"Look! Here it comes!"
A burst of excited chatter erupted from the crowd. Everyone turned their heads in unison, and there they were, five pot-bellied school leaders, holding a long red list, slowly making their way over.
The one leading the way was the Grade Director, waving at everyone, "Apologies for the long wait, students. I wish you all the best and hope for outstanding results. May you all be on the honor list!"
As they drew closer, the crowd automatically parted, leaving a wide path.
Then, the four middle-aged men slowly unfolded the bright red list and slowly affixed it to the most conspicuous place in the plaza - the bulletin board.
Whether intentional or not, the half of the list representing the lower-ranking scores was completely exposed to public view. The top half, however, was kept secret, still being rolled up and hidden in the hands of two teachers.
Students whose names appeared in the lower half mostly looked troubled, some even burst into tears on the spot.