Chapter 43: Rise to Fame and Fortune

  Of course, there are still some people who look at Guo Ming. If the second place is Tang Feng, then according to the previous bet between Guo Ming and Tang Feng, if Guo Ming loses, he will not only lose face but also never be able to hold his head up in front of Tang Feng again.

  Shui Mengyao anxiously looked at Teacher Li, while her eyes stared intensely at Guo Ming, but the other party seemed as calm as an old monk, as if nothing was wrong.

  Mr. Li paused for a moment, and then loudly announced: "Second place, Guo Ming, 700 points, fourth in the entire school."

  The whole class was initially silent, but suddenly erupted into a loud cheer. Everyone's eyes were fixed on Guo Ming, the former troublemaker who had reached an astonishing height in just two months. When he first entered the top 15, it could be attributed to his talent and hard work. However, after surpassing that milestone by more than twenty days and reaching the same level as Shui Mengyao, it was no longer possible to describe him as simply talented. In their understanding, this was an absolute impossibility, as knowledge is accumulated through effort and dedication. Therefore, there could only be one explanation: Guo Ming had been hiding his true abilities all along, unwilling to compete with others, and perhaps in the eyes of others, he was just a clown seeking attention.

  Mr. Li was also extremely happy, previously Guo Ming had been a big headache for him, but his gentle personality had never given up on Guo Ming, now he realized that the other party was not interested in getting high scores. Anyway, Guo Ming's grades were completely capable of impacting the top ten in the county, and it seemed that the position of head of his age group was secured.

  Tang Feng's eyes looked at Guo Ming with a complex gaze, and he sat back in his own seat, his heart filled with unbearable bitterness. Originally, today was supposed to be the day when he would make a name for himself, thinking that he could far surpass his opponent, humiliate him in public, and even Water Dream Jade might leave him and fall into his arms. But now everything is over.

  Shui Mengyao was also staring at Guo Ming in a daze, the psychological advantage she had over him was now completely gone. It turned out that he had never taken the exam seriously all along, how laughable. She had even compared her grades with his before, although not necessarily with the intention of looking down on him, but deep down, there was a natural sense of superiority.

  Can endure what ordinary people cannot, the era of youth is an era of pride and passion. If one has this ability, will they hide their own strength? The answer is no, from the heart, one hopes to receive adoration and admiration from others.

  In just a short month, can life really change so much? This earth-shattering feeling is really hard to get used to.

  Feeling the other's gaze, Guo Ming exchanged a glance with her and smiled lightly.

  Shui Mengyao suddenly had a feeling of wanting to hide, and she smiled bitterly. In her heart, she hoped that Guo Ming could surpass Tang Feng, but she also had her own private thoughts, and she didn't hope that Guo Ming would threaten her own position. At the rate at which Guo Ming was improving, it was possible that he might even surpass her during the middle school exams?

  He's like a bottomless pit, and you'll never know his limits.

  "Guo Ming, I've only just realized that I've never really understood you," said Teacher Li. "I want to tell you that while it's admirable that you don't try to show off at your age, being too reserved isn't good either. You're only 15 or 16 now, and this is the time when you should be bursting with energy and creativity, especially for a boy like you. You need to let your talents shine, because youth is fleeting, and by the time you really want to make your mark, you may not have the same drive and energy."

  Mr. Li's words were sincere and heartfelt, and Guo Ming could also hear Mr. Li's good intentions. Upon hearing this, he stood up, nodded his head, and said: "I understand, thank you, teacher."

  Mr. Li was even more delighted to see Guo Ming humbly accepting his teachings, and said: "Sit down, sit down, since you can listen well, congratulations, Guo Ming, you also got the quota for the school's reserved student."

  The three words "Baosong Sheng" represent what, representing the recognition of the school for the past three years of study, is an affirmation of students' achievements.

  Mr. Li continued: "Third place Tang Feng 675 points."

  Tang Feng's mouth was a bit bitter, this exam was not easy at all. Logically speaking, he should be grateful for being able to score such high marks, but compared to Guo Ming who came in second place, he felt dull and unremarkable. He had already imagined how Guo Ming would humiliate him. He believed that Guo Ming would definitely humiliate him mercilessly in front of the whole class, and just thinking about it made him feel uneasy as he glanced towards Guo Ming in the corner.

  The other person's face was calm as water, without a ripple, and seemed to sense that he was being watched, so he raised his head to look at himself, and Tang Feng hastily dodged.

  Shui Mengyao seemed to have sensed something and chuckled: "How are you planning to deal with Tang Feng?"

  "Execution? Isn't that a bit too serious? It's just the hot-headedness of youth, why take it seriously?" Guo Ming blinked and said in a low voice.

  Shui Mengyao tilted her head, speaking in a soft voice: "It's just that you're magnanimous and generous. If he had surpassed you, I reckon he wouldn't have let you off. But this is also the result I wanted. Can I ask you some questions now? Great Master."

  "It's better not to, because I refuse to answer," Guo Ming said hastily.

  Shui Mengyao didn't say a word, her eyes fixed on Guo Ming, her gaze seeming to be both deep and resentful. Her amber-like black pupils locked onto Guo Ming's angular face, as if she would keep staring at him until he responded.

  Guo Ming finally gave in and said helplessly: "Big sister, just ask whatever you want."

  Shui Mengyao revealed a triumphant smile, just about to ask when the principal, Principal Han, walked in from outside. He was panting and said: "Mengyao, your grandfather is looking for you, hurry up and come with me."

  Shui Mengyao was shocked, her own grandfather, hadn't he passed away three years ago? How did another grandfather pop out now? What's going on?

  The whole class was silent, what was Principal Han singing about? It's not that there were no parents who came to the classroom looking for someone, but was it necessary for the old principal to personally shout out a message? Teacher Li furrowed his brow even more, but he still understood that the principal also had his own unavoidable difficulties.

  Time went back to about ten minutes ago.

  Old Wang was on duty, his slightly trembling hands holding a copy of the Xin'an Evening News as he slowly read it. Suddenly, his eyes widened, and outside came dozens of top-of-the-line cars, with nearly 100 people getting out, all dressed in suits and leather shoes. The leader was an elderly man wearing a Sun Yat-sen suit. Old Wang had been working as a doorman for many years, but he could be certain that none of the people he had seen before could compare to this person. His eyes were incredibly sharp, and from the way everyone revolved around him, it was clear that this old man was either a high-ranking government official or a business tycoon. Either way, he wasn't someone Old Wang wanted to offend, so he quickly called the school administration office.

  The Dean of Studies heard this and couldn't preside over it, so he rushed hastily to the Principal's office.

  Dongfang He looked at the school building in front of him, which was less than six stories high, and frowned: "Zhongming, you actually let Mengyao attend such a crappy school."

  The vice-county magistrate, Shui Zhongming, didn't dare to directly confront him, so he tactfully said: "Those so-called aristocratic schools are not suitable for Meng Yao, Meng Yao is more suited to a quiet environment, and this place is close to home."

  "Hehe, Uncle, you're wrong this time. The aristocratic school is literally for the aristocracy, and although Meng Yao's bloodline isn't pure, she's at least half an aristocrat, right? This aristocratic school still needs to be attended," said a handsome young man standing beside Dongfang He, with a chuckle.

  In the water, Ming's face flashed with anger, and Dongfang Sword was also somewhat too arrogant. In such a public setting, he dared to mock himself? However, seeing his opponent's expression, he took a deep breath and suppressed the anger in his heart. He wasn't a fool; Dongfang He was right next to him, and with his cunning mind, he could hear the mocking intent behind his words. Yet, not only did he not stop him, but he also seemed to be indulging him. In an instant, Ming understood everything - Dongfang He was using Dongfang Sword to express his dissatisfaction with him!

  For over a decade, I haven't set foot in the Eastern family's household. In reality, it was because I didn't want to go to that arrogant family. However, in his eyes, it seemed like I had no respect for my elders. I don't know where he heard about Shui Mengyao's exceptional abilities, but he immediately brought people from their clan to take a serious look at whether Shui Mengyao was worthy of being cultivated.

  The Dongfanghe is a big shot in the central government, but the principal doesn't know him. However, he knows Vice County Magistrate Shui Mingzhong, and even the vice county magistrate has to be careful when accompanying him. How could he not understand that his opponent must be a high-ranking official? The hospitality was naturally extremely thoughtful, fearing that the other party would have any dissatisfaction.

  "All right, Principal, I've come to see my granddaughter. Call her out for me!" Dongfang He said calmly.

  Shui Mengyao and Guo Ming met at a glance, Guo Ming also knew about Shui Mengyao's family affairs, and secretly admired her.

  Shui Mengyao suddenly felt a surge of tension in her heart, and her face turned tense as she said: "Guo Ming, I'm suddenly feeling very scared. My grandfather died several years ago, so who is outside?"

  "It's rare for the principal to personally shout at someone, I haven't seen many cases like that. Anyway, go take a look," Guo Ming said with a cold smile.

  Whoever the visitor is? If you want to see my granddaughter, please come after class. Now let a sixty-year-old old principal run around like this, what's going on? Does power really work like this?

  "But I'm afraid," Water Dream Jade said anxiously. Her right hand grasped onto Guo Ming's hand, as if only when Guo Ming stayed by her side would she feel at ease.