Chapter 21: Ripples in Class A
Bai Gin froze, her face pale as chalk. The once confident glint in her eyes vanished like smoke in the wind. She looked toward the English teacher, silently pleading for rescue, but the man deliberately avoided her gaze. His earlier alliance had shifted the moment he realized who held the real power in the room. Bai Xia's quiet dominance was undeniable.
"Student Bai Gin," Bai Xia said slowly, her voice calm but cutting, "I don't think we know each other well enough to be talking about things like this."
Her tone was smooth, but every word struck like a blade. The class fell into a suffocating silence.
Bai Gin's lips trembled. "W-what do you mean? You—you clearly said you were excellent in English, I—"
Bai Xia tilted her head slightly, her gaze sharp as ice. "When did I ever tell you that, Student Bai Gin? I would appreciate it if you could quote my exact words."
Bai Gin faltered. Her mind went blank. Everyone's eyes were on her now—curious, judgmental, waiting.
"Well?" Bai Xia asked again, her voice soft but merciless.
"I… I heard it from someone else," Bai Gin stammered.
"Oh?" Bai Xia folded her arms, her expression unreadable. "Then you spread rumors without confirming the truth? That's quite bold for a student of Class A."
A low murmur swept through the class.
"She really didn't deny it directly."
"So Bai Gin just made that up?"
"Spreading lies about others—how shameful."
"I thought she was a good student, but this…"
The whispers grew louder, cutting into Bai Gin like invisible knives. Her face flushed red, then turned pale again. She wanted to defend herself, but every time she opened her mouth, another whisper followed.
The English teacher cleared his throat awkwardly. "Enough. Let's settle down." His tone, however, lacked conviction. Even he couldn't hide his disappointment.
Bai Xia smiled faintly and took her seat. "If there are no more false accusations, Teacher, may we continue with the lesson?"
Her composure, her fluent English earlier, and now her ability to handle the situation—everything about her left the class stunned.
The teacher straightened his papers, looking at her with a mix of embarrassment and newfound respect. "Miss Bai, you've proven your capability. I… would like you to represent Class A in the upcoming English competition."
For a moment, Bai Xia didn't speak. Then she stood up gracefully, her eyes steady. "If it's for the honor of Class A, I'll do it."
A wave of admiration rippled through the students. The same people who had doubted her minutes ago now looked at her like she was a star.
"She's really good."
"Did you hear how fluent she was?"
"Maybe she studied abroad secretly?"
"No, she's just that talented!"
Bai Gin sat in silence, her nails digging into her palms under the desk. Her pride, carefully built up over the years, was crumbling before everyone's eyes.
The teacher dismissed the class after some final notes, but the buzz didn't fade. As soon as the bell rang, students crowded around Bai Xia's desk.
"Bai Xia, what English books do you use?"
"Can you recommend a way to study pronunciation?"
"Where did you buy your school bag? It's so pretty!"
"Those hairpins—are they custom made?"
Bai Xia smiled politely, answering each question with calm grace. "For pronunciation, it's better to read aloud daily. The bag? I bought it from a small boutique. The hairpins… were a gift."
Every word made her sound refined, approachable, yet untouchable—like a beautiful painting behind glass.
After a few minutes, Bai Xia quietly began packing her things. "I'll be heading to the cafeteria," she said softly, and the crowd slowly dispersed.
As she walked down the hallway, students from other classes whispered when she passed.
"That's the new girl from Class A, right?"
"I heard she speaks perfect English."
"And she's so pretty too!"
Bai Xia ignored the chatter, her steps light and steady. She wasn't here to impress anyone—she had far bigger plans than that.
---
Bai Xia walked toward the cafeteria; on her way, many students greeted her politely, some even trying to strike up small talk, but she smiled softly and said she was heading for lunch. By this time, news had already spread across the entire school—there was a beautiful new student in Class A.
As Bai Xia entered the cafeteria, she picked a seat by the window. She ordered a simple meal—beef noodles and a can of juice. Everything cost just two yen. Before she could take her first bite, a high-pitched voice echoed behind her.
"Xia Xia! I've been looking for you! Why didn't you come find me?"
Even without turning around, Bai Xia recognized that voice. She forced her expression into calm composure and turned slowly. Shang Shan stood there, smiling too brightly, jealousy flickering beneath her gaze.
Shang Shan sat across from Bai Xia, her eyes darting over the girl's clear skin and gentle features. The envy stung. "Xia Xia, why did you suddenly decide to keep your hair like that? It doesn't suit you at all."
Bai Xia looked at her calmly. "My mother said I look good like this. I'll listen to her—after all, mothers are the ones who love us the most."
The faint smile that curved her lips was polite, but the words hit their mark. Shang Shan's throat tightened. Was Bai Xia… implying that her own mother didn't love her?
She forced a laugh, trying to recover. "Y-You're still the same, Xia Xia, always so serious."
But as she looked down at the smooth tabletop, something cracked in her mask. For once, Shang Shan didn't try to hide it. "You know… it must be nice, having a mother who cares like that. My family's not like yours. My dad works construction, and my mom… well, she stays home to care for my brother. He's the golden child, you know? I do everything right—good grades, good manners—but in the end, he's the one they save money for. Sometimes, I can't even afford lunch unless I skip breakfast."
Her voice trembled, half-confession, half-defense. "When people see me at school, they think I'm doing fine, but the truth is, I hate going home. The house is too small, too loud. I… just want to feel like I matter somewhere."
The table fell silent for a few seconds. Bai Xia stirred her noodles, expression unchanged. "I see," she said lightly. Then she began eating as if the conversation had never happened.
Shang Shan bit her lip, embarrassment burning her cheeks. "B-But Xia Xia, why didn't you help me carry my bag? You know my hand hurts when I hold it too long." She tried again, forcing sweetness into her voice.
Bai Xia glanced up, eyes cool. "I don't have to carry your bag all the time. I'm not your servant."
Shang Shan's face turned red. "It's not like I'm forcing you—I was just asking."
Bai Xia ignored her and continued eating. The aroma of beef and spice filled the air, making Shang Shan's stomach twist with both hunger and envy. Her own family could barely give her simple buns for lunch, and now this girl—whom she'd always looked down on—was eating like the rich kids.
Her gaze dropped to Bai Xia's delicate pink bag and elegant hairpins. Didn't she say her grandmother treated her badly? she thought bitterly. How could someone like that have such nice things?
"Xia Xia," she said suddenly, her tone sharp with fake cheer. "Your family seems to have struck gold this time. Where did you get such nice stuff? Can I get some too?"
"My father gave me these things," Bai Xia replied, still calm. "Of course, you can get them too—but they come at a price. If you're willing to pay ten yen for each hairpin and a hundred yen for the bag."
Shang Shan froze. Ten yen each? There were four hairpins in Bai Xia's hair—that was forty yen, plus a hundred for the bag… one hundred and forty yen total—half her father's monthly pay.
Her eyes stung. She wiped them with the back of her hand, hoping Bai Xia would soften. But the other girl remained silent, unmoved.
After a long pause, Shang Shan stood up, muttering something about the restroom.
Inside, she gripped the edge of the sink, staring into the mirror. The tears she'd faked earlier now threatened to become real. "Just you wait, Bai Xia," she whispered to her reflection, her voice trembling with anger. "I'll make sure you regret this."
She rubbed her eyes until they were red and watery, then left the restroom—her heart heavy with jealousy, hurt, and something darker.