The matter of class assignments had finally settled. One couldn't know the feelings of those who didn't make the cut, but in Wang Qiqi's eyes, she saw so many smiles on the faces of those who entered the advanced class—some with merely pleased expressions, others practically gloating.

Watching those who seemed overjoyed, occasionally casting disdainful glances at students ranked lower, Wang Qiqi sighed internally. Ah, youth is youth, she thought, why let one's emotions show so easily? Though there wasn't much genuine affection between students before, the arrival of people promoted from the parallel classes had shattered the existing harmony, constantly reminding everyone that their positions were precarious. How could they feel good about those people, let alone tolerate such arrogance?

Had they entered politely, others might have met them with courtesy; promotion from a parallel class certainly proved their competence. But every student in the top class possessed a certain pride, and the condescending looks from those new arrivals instantly created distaste. Gradually, the original top-class students began isolating the ones promoted from the parallel sections.

Observing the parallel-class students, Wang Qiqi was suddenly reminded of office politics back when she worked. The only difference was that these newcomers had no one in higher positions to support them; they were left to fend for themselves. Of course, many students wondered if these promoted peers would revert to their old standing by the mid-term exams. They certainly wouldn't bother with them, while those relegated to the parallel classes seethed with determination, striving to return to the advanced group.

For a time, whether in the advanced class or the parallel classes, the study atmosphere tightened considerably. In the advanced class, the change wasn't overtly apparent, but the teachers in the parallel classes genuinely felt it. Many students who rarely asked questions previously were now approaching them after class to inquire about their scores. The reason was simple: everyone aimed to improve their rank and move to a better class. Different tiers of classes were assigned different teachers, and the workload or difficulty of assignments varied. Everyone had strived for the June exams for a long time, and now that a glimmer of hope was visible, they were all determined to fight for their futures.

The diligence and ambition displayed by the parallel class put significant pressure on the advanced class students. They knew that being chased from behind, falling back to a parallel class would make a return journey difficult. In this climate of intense competition, the school's 'Prince Charming' or universally adored figure, Gao Kai, faded from notice, partly due to how deeply his family kept matters concealed.

Juliana and Shi Man, whose families were rooted in business and politics respectively, naturally gleaned more information. By the time both girls were informed, the situation had mostly been resolved. Their parents had called them home to educate them against causing trouble outside, unlike Gao Kai.

Shi Man's mother recalled that Wang Qiqi had once dated Gao Kai. "Even though you're staying at Qiqi's house now, stay away from some things involving him. Don't you dare emulate his early romantic entanglements." Shi Man's mother watched her daughter devour food upon returning home, a pang of pain hitting her. "You haven't been starving over there, have you?" Hadn't they hired an auntie to handle cooking and cleaning?

Looking closer, Shi Man seemed thinner lately. Her mother pondered, "Why don't you move back home? I'll hire a private tutor for you; they won't be worse than that top student. Or, we can pay a premium to bring him back just for your lessons." The initial reason for letting her stay over was to boost her daughter's math scores, but surely her daughter’s health mattered more than grades. It wasn't like they weren't offering payment.

Shi Man thought, I came straight back after class, of course I’m starving. "Mom, I'm having dinner. You don't know how tense the atmosphere in class is right now; I dream every night about being kicked out of the advanced class." She often woke from nightmares only to fall back asleep. "And don't worry, I'm eating well at Qiqi's. Someone comes to tutor me every other day, and that guy is incredibly sought after. I didn't even know he was about to start his third year of high school and was still working as a tutor."

Shi Man was genuinely curious how Han Tao managed to sleep at all, balancing work and studies. As for herself, she barely had time to breathe for studying. "Also, Qiqi hasn't had any contact with Gao Kai since her parents passed away. Don't keep bringing up Qiqi and Gao Kai, but I never imagined Gao Kai could be so despicable."

Shi Man’s mother hadn't expected it either. Although she didn't interact much with the Gao family, Gao Dashan was quite the opportunist, always wearing a smile for everyone, sometimes bringing Gao Kai along. She remembered the Gao boy being quite polite, but to turn out like this? Sigh, even if you're just a facade, you should maintain it until the very end. It seemed this child wasn't as well-behaved as he appeared. "You don't have a good impression of Gao Kai anymore?"

Shi Man’s mother knew her daughter was Gao Kai's classmate, but they didn't socialize much. When her daughter mentioned him before, her tone was rather indifferent, never expressing such contempt.

Shi Man recounted Gao Kai's exploits at school, especially how he pestered Qiqi while simultaneously being inappropriately close with her cousin, Wang Rui. Shi Man's mother immediately stated, "Stay far away from that boy in the future." Although he looked presentable, his philandering and lack of responsibility instantly made him unappealing to Shi Man's mother. She had only called her daughter back to give a few pointers, worried that her daughter might actually develop feelings for him—a thought that would break her heart.

Shi Man acknowledged with an "Oh," quickly finishing the rice in her mouth. "Mom, I won't wait for Dad; I need to rush back. Han Tao is explaining math to us today." Although staying at home—studying alone in her room or sleeping—offered freedom, one thing was missing: human presence. Qiqi’s house was always lively. Every morning brought different breakfasts, all handled by Qiqi after her morning exercises, which was much better than the store-bought breakfasts she often ate at home. Meals were festive, shared among three or four people discussing problems or amusing events. At her own dinner table, it was just her, or perhaps the three of them, where she reported on her recent studies. It was dreadfully dull.

Shi Man’s mother had hoped her daughter would stay the night. In the past, it wouldn't have mattered, but now that her daughter had been away for so long, not only Mr. Shi but even she herself felt something was missing.

Although Shi Man called regularly to update her, and came back for a night on weekends, those weekends often involved her father or mother being busy with commitments. Shi Man’s mother realized she and Shi Man had few chances to actually spend quality time together. "You won't stay the night?"

Seeing her mother look slightly unhappy, Shi Man moved to her side and kissed her cheek. "Mom, you don't want my grades to slip, do you? Besides, you and Dad are rarely home, and I get so bored. I'll call you more often."

Shi Man’s mother couldn't miss the perfunctory tone in her daughter's voice. When Shi Man was younger and less perceptive, a little deception worked, but now that she was older, she knew that some things parents said weren't entirely true—like how some dinners were unavoidable, yet her parents seemed even busier on weekends for 'future reasons.' When did Little Man slowly quiet down, no longer revolving her world around discussing school matters with her parents? Shi Man’s mother couldn't recall.

Seeing her mother lost in thought, Shi Man gently picked up her school bag and prepared to leave. If she didn't go now, her mother might snap out of her reverie, and she might not be allowed to depart. Shi Man was actually quite downcast herself. She had expected that her mother’s special call meant a family dinner, but after arriving home, her mother rushed back, explaining her father had a dinner engagement and that she too would have to leave shortly. How could she stay over? This place felt more like a hotel or a restaurant than a home.

If Shi Man voiced these thoughts to Juliana, someone might call her ungrateful for what she had. At least the Shi parents called her back for a meal and a talk. For Juliana, it was her father calling, briefly summarizing the recent Gao Kai incident, and repeatedly warning her not to step out of line, or she’d be sent abroad early.

Juliana found it rather amusing. It seemed she had never been a rambunctious child; she was always well-behaved. Besides, she was a girl—how much mischief could she possibly cause? As she hung up the phone with a gloomy expression.

Wang Qiqi had just finished washing the rice bowl. "What's wrong? Did your dad lecture you?" It seemed Juliana’s father wasn't overly strict about her grades; as long as they weren't embarrassingly low, he wouldn't scold her. Why did she look so upset this time? Though it seemed Juliana's mother called more often. Earlier, when Wang Qiqi answered the phone and heard a man asking for Juliana, she had been startled. If he hadn't immediately identified himself as Juliana’s father, she would have truly believed the girl was secretly seeing a boyfriend.

Juliana sighed and explained why her father had called. "I knew it. That busy man would call only if there was a problem." She rattled off the essence of her father's message. "Tell me, aren't I unlucky? What does Gao Kai’s mess have to do with me?"

The news Wang Qiqi shared with Juliana stunned her. She hadn't realized Gao Kai was capable of such things. Here was someone who witnessed it firsthand, with witnesses nearby, yet he still dared to deny it. People nowadays hadn't become as corrupt as they would be a decade later. "Your father is just worried you'll go astray. But I really didn't know Gao Kai was that sort of person. I haven't heard of him taking leave recently; didn't he seem to be playing basketball a few days ago?"

That day had been P.E. class. Wang Qiqi had gone to the field early and seen the 'athletic guy' dominating the court, shouting loudly and laughing joyfully. His talent for mockery was undeniable, but considering he had just committed an act that nearly blinded an elderly person, he could act completely unconcerned? His heart must be utterly black.

Juliana admitted she didn't understand either. "My dad meant that Gao Kai isn't worth much. If the victim’s family hadn't had some influence this time, his parents would have likely tried to cover it up with money long ago." Juliana said she was used to hearing about such things, but the key issue was that the person involved turned out to be Gao Kai.

Wang Qiqi nodded in agreement with Juliana's assessment. If he wasn't a good person to begin with, capable of murder, then merely injuring someone accidentally was child's play. (To be continued)