Chapter 51: Wei Xiaofan in Despair

Friday, the second day.

Ever since Wei Xiaofan and Zhang Liying learned that they ranked first and second in the overall scores, neither showed their joy outwardly, but their minds were constantly occupied with thoughts of the rankings on the bulletin board. They imagined themselves standing on the podium on Saturday, receiving their awards.

Wei Xiaofan, in particular, had initially felt a vague dislike for Li Bufan and his father, Li Liangtian, when he discovered that the Model Student Selection event was sponsored by Li Bufan’s father. Yet, when he realized he might actually win, he forgot all those feelings and could only envision himself at the ceremony. He often pictured the moment he would receive the award, walking up to the stage under the gaze of thousands, amidst thunderous applause, saluting the principal with a trembling right hand, accepting the certificate and prize money with shaking hands, and saluting the principal and other leaders again, as the audience erupted in applause.

He also imagined returning home with the award, his parents’ delight upon hearing the news, and how he would use the prize money to buy gifts for his parents and siblings, picturing their happiness.

Wei Xiaofan dreamed endlessly of all the good things that might happen after winning.

Although his imagination was filled with countless fortunate possibilities, Wei Xiaofan kept them hidden, never letting his feelings show on his face.

In the afternoon, it was self-study—Friday’s last period. Despite the self-study session, Wei Xiaofan didn’t read at all. Instead, he discussed with Wei Xiaoping plans to use some money over the summer to start a business.

At first, Wei Xiaoping disagreed with Wei Xiaofan’s idea of using the prize money for business, suggesting instead that it should go toward the first semester of high school tuition; any business venture funds should come from their parents, Wei Yongqiang and Wei Ni Ping.

Seeing that he couldn’t persuade Wei Xiaoping, Wei Xiaofan reluctantly agreed. But he had one condition: since the business money would be borrowed from Wei Xiaoping’s parents, any profits made should be repaid to them in installments.

Eventually, Wei Xiaoping conceded and agreed to Wei Xiaofan’s suggestion.

Just as Wei Xiaofan and Wei Xiaoping were deeply engrossed in their quiet discussion, the Chinese teacher, Wu Wenbin, walked in.

Everyone stopped their self-study and looked toward Wu Wenbin, the homeroom teacher.

Wei Xiaofan glanced at Wu Wenbin, wondering if the teacher had some good news to announce.

“Continue your self-study,” Wu Wenbin waved to the students. “Wei Xiaofan, Zhang Liying, you two come to my office.”

With that, Wu Wenbin left the room.

After he departed, Zhang Liying stood up, looked at Wei Xiaofan, and said, “Let’s go, Wei Xiaofan. Let’s see what Teacher Wu wants.”

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On the way to Wu Wenbin’s office, Zhang Liying asked, “Wei Xiaofan, what do you think Teacher Wu wants with us?”

“You’re the class president. If you don’t know, I certainly don’t!” Wei Xiaofan replied with a smile, walking briskly ahead.

“Why are you walking so fast? Wait for me!” Zhang Liying hurried to catch up, hoping to walk side by side with him.

When Zhang Liying managed to walk alongside him, Wei Xiaofan quickened his pace again, saying, “Let’s hurry, so we don’t keep Teacher Wu waiting. It’s disrespectful to keep a teacher waiting for students.”

With that, he sped up, distancing himself from Zhang Liying.

“I saw Teacher Wu head to another office after he left, he won’t be back so soon,” said Zhang Liying.

“Even so, we should go quickly and wait for him in his office. He might return sooner than expected.”

Hearing this, Zhang Liying quickened her pace again, trying to catch up and walk with him. But Wei Xiaofan seemed to sense her approach, always keeping a certain distance.

“This Wei Xiaofan, it’s almost as if he’s avoiding me,” Zhang Liying thought.

When the two entered Wu Wenbin’s office, he was already seated at his desk, waiting for them.

“Sit down, please,” Wu Wenbin said.

Wei Xiaofan and Zhang Liying sat together on the long bench in front of the desk. Feeling he was too close to Zhang Liying, Wei Xiaofan shifted slightly, composed himself, and looked at Wu Wenbin.

“Wei Xiaofan, did something happen the day before yesterday?” Wu Wenbin asked, his brow creased with concern.

Zhang Liying looked at Wei Xiaofan, puzzled. Did something happen to him two days ago? She knew nothing of it, nor had anyone mentioned it in class.

Wei Xiaofan recalled the incident from two days ago, when he was bumped by a woman while buying scratch paper. How had this matter reached Teacher Wu? It was already resolved, wasn’t it? Surely that wasn’t why he’d been called here, especially since it had nothing to do with Zhang Liying. Wu Wenbin must have another reason.

“During lunch two days ago, I went to the convenience store outside the school gate to buy scratch paper. While crossing the road, I was bumped by a countrywoman,” Wei Xiaofan explained briefly.

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“If that’s how it happened, it should be the woman who wasn’t careful and bumped into you, not the other way around. Why is it being said that you bumped into her?” Wu Wenbin questioned, clearly skeptical.

Hearing his words, Wei Xiaofan sensed that someone must have informed Teacher Wu of the incident beforehand, emphasizing that it was he who had bumped into the woman.

Wei Xiaofan began to feel anxious.

“Teacher Wu—what happened?” he asked nervously.

Zhang Liying observed Wu Wenbin’s expression and Wei Xiaofan’s nervousness, sensing that something serious was afoot.

“Teacher Wu, since Li Chaoqian and Li Bufan already paid the woman’s medical expenses for Wei Xiaofan, shouldn’t the matter be settled?” Zhang Liying said.

“That afternoon, the woman went to the principal’s office to file a complaint. According to the rules for the Model Student selection, besides taking academic performance as the main reference, contestants are also evaluated on their conduct according to the Student Code of Conduct. The woman claimed you bumped into her, refused to admit fault, and wouldn’t pay for her medicine. She praised Li Chaoqian for his good character in paying her medical expenses.”

Wu Wenbin took a sip of water before continuing, “After hearing her account, the principal called Li Chaoqian to verify the story, then instructed the Model Student judges to re-examine your scores.”

He paused, drank another sip, and went on, “The award ceremony was originally scheduled for today, but the judges spent the entire day reviewing your scores.”

Hearing this, Wei Xiaofan guessed the purpose of this meeting. His heart plummeted, aching with disappointment and despair.

Zhang Liying, sensing what was coming, asked, “But Li Chaoqian and Li Bufan were both there. Didn’t Li Chaoqian explain clearly to the principal? According to Wei Xiaofan and others, the woman was at fault—Wei Xiaofan did nothing wrong! Why the need for a re-examination?”

“I only learned of this matter this morning. Since then, I’ve been busy trying to help Wei Xiaofan, but in the end—ah!” Wu Wenbin sighed deeply.

He continued, “After a morning of deliberation, the judges decided: Zhang Liying will receive the championship, Li Chaoqian the runner-up, and Wei Xiaofan will be awarded the Encouragement Prize.”

Wei Xiaofan felt his face flush with heat and shame; his heart was filled with humiliation, sorrow, pain, and despair.