Volume One, Chapter 12: She Silenced Everyone with Her Strength

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Lu Ning had been trying to comfort herself not to care about these things. Qin Xiang could only resort to such tactics, even bringing Sixth Brother to the school, and in the end, the most likely outcome would be having her exam results canceled. Yet, when Ji Chi Qian asked about the grades, she still couldn’t help but feel upset. Just as Lu Ning was about to respond, someone beside her called out, “Lu Ning, the homeroom teacher wants you to come to the office.” Upon hearing this, she pursed her lips and said, “I’ll go to the office first. We can talk later.”

After hanging up, Lu Ning headed straight to the homeroom teacher’s office. Upon entering, she found that Sixth Brother was also there, and the atmosphere was tense. Lu Liu spoke with a cold expression, “Lu Ning, I never expected that you would cheat on the exam just to win. Do you know what this behavior means?” Lu Ning was not surprised at all; she knew Sixth Brother wouldn’t believe her. Her eyes were sharp and clear as she said, “I didn’t cheat.” But she wouldn’t admit to something she never did.

“Lu Ning, the facts are right before your eyes, and you’re still lying? Judging by your usual grades and your behavior at home, your scores couldn’t have improved this much honestly. You have every motive to cheat! Admit your mistake quickly so we can arrange a demerit instead of harsher punishment.” Lu Ning sneered, “Can those really be considered evidence proving I cheated?” Lu Liu angrily stood up, “Lu Ning, look at what you’ve become!” The homeroom teacher hurried to stop him, “Speak to the child properly.” Lu Liu, frustrated, said to the teacher, “Sorry. Lu Ning cheated out of spite against the family. Let’s just have her write a self-criticism letter and apologize publicly in front of the whole school. No need for formal punishment.” The homeroom teacher sighed, “That will do. I hope Lu Ning can truly learn her lesson.” After all, they were about to graduate from senior year, and having a record would be shameful.

Lu Ning lowered her head, staring at the floor, her already cold heart sinking deeper. They had so quickly decided her guilt without ever believing her. “Lu Ning, you’ve truly disgraced the Lu family. How could we have a sister with such poor character? It’s embarrassing even to speak of you!” “Do you think I want to be a sister of the Lu family?” Lu Ning’s features were pale and delicate, her gaze pitch black and cold. She no longer cared at all. “Lu Ning, do you dare say that again?” Lu Liu’s face turned dark with anger as he glared at her. “Parents, please don’t be so harsh; you might scare the child,” a kindly old man said as he walked in.

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The homeroom teacher quickly said, “Principal, you’re here?” “I heard there’s a senior student who made great progress but was accused of cheating, and it stirred up quite a commotion. I came to see what’s going on.” Lu Liu said irritably, “Principal, there’s no need for investigation. Lu Ning cheated to get these good grades. If she refuses to apologize and admit it, just punish her.” Indeed, Lu Ning needed to be taught a lesson. He had just pleaded with the teacher to avoid punishment, but Lu Ning refused to accept it. Fine, then he wouldn’t bother helping her anymore. She didn’t care anyway.

The principal looked at Lu Ning kindly, “Student, there is a simple way to verify if you cheated: you can retake a new set of questions under everyone’s supervision. Are you willing to take the test?” Lu Ning looked at the principal, “I accept, but I have one condition: if I prove I didn’t cheat, will those who accused me apologize publicly?” Lu Liu sneered, “Fine, let’s see what scores you can get!” Soon, the homeroom teacher handed Lu Ning a set of questions, “I’ll time you.” Lu Ning sat down, took the pen, and began the test.

The office was very quiet; everyone watched her closely. The homeroom teacher, sitting closest, was surprised as she saw Lu Ning solving the math problems. This set was much harder than the monthly exam, yet Lu Ning got almost all of them right! Time ticked by. Qin Xiang, curious about what was happening in the office, walked over and saw Lu Ning working on the test, immediately feeling a bad premonition. She went straight to Lu Liu, “Sixth Brother, what are you doing? Is Ning Ning retaking the test?” Lu Liu snorted coldly, “Exactly. She refuses to admit plagiarism, so this time we’ll make sure she loses convincingly.” Qin Xiang hurried to Lu Ning’s side, “Ning Ning, don’t be upset. We all believe in you. Don’t push yourself.” Lu Ning didn’t respond or acknowledge Qin Xiang; she wouldn’t let that woman disrupt her rhythm.

Seeing this had no effect on Lu Ning, Qin Xiang bit her lip and looked at Lu Liu, “Sixth Brother, Ning Ning is still angry with me.” Lu Liu immediately grew angry, “Lu Ning, Xiang Xiang is talking to you. Can’t you hear her?” Lu Ning looked up, “I’m taking the test. Can’t you see?” Lu Liu was momentarily speechless, “Xiang Xiang is giving you a way out, and you’re not taking it? Don’t embarrass yourself later!” “Qin Xiang, please don’t disturb Lu Ning while she’s taking the test. We’ll talk after she finishes,” the homeroom teacher said firmly. He clearly saw that Lu Ning’s test was going well and suspected she really hadn’t cheated. Qin Xiang reluctantly put on an innocent face, “Teacher, I didn’t mean anything else.” But she simply didn’t want Lu Ning to prove her so-called strength.

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She couldn’t accept Lu Ning surpassing her and wouldn’t allow it to happen. Qin Xiang stood aside watching, doubting Lu Ning could actually score well. But seeing Lu Ning’s recent changes unsettled her deep down.

The exam time ended. The homeroom teacher immediately collected the papers and, with other teachers, quickly graded them. Lu Ning sat quietly, unusually calm. Even seeing Qin Xiang standing next to Sixth Brother Lu Liu didn’t stir much emotion within her. Indeed, when you don’t care, you won’t be hurt.

The homeroom teacher said excitedly, “The results are out.” Qin Xiang looked over, maliciously hoping Lu Ning had done poorly. Lu Liu coldly said, “Teacher, if she scores badly, just don’t mention it—it would be disgraceful.” “No, Lu Ning did very well! And this set was harder than the monthly exam. Her score is even better!” Upon hearing this, Lu Ning’s heart finally settled. She pursed her lips and smiled slightly. Lu Liu’s expression faltered; he glanced at the paper, and numbers never lie. Lu Ning truly scored well.

Qin Xiang tiptoed to see the scores and instantly felt a surge of jealousy. When had Lu Ning gotten so good? This was impossible! The principal smiled warmly, “The truth is clear. Lu Ning achieved this great progress through her own effort.” The homeroom teacher nodded, “Lu Ning has indeed been working very hard lately.” Lu Liu’s expression changed like a palette, finally putting the paper down, unable to believe Lu Ning hadn’t cheated. At this moment, he suddenly felt Lu Ning before him was somewhat unfamiliar.

The principal cleared his throat, “Since the truth is out, those who slandered Lu Ning should apologize.” Qin Xiang’s face quickly turned awkward.