Chapter 294
The other few children were startled, their hands trembling, and their pens fell to the floor.
Zhou Zedong, however, looked at her with confusion. There were still fifty points left; she hadn't even lost yet, so why was she crying?
This was just a numbers game competition, not a fight.
Zhou Zedong glanced over once more before withdrawing his gaze.
It probably had nothing to do with him.
At that moment, a teacher hurried over to comfort her and encourage her to continue the exam.
The girl was crying so hard she could barely catch her breath. No matter how the teacher tried to persuade her, she just kept saying she wouldn't compete anymore, her mentality completely shattered.
The opposing teacher's expression darkened, but seeing the child crying so pitifully, she could only sigh, take her hand, and lead her out of the examination hall to find her family.
Out of the final five contestants, one was eliminated.
Four remained.
The chief examiner looked at the current scene, a trace of helplessness in his eyes.
How could a child be so fierce? Even in a situation of certain victory, he showed not an ounce of mercy, truly ruthless.
What happened to 'friendship first, competition second'?
It was no wonder the girl cried. Just making it to this stage had already put these children under immense pressure.
Finally enduring until the last round, only to be so thoroughly crushed by him—of course her mentality would break.
Yet, he also felt more appreciation for Zhou Zedong.
Able to control scores, able to break someone's mental game.
Such merciless tactics, even harsher than those of the examiners, surely meant he was destined to be a leader in his own right someday.
In this situation, he couldn't show a satisfied expression toward Zhou Zedong. He just cleared his throat with a fist to his mouth, "Ahem, continue the exam."
A crowd had already gathered outside.
Seeing a girl give up the competition and come out crying, everyone was shocked, finding it hard to believe.
In all their years of math competitions, this was the first time they had witnessed such a scene.
Logically, the further the children progressed, the more confidence they should have.
Never had they been pushed to such a desperate corner.
Just who was that child?
"I saw his uniform... Foreign Language Primary School?"
"The Foreign Language Primary School downtown? I heard they took first and second place last year!"
"That's right. That school is too impressive. I want to send my child there next year."
"Teacher Xu, congratulations! Looks like you've got first place in the bag again this year."
Some teachers looked at Teacher Xu beside them with envy and jealousy.
They didn't particularly like Teacher Xu, finding her aloof and condescending.
But undeniably, her students were truly exceptional.
Last year was one thing, but this year, such a dark horse had emerged!
Everyone had been focused on the scores, not watching constantly.
When they saw a girl from Foreign Language Primary School get eliminated earlier, they were quite pleased.
The remaining two were also at the bottom in scores, so everyone thought their hold on first place this year was gone!
Who would have thought the child at the bottom would suddenly catch everyone off guard.
Teacher Xu hadn't yet snapped out of the earlier scene and was still staring blankly at the examination hall.
Hearing someone suddenly congratulate her, her mind went blank.
When she finally processed it, she understood what they meant.
Looking up, everyone was staring at her with envy, jealousy, and admiration.
Some even fawned, "Teacher Xu, as expected of an elite class teacher. Every one of your students is top-notch!"
"Yes, Teacher Xu, after the competition ends, please do us the honor of joining us for a meal. My treat."
"Absolutely, we'd also like to learn some teaching methods from Teacher Xu..."
These parents usually looked down on everyone, noses in the air.
Because of their privileged backgrounds, teachers dared not offend them.
Teacher Xu detested this attitude of theirs the most.
On one hand, she felt superior due to her prestigious position; on the other, she dared not offend these wealthy people.
Consequently, Teacher Xu had little fondness for any of them.
When she taught at other primary schools before, the parents were much more humble, never daring to offend her in the slightest. Those children, even if hit or scolded, wouldn't talk back, just obediently listened to her.
She finally tested into Foreign Language Primary School, thinking her treatment would be even better.
Unexpectedly, because the parents here were all wealthy, she couldn't hit or scold the children.
Worse, she herself didn't dare offend them. Even if displeased, she could only swallow it and speak kindly.
Who could have imagined that one day, these very people would be currying favor with her like this.
Teacher Xu was partly stunned by Zhou Zedong's performance, and partly couldn't help but enjoy such flattery.
Although she didn't like Zhou Zedong, it didn't change the fact that he was indeed a student in her class.
She immediately smiled and said, "You're all too kind. I never expected my student to be this outstanding either."
"I've merely done my duty. Ultimately, it depends on their own comprehension. After all, a teacher can open the door, but the student must enter and walk the path themselves."
"Teacher Xu, you're being too modest."
"Exactly, there probably isn't a teacher as capable as you in the entire city."
"Could you help get my daughter into your class? Just name any requirement..."
Teacher Xu lifted her chin slightly, "That, I'm afraid, is beyond my power. However, if you wish to improve your children's grades, I do have a tutoring center I can recommend..."
Everyone swarmed forward, begging for the introduction.
These people weren't short on money, of course they could afford tutoring centers. As long as their children's grades improved, it was worth it to them.
Naturally, they were also going for Teacher Xu's reputation.
Since such an excellent teacher recommended it, it must be a very impressive place.
In this era, not many tutoring centers were open, and there were restrictions. Not just anyone could open one; you needed connections and influence.
Although Teacher Xu earned a decent amount at this school every month, she knew full well that the real money wasn't in teaching.
She just didn't have the ability to start one herself, but she knew Director Li's family ran a tutoring center.
Many people at Director Li's place were referrals from her; she got a commission for each one.
Now, with all these people flocking there on her recommendation, she stood to make quite a bit of money!
This was also why Teacher Xu sided with Director Li.
Thinking of the commissions soon to come, the frustration in Teacher Xu's heart instantly vanished, replaced by an unprecedented amiability.
Meanwhile, the competition continued in full swing.
The questions that followed grew increasingly difficult.
As each new question was presented, everyone instinctively looked toward Zhou Zedong.
It seemed they all assumed he would stand up to answer.
Yet, as time ticked by, this time, he did not speak up.
The boy beside him seized the opportunity, immediately answered, and scored five points!
Everyone looked over in surprise.
They couldn't understand why Zhou Zedong hadn't answered.
Were the later questions too difficult for him?
They found it hard to believe.
The boy who had just answered was the first-place winner from the qualifying round.
With five points secured, the heart that had been in his throat finally settled back into his chest.
Five points were much better than zero.