CHAPTER 8 — First Counter
By the next morning, the balance had shifted again.
Subtly.
But enough.
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Zhang Xiao Qi entered the classroom as usual, her steps steady, her expression unchanged.
Yet the moment she stepped in—
Voices lowered.
Eyes followed.
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Not openly.
Not boldly.
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But carefully.
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"…That's her."
"…The one from yesterday."
"…And Lu Zeyan—"
"Shh."
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She heard everything.
Ignored all of it.
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Because none of it mattered.
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What mattered—
Was who would move next
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It didn't take long.
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"Zhang Xiao Qi."
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The voice was calm.
Cold.
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Li Xinyue.
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Zhang Xiao Qi paused mid-step, then turned.
"…Yes?"
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Li Xinyue stood beside her desk this time.
Closer than before.
More deliberate.
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"You switched your presentation slot."
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A few heads lifted instantly.
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That wasn't a small accusation.
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Zhang Xiao Qi blinked once.
"…Did I?"
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"You were scheduled for next week," Li Xinyue continued.
"…but now you're presenting today."
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A pause.
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"And the system shows you made the change yourself."
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Silence spread.
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Because that—
Was intentional.
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— Pressure
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Zhang Xiao Qi didn't rush to answer.
Didn't react immediately.
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Instead—
She looked at the screen displayed at the front of the class.
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Her name.
Moved forward.
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Interesting.
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"…And that's a problem?" she asked calmly.
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Li Xinyue's eyes narrowed.
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"You're not prepared."
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"…You're concerned?"
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"…I don't like disruptions."
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There it was
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"You'll present now," Li Xinyue said.
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Not a suggestion.
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A move.
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Because if Zhang Xiao Qi failed—
Her "change" would be exposed as carelessness.
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And if she refused—
She would look guilty.
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Either way—
She would loose face
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Zhang Xiao Qi smiled.
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Faint.
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"…Alright."
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Silence.
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Because that answer—
Was unexpected.
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She walked to the front without hesitation.
No notes.
No preparation.
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Just calm steps.
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The room grew quieter.
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Because now—
Everyone was watching.
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— Delivery
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She picked up the marker.
Turned.
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"…Since my slot was moved forward, I'll keep it concise."
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Her voice was steady.
Clear.
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Not loud.
But impossible to ignore.
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Then—
She began.
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Not rushed.
Not uncertain.
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Every point structured.
Every explanation precise.
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Clean.
Efficient.
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No unnecessary words.
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No mistakes.
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— Reaction
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Halfway through—
The room was completely silent.
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Because this—
Wasn't what they expected.
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Gu Yichen leaned forward slightly.
Smile gone.
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"…So that's how it is."
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Zheng Meng Ying's gaze
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Zhang Xiao Qi finished calmly.
Placed the marker down.
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"…Any questions?"
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She turned back toward her seat.
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Passing Li Xinyue—
She paused slightly.
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"…If you're going to set a trap," she said quietly,
"…make sure it works."
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Then continued walking.
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— Impact
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Li Xinyue's expression tightened.
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Not anger.
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But realization.
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At the back—
Lu Zeyan watched everything.
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Silent.
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Calm.
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But his gaze—
Didn't leave Zhang Xiao Qi.
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"…You're not holding back anymore," he thought.
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— Elsewhere
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In the medical department—
Pei Ruoxi stood by the window again.
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Still.
Composed.
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Then—
Her phone vibrated once.
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A message.
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Unknown sender.
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«"She moved."»
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A pause.
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Pei Ruoxi's gaze lowered slightly.
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"…As expected."
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Then—
She put the phone away.
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Unbothered.
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Because this—
Was only the beginning.
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— End
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The first move had been made.
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And this time—
Zhang Xiao Qi didn't react to the story.
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She controlled it.