Chapter 58
The reporters surrounded the Lincoln asking different questions.
"How did you break away from the family?"
"Is it true the Bai family used to maltreat you and your mother?"
"Is it true your uncle gambled away money and put the loans on your father's name?"
"Is it true you were beaten and broke six of your ribs?"
"Is it true your cousin used to steal from your elder sister?"
"Is it true you were once malnourished?"
"Is it true you're behind this sway of public opinion to get sympathy?"
"Did your family hide money from other relatives?"
"Who paid for the villa — you or someone else?"
"Is it true you refused to help your relatives when they came begging?"
"Did you plan this lottery win to embarrass the Bai family?"
"Is it true your father cut ties with the rest of the family deliberately?"
"Are you afraid of reprisals now that you're famous?"
"Who do you trust most in your family right now?"
"Were you supported by anyone outside the family to start XB?"
"Are those rumors about your school bribery true?"
"Why did you choose to stay silent about your past for so long?"
"Do you think fame has changed you?"
"Will you share your winnings with relatives who are poor?"
"Do you regret exposing family secrets in public?"
"Are you worried the Bai family will try to sabotage your company?"
"Have you received threats since the auction?"
"Are you certain the jade business is safe to run openly?"
Bai xia asked Stella to drive into the school. Once they were inside, Stella left. Bai xia walked to her classroom under the gaze of others — some looked at her with sympathetic eyes, others came straight up to tell her not to worry about such shameless and thick-skinned relatives. Bai xia accepted all their thanks and words with small, practiced nods.
After the morning self-study, the head teacher walked in to announce the results, and Bai xia had gotten first in the grade and second in the school. When Bai gin saw people clapping for Bai xia she felt her hatred overflow. "This darn Bai xia — I'll let you suffer later," she muttered under her breath.
All the students moved to the auditorium. Bai xia was supposed to represent Class B in both English and music. The first competition to start was English. She stood on the stage with five other students, and the three judges sat at the long table in front, each with a microphone and a small pile of score sheets. One by one the students were asked questions from class F up to class A — harder and harder. When it was finally Bai xia's turn the judges began.
Judge One (a stern woman in her fifties): "Question one — translate this sentence into fluent English: '在现代社会, 技术进步改变了人们的生活方式.'"
Bai xia (calm, clear): "In modern society, technological progress has transformed the way people live."
Judge Two (young, sharp): "Compose a short impromptu persuasive sentence persuading a teenager to study abroad, using an advanced vocabulary word."
Bai xia: "Studying abroad cultivates cultural fluency and intellectual autonomy; those who seize such an opportunity broaden not only their resumes but their worldviews."
Judge Three (soft-spoken): "Give a concise explanation, in English, of how photosynthesis works, but in no more than forty words."
Bai xia: "Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen, using chlorophyll to capture light energy."
Judge One: "Define 'ubiquitous' and use it in a sentence about smartphones."
Bai xia: "Ubiquitous means present everywhere. Example: 'Smartphones have become ubiquitous in urban life, connecting people across distances instantly.'"
Judge Two: "Explain the difference between 'affect' and 'effect' and give an example sentence."
Bai xia: "'Affect' is usually a verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is usually a noun meaning the result. Example: 'The new policy will affect small businesses, and the intended effect is economic stability.'"
Judge Three: "Construct a complex sentence using the subjunctive mood about hopes for the future."
Bai xia: "If she were to receive a scholarship, she would be able to pursue research that could benefit her whole community."
Judge One: "Translate and elaborate: '机会是给有准备的人' — deliver it as a motivational English proverb."
Bai xia: "Opportunity favors the prepared; those who ready themselves by learning and practice are poised to turn chances into successes."
Judge Two: "Explain 'sustainable development' and mention one practical example."
Bai xia: "Sustainable development meets present needs without compromising the future; an example is solar energy projects that reduce fossil fuel use."
Judge Three: "Final question — give a two-minute spontaneous speech in English on the importance of critical thinking in school."
Bai xia (faces the audience, voice steady, fluent): "Critical thinking teaches us to question assumptions, weigh evidence, and form reasoned conclusions. In school, it helps students evaluate sources, solve complex problems, and resist manipulation. A generation trained in critical thinking will create a society that prizes truth, innovation, and fairness. We must teach children to question kindly, to analyze rigorously, and to act responsibly — because ideas shape actions, and actions shape the future."
When she finished there was an immediate, rolling applause — first polite, then genuine, then loud. The judges exchanged impressed looks. Judge One smiled and said, "Her diction is impeccable; she handles complex thought with maturity beyond her years." Judge Two added, "She's precise, confident and adaptable — the kind of student who will shine in international contests." Judge Three stood and clapped along, saying, "Her delivery carried both warmth and logic. Excellent."
After the panel's praise, the announcer read the scores. Bai xia had answered every question perfectly; the judges' written comments were short and glowing: "Outstanding fluency," "Critical clarity," "Composure under pressure." She was declared the winner and would represent the school in the finals in two days' time.
Behind the stage, Bai gin was already at work. She leaned toward a girl with eager eyes and whispered, "Trust me — if Zhou Liang sees her true colors, he'll definitely come back to you."
The girl — Qing Lan — replied in a conspiratorial hush, "Are you sure? Why don't we just call her privately and reprimand her? It will be too embarrassing for her later."
"Don't you want Zhou Liang back?" Bai gin prodded. "Besides, it's unfair to other students. If we expose her now, the public will know her 'real' side. He'll hate what he sees and run back to you."
Qing Lan hesitated, then finally nodded. The plan felt petty and vicious, but it had the cold logic of those who live by takings and returns. Bai xia saw their sneaky figures from the side of her eyes but chose to ignore them. Whatever trouble they planned, she would face it head on.
Back in the auditorium, teachers and students bustled with talk about the upcoming finals. The air hummed with excitement and a low buzz of gossip. Bai xia slipped from the stage, cheeks warm from the applause, and felt the look of many hands reaching — some to lift, some to pull. She straightened her uniform, adjusted her ponytail, and walked out into the corridor with the quiet determination of someone who had just learned how loud the world could get — and how to answer it in perfect English.