Chapter 177
"When I played my first piece successfully and heard the beautiful melody around me, I saw my mother’s gratified smile. At that moment, I realized her strictness was for this moment. I couldn’t help but think of our teachers, who, beneath their stern exteriors, have gentle hearts like mothers. Mothers are like teachers, and teachers are like mothers. I want to say to those who have silently loved me, I love you too."
Zoey finished reading the last part of her composition, stuck out her tongue, and sat down. Her deskmate leaned over and whispered, "Zoey, it’s so good. It almost made me cry." Her eyes were red, clearly moved by Zoey’s words.
"Stop it, you’re making me blush." Zoey smiled sweetly but couldn’t help glancing at Kevin sitting behind her. Kevin’s compositions had always been the best, and she had always felt competitive. This time, she had poured her heart into her writing and finally surpassed Kevin, earning Camila’s praise. She thought, "Kevin, you think you’re all mighty and proud because you write good compositions. Now I beat you this time. What do you have to be proud of?"
After Zoey sat down, Camila nodded and said, "After hearing Zoey’s composition, don’t you find it touching yet natural? This is what I often tell you about the skill beyond the poem. You must pay attention to the things around you and accumulate material to write with substance, not clichés or forced sentiments. Zoey’s composition is a good example of this."
The students listened attentively to Camila’s analysis, their faces showing thoughtful expressions. They loved Camila’s composition reviews, which were vivid, straightforward, and insightful, always providing great learning opportunities. This was why Class 57 had the best English scores in the school, and Camila’s reputation as a top teacher was well-deserved.
As Camila finished reviewing Zoey’s composition, she glanced at Kevin. In truth, Kevin’s composition was still the best this time. Zoey’s was good but lacked a certain natural flair, still constrained by technique. However, Camila wanted to curb Kevin’s arrogance and encourage Zoey, so she deliberately didn’t praise Kevin.
"Alright, there’s not much time left. I want you all to write a 500-word essay describing a memorable scene. Hand it in when you’re done." Camila said, assigning another task before stepping off the podium and slowly patrolling the aisles.
Checking on a few students she was particularly concerned about, Camila reached Kevin’s desk and saw him biting his pen, staring blankly at his paper with nothing written on it. She found it odd: it was normal for other students to struggle with ideas, but not Kevin.
She lightly tapped his desk to remind him to start writing.