C40 The Two Class Monitor

"Understood," Yi Lanyou murmured, nodding slightly as she lamented inwardly about her misfortune.

With a dismissive huff, Li Baoqiang slammed the door shut and strode away.

Once the door clicked shut, Yi Lanyou finally took a seat.

Lin Xiaorou couldn't help but smirk with schadenfreude. Seeing Yi Lanyou reprimanded had lifted her spirits considerably.

Silence settled over the classroom once more. Restlessness grew among the students, who were clearly bored. Their expectant eyes turned to Yi Lanyou, hoping she would take the lead and organize an activity.

Yi Lanyou could feel the weight of their stares but had no desire to draw attention to herself, so she feigned ignorance. However, Wang Xiaoman broke the silence, "Youyou, why don't you lead us in doing something? It's just too dull."

"Youyou?" The nickname caught on instantly as someone echoed it.

"Youyou..." The name rippled through the room, accompanied by a chorus of chuckles.

Caught off guard, Yi Lanyou cleared her throat and stood up. "Let's start with self-introductions, beginning with the student nearest the window," she suggested. Internally, she imagined grabbing Wang Xiaoman's cheeks and pulling them apart. That Wang Xiaoman was such a simpleton, ruining a perfect chance to keep a low profile.

"Sounds good," the class agreed. The student by the window rose eagerly and began, "My name is Wang Hongfei, I'm 16, and I graduated from the second junior high school in Z City. I enjoy basketball and table tennis, and I excel in math. I'm looking forward to making great friends with those who share my interests this semester."

His introduction was met with applause, and then it was the next student's turn. During the middle of the introductions, Bai Yiming returned.

Noticing the ongoing introductions, he chuckled, "Why start such an important ritual without me? You should have waited for my return."

The students quickly filled him in on Li Baoqiang's earlier visit.

"Got it," Bai Yiming nodded, "Let's keep going. I'd like to listen in."

The introductions resumed, each student taking their turn. When it came to Yi Lanyou, she rose and shared, "I'm Yi Lanyou, an Aquarius. I graduated from the third junior high in Z City. I don't really have any particular hobbies, but my strength lies in language studies."

"Not bad!" Bai Yiming exclaimed, "You've got a lot of potential."

Yi Lanyou offered a faint smile before attempting to take a seat.

"Hold on a second, have you ever served as a class monitor?" Bai Yiming inquired.

"No," Yi Lanyou shook her head. "In high school, I was only a language representative."

"Oh, that's no issue at all!" Bai Yiming nodded affirmatively. "You seem to be quite helpful and organized. How about you become our class monitor? Any objections, everyone?"

"No objections," the group responded, shaking their heads in agreement. However, Lin Xiaorou's brow creased in frustration. She had intended to become the class monitor herself, and Yi Lanyou had been thwarting her plans from the start.

"Class Monitor Youyou," someone blurted out suddenly, and soon others joined in, chanting, "Class Monitor Youyou."

Yi Lanyou froze, her eyes narrowing slightly. She found the nickname rather embarrassing and hadn't even considered the role of class monitor. She bit her lip and demurred, "Teacher, I've never been a class monitor before. I'm sure I won't do well, and my grades aren't as high as everyone else's."

Lin Xiaorou's eyes sparkled with renewed hope upon hearing Yi Lanyou's words. She saw her chance. Just as she was about to volunteer, Bai Yiming spoke up, "That's not a problem. We're not asking you to be an academic representative. Being a class monitor isn't about grades. Where you're lacking, I'll guide you. Don't be shy. Isn't that right, Class Monitor Youyou?"

With no further excuses left, Yi Lanyou reluctantly nodded and accepted, "Alright, then."

Lin Xiaorou watched, her fists clenched in frustration. If Yi Lanyou truly didn't want to be the class monitor, why didn't she reject the offer outright? Lin found her behavior repulsive but consoled herself with the thought that she could still apply for the position of vice class monitor. Even though it was a step down, she was confident she could orchestrate Yi Lanyou's failure. Then, once Bai Yiming dismissed Yi Lanyou, she would ascend to the role of class monitor.

It was Qiu Wu's turn. He stood up and simply stated, "My name is Qiu Wu," before sitting back down. His somber demeanor caused everyone to instinctively furrow their brows.

The atmosphere turned slightly uncomfortable. Bai Yiming stroked his chin and inquired, "Qiu Wu, do you have any hobbies? How about subjects you excel in?"

Qiu Wu just shook his head in response.

"And which middle school did you attend?" Bai Yiming pressed on.

"C City's First Junior High School," Qiu Wu replied, his voice low and tinged with a dark undertone, signaling he was reluctant to say more.

"Oh," Bai Yiming acknowledged with a nod, deciding not to probe further. "Let's move on. Next, please."

Once the final two had finished their introductions, Bai Yiming turned to address a student by the window. "Let's have the introductions from your side one more time."

Wang Hongfei, who was first in line, hesitated. "I've already introduced myself."

"I didn't catch it, and I'm the homeroom teacher!" Bai Yiming feigned annoyance. "Getting to know you is what matters most, right? Or do you think Class Monitor Youyou is more important than me?"

"No," Wang Hongfei said, gesturing awkwardly before adding, "You're all great."

Wang Hongfei's comment elicited laughter from the class.

"You're quite the quick thinker," Bai Yiming remarked with a smile. "Since you're so sharp, why don't you take on the role of deputy class monitor? You could lend a hand to our inexperienced Class Monitor Youyou."

"Sure," Wang Hongfei agreed without hesitation. He had served as class monitor for three years in junior high and was fairly seasoned.

With the introductions complete, Bai Yiming nodded in approval and commented, "Well done. Everyone has such nice names and a wide range of interests. I'm quite content." As he finished, the announcement system called for homeroom teachers to escort their students to the auditorium.

After the announcement, Bai Yiming instructed, "Class Monitor Youyou and Wang Hongfei, could you two organize the class to head downstairs in an orderly fashion and form a line?"

"Absolutely," Wang Hongfei confidently stood up and directed, "Let's exit row by row, according to our seating arrangement, and regroup at the bottom of the stairs."

Yi Lanyou still wasn't quite comfortable with the new title, yet she followed Wang Hongfei's instructions and got in line to head out.

"Hold on," Wang Hongfei called out to Yi Lanyou. "We need to keep order and keep track of everyone. You shouldn't be in the line."

"Okay," Yi Lanyou acknowledged with a nod.

Bai Yiming observed this interaction and smiled contentedly. He had swiftly appointed the class monitor and the assistant class monitor, and he was very pleased with his choices.