As it turned out, words didn’t need to be many — they just needed to land.
By the time the full round of introductions was over, Zhu Yun found that the one who had left the deepest impression on her was still Number One.
“What do you think?” Fang Shumiao whispered beside her.
“Hm?”
“That Li Xun.”
Zhu Yun chose her words carefully. “He’s got a lot of personality.”
“There’s no way the teachers will let him keep that hair color,” Fang Shumiao said, frowning. “He’s an adult — what’s with the rebellious phase? My mom never let me spend time with boys who dyed their hair.”
Lucky for you, then.
Zhu Yun thought to herself that if it were her own mother, she would have gone straight to the principal and written a letter denouncing the decline of proper standards.
She glanced over toward Li Xun without thinking.
He was slouched lazily against the back of his chair, still looking half-asleep, eyelids drooping, breathing slow.
But people like him — those who did things their own way — seemed to draw attention wherever they went, especially with the title of “top scorer” attached to his name. During the break after introductions, a few classmates had gathered around Li Xun, making polite conversation and trying to get to know him better. He, for his part, did not appear especially interested.
Tsk, tsk, tsk.
After that, Teacher Zhang spoke for a while longer, giving a general overview of the program’s curriculum, career prospects, and research directions.
Zhu Yun noticed that ever since the introductions ended, Fang Shumiao had been bent over a small notebook writing something, occasionally pausing to furrow her brow and mutter quietly to herself.
“Well, I think that covers it for now.”
Teacher Zhang at last drew his lengthy remarks to a close. “We’ll finish with one final item — the election of class officers. I hope those who are interested will come forward. We’ll start with the position of class president. Would any student like to——”
Fang Shumiao had nearly finished memorizing whatever she’d been writing. She snapped the notebook shut, put on a very serious expression, and raised her hand.
…
Seeing someone volunteer so promptly, Teacher Zhang visibly relaxed.
“That’s Fang Shumiao, isn’t it? Come on up to the front.”
Fang Shumiao walked to the podium with easy confidence, cleared her throat, and began.
“Hello everyone. My name is Fang Shumiao. You may not know me very well yet, but that’s all right — we’ll have plenty of time to get acquainted. So I’ll get straight to the point. I’m running today for the position of class president, and I’d like to briefly explain my reasons and qualifications. First, I have a genuine desire to serve everyone. Second, I am eager to grow and challenge myself. Third, I have held the position of class president on multiple previous occasions. Fourth, I possess the commitment and determination to see things through. I’d now like to elaborate on each of these four points and share my understanding of what the role of class president requires.”
Zhu Yun: “…”
This was such a familiar approach that it felt practically like her own mother reincarnated. Zhu Yun sat up straight with a respectful sense of recognition and listened as Fang Shumiao spoke with impressive fluency for nearly five full minutes.
“…That concludes my speech for the position of class president. I hope each of you will cast your vote of confidence in me. Thank you for your support!”
The homeroom teacher led the applause.
Everyone came back to their senses and joined in with a scattered round of clapping.
Teacher Zhang: “Are there any other students who would like to run for class president?”
After hearing Fang Shumiao’s textbook-perfect campaign speech, everyone’s enthusiasm deflated. Teacher Zhang asked several times without getting a response.
And so Fang Shumiao was elected without contest.
“Come by the office after the class meeting — and try to bring a classmate with you. There are some materials to distribute.” Teacher Zhang reminded Fang Shumiao.
Back in her seat, Zhu Yun gave Fang Shumiao a thumbs-up.
“That was brilliant.”
“Thank you!” Fang Shumiao said. “Hey — are you free afterward?”
“I am.”
“Would you come with me to the teacher’s office? I think there are things to pick up.”
Zhu Yun nodded, then midway through the nod remembered something and turned around.
Ren Di — the Cake — had lost all interest in the class meeting from the moment Li Xun’s introduction ended, and had been sitting with her head down listening to music ever since.
Zhu Yun gave her a gentle poke.
“What?”
“I’m going with Fang Shumiao to the teacher’s office after this. Want to come along?”
Ren Di looked at Zhu Yun with cool disinterest. “Why would I go?”
“…”
The class meeting ended.
At the entrance of the teaching building, Zhu Yun asked Ren Di one more time, and got the same answer.
“Forget it, let’s just go ourselves,” Fang Shumiao murmured. “If she doesn’t want to come, don’t push her.”
They parted ways at the corner.
Zhu Yun watched Ren Di walk away, feeling a quiet unease.
It was only the first day, and things were already like this. At this rate, there was simply no hope of four peaceful years ahead.