Chapter 6: Rumors and Whispers

Fu Siqiao was focused intently on her homework, the classroom enveloped in silence, broken only by the soft rustling of pen tips against paper.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and the homeroom teacher, Zhang Kaiguo, stepped inside.

With measured, steady steps, he made his way directly to the podium. The textbook in his hand tapped lightly against the lectern, producing a crisp sound that shattered the stillness.

“Class, please prepare yourselves. The first lesson is about to begin.”

His voice was deep and commanding, his gaze sweeping the room with an invisible authority.

Fu Siqiao quickly packed away her homework, straightened her posture, and fixed her eyes on the blackboard.

This was math class. Zhang Kaiguo explained complex formulas and problem-solving methods with clarity and depth. Fu Siqiao listened intently, her pen moving ceaselessly to record key points.

She knew well that to keep pace in this class, she had to study diligently.

When the bell rang signaling the end of class, the room instantly came alive.

Some students stood to stretch, others gathered in groups to discuss the lesson.

Fu Siqiao began organizing her books and stationery, preparing for the next class.

As she rose, clutching a stack of books, she turned and unexpectedly collided with Xu Zhixing, who was just returning from the water fountain.

With a clatter, the water cup in Xu Zhixing’s hand fell, spilling water across the floor.

Startled, Fu Siqiao quickly apologized, “I’m sorry, Xu Zhixing, I didn’t see you.”

Guilt and unease colored her face, a trace of nervousness flickering in her eyes.

Xu Zhixing frowned slightly, glanced at the spilled water, then at Fu Siqiao, and shook her head gently. With a calm tone, she said, “It’s alright.”

She knelt to gather the broken cup pieces.

Seeing this, Fu Siqiao hurried to help, relieved yet surprised by Xu Zhixing’s forgiveness.

In her impression, Xu Zhixing was usually so aloof and distant; it was unexpected that she wouldn’t lose her temper in this situation.

“I’ll take care of it. It was my fault for bumping into you,” Fu Siqiao said cautiously, seeking to make amends.

Xu Zhixing said nothing, silently tidying up.

Within moments, they had cleaned the shards and water, standing up again.

Fu Siqiao apologized once more, “I’m truly sorry. Did the water burn you?”

Xu Zhixing looked up, casting a fleeting, subtle glance at Fu Siqiao, emotions barely perceptible in her eyes.

“No, don’t worry,” she replied briefly before turning back to her seat.

A slender girl, so fragile she seemed as though a breeze could topple her.

Her hair was a faded yellow, somewhat tousled, carelessly tied at the back with loose strands dancing around her cheeks.

Her eyes were narrow and sharp, now glinting with a malicious light. Beneath a high nose bridge, her thin lips curled slightly into a contemptuous smile.

She strode forward with a seemingly light step that carried a spiteful edge, directly confronting Xu Zhixing.

“Xu Zhixing, how could you let Fu Siqiao off so easily just now?”

The thin girl’s voice was shrill, grating like nails scraping a chalkboard.

As she spoke, her arms were crossed, fingers tapping rhythmically on her arms as if marking the cadence for her words.

Xu Zhixing lifted her head slightly, a mixture of confusion and impatience in her gaze. “It was just an accident. No need to make a fuss.”

But the thin girl, ignited like a firecracker, grew more agitated. Her eyes widened, veins faintly bulging on her forehead.

“Don’t be fooled by that pitiful act of hers.”

She gestured extravagantly with her hands, twisting her body in disdain.

“She always walks around timidly, like a frightened little mouse, clearly lacking confidence. I heard she transferred into our class halfway through the year — who knows what remote, impoverished place she came from.”

The girl’s voice grew increasingly animated, saliva nearly spraying from her mouth as she spoke.

Pacing back and forth before Xu Zhixing, she occasionally stopped to point toward Fu Siqiao’s seat, as if Fu Siqiao were present to receive her condemnation.

“Just the other day in the cafeteria, she fought you over a basket of soup dumplings. The look in her eyes was pure greed. She didn’t even blush when she raised the price — doesn’t know her place at all.”

Hands on her hips, her face twisted with excessive excitement, her breathing quickened, chest heaving.

Xu Zhixing frowned, attempting to intervene, “Stop it. This isn’t right.”

But the thin girl paid no heed, continuing her relentless tirade.

“And she’s always trailing behind Lin Siqing, oblivious to how Lin Siqing treats her.”

“Totally asking for trouble. Maybe she has some hidden agenda — trying to climb the social ladder, hoping to transform into a phoenix perched on a high branch.”

Her eyes brimmed with malicious speculation, a schadenfreude smile playing on her lips as she watched Xu Zhixing’s reactions, seeking approval.

Slowly, curious classmates gathered, drawn by the commotion, whispering among themselves.

Emboldened by her audience, the thin girl raised her voice, echoing through the classroom.

“When she answers questions in class, her voice is as faint as a mosquito’s buzz — clearly inexperienced and lacking confidence. I wonder how she even got into our class.”

She rolled her eyes and shook her head repeatedly, as if Fu Siqiao were a great stain on the classroom.

Fu Siqiao, quietly reading at her desk, clenched her book tightly as the whispers reached her ears. Her body trembled slightly.

She lifted her head toward Xu Zhixing and the thin girl, her eyes filled with grievance and sorrow.

Her lips quivered as she struggled to speak but found no words.

Her cheeks flushed deep red, tears pooling but stubbornly refusing to fall.

Finally, Xu Zhixing could no longer endure it. She stood abruptly, her face darkening. “Enough. Stop gossiping here.”

Her eyes blazed with anger, her tone stern.

Startled by Xu Zhixing’s response, the thin girl’s triumphant expression vanished, replaced by embarrassment and helplessness.

She opened her mouth to retort but was silenced by Xu Zhixing’s piercing gaze.

The surrounding students, seeing Xu Zhixing angry, dispersed quietly, leaving the thin girl standing alone, dejected like a defeated rooster.

Fu Siqiao watched this scene, her heart a tumult of emotions.