Along with Meng Wange’s note paper fluttering down beside Su Wanli came the melodious bell signaling the first class after lunch, followed by the History Teacher’s full-of-spirit greeting one after another.
“Class 3, good afternoon, everyone!”
He strode in through the classroom’s front door, holding two textbooks and a stack of lesson plans, then tossed them all onto the podium—
“Open your textbooks to page six. Today, we’re going to go through the period from 1024 to 1280…”
Though the teacher’s tone was passionate enough, Su Xiaoli’s ears automatically filtered out the sounds.
She silently picked up the note paper and glanced absentmindedly at Meng Wange.
…What does this mean? Why did Meng Wange suddenly draw a little comic strip for herself?
Could it be that she’s trying to find a way to get on my good side, hoping I’ll go easy on her when I bully her later?
Heh, best not to hold that hope. My bullying will only grow in proportion to my own viciousness.
Su Wanli curled the corner of her lips upward, lightly leaning back and letting out a disdainful snort toward Meng Wange. Then she flicked the note paper onto the desk and ignored her gaze completely.
Judging from the Notebook Meng Wange gave her, history class didn’t seem to be part of the opening test. Even if she tried to listen attentively, it wouldn’t matter much. Instead, she planned how to design a surprise moment for Meng Wange this afternoon.
In short, it was about making Meng Wange do something unexpected, allowing her to showcase her talent as much as possible…
The words the System had said when assigning the mission were still vivid in Su Wanli’s mind—
“Why hasn’t she had any deep discussions with the Language Teacher about philosophy? Nor with the Math Professor on the century-old unsolved problems in mathematics? And she didn’t chat with the English Teacher who returned from studying abroad either.”
If there is an original blueprint for this story, Meng Wange should have done those things this morning. So why didn’t she?
…It can’t be because of me, right? I’m already a diligent, perfect, flawless Villainess!
Moreover, is Meng Wange really the type with such an ostentatious personality to do those things in class? She barely even mentioned her own name when introducing herself…
Su Wanli rubbed her chin and looked over at Meng Wange.
The heroine who was supposed to shine brightly now just slightly bowed her head, pulling out the textbook needed for this lesson from her desk and flipping to the required page as the teacher instructed.
Noticing Su Wanli’s gaze, she turned her head slightly and gave a warm, gentle smile that shone even brighter under the sunlight.
Huh? Somehow Meng Wange’s smile seemed more lively than before—is that just my imagination?
…No matter, mission comes first.
With Meng Wange’s low-profile behavior this morning, Su Wanli doubted whether the System’s mentioned plot points truly existed. But since they were mentioned, Meng Wange must have the corresponding abilities.
That meant all she needed to do was give Meng Wange a little push from behind, so she would stand up when she was supposed to. The Main Female Protagonist Halo would then automatically become the final puzzle piece.
Isn’t it just about letting Meng Wange shine at the right moments? That’s easy!
Right then, the History Teacher posed the first question of the lesson—
“…So, does anyone know the direct and fundamental causes of the 1036 Economic Depression?”
Perfect opportunity!
Su Xiaoli immediately snapped her fingers loudly at the ceiling, drawing the teacher’s and classmates’ attention.
Then, she quietly pointed at Meng Wange sitting beside her.
“Meng Wange, you answer this one.”
“Yes.”
Meng Wange smiled and stood from her seat, speaking in a steady voice—
“The direct cause of the Economic Depression was the Royal Assassination Case in 1034, which caused panic among both the lower and upper classes. The fundamental cause was the extreme imbalance in economic development between the social strata.”
“That’s correct. Please sit down.”
The History Teacher nodded at Meng Wange, then wrote “1036 Economic Depression” on the blackboard and continued—
“Due to this 1036 Economic Depression, it indirectly led two years later to a certain…”
“Meng Wange, what did this Economic Depression lead to?”
“Two years later, in order to divert domestic economic conflicts, the king found an excuse to start a war, resulting in a decade-long conflict involving more than ten small countries.”
The History Teacher was slightly taken aback, then followed Meng Wange’s words by writing “1038” and “XXX War” on the blackboard. He waved to Su Wanli and Meng Wange—
“Ahem, alright, you two, next…”
“What happened after that war? What came next?”
“Not until the people’s revolutions on both sides overthrew the empire’s tyranny did the war finally end. Under the leadership of the Revolutionary Army’s commander, the country established a new government and system based on its original foundation.”
“What kind of system?”
“An imperfect Constitutional Monarchy. After nearly one hundred and fifty years of evolution, it became the political system still used in some Western Countries today.”
“What exactly does that mean…”
The History Teacher tapped the blackboard firmly to interrupt their discussion—
“Alright, alright, you two… no, you both! This isn’t what today’s lesson is supposed to cover. Remember, I’m the teacher here!”
Su Wanli looked at the dull, gray prompt bar before her and quietly sighed.
To have Meng Wange answer so many questions in a row, wouldn’t that count as a surprise moment?
[After all, this content is easily found in textbooks. Even if the heroine answers many questions, the classmates would just think she previewed the material ahead, so it wouldn’t really be a surprise.]
The System provided this rational explanation to Su Wanli.
Alright, that makes sense. A history class isn’t really the place for big surprises.
Su Wanli silently motioned for Meng Wange to sit down.
Forget history class for now; she should think more about the math class later. To have Meng Wange debate century-old math problems with the Math Professor in class—how absurdly perfect would that be for the original story’s plot twist…
Just as Su Wanli was lost in her thoughts about the future, a faint murmur rose inside the classroom.
“…What happened before class? Why does Su Wanli seem so angry?”
“I remember someone said in the group chat that Su Wanli planned to confess during the fourth period. Was she rejected by Meng Wange?”
“Even if her feelings were blatantly rejected by Meng Wange, Su Wanli only made her stand and answer questions? Since when has she been so gentle?”
“Could it be that Rumor E is true? That Su Wanli actually loves Meng Wange but can’t have her, so…”
No! Do these people ever stop? Still spreading such ridiculous rumors!
Wasn’t I just trying to create a surprise moment for Meng Wange? Why do I feel like my lungs are about to explode first…
Sure, I did force Meng Wange to stand and answer a bunch of questions, which looks like I have some grudge against her, but my real intention was to let her get some spotlight!
It’s all because those three idiots in the back row spread a bunch of rumors. After class, I’ll have them debunk them, saying all those things in the group chat are made-up nonsense.
Meng Wange is actually just a distant relative of the Su Family, riding to school alone because she wasn’t fully awake when leaving the house.
As for defending Meng Wange when she introduced herself well, defending your own relative is only natural!
Ah, no, my head’s pounding and I’m getting lightheaded…
Su Wanli rubbed her eyes, took a deep breath, and stood her history textbook upright before her.
Since history class offers no opportunities, she decided to conserve her energy and focus on the next class.
She buried her head in her arms, then turned her head toward Meng Wange, pointed at the History Teacher on the podium, then at herself, and finally yawned slowly, closing her eyes.
“I’m going to sleep. Teacher’s coming to call me.”