Jiaojiang City was a truly magical place. It was both a mountain city and a coastal city, and the entire city was divided by a great river into the North and South Shores. As a result, accents differed even across just a few miles. People who spoke dialects with different tones naturally banded together.
People from other cities in the province would jokingly call them “loose-packed Jiaojiang.”
Although schools advocated for all students to speak Mandarin, everyone still slipped into their dialects when gathered together. Back when Lu Ping had come to the South Shore for school, his thick North Shore-accented Jiaojiang dialect had drawn sideways glances from many classmates. That was one of the reasons he had been initially ostracized.
Now, Lu Ping once again spoke North Shore dialect in front of everyone.
Chen Miaomiao stared at Lu Ping in stunned silence—
The boy started off a bit nervous when he spoke, but he grew smoother and more confident with each word. Lu Ping had attended both primary and middle school on the North Shore, and many of his classmates were still studying there. He tentatively mentioned a few names and was delighted to discover that his old junior high deskmate happened to be in the same class as these Beian High students!
With mutual acquaintances in common, their rapport warmed up immediately.
Lu Ping seized the opportunity to make his request: Since Beian High’s cheering squad was short on numbers, could they let some seats go to Jiaojiang No. 1 Middle School students? Of course, No. 1 High wouldn’t take advantage of them for free. When Beian High’s contestant took the stage, they would cheer enthusiastically and ensure the atmosphere stayed lively.
The Beian High students huddled together and muttered for a bit. Finally, all eyes turned to their leader, a girl with dark skin and a neat short haircut. She handled things decisively: “Mm-gao (Sure). Since you’re from the North Shore too, bring your South Shore classmates over! But just so we’re clear, you can sit in our cheering section, but no wearing your school uniforms.”
“No problem,” Lu Ping agreed readily.
If they couldn’t wear uniforms, so be it—they had banners anyway.
After settling things with Beian High, Lu Ping excitedly led Chen Miaomiao back, planning to share the news with the others.
Chen Miaomiao stared at Lu Ping with a strange expression, looking like she wanted to say something but held back.
Lu Ping: “What’s up?”
Chen Miaomiao hesitated, then said, “Lu Ping, I feel like you’ve changed a lot lately…”
“?” Lu Ping touched his face, wondering what could have changed—he hadn’t had plastic surgery or anything.
Chen Miaomiao: “You’re not like you used to be.” She thought for a moment and organized her words. “Don’t get mad at what I’m about to say, okay? Back then in class, you were barely noticeable. You always walked with your head down, spoke softly, and never chatted with anyone during breaks… We were actually in the same class in our first year of high school, but I never remembered your name. I only knew you were from the North Shore and your family sold glutinous cakes…”
Back then, Lu Ping’s “Glutinous Cake Prince” nickname rang out loud and clear. The Glutinous Cake Prince kept to himself, like a faceless, transparent figure. He was ostracized by everyone, and in turn, ostracized everyone else.
So when exactly had things started to change?
Lu Ping had learned to look people straight in the eye when he spoke. He no longer blindly avoided conflicts. When faced with difficulties, he racked his brains for solutions instead of going with the flow and waiting for others to fix things…
Once, the jocks in class had dragged Lu Ping to the sports field to bully him, pelting him with basketballs and stealing his shoes so he had to walk home barefoot. If that happened now, Lu Ping had plenty of ways to fight back.
Yeah, how had he unknowingly become like this?
An answer surfaced in Lu Ping’s mind, one he was utterly certain of—Shen Yuze’s arrival had gradually peeled away his shell of timidity, allowing him to straighten his back for the first time and reveal his true self.
“Isn’t now better?” Lu Ping looked at Chen Miaomiao and replied solemnly. “I don’t want to be the ‘Glutinous Cake Prince’ anymore. I want to be Lu Ping.”
……
The various disturbances in the auditorium seating went unnoticed by the contestants resting backstage.
This citywide English speech contest featured ten high schools, with an even split between male and female participants. In the spacious lounge, some contestants quietly recited their speeches, others covered their acne with foundation, and still others gathered in small groups for chats that were half sincere, half probing.
The competition format was the same as in previous years, divided into two parts. The first was a three-minute prepared speech per person, followed by two minutes of judges’ questions. After the Q&A, the five judges scored each contestant, dropping the highest and lowest scores, then averaging the remaining three for the final score. The second part was an impromptu speech round, where each drew a topic for a three-minute delivery. The two scores combined determined the overall result.
Coaches from each school hovered near their contestants, whispering discussions about the upcoming event.
“Shen Yuze, no need to be nervous. Just perform normally in the first round!” Teacher Feng from No. 1 High held a folded speech draft, fanning herself with it. “The second round’s draw topics are usually routine ones like ‘My Hometown’ or ‘My Family.’ With your skills, it’ll be no problem!”
Shen Yuze, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them at Teacher Feng’s nagging and nodded calmly. “I’m not nervous at all, Teacher Feng. You don’t need to be either.”
How could Teacher Feng not be nervous? She was No. 1 High’s head of the English department, a master teacher with twenty years of experience. The rivalry between Experimental Middle School and No. 1 High spanned many years, and Experimental Middle School had snatched the championship the past few years! Whenever Teacher Feng attended training at the education bureau, those Experimental Middle School English teachers acted like they owned the place, noses in the air. Teacher Feng was burning with determination to win it back!
Moreover, a few days ago, the principal had specifically called her to the office and instructed her carefully, promising a hefty bonus for her as the coach if Shen Yuze took first place…
Public or private, Teacher Feng was determined to claim that championship certificate!
She wanted to say more when her phone rang in her pocket. She pulled it out, and her eyes and eyebrows immediately lit up with joy.
“I’m stepping out to take a call. Shen Yuze, Meng Xin, stay here and prepare properly. I’ll be right back—don’t wander off!” With that, Teacher Feng hurried out of the lounge.
Watching Teacher Feng’s hurried steps, Meng Xin, sitting beside Shen Yuze, murmured curiously, “Wonder who Teacher Feng’s meeting.”
Meng Xin was the emcee for this speech contest. For the occasion, she wore a bright blue formal gauze dress, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, exposing her slender neck. She stood poised and graceful, utterly captivating.
After Teacher Feng left, boys from other schools mustered their courage to come ask for Meng Xin’s WeChat. She brushed them off, saying she was a senior who didn’t use a phone, politely declining each one.
Shen Yuze called her out: “No phone? Then what was that thing you just put in your bag, senpai?”
“It’s an AC remote.” Meng Xin smiled brightly. “Junior brother, minding others’ business isn’t a good habit.”
“……”
Meng Xin was an arts examinee. Not only was she beautiful, but her academic scores were excellent too. She was set on the English track of the broadcasting and hosting major at Communication University. Emceeing this contest was a hands-on opportunity she had fought for.
Shen Yuze had attended an international school before and wasn’t too familiar with China’s gaokao system. “Does broadcasting and hosting have language tracks?”
“Yeah, besides English, some schools offer Korean or French, but those are niche. English hosts are the most in demand.” Meng Xin explained, “A few years ago, our school had a senior who graduated top of her English broadcasting and hosting program. She went to a TV station and now runs her own media company.”
English hosting, TV station, media company…? That sounded awfully familiar.
Shen Yuze was about to press further when a commotion erupted outside the lounge door. Someone shouted, “The judges are here!”
Instantly, all the contestants stood up and turned respectfully toward the door.
Shen Yuze didn’t want to stand out, so he rose with the crowd.
Seven or eight figures appeared outside, men and women among them. Experimental Middle School staff led the way, making the scene lively and bustling.
Shen Yuze glanced at the group: Five judges in total. The two foreigners at the front were undoubtedly the foreign judges. Of the remaining three, one was a white-haired old man, another a middle-aged man with thick glasses, and the last a striking young woman.
The woman wore a loose dress, light makeup on her face, and carried a limited-edition luxury bag on her arm, which did little to hide her slightly bulging belly.
Teacher Feng from No. 1 High stuck close to the young woman, her smile deepening the wrinkles around her eyes.
The moment Meng Xin spotted the young woman, she let out an excited whisper: “It’s Senior Wang Shiya! I can’t believe she’s one of the judges this time!!”
Wang Shiya was No. 1 High’s “outstanding alumna” and the idol of countless juniors. After graduating from Communication University, she had joined a Capital TV station. In recent years, she wrote books, started a company, and made waves everywhere, her fame soaring.
It was thanks to this halo that Wang Shiya had been invited as one of the five judges.
The contestants rushed forward to make good impressions, clamoring to shake hands and introduce themselves to the judges.
Shen Yuze’s face turned icy cold. From amid the crowd, he coldly watched Wang Shiya, surrounded like the moon among stars. He alone stood still, unmoving, with no intention of currying favor.
But if the mountain wouldn’t come to him, he could go to the mountain? No—the mountain came to him.
Teacher Feng led Wang Shiya out of the throng and straight to Shen Yuze.
“Shen Yuze, Meng Xin, come on—no need for much intro to the one beside me, right?” Teacher Feng beamed like a flower. “Meng Xin, didn’t you want to go to Communication University? Pick Senior Shiya’s brain. Shen Yuze, why so quiet? Shiya’s a judge this time—get to know her!”
……
With only ten minutes until the contest started, Lu Ping and Chen Miaomiao returned to the back rows of the auditorium and informed the other No. 1 High students about the seats. But front-row spots were limited, and Beian High only agreed to twenty people in their cheering section.
“Lu Ping, who knew you were so kill-jia (awesome)!” The Class Monitor from Class 8 immediately shrugged off his uniform jacket, ready to head up front with Lu Ping.
Lu Ping stopped him. “You can’t go.”
Class Monitor: “?”
Lu Ping was blunt: “When I was absent before, I asked to borrow your notes, and you pretended not to hear.”
Class Monitor: “……”
Then Lu Ping’s gaze swept over the other cheerleaders, naming a few and barring them from the front. Among them were those who had mocked his accent, ignored him in PE class, or fanned their noses when passing him, implying he smelled of braised meat.
Lu Ping had thought he wouldn’t remember their names, their faces, or what they’d done… But when their eyes met, the memories flooded back one by one.
“Anyone else who wants to go, follow me.” Lu Ping discovered that saying these words didn’t require a loud voice at all—as long as he lifted his head and straightened his back, it was enough.
Soon, a group of twenty people assembled. They took off their No. 1 High School uniform jackets, hiding the banners Chen Miaomiao had handed out under their clothes, and quietly followed Lu Ping toward the front-row audience seats.
No one knew that the leader, Lu Ping, had his back covered in sweat, his hands stuffed in his pockets trembling nonstop, with several nail marks left in his palms.
He was so happy—he was so thrilled that he wished he could see Shen Yuze right now and share his bravery and cleverness with him.
Shen Yuze would surely be proud of this step he had taken, right?
…
The leader from Beian High School was their student council president, famously known as Qian Jie. Lu Ping greeted Qian Jie and let his No. 1 High School classmates find seats on their own.
Beian High School was really too far from Experimental Middle School. Only about twenty people had come today as cheerleaders, and with the small team from Jiaojiang No. 1 Middle School, they barely filled out the scene.
Lu Ping was the captain of Jiaojiang No. 1 Middle School’s subgroup—this was the first time in his life he had held such an important “position.” Full of a sense of ownership, he stood ramrod straight, chin held high as he sat down next to Qian Jie.
Qian Jie had dark skin, but her teeth were very white. Her laugh was hearty and full of jianghu spirit: “I remember the beautiful host for this competition is from your school, right? Did you come for her?”
Lu Ping hurriedly distanced himself: “No, don’t say that. We’ve got nothing to do with each other.”
Qian Jie: “Then it’s for your school’s contestant?”
“Yeah.” Lu Ping nodded proudly. “He’s my desk mate, transferred from the Capital. His English is amazing—he’s definitely taking the championship this time!”
Beian High School wasn’t a key school, with virtually no hope of winning. Qian Jie didn’t feel bad hearing Lu Ping say No. 1 High School would take the crown.
Chen Miaomiao, sitting to Lu Ping’s right, tugged at him and whispered a reminder: “Lu Ping, don’t talk too big. What if Shen Yuze doesn’t win? Experimental Middle School’s contestant this year is really strong too—rumor has it they studied elementary school abroad, and their English is top-notch!”
Lu Ping wasn’t pleased: “Chen Miaomiao, why are you boosting others’ morale and dampening our own? You’ve even custom-made banners for Shen Yuze—don’t you believe he can win?”
“I believe it emotionally, but rationally, you need to keep some brain cells intact!” Chen Miaomiao argued back. “I admit Shen Yuze is excellent, but Experimental Middle School isn’t a pushover. Plus, who knows the judges’ tastes? They might just favor the host school.”
The two muttered endlessly. Suddenly, the auditorium lights dimmed. Music started playing on stage, and the projection screen showed the promotional VCR for this competition.
When the VCR ended, a graceful figure in bright blue appeared on stage.
“It’s Senior Meng Xin!”
“Senior is so beautiful!”
“Woo woo woo, goddess!!!”
Upon seeing Meng Xin’s figure, the Jiaojiang No. 1 Middle School cheer squad went wild. Whether it was the small team in the front rows or the main group in the back, they all clapped furiously. Who didn’t love looking at a beauty? Led by them, applause echoed through the entire auditorium.
Once the applause died down, Meng Xin smiled and read the opening remarks in fluent English.
Lu Ping couldn’t help leaning forward. Which slot had Shen Yuze drawn? He should appear soon, right?
On stage, Meng Xin continued guiding the process: “Next, let’s welcome this competition’s judges with warm applause! …”
She read out the names and titles of the judges one by one. With each name, a person emerged from backstage to stand center stage and accept the audience’s applause. Among these judges were university professors, an English newspaper editor, a veteran translator, and—
When Wang Shiya, smiling gracefully, walked out from behind the curtain, Chen Miaomiao shrieked nonstop, clapping until her palms were nearly raw.
“Oh my god, am I dreaming? Wang Shiya is actually a judge for this competition?! She’s our senior from No. 1 High School—with her here, she’ll definitely give Shen Yuze high scores!!!”
Lu Ping: “…”
Too caught up in her own excitement, she didn’t turn to look. If she had, she would have seen Lu Ping’s expression completely frozen.
Lu Ping’s mind buzzed—Wang Shiya was Shen Yuze’s father’s lover! How could she possibly give Shen Yuze high scores? It would be good if she didn’t give him the lowest score of the whole event!!
