Chapter 51: Achievements of the Study Group

Teacher Liao opened up the pages of the "Jiangzhou Daily" and turned to that day's report. It read "Li Ming". However, it's important to note that this Li Ming was merely a pseudonym.

The true identity of this Li Ming remained a mystery. The higher authorities had not disclosed any information about him, and the newspapers also refrained from mentioning anything further. As a result, everyone was left to seek answers on their own.

Principal Wang's frustration was evident as he stated, "Let's focus on our tasks and responsibilities. We must make sure to maintain our professionalism and reputation, or else we risk becoming a laughingstock in Jiangyang Province!"

Later that evening, Mr. Liao returned home and was surprised to hear that Su Qiao's father, Su Desheng, was under investigation by the market authorities due to matters related to misconduct and property issues. This news left Mr. Liao puzzled, as he realized that Su Qiao's decision to leave Shuimu University might be connected to these developments.

...

The final exams for the senior year's last semester proceeded as scheduled, signaling the closing stages of the marathon that was their education journey.

The final exam retained the strict format of the college entrance examination: random test rooms, matching timeframes, and questions of similar difficulty to those found in the actual entrance exams.

Thankfully, Chen Xiao found himself once again in the same exam room as Zhang Yi, Deng Chao, and others.

What did raise eyebrows was Su Qiao's absence from school that Monday, as well as her decision to skip the final exams.

As they entered the exam room, Deng Chao awkwardly commented, "Brother Xiao, I'm feeling unusually nervous today. My stomach is acting up, and I really want to bail out."

Jiang Wei chimed in, "Brother Chao, don't hold back. Just saying that makes me feel the urge as well."

With only ten minutes before the exam, the two rushed to the restroom, clutching toilet paper in their hands.

Nerves often trigger physical reactions, which, in simpler terms, translated to an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Chen Xiao had experienced this before during exams and result announcements, but as he matured, these reactions became less frequent.

For a group of underperforming students who had never been invested in their studies, exams and grades held little importance. However, this time was different. They had all put in effort and desired favorable results, caring deeply about the outcome.

Caring often invites regret.

And so, the two-day examination period commenced.

Chen Xiao's performance was steady, as he aimed to secure good grades for his parents, especially with the approaching Spring Festival.

The high school's third-year teachers were remarkably efficient, promptly releasing the results the day after the final exams. The schoolwide rankings were also announced.

On the morning before the holiday, Class 3 and Class 3 students waited in tense anticipation for the results.

Zhang Yi, Deng Chao, Jiang Wei, and their peers were a bundle of nerves.

Deng Chao took Chen Xiao's hand and confessed, "Brother Xiao, I've got to go again."

Zhang Yi quipped, "If you've got to go, then go. Your size makes it obvious."

Chen Xiao responded with a hint of annoyance, "Just hang in there. It's just the announcement of the scores."

As Mr. Liao entered the room, he began, "I can see the hard work everyone put in. Our class has shown impressive progress in this final exam, particularly some students who achieved personal bests."

He continued, "Sincerity transforms the unremarkable into something invaluable. I've always maintained that the third year of high school sees the highest scores. Regardless of your past academic foundations, determination during this year can yield astounding results. Now, let's announce the results."

Zhang Yi scored 355 points, Deng Chao earned 380 points, and Jiang Wei achieved 399 points.

The class was left in stunned silence as the scores were revealed.

These three students, formerly the core trio of Class 3, had shown remarkable improvement, each boosting their scores by nearly fifty points compared to their first exams.

With these results, securing admission to a junior college was a certainty.

Jiang Wei's score of 399 points was particularly impressive, positioning him on the brink of a perfect score. A sprint during another test could potentially push him over the 400-point threshold, affording him multiple opportunities.

The class gazed at Chen Xiao in gratitude. It was evident that these improvements were a direct result of Chen Xiao's formation of a study group.

"I should have joined the study group too!"

"A 50 to 60-point jump is astonishing!"

"Next semester, I'm definitely joining a study group. This progress beats attending outside cram classes!"

The trio was equally elated. Their improvements were genuinely hard-earned, a far cry from relying on illicit means for higher scores.

For the first time since high school began, they felt a genuine sense of accomplishment stemming from their own efforts.

The trio exchanged glances, each brimming with gratitude towards Chen Xiao. His role in their achievements was undeniable.

Even students with lower scores recognized his dedication. Chen Xiao had become their mentor, instrumental in their progress.

Mr. Liao's elation was palpable. He praised the students for their hard work and lauded Chen Xiao for establishing the study group. This was the first time Mr. Liao had acknowledged this effort in class, emphasizing that unity and teamwork defined Class 3.

The class erupted in applause.

Shen Wei turned her gaze to Chen Xiao, filled with admiration for his remarkable commitment to his classmates' success.

Outstanding individuals not only shine themselves but also illuminate the paths of those around them.

Shen Wei had an inkling that her math scores had improved significantly after working through the exercise set prepared by Chen Xiao.

Indeed, Shen Wei secured second place in the class and second place in the entire school.

"In second place, Shen Wei, with a total score of 622, comprising 121 in Chinese, 135 in mathematics, and 131 in English...ranking second in the grade."

Shen Wei's score had not surpassed her initial consultation's tally. However, the exam's increased difficulty made her modest gain even more impressive. The more challenging the test, the more significant the progress felt.

For Shen Wei, the improvement of over ten points compared to her prior score was immensely satisfying.

"First place goes to Chen Xiao, with a total score of 640, comprising 111 in Chinese, 150 in mathematics, and 130 in English... ranking first in the grade."

Applause reverberated throughout the classroom.

Chen Xiao's achievement was anticipated, and many believed he had intentionally restrained his performance.

Finally, Mr. Liao concluded, "Even though the Spring Festival is brief, it's neither too short nor too long. Use this time to adjust your mindset and ensure you don't relax too much. Now, I'll discuss our upcoming assignments... reviewing the five exam papers and correcting the errors from the final exam."

Groans filled the room.

Chen Xiao packed his belongings and headed home. The Spring Festival was merely two days away.

This year's Spring Festival held a special significance for the Chen family, as they would be reuniting with Chen Qiang's sisters.