Chapter 31: Forced Apology

When all the papers had been graded, the math teachers found no more perfect scores. Thus, there were three perfect scores on this math test. One teacher remarked with a hint of pride, “Three students got a perfect score this time—not bad. I wonder if anyone from our class made it.” The teacher nearby immediately teased him with a laugh, “Come on, I checked—the perfect scores all came from Class One.” “Alright, enough chatter. Let’s get these papers sorted and start entering the grades,” someone urged, and the math teachers set to work.

Just then, Jingyi Duan and her companions arrived at the office. Today, Jingyi was positively brimming with confidence. The final, challenging question on yesterday’s math test had happened to be one her class had tackled before, and after checking her answers, she estimated her score would be above 140. So, by noon, guessing the math department would have finished grading, she couldn’t wait any longer and dragged Ziran Gu with her to the office to ask about their results.

The teachers at First High were long used to students coming to inquire about their grades. But this time, seeing it was Jingyi, the teachers couldn’t help but recall the bet she’d made with Ci Gu—a wager that also concerned their colleague, Teacher Jin.

Adjusting his glasses, Teacher Sun replied in an official tone, “Jingyi Duan, you’ll find out your score when the math papers are handed back in class. There’s no need to ask now.” In the past, they would have understood the students’ eagerness, and even if they were busy entering grades, they’d pause to check for any student who came to ask. But by the rules, it was perfectly normal not to disclose grades in advance.

Jingyi’s smile faded, her face flushing with embarrassment and frustration. Usually, the teachers would show her the grades, but this time she’d been refused—the reason was obvious. Instinctively, she glanced at Jiejiao Jin, her eyes brimming with suppressed anger.

Seeing Jingyi’s look, Jiejiao could only give a bitter smile and gently suggested, “Teacher Sun, just let her see.” Teacher Sun relented, “Very well.” Turning to Jingyi, he said, “Wait a moment, I’ll find your paper.”

Jingyi’s expression improved, and she waited nearby. Soon, Teacher Sun pulled out her paper. “Jingyi Duan, your math score is 142.” Hearing this, Jiejiao Jin seemed to sag, her face turning pale.

Teacher Sun, having also come across Ziran Gu’s paper, added, “And you’re Ziran Gu, yes? Your math score is 148. You lost points on the third big problem—one wrong step. What a pity.” Ziran’s face remained composed; she thanked the teacher politely. “Were there any perfect scores this time, sir?”

“There were three,” Teacher Sun replied, “and aside from them, you have the highest score.” Ziran bit her lip modestly. “Maybe some others lost points by mistake as well.”

Jingyi was overjoyed. With a score of 142, there was no way Ci Gu could surpass her! Realizing this, she glanced again at Jiejiao Jin, triumph in her eyes. “Teacher, may I ask what Ci Gu’s score is?”

Teacher Sun replied with measured patience, “There’s no need for you to worry about other students’ scores.” Jingyi, flustered, quickly pulled Ziran away.

Teacher Sun glanced at the despondent Jiejiao Jin and sighed, choosing to let her have a moment to herself before continuing with the grades. Not long after, Teacher Sun suddenly exclaimed, “Teacher Jin! Your student, Ci Gu, is one of the perfect scores in math!”

At that, Jiejiao Jin sprang to her feet so suddenly that she nearly overturned her chair.

Jingyi Duan, accompanied by her classmates, made her way to the door of Class Twelve once more. After learning her math score, she’d even gone to the language department to ask about her literature grade. Ci Gu had scored only 90, while she herself had 117—a difference of 27 points in just one subject! And as for math and English, the gap would only widen.

This time, Jingyi was certain the bet was won. She felt there was no need to ask about English at all and strode confidently toward Class Twelve’s door. “Ci Gu, if you don’t come out and apologize now, just when do you plan to?”

She lifted her chin with satisfaction. “Oh, perhaps you haven’t heard yet—my literature score is 117, and my math score is 142. I wonder if your total in all three subjects can even match my scores in just two?”

The students of Class Twelve stared at Jingyi with barely concealed hostility, their eyes as cold as if looking at a dead woman. Youming Lu sneered with mock courtesy, “Eager to die? Should I oblige you?”

Jingyi shrank back instinctively but, seeing Ziran Gu and the others by her side, regained her nerve. “We’re competing on results,” she scoffed at Ci Gu, “and I’ve won again. Or are you planning to go back on your word? Is hiding behind the powerful boys in your class all you’re good for?”

Ci Gu lazily tucked both hands into her pockets. “My grades aren’t out yet. Isn’t it premature to say I’ve lost?”

Jingyi laughed coldly. “Still trying to stall, Ci Gu? It’s useless!”

Ziran Gu quickly intervened, “Don’t worry, Jingyi. My cousin accepts defeat gracefully—she wouldn’t cheat.”

Her words, though seemingly in defense of Ci Gu, actually boxed her into the role of someone who must accept defeat. Ci Gu’s repeated delays would only make everyone think less of her.

Ci Gu’s indifferent gaze passed over Ziran, a look so penetrating it made Ziran uncomfortable. She pretended not to care, but when she looked up, Ci Gu’s attention had already moved elsewhere.

Jingyi let out another cold laugh, her meaning clear. “You’re too kind, Ziran. Some people have already stooped to stealing others’ spots—what’s a little cheating to them? Ci Gu, I suggest you apologize now—before the whole school knows your grades and you make an even bigger fool of yourself!”

The students from Class One, and others who’d come to watch, began to chant, “Ci Gu, apologize!”

“Ci Gu, apologize to Jingyi Duan!”

“A bet’s a bet, apologize!”

At that moment, the Dean entered. He looked at Ci Gu, barely able to conceal his satisfaction. “Are you convinced now? After you apologize to Jingyi Duan, leave First High at once!”

The students of Class Twelve clenched their fists in frustration, wanting nothing more than to march over and give them all a beating, but with Jingyi’s grades, they could only swallow their anger.

Just then, a clear female voice rang out, “Wait!”