The class rankings were announced: Class 28 first, Rocket Class second.
The result sent shockwaves through the crowd.
Especially among the young elites of Beijing, who were utterly dumbfounded.
"Didn't they say Celia was just a pretty face? How the hell did she pull off a perfect score of 150?""Not only did she get a perfect score herself, she carried all of Class 28 to first place. Rocket Class completely lost the bet.""Who exactly is this Celia? She's unbelievable.""Damn, so we don't get to see her streak after all!"
Just then, someone shouted from the crowd: "Celia is here!"
Everyone turned their heads.
Celia led the students of Class 28 forward in a proud, united procession. None of them knew the results yet, but they were already brimming with confidence. During the exam, they had been stunned to realize that the test questions were nearly identical to the review manual Celia had prepared for them. Afterward, their score estimates had been right on target.
Now, the group followed Celia with their heads held high, their steps steady, as if nothing could shake them.
The crowd instinctively parted to make way.
Celia stopped in front of Yara Lu and the Rocket Class, her hands clasped behind her back. Her bright, clear eyes sparkled as she looked at Yara's stormy expression.
"Yara Lu," she said lightly, "your class lost this time."
Zuo Ming smirked. "Admit it—you just can't afford to lose, can you?"
Li Yuting grinned, pumping his fist. "Streaking! Streaking! Time to see Rocket Class run!"
At first it was only Class 28 chanting. But soon, the entire school joined in. Even the young elites of Beijing picked it up, surrounding Yara, Ning Xiner, and the Rocket Class, laughing and chanting in unison:
"Run naked! Run naked! Run naked!"
Yara Lu's face turned deathly pale. She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, but she didn't even feel the pain.
Ning Xiner and the others lowered their heads in humiliation, wishing the earth would swallow them whole.
Just then, one of the Rocket Class boys tore off his shirt. "Let's just run!"
Celia's lips curved into a sly smile. "I'll be generous—you can keep your pants on."
In the next instant, the Rocket Class boys stripped off their shirts and sprinted around the playground, bare-chested.
Whistles. Cheers. Thunderous applause.
The crowd roared with laughter, the atmosphere electric.
At that moment, a figure stepped forward. It was Peng Li.
In front of the entire school, she lowered her head and bowed deeply. "I'm sorry."
Her voice trembled as she looked at the students of Class 28. "Class 28… you're the best."
All eyes turned toward their homeroom teacher, Li Guoxiang, who stood quietly at the back with a kind smile. Meeting his students' gaze, he raised his hand and gave them a firm thumbs-up.
The students of Class 28 instantly teared up. The greatest joy in life was not just hard work, but being recognized for it.
Celia's clear eyes shimmered as she declared, "Class 28 has always been the best!"
The next second, her classmates rushed forward, lifting her high into the air and tossing her upward again and again.
"Celia! Celia! Celia!"
Their chants shook the campus.
······
Meanwhile, Nathaniel Fu had just finished with his competition team when Secretary Song hurried over.
"President, the advanced math results are out. Miss Celia…"
Nathaniel's handsome features remained composed. "What did she get? Forty? Sixty?"
Secretary Song hesitated. "…Sir—"
Nathaniel cut him off, his tone indifferent. "I already knew she'd lose. Send someone to clean this up. I won't allow her to humiliate herself by running naked…"
His voice trailed off.
Because not far away, a spectacular scene came into view—Class 28 lifting Celia high above their heads, the entire school cheering her name.