Rebirth 08: A Happy Life Begins in Elementary School

One hour and forty-three minutes is enough time to do a lot of things.

But this definitely doesn't include spacing out in the exam room.

Li Zhao calmed down and slowly went through the test paper from beginning to end, eliminating any careless mistakes.

It only took ten minutes.

He had absolutely no doubts about the exam paper.

After all, it's elementary school, and the biggest challenge is vocabulary, which is still basic for Li Zhao.

Li Zhao decisively raised his hand.

The proctor in charge of his row was a middle-aged man. He walked over with steady steps, leaned close to Li Zhao, and whispered, "What's wrong?"

"Teacher, can I hand in my paper early?"

"Hmm?" The steady middle-aged man glanced at his watch, then at Li Zhao's exam paper. "Don't you want to check it again? There's still plenty of time."

The two children next to him were already at their breaking point; one's eyes were practically popping out of their sockets, while the other was forcing himself to focus on the test paper, but his pen kept dangling in mid-air.

It's affecting them, that's not right. We need to be fair to everyone.

"I've finished checking and would like to submit my paper early."

A small commotion broke out, centered around Li Zhao.

"Then... please check your name and exam number, take it to the podium and give it to the group leader."

So Li Zhao stood up, folded the test paper, and, amidst various glances cast his way, walked to the middle of the aisle and headed towards the podium.

The proctor followed closely beside the exam, like a guardian deity.

Wherever Li Zhao went, the row of students couldn't help but look over, and then their attention would be drawn back to the exam paper because of the proctor's gaze.

Everyone's movements were subtle, but in the quiet examination room, all of them stood out.

The most prominent example is Li Zhao, who walks with his head held high and an air of self-importance.

One should not waste time, nor should one waste opportunities to show off.

Otherwise, you'll be struck by lightning.

Who hasn't fantasized about being the center of attention during their student days?

Just like the New Taipei First High School math competition team that you pass by while queuing, becoming someone everyone looks up to is a wonderful thing.

In his previous life, Li Zhao's studies were never top-notch. When he saw those geniuses of the same age shining brightly, it was impossible for him not to feel envious.

Although I felt a little discouraged, I had to admit that I had the mentality of "sour grapes" because I couldn't have them.

However, this incomprehensible excellence becomes a source of inspiration for others to follow, adding a touch of motivation to their pursuit of dreams.

What? Someone was so discouraged that they chose to give up?

He was never suited to continue down this path; he should leave as soon as possible—that's called turning back before it's too late.

"Teacher, I'm here to hand in my paper."

Under the invigilator's amused gaze, Li Zhao handed his exam paper to the podium.

"School name?"

"Li Zhao, New Taipei No. 6 Elementary School"

"Okay, let's leave through the main entrance."

[Enjoyed the experience, happiness +1, total 11]

Unfortunately, it's still elementary school; overdoing it won't be good, or it might really backfire.

Li Zhao should just be a figure being chased by everyone.

Meanwhile, in the teachers' lounge, the teachers from the experimental school somehow found out the whole story of Li Zhao's participation in the competition, and it was spreading like gossip among the teachers in charge.

Soon the gossip turned into "Li Zhao's teacher forced him to enter the final team so that his own class could have a spot."

Team Leader Chen couldn't stand it anymore and began to explain just how outstanding Li Zhao was as a student, but what he said was:

"This kid's vocabulary is far superior to mine. Forget the CET-4 and CET-6 exams, I reckon he could easily pass the TEM-8!"

"He's done preliminary and final exams before; I'm not exaggerating when I say he could easily get a perfect score!"

Although it was all the truth, it sounded incredibly harsh to other teachers.

Your New Taipei No. 6 Elementary School is just a bottom-tier school. In recent years, it has rarely even won a first prize in the provincial competition. Suddenly, a student who is more outstanding than the teacher appears.

"Then why haven't we heard of this child before?" asked the teacher leading the group from the central primary school.

He has two strong contenders for the national first prize, and they both sit in the center position in the lounge.

"Hey, that's the most amazing thing," Team Leader Chen said, getting excited. "This kid's grades used to be just good, he didn't even participate in the preliminary rounds, but in just one winter break, he suddenly became a genius."

All the teachers laughed.

Huang Keyun was extremely embarrassed by the laughter.

Everyone knows she is Li Zhao's English teacher. Each school only has two spots for a team leader: the English group leader plus the English teacher or homeroom teacher of the class with the best grades. This is an unwritten rule.

Huang Keyun was inexperienced and was able to come along entirely thanks to Li Zhao.

To hide her embarrassment, she kept drinking water, eventually emptying her glass and filling her bladder, which gave her the perfect opportunity to go to the toilet.

After washing her hands, Huang Keyun stood in front of the mirror, looking at her slightly furrowed brows, feeling a little heavy-hearted.

Even for an adult like her, being in such a discussion environment puts her under considerable pressure.

What about Li Zhao?

No wonder this kid agreed to participate in the competition on the condition that he would help resolve the public opinion issues.

Only his own people know that he is exceptionally capable. What do outsiders think of him? And how much pressure will that put on him?

Huang Keyun wanted to wash her face, but then realized she was wearing makeup, so she could only sigh and give up.

Huang Keyun, seemingly preoccupied, slowly walked back to the teachers' lounge when a sharp question reached her ears:

"Child, honesty is a very important quality. Your school and teachers may have their own ideas, but you must be honest. A temporary reputation is meaningless."

Then came a familiar voice, slightly lower than that of a typical sixth-grade student:

"Winning the first prize in the national competition is real."

Huang Keyun quickened her pace and walked to the door. Sure enough, it was Li Zhao.

He was standing opposite the teachers at the central primary school, with a smile on his face.

Wait, the exam is still a long way off, what's Li Zhao doing here?

Did they hand in their papers early again?

"You child," the English group leader of the central primary school shook his head with a smile, "you know, pride makes people regress. I think the education method of the Sixth Primary School is not right. They've spoiled the kids so much that they don't know which way is which."

Huang Keyun felt a surge of anger well up inside her, and was about to speak when she saw Li Zhao give her a very disgusted look:

"Even the elementary school students in my class know not to speak too soon or too confidently, lest they be proven wrong. You don't understand anything, and although you seem to be doing this for my own good, you are actually looking down on the leadership of Xinbei No. 6 Elementary School, Teacher Chen, Teacher Huang, and all the classmates who recognize my abilities, including me, and treating them all as idiots."

"?" The teachers present realized for the first time that something was wrong with the child.

But it was too late.

"I think the training methods for elementary school teachers in New Taipei City are wrong. They have lost even the most basic respect for people. They dare to spout nonsense based on a little self-righteous judgment. I think they are not even as good as elementary school students."

"How can this child talk like that?!" The group leader at the center was alarmed, and the other teachers immediately began to act as rational and objective observers.

"Alright," Li Zhao waved his hand, "arguing here is childish and meaningless. All of you teachers are adults. If you don't like something, just talk about it behind someone's back. If you try to argue in front of the person in question, I won't lose anything if I don't get the first prize in the national competition, but if I do, you'll all lose face."

[Teach them a lesson if you can't stand them, Happiness +1, Total 12]

Comfortable.

These words clearly offended the adults, and several female teachers stood up, trying to regain their composure by emphasizing respect for teachers.

Li Zhao had seen this opening move many times; at this stage, the reasoning behind it was no longer important.

You have to admit that adults can sometimes be more immature than elementary school students.

"Don't rush, I have to wait until everyone finishes their exams anyway. How about we have each teacher keep their best students behind and go over the answers to the difficult questions right here? I'll go first."

The female teachers' starting stances were instantly interrupted.

How come this brat is so confident?

Momentum is a thing of the trade; it waxes and wanes.

Li Zhao's relaxed demeanor and firm stance naturally softened the other teachers' attitudes.

Huang Keyun took a breath and hesitated whether to go into the lounge, just as Li Zhao saw her.

"Teacher Huang, please take me to the restroom."

Huang Keyun was taken aback for a moment, then smiled broadly, "Okay!"