. Didn't you say she doesn't know any wealthy people in Nancheng? This…"
Mo Xueer hesitated, but her expression spoke volumes.
Wen Xinyue frowned. "Don't jump to conclusions. My sister might have stayed at a friend's place."
Though Mo Xueer harbored unkind thoughts, she usually deferred to Wen Xinyue. Smiling faintly, she said, "Maybe I'm overthinking it."
After a moment's thought, Wen Xinyue added firmly, "My sister has always conducted herself with integrity. Don't spread rumors that could tarnish her reputation. And don't mention this to anyone else."
Mo Xueer clung to Wen Xinyue's arm. "Of course, Xinyue. You can count on me."
Satisfied, Wen Xinyue nodded. Once she left, Mo Xueer opened her phone's photo album, which contained a picture of Ji Chuxing wearing a baseball cap, the brim pulled low, stepping out of a luxury car as if trying to avoid notice.
Remembering Ji Chuxing's bold demeanor that morning, Mo Xueer smirked coldly.
After lunch, Wen Xinyue exited the cafeteria and overheard two students from Class 16 animatedly discussing Ji Chuxing.
"I declare Ji Chuxing my ultimate idol! She's the goddess of our class—no, our entire school!"
"What about your previous idol, Wen Xinyue from the Qihang Class?"
"Tsk, is she as cool as Ji Chuxing? Does she play video games? Is she as stunning? What are you even seeing?"
Wen Xinyue clenched her fists tightly.
She hadn't expected Ji Chuxi to win over those troublemakers so quickly.
Lowering her gaze, she walked to a secluded corner and called Zhou Ru.
"Yes, Mom, my sister transferred herself to Class 16… Oh, she arrived late this morning, so I'm not entirely sure. But she got into an argument with a few students from the Qihang Class. Sun Han, the son of Dr. Sun, the renowned Nancheng doctor who treats our family, got injured because of it. I heard they're calling her parents in. I think my sister might not tell you because she doesn't want you to worry. But this is a big deal, so I thought you should know…"