Huang Lixin wondered if Han Tao had been coaching them; if so, why hadn't Wang Qiqi consulted him in the previous two years, instead sticking to copying his math homework?

Everyone had initially planned how to get closer to Wang Qiqi, hoping to establish a connection with Han Tao through her so they could ask him about difficult problems. But before they could figure anything out, Huang Li’s sharp remark hit home. Everyone considered it: if Wang Qiqi was telling the truth, why hadn’t Han Tao helped her before, only to step in now? They became increasingly convinced that Wang Qiqi was merely trying to cover up for Shi Man.

The way everyone looked at Shi Man shifted; they speculated about what kind of remarkable person had managed to capture Shi Man's affection. Based on the current evidence, Shi Man's man must be academically strong, otherwise, how could he have devised such simple and clear steps?

Shi Man was angered by their gazes, but her mood quickly smoothed over. She understood that the more she showed irritation, the more Huang Li would incite the others. She couldn't afford to lose her composure now. Hmph, Huang Li, just you wait. I'll be out of this place sooner than you think. With your weak social standing in class, it’s only because you’re willing to let people copy your math homework. If I start coming to school earlier and let people look at my notebook too, let’s see what you think then. Will you still have any popularity in class? With that thought, Shi Man shot Huang Li a triumphant smile.

Huang Li saw Shi Man smiling at her, though she couldn't fathom why. Despite the bright facade, Huang Li felt an unsettling sensation, like being stared down by a cobra—strange and indefinable. But when Huang Li blinked and looked again, Shi Man appeared perfectly normal. Perhaps I’m seeing things or overthinking, Huang Li mused.

Shi Man pursed her lips. "Have you all finished your homework? Morning self-study is about to begin." Although no teacher supervised during this time, allowing students to study any subject they wished, teachers did patrol intermittently. If they caught someone copying, they were done for.

While the others desperately wanted the gossip about Shi Man, their own homework completion was a higher priority. Self-study allowed for homework, but the risk factor was significantly higher.

Gong Lina waved her homework book toward Shi Man. "I’m going over to get some inspiration first." Gong Lina had made up her mind: get the work done now, and worry about understanding the problem-solving process later during self-study.

In the past, if someone didn't copy Huang Li’s homework, the rest would have been delighted at the prospect of getting the notebook first. But now, most hesitated. They all wanted to use Huang Li's notebook for reference, yet they knew Shi Man giving hers to Gong Lina was an act of kindness intended for others to copy as well. With that realization, they quietly dispersed.

Wang Qiqi understood their thoughts. She pretended not to notice the gazes fixed upon her. We’re not close, and you people didn't hesitate to kick me when I was down in the past life. Even if their actions this life weren't as overt, when someone had spoken ill of her yesterday, none of them had intervened. They probably agreed with the speaker, she thought, having seen the mocking glints in their eyes. If she hadn't rushed over yesterday like a shrew demanding an apology, would they have dared say such things to her face?

Wang Qiqi acknowledged that her reaction yesterday might have been a bit much, akin to a street brawl, but she wouldn't regret it. Even if she could go back to yesterday, she would act the same. Even if their comments were unintentional, backing down repeatedly would only invite them to push further.

"Your homework..." Shi Man had expected Qiqi to pass her notebook around for others to reference, but she was surprised to see Qiqi sitting quietly, engrossed in her book, showing no intention of taking out her notebook. Shi Man found this odd. Even though the others hadn't explicitly asked for the book, their eyes spoke volumes about their intentions. Shi Man couldn't believe Wang Qiqi hadn't noticed.

Wang Qiqi took out a piece of paper and scribbled a note: Yesterday, when they spoke about me, did anyone say a single word in my defense? I never made a fuss when they borrowed my homework before, but their behavior yesterday...

Shi Man took the paper and stared, momentarily speechless. Indeed, when someone had spoken about Wang Qiqi yesterday, Shi Man hadn't been in the classroom. But hearing that so many classmates had been present, yet not one had spoken up to support Qiqi—some even seemed to enjoy her misfortune—her reaction was understandable.

Shi Man had assumed that after yelling at the offender yesterday, Qiqi would have let the matter drop. She hadn't realized Qiqi held onto it. "I support you."

Wang Qiqi smiled. Yesterday, only Shi Man had offered her support once she returned to the classroom. As for the rest, well, best not to mention it. Therefore, Wang Qiqi felt no need to pretend kindness towards those people.

Wang Qiqi's behavior did not escape the notice of many in the class. Initially, they assumed she hadn't done her math homework and paid it little mind. After all, she had been on extended leave; failing to complete assignments was normal, and teachers wouldn't press her hard. Wang Qiqi noticed the way they looked at her but chose not to dwell on it. She had no time to consider the opinions of irrelevant people when she should be focusing on her studies. Getting into a good university was hardly an easy task.

But once morning self-study ended, and Wang Qiqi handed her homework notebook to the group leader, everyone stared at her with astonishment. They looked inquisitively at the group leader, only to find her equally surprised. Those sitting nearby leaned in for a look and gasped when they saw that Wang Qiqi’s notebook contained fully worked-out solutions for yesterday's take-home assignment—the steps were concise, and the answers were correct.

"No way, even she managed it?"

"Exactly. She’s been absent for so long; how could she still know how to do it?"

"I’m done for. I was counting on her scores dipping after such a long absence. I thought I could surpass her by the final exams." It was clear this speaker was just slightly behind Qiqi academically, yet no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't overtake her. Qiqi being away for so long meant other subjects could potentially be caught up via home study, but math was different. Yet, unexpectedly, in such a short span, she had managed to elevate her math performance. Did they even have a chance to beat her now?

"I told you long ago it wouldn't be easy to surpass Wang Qiqi. You didn't believe me, and now you can give up hope."

Wang Qiqi took grapes from her schoolbag and placed them in the center of the desk. "Have some." Qiqi usually ate fruit in the evening, but after reading online that morning fruit was gold, midday fruit was silver, and evening fruit was copper, she adjusted her timing slightly. Since her rebirth, she had been making a point to eat some fruit in the morning.

Shi Man looked at Wang Qiqi with surprise. "You're not waiting until noon?" Fruit so early in the morning... Shi Man realized her stomach wasn't even hungry yet.

"I brought some; this is the morning portion." Regardless of the best time for nutrient absorption, Qiqi figured eating it anytime was better than not. Of course, Wang Qiqi would never admit to being simply greedy. "I brought a cantaloupe for lunch; we can share it after we eat."

Shi Man glanced from Wang Qiqi to her schoolbag, astonished. "Heavens, is your schoolbag the pocket of Doraemon? How can you carry so much fruit?" Didn't Qiqi mind the weight?

Wang Qiqi laughed. Although it was a bit heavy, she had left several unnecessary practice books at home, so the bag wasn't truly cumbersome. "It’s fine. Hurry up and eat; class is starting soon."

Shi Man nodded and ate faster. The sight of the two leisurely snacking on fruit stunned quite a few people. While others might bring snacks to school—cookies or chocolate for energy dips in the afternoon—no one brought fresh fruit.

Although most felt eating so early, and eating fruit no less, was a bit much, watching the two enjoy themselves planted a common thought: in this heat, bringing fruit along could actually be quite pleasant, offering a moment of relaxation amidst intense study.

Wang Qiqi’s graceful enjoyment of the fruit did not escape Huang Li’s notice. To her, the pair was showing off. Go on, eat, eat. It's all your dead parents' money you’re consuming. Eat until you’re fat and drain every penny they left. Then we’ll see what you do, you penniless orphan. With poor grades, let’s see if Gao Kai will even look at you.

Wang Qiqi certainly felt the ill will radiating from Huang Li but paid no attention to the thoughts of an insignificant person.

Shi Man turned and noticed Huang Li's malevolent glare, making her flinch. "Why is Huang Li looking at you like that?" Even though Shi Man and Huang Li weren't on the best terms today, the recent conflict had been between them. Why direct such hostility toward Wang Qiqi?

Wang Qiqi smiled. She knew exactly why Huang Li hated her so much, but Huang Li usually maintained a good disguise; no one else probably noticed. "You don't know? She's a fan of Gao Kai too." Though, Huang Li's fandom was likely focused more on what Gao Kai possessed than Gao Kai himself.

Hearing this, Shi Man’s jaw dropped. She looked from Qiqi to Huang Li. "Are you sure?" Gao Kai was popular in school, but when he had visited the classroom previously looking for Qiqi, she hadn't stared at him like the other infatuated girls or rushed out to exchange pleasantries; she had remained calm and continued what she was doing.

Wang Qiqi knew this piece of information would be hard to swallow. "Observe her reactions carefully next time Gao Kai is near her, and you'll know."

Wang Qiqi hadn't meticulously analyzed Huang Li's expressions around Gao Kai, but she knew one thing: if you truly liked someone, you couldn't avoid showing a flaw when they appeared; it was impossible to be completely flawless.

Shi Man found it unlikely that Huang Li would be interested in Gao Kai, but she also couldn't imagine Qiqi fabricating a reason to smear her. Besides, Qiqi and Huang Li didn't seem to have any deep-seated feud. Huang Li's behavior just now struck Shi Man as truly peculiar.