Things became much simpler after that. Fang Bai received a pass for frequent outings, and the principal personally arranged for him to be in the First Repeat Class, also briefing the homeroom teacher.
The homeroom teacher of First Repeat Class was a female teacher in her thirties named Zhan Feng, who taught English.
After the principal left her office, Zhan Feng sat in her chair with a cold expression, saying to Fang Bai, who stood before her with his hands crossed in front of his stomach like a well-behaved student:
"Fang Bai, the principal told me not to manage you too much, that you can freely enter and exit the school, and take leave as you wish. I don't know what connection or background you have with the principal, but I hope you study hard and get into a good university.
Our class is a top repeat class; the students' college entrance examination scores are all above 470, and some even passed the undergraduate line.
Now you're entering the class a month late, and you'll have to work hard to catch up on the missed lessons."
If he had entered her class normally, Zhan Feng would not have had any objections, but she was particularly annoyed by students for whom the school made special exceptions, and free leave!
Free entry and exit from school!
This was not a student; it was like inviting a god!
Therefore, she felt a bit of dislike for Fang Bai in her heart.
"Thank you for your concern, homeroom teacher, I understand."
When Fang Bai heard this, he knew that the principal hadn't explained the situation clearly to his new homeroom teacher, causing her to misunderstand.
Forget it, he was too lazy to explain; perhaps it was better this way.
"Alright, take these review materials, and I'll take you to the classroom to find a seat."
Fang Bai behaved like a well-behaved student in front of Zhan Feng; he was more afraid of female teachers, as they might lecture him endlessly and give him ideological education.
It was currently afternoon class. Fang Bai, holding several centimeters of review materials, followed behind Zhan Feng and arrived at the First Repeat Class, the westernmost classroom on the first floor.
Zhan Feng knocked on the classroom door. The Li Teacher, who was teaching math inside, paused when he saw Zhan Feng and walked to the classroom door to ask her what was wrong.
"Li Teacher, there's a new repeat student, arranged by the principal," Zhan Feng said to the math teacher in a flat tone, then turned to Fang Bai, "Fang Bai, introduce yourself to your classmates and then sit in the empty seat in the last row."
"Okay."
Fang Bai followed the direction she pointed and saw that there was indeed an empty seat in the last row.
He also glanced at the students in the classroom who were looking at him. There were 8 rows of 4 double desks each, with a total of 63 students in the class, more males than females.
The desks were simple, piled high with books and materials, so much so that shorter students had their view blocked by the books.
On the wall behind the classroom, a line of red characters read, "Since you've chosen to try again, you should strive with all your might."
On the wall directly above the blackboard, another line of red characters read, "Improve one point, increase infinite hope."
The entire classroom was filled with a tense atmosphere of learning. Fang Bai saw the yearning for university in their eyes and was immediately infected.
After observing, he extended his left hand to Li Teacher, revealing an even brighter smile, "Li Teacher, hello, if I have any questions in the future, I'll have to ask for your guidance."
"Haha, welcome to communicate," Li Teacher was momentarily stunned before shaking his hand.
Fang Bai straightened his back and walked into the classroom, standing on the podium. He first placed his materials on the podium, then scanned the students below again.
The students below were also observing the handsome, fashionably dressed boy on the podium, who was very calm. They saw him smile slightly, then he spoke clearly in a loud voice:
"Hello, everyone. I'll take a moment of your time to briefly introduce myself.
My name is Fang Bai, Fang as in 'upright,' and Bai as in 'pine.' I am an ordinary student from the countryside.
My parents hope that I will be upright and strong like a pine tree, unafraid of difficulties.
This year, like many of you, I was very unlucky in the college entrance exam and failed. Unwilling to give up, I want to re-enter the battlefield and fight once more…"
As Fang Bai introduced himself, he wrote his name on the blackboard.
His speaking pace was unhurried, clear, and his articulation exuded depth and confidence, making people listen involuntarily.
However, his opening remarks surprised both teachers and students slightly.
Especially Zhan Feng, who felt that Fang Bai was completely different from ordinary students and couldn't help but scrutinize him more.
The students below had never seen such an articulate student. Generally, students stammered during self-introductions, and even the most articulate couldn't speak as well or as naturally as Fang Bai.
"In July, I went to work in a factory to earn money for tuition and miscellaneous fees, and I accidentally had three fingers cut off by a machine. I felt like the sky was falling."
Fang Bai calmly raised his right hand. Students in the front row could clearly see the scars on his three middle fingers. Especially the two female students in the front row, after a glance, covered their mouths and dared not look again.
He wasn't afraid of the teachers and students knowing about his severed fingers. Even if he didn't say anything, his classmates would soon find out and discuss it privately, possibly leading to various unwanted rumors. It was better to proactively disclose it and appear more inspiring.
Both teachers and the entire class were surprised, not expecting the student on the podium to have such a terrible experience. They couldn't help but feel sympathetic.
Everyone gazed at Fang Bai, listening as he continued, "I underwent re-implantation surgery for my severed fingers. Although they were reattached, I couldn't exert any strength.
I had no choice but to use my left hand and diligently practice writing with it. Now I can write.
I just want to tell everyone that past setbacks and failures are nothing at all!
In the coming months, I hope to work hard with my classmates and strive to get into our desired universities next year."
After he finished speaking, Fang Bai stepped down from the stage.
"Good!"
"Well said, past setbacks and failures are nothing at all!"
Many students below immediately responded, moved by Fang Bai's inspiring story, and applauded enthusiastically. Other students followed suit.
"Fang Bai spoke very well. His unexpected experience finally gave him the strength to stand up. I hope everyone studies hard and strives to get into a good university, fighting for a good future for yourselves."
Zhan Feng, who was standing at the classroom door, had no choice but to enter the classroom. She first clapped, then gestured for the students to quiet down so as not to disturb other classes.
After speaking, she said to Fang Bai, "Fang Bai, go back to your seat. If you're uncomfortable sitting in the back, we can adjust seats next time.
Li Teacher, I apologize for interrupting your class."
She had originally intended to find time to do some ideological work with the repeat students, but she didn't know what to say. Now, it seemed Fang Bai had done that job for her, clarifying the purpose and meaning of the college entrance exam and establishing a correct mindset.
She had thought Fang Bai got in through the back door, but now it seemed he had encountered something else, which delayed his schooling. His desire for free school access was probably also for the recovery of his right hand.
Alas, she had truly misunderstood him.
Since he wanted to leave school at any time for treatment, then let him be.
"It's alright, Fang Bai also taught me a lesson, very good indeed."
Li Teacher smiled and nodded. At first, he felt his time was wasted, but after hearing Fang Bai's introduction and seeing the students filled with fighting spirit, it seemed teaching would be easier from now on.
Fang Bai, who had walked off the podium, didn't realize he had once again caused his homeroom teacher to misunderstand.
If he had known, he probably would have slapped his thigh and said, "I just purely wanted to leave school, that's all."