C19 This Girl Was Quite Capable!

Yem Xi looked up, taken aback.

A chorus of ambiguous laughter rippled through the classroom.

The problem was notoriously difficult; even knowing the approach didn't guarantee a correct solution.

Wu Yufei was obviously trying to trip up Yem Xi.

"What's the matter, scared to come up here?" Wu Yufei taunted.

Yem Xi bowed her head, continuing to text Lin Xiao.

Wu Yufei's face twisted into a mocking sneer.

Could a country bumpkin like her really solve this carefully chosen math problem?

That would be the day!

As everyone expected Yem Xi to play the ostrich and ignore the challenge, the sound of a chair scraping back echoed from the rear of the room.

A graceful, statuesque figure rose and made her way to the front of the class with deliberate steps.

Wu Yufei's expression faltered.

She had intended to merely knock Yem Xi down a peg, not anticipating her bold move to the podium.

The next moment, Yem Xi cast a glance at Wu Yufei and stated evenly, "I need a moment to think."

With that, she turned her attention earnestly to the problem at hand.

Wu Yufei watched her, her expression one of feigned realization.

Claiming she needed to think—was she merely buying time?

Wu Yufei shrugged, positioning herself to enjoy the spectacle.

Less than a minute passed before she scoffed, "Is it really that hard for some people to admit they can't do it? Strutting around as if they're so capable. Pfft!"

Yem Xi simply turned and gave her a cool, dismissive look.

Wu Yufei instantly fell silent, a chill running down her spine.

A few seconds later, still not convinced, she piped up again, "Looks like you're giving up. Time for someone else. Jiang Shuyao, Yao, it's your turn to tackle this problem."

Caught off guard by the sudden call, Jiang Shuyao's head shot up.

She had just been wrestling with the second part of the problem and hadn't cracked it, let alone the third.

Jiang Shuyao remained awkwardly seated, flustered.

Wu Yufei, misinterpreting her hesitation as reluctance to show up Yem Xi, smiled and encouraged, "Yao, come on up and write it out. Don't worry. If Yem Xi can't do it, you can show her how it's done!"

Jiang Shuyao had no choice but to rise slowly and make her way to the front of the room.

Wu Yufei blocked Yem Xi's path, saying, "If you can't figure it out, move aside quickly. Don't get in Yao's way!"

Jiang Shuyao attempted to defuse the tension, "It's fine. I can work from here just as well."

She picked up a piece of chalk and briskly began solving the first problem on the blackboard. But when she reached the second part, she hit a snag. Her initial approach clearly wasn't working, and she hadn't yet figured out the correct solution.

As she hesitated, the person next to her sprang into action. Yem Xi grabbed a piece of chalk and started writing rapidly on the board. From Jiang Shuyao's perspective, she could see Yem Xi's profile, which was nothing short of perfection. Her expression was one of serene confidence, as if she had everything under control.

Jiang Shuyao's grip tightened involuntarily, snapping the chalk. Snapping back to reality, she continued to ponder the second problem.

A restless murmur rose from the audience.

"Hey, is that how you solve the second part?"

"This girl's got some serious chops!"

"No way, she knows how to do the third part too?"

The murmurs continued until Yem Xi finished writing the last answer and stepped back. The room erupted in applause, and someone exclaimed, "Incredible!"

Yem Xi set down the chalk and returned to her seat with poise.

Wu Yufei's face was beyond sour. She had supplied the problem, so she knew Yem Xi's solution was correct—and that she had used the simplest method. How could someone from the countryside have such talent?

Wu Yufei glanced at Jiang Shuyao's work; she hadn't even solved the second part. She looked over with a pained expression, her heart filled with extreme regret.

Jiang Shuyao set down her chalk and offered a small smile before walking back to her seat.

"It looks like we might have a new Quick Learner!" someone whispered under their breath.

Jiang Shuyao clenched her hands, her face awash with discomfort.

At that moment, Zhang Chaohe approached.

The classroom fell into a hush.

He first glanced at the math problem on the blackboard, then at Yem Xi's calculation process, and immediately offered praise, "Who did this? Impressive! Solid fundamentals, and she's able to integrate concepts seamlessly!"

Next, he turned to where Jiang Shuyao had written. He furrowed his brow slightly but remained silent.

Most people wouldn't notice such a reaction, but Jiang Shuyao caught it.

Mr. Zhang's response felt like a needle, piercing her heart.

A student responded to Zhang Chaohe's inquiry, "The one at the front was done by Yem Xi."

Zhang Chaohe wasn't particularly surprised, "Yes, good! Wu Yufei, please explain this problem to the class. It covers many concepts, so those who don't understand should listen closely. Those who do can work on their own math problems!"

It was clear to everyone who he was addressing.

It was just unclear why he felt the need to emphasize the math problems.

Yem Xi: "..."

Jiang Shuyao stole a glance at Yem Xi and Mr. Zhang, sensing there was something she wasn't privy to.

It felt as if a thousand ants were gnawing at her heart.

After Wu Yufei finished explaining the problem, she immediately apologized to Jiang Shuyao upon returning to her seat.

Jiang Shuyao, struggling to maintain her composure, offered a strained smile, "It's okay, Yufei. Don't worry about it. We're the best of friends, now and always!"