Chapter 14 – Tang Xiao’s Exam Results

On this day.

Xin Ling was summoned to the principal’s office.

Principal Wei Changhe sat at his desk, his expression stern, while Xin Ling stood attentively before him.

“Teacher Xin, that student Tang Xiao in your class—hasn’t he been getting a bit out of hand lately?” Wei Changhe asked, his tone grave.

Xin Ling was puzzled. “What happened?”

“What happened? Other teachers have reported to me that he’s been reading books for other subjects during their classes. Is this what you call discipline after your so-called guidance?”

Wei Changhe was still holding a grudge from the last incident where Tang Xiao had skipped classes and was caught in what seemed like a budding romance.

At that time, he had informed Xin Ling, and she had assured him she would address the issue.

Now, however, multiple teachers were complaining that Tang Xiao had been repeatedly caught reading irrelevant materials during their classes, escalating the matter all the way to the principal.

Xin Ling was at a loss for words.

What’s going on with my little brother lately? Has he let success go to his head?

Tang Xiao’s actions were indeed inappropriate.

Reading one teacher’s materials in another teacher’s class—was he trying to offend every teacher in the school?

Wei Changhe, his patience worn thin, said sharply, “So what if he’s ranked second in the grade? There’s always someone better out there! His so-called second place is nothing in the larger picture.”

Though their school was considered one of the better ones in Jiang’an City, it was still a step below the top-tier schools.

“Arrogance leads to downfall! Look at Xia Yuxi, the first-ranked student in the grade. Why can’t he learn from her good behavior?”

Already irritated by past events, Wei Changhe’s frustration had been further compounded by the steady stream of complaints.

“What’s the point of being second if he’s going to waste his potential like this? If this keeps up, he won’t even be able to maintain that ranking.”

Students who start strong but lose focus and see their grades plummet were all too common.

Xin Ling quickly apologized, “I understand, Principal. I’ll make sure to guide him properly.”

She felt a pang of guilt. This little rascal! If you keep causing trouble, how am I supposed to help you with your love life?

She resolved to have a serious talk with Tang Xiao later.

Just then, the door opened, and a slightly plump middle-aged woman entered, holding a sheet of paper.

It was Gao Chunmei, the senior year director.

“Principal, the mock exam results are out!” she said, sounding urgent. “This time, the top spot has changed. Xia Yuxi only managed to rank second. Oh, Teacher Xin, you’re here too—that’s convenient…”

Wei Changhe’s frown deepened. “Teacher Xin, look at your class. Even Xia Yuxi, who was consistently first, has fallen in rank. The overall morale of your students must be slipping.”

“Yes, Principal, you’re absolutely right…” Xin Ling could only nod and accept the scolding.

With her student no longer holding the top spot, she had no leg to stand on.

However, Gao Chunmei quickly interjected, “Principal, the new first place is still from Teacher Xin’s class.”

“Who is it?”

“Tang Xiao.”

The expressions on both the principal’s and Xin Ling’s faces instantly shifted.

Xin Ling couldn’t hide her delight. Tang Xiao, you’ve really come through this time! Back at the top!

Wei Changhe, on the other hand, was momentarily dumbfounded. Did that little rascal really pull off such a stellar performance?

The principal felt awkward. Just moments ago, he had been berating Tang Xiao’s academic decline, only for the boy to turn around and clinch first place.

Still, Wei Changhe recovered quickly, showing why he was the principal. “Teacher Xin, excellent work. Encouraging healthy competition between Tang Xiao and Xia Yuxi is a very effective teaching strategy…”

Gao Chunmei interrupted, “Principal, I don’t think Xia Yuxi can compete with Tang Xiao anymore. His first-place score this time is extraordinary—he scored 741 points.”

“What? 741?”

Both Wei Changhe and Xin Ling were utterly shocked.

With a total score of 750, Tang Xiao’s 741 was nearly perfect.

Xia Yuxi’s 672 was already an impressive score, but it was nowhere near Tang Xiao’s towering achievement.

This wasn’t just competition—it was domination.

The principal couldn’t believe his ears. “Are you sure there wasn’t a mistake in the calculations?”

Gao Chunmei nodded emphatically. “There’s no mistake. Several of us teachers reviewed his papers multiple times—it’s definitely 741. Even his essay was graded conservatively.”

Wei Changhe understood exactly what this meant. Tang Xiao’s score wasn’t just top-tier in Jiang’an City—it was at the level of a provincial champion!

With such a talent emerging from their school, Gao Chunmei was elated. “The other teachers are full of praise for Tang Xiao. They all say he’s diligent, well-mannered, and an exceptionally good kid.”

Some of Tang Xiao’s subject scores were even perfect. How could any teacher still have complaints about him?

As long as Tang Xiao wasn’t drinking or gambling in their classes, there was nothing they wouldn’t tolerate.

The principal’s face turned a little dark. It had been those same teachers who had pushed him to reprimand Tang Xiao. Now, he was the only one left looking awkward.

Xin Ling, standing to the side, was thoroughly entertained. Seeing the principal in such an uncomfortable position is too amusing.

Still, Wei Changhe wasn’t a principal for nothing. He quickly regained his composure. “Thank you, Teacher Gao. You may get back to work.”

“Of course, Principal.” Gao Chunmei left the room.

Now, only the principal and Xin Ling remained in the office.

The principal’s expression shifted instantly. “Teacher Xin, Tang Xiao is an outstanding student. If he needs to take a leave of absence, approve it. If he encounters any emotional difficulties… well, be supportive and guide him properly.”

Joking aside, this was a potential provincial top scorer. Who wouldn’t pamper him?

Want to skip class? Approved. Want to date? Go ahead.

And as for dating affecting someone else’s grades? Preposterous. Who wouldn’t thrive academically while dating the provincial top scorer?

Xin Ling immediately promised, “Understood, Principal. No problem at all!”

“You’re dismissed,” the principal waved her off.

After she left, the principal promptly called Gao Chunmei again. “Any scholarships or financial aid programs we can offer to Tang Xiao—don’t hold back. Give him everything we can. No need to be stingy.”

The news of Tang Xiao’s 741 quickly spread throughout the school.

Everyone was stunned, especially the students of Class 7, Grade 12.

“Tang Xiao is insane—741 points? Is this guy even human?”

“This is divine intervention! Someone get a picture of Tang Xiao and hang it up for worship. I’ll need his blessing for my next exam.”

Meanwhile, Tang Xiao sat quietly in the classroom, surrounded by buzzing chatter. Students kept coming over to consult him on various topics.

He patiently explained, “This problem isn’t hard. It appeared in the 2002 third mock exam. You’d recognize it if you’d reviewed properly…”

“How do you ace English? It’s simple—just memorize everything.”

Although he felt a bit awkward about the sudden attention, Tang Xiao couldn’t avoid it.

His current photographic memory allowed him to remember everything he read in one go. Combined with his innate intelligence, exams had become the easiest challenge in his life.

In contrast, Xia Yuxi, sitting nearby, found herself somewhat overshadowed and unable to join the conversation.

Some classmates, pitying her, came over to console her.

“Yuxi, don’t feel bad. The most important thing is to be happy. Being first isn’t everything.”

“Exactly. We don’t need to compare ourselves to that freak Tang Xiao.”

“Cheer up, Yuxi.”

These “comforters” all assumed Xia Yuxi must be upset about losing her top spot.

Xia Yuxi could only smile awkwardly.

But inside, she was even happier than Tang Xiao. He got first again! Amazing! Yay!

In another corner of the classroom, Liu Zihao was flipping through a book at an almost comical speed, like he was shuffling a deck of cards.

Li Jia leaned over and asked, “Liu Zihao, you’re good friends with Tang Xiao, right? How is he scoring so well while you’re stuck here? Have you even asked him how to study properly? And what are you doing? Did you lose money you hid in the pages or something?”

Liu Zihao kept flipping pages furiously. “Don’t distract me. I’m studying. This is called the quantum learning method. You wouldn’t understand.”

Li Jia stared at him as if he were an idiot. “Quantum learning method? Are you sure you haven’t been scammed?”

“This is Tang Xiao’s secret technique! I saw it with my own eyes. He studies exactly like this. Now, be quiet and don’t disturb me.”

With an air of utmost seriousness, Liu Zihao continued flipping through his book at lightning speed.