The phone call left Li Xuan frowning. With no knowledge of the caller's intentions, the situation seemed suspicious.
Could it be that the police were already after him?
In an instant, Li Xuan's brain was racing, analyzing various possibilities. He even scanned the people around him from the corner of his eye.
His muscles tensed, and he prepared himself to escape if necessary.
However, the elderly voice on the other end continued, "Hello, Li Xuan. I am Zhong Xibei."
Hearing the name, Li Xuan's nerves relaxed a bit. He cleared his throat and cautiously asked, "Principal Zhong?"
"Hehehe... Not bad, young man. You know who I am," replied Zhong Xibei, the principal of Zhonghai No.1 High School. He was the driving force behind transforming the school from an ordinary high school to a top-tier one. The surge of seven-hundred-point scores this year had delighted the old principal.
Feeling relieved by Zhong Xibei's tone, Li Xuan responded modestly, "I am a student of No.1 High School, so I know the principal's name."
Zhong Xibei chuckled and said, "You have a way with words, but now you are more famous than this old man."
"Our Education Bureau's Director Song even called to congratulate you."
Hearing this, Li Xuan's eyebrows furrowed.
Director Song?
Wasn't that Song Yang?
Did he find out?
Director Song said that I did well, bringing honor to No.1 High School and saving face for myself... He even reminded me to stay safe.
Li Xuan was puzzled by the unexpected encouragement.
But then he suddenly understood.
So, this call from Principal Zhong was a subtle reminder from Song Yang. It was a signal that Song Yang was on his side and would help him cover up certain matters if necessary.
Song Yang was indeed a clever person. As long as he didn't initiate direct contact with Li Xuan, even if the truth were exposed later, he would be able to protect himself to some extent.
Li Xuan's lips curled into a smile.
This phone call confirmed that Song Yang had already taken his side and might assist him if any trouble arose.
Director Song praised me for my excellent performance, bringing glory to No.1 High School and myself... He even reminded me to stay safe.
Li Xuan thanked Principal Zhong and Director Song, but in his mind, he was thinking about something entirely different.
"He praised my appearance?"
"That means he has seen my photo?"
"But there's no reason for that..."
With this realization, Li Xuan felt relieved.
That's it.
He understood that this phone call from Principal Zhong was actually a subtle reminder from Song Yang. It was a signal that Song Yang was on his side and would help cover up certain things if needed.
Song Yang was indeed a clever person. As long as he didn't directly contact Li Xuan, even if the truth came out later, he could still protect himself to some extent.
Principal Zhong was satisfied with Li Xuan's response.
These days, it's not easy to find young people who are so humble.
Especially for someone who just became the top scorer in the college entrance examination, it's truly rare.
Although Zhong Xibei had seen many students like Li Xuan over the years, he had never encountered someone as modest as him.
He continued, "Li Xuan, our school offers scholarships for the top scorer, although it's not much, it's better than nothing."
"Scholarship?" Li Xuan was taken aback.
As an orphan without any family support, his financial situation was indeed average. While he didn't worry about earning money, he was currently in need of funds.
This scholarship could be a lifesaver for him.
"Yes, usually, we directly transfer the scholarship to your account."
"But this year, there's something different."
"Our school performed well in the exams this year, and the Education Bureau and our school are planning a celebration banquet."
"In ten days, the first round of admissions should be announced."
"On July 1st, we've booked an entire floor at the Zhonghai Hotel, and the school will cover the expenses!"
"As the top scorer, you'll be the center of attention, and we will hand you the 50,000 yuan scholarship in cash."
"It's meant to encourage you!"
Fifty thousand?
That's already quite substantial.
The tuition for four years of college isn't even fifty thousand yuan.
Li Xuan expressed his gratitude and exchanged a few more pleasantries before ending the call.
Zhonghai Hotel?
Isn't that a four-star hotel?
Li Xuan was a bit surprised because, in his memory, the school had never held such gatherings.
But this time, it seemed different.
The school had achieved such high scores this year, and it was indeed worth celebrating.
However, for Li Xuan, what was worth celebrating was actually Song Yang's attitude.
It significantly reduced his pressure, and he didn't have to worry as much.
...
After the college entrance examination results were announced, discussions about it could be heard in every household in Zhonghai.
The story of a gifted student from a humble background rising to the top scorer, snatching the title from Liu Zhen, who was known for his brilliance, sounded like a fairy tale.
Whether they were related to this year's college entrance examination or not, everyone knew the name Li Xuan.
No one thought about how Li Xuan might have achieved the top score through other means. That seemed like something only found in movies—a far-fetched and unrealistic plot.
In the adult world, cheating in the college entrance examination, especially in this year's examination, was simply impossible.
However...
If they knew the actual situation, they would probably be astonished.
But unlike adults, Liu Zhen had just come of age, and his imagination and creativity were at their peak.
After seeing Li Xuan's photo, a daring and spine-chilling plan quickly formed in his mind.
After the celebration on the day the results were announced, he returned home feeling even more downcast.
He could tell that there were some changes in the decorations at home. His parents had prepared a celebration for him, but upon learning that he wasn't the top scorer, they quickly removed the decorations.
Yet, the expressions in his parents' eyes were indescribable.
So, Liu Zhen's not-so-profound jealousy towards Li Xuan gradually transformed into resentment.
The mature-faced Li Xuan and the shocking plan in Liu Zhen's mind took shape and stood out prominently.
In the whole of Zhonghai City, only Liu Zhen, and only Liu Zhen, began to investigate this matter.
As days went by, it was now noon on June 20th.
Liu Zhen was sitting on the couch with a frown, waiting.
Seeing a middle-aged woman placing a glass of water in front of him, Liu Zhen spoke seriously, "Aunt Liao, let me confirm one more time. You said Li Xuan pretended to be a proctor and entered your examination room?"
"Is this true?"
Liao Xiaoyun was the homeroom teacher of Class 23, Grade 11, at Zhonghai Second High School and Liu Zhen's mother's sister.
She was also the proctor for the mathematics exam, the one who walked past Li Xuan and had a deep impression of the white-shirted proctor.
Looking at Liu Zhen's serious expression, she recalled and replied, "It indeed looked quite similar, but it should not be him. Later, Director Song from the Education Bureau mentioned that there was a floating proctor who looked a lot like Li Xuan."
"It seems he's a student from Zhonghai University."
"Liu Zhen, we were only one point apart, and besides, you've already been admitted to Huaying University, haven't you?"
Liao Xiaoyun didn't want her nephew to get so hung up on this matter. As an educator, she knew well that such jealousy was not conducive to a child's growth.
However, Liu Zhen stood up directly without even taking a sip of water.
He opened the door and left the room.
The last puzzle piece had fallen into place.
As he walked, he took out his phone and dialed the number of the Provincial Education Department.