Chapter 1032: Heart Ache
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The students from Guangwai were not pleased to hear this. As the conversation continued, they began to feel that the reputation of their school was being dragged through the mud.

The tension between the two groups escalated, with each side hurling barbed comments at the other, until it erupted into an all-out argument.

The reporters, ever alert for the next big story, seized upon the heated exchange and quickly began taking notes. It soon became clear that the road to provincial top scholar, Gu Zi, had not been as smooth as many had assumed–her alma mater, Guangwai, had almost derailed her journey to the top.

Parents, eavesdropping from the sidelines, were stunned to learn the full story. They had no idea that Renhe Middle School, the rival institution, had such a compassionate approach to education. While academic excellence was still important, it was clear that the school also prioritized developing well-rounded individuals–students who excelled not only in their studies but also in empathy and character. Renhe’s educational philosophy seemed to be ahead of its time.

In hindsight, it was easy to see that Renhe’s track record for university admissions had been strong, even if it had always been overshadowed by the might of Guangwai. But now, with the rise of the provincial top scholar from their ranks, the tides seemed to be turning. Perhaps, the winds of change were finally blowing in Renhe’s favor.

Parents, eager to jump on the bandwagon, began to discuss the future of their children’s education with newfound fervor.

“I just remembered,” one mother said, “Renhe’s teaching philosophy focuses on nurturing students’ individual strengths, which truly embodies a student-centered approach. Unlike Guangwai, where they just churn out a bunch of high-scoring robots with no personality–it’s lost its spark.”

“Exactly,” another chimed in. “Renhe’s approach feels more holistic, more human. My niece is about to enter middle school, and I think I need to have a word with her parents about Renhe.”

“My youngest son is about to start middle school too. If he can attend the same school as Gu Zi, that would be a huge blessing. Let’s go to the admissions office after the ceremony!”

Without wasting any time, the parents swiftly made their way to the admissions office, leaving the teachers inside completely taken by surprise. The gravitational pull of the provincial top scholar was simply irresistible.

Meanwhile, on the field, Gu Zi was preparing to take the stage for her speech. Dressed formally and wearing light makeup, she exuded an air of quiet sophistication that immediately captivated the crowd.

Even though the principal and faculty members were still addressing the audience, all eyes were on Gu Zi, who seemed to effortlessly command the attention of everyone in the vicinity. Her presence was magnetic–her grace, her beauty, her poise. It was as if she was born to stand in the spotlight.

But Gu Zi was oblivious to the admiration around her. Focused on her speech notes, which had been carefully prepared by the school, she was practicing in her mind for the big moment.

The speech itself was filled with flowery compliments–nothing too out of the ordinary–but the language had a certain charm, reflecting the tone of Renhe’s school spirit.

When her homeroom teacher concluded his remarks, he ceremoniously invited Gu Zi to the stage. The invitation was nothing short of grand. Principal Zhang and other school leaders eagerly ushered Gu Zi up, and the crowd burst into thunderous applause.

Some attendees even rushed forward with bouquets of flowers, which Gu Zi graciously accepted before passing them off to her teacher. The stage was soon overflowing with flowers, their bright colors almost matching the radiant smile on her face.

In the front row, Principal Li of Guangwai sat uncomfortably. Though he had been invited to attend the ceremony, his presence only served to remind him of the bitter irony of the situation.

There, in front of him, was the provincial top scholar–someone who had once been his student, someone he had let slip away.

Gu Zi’s success now felt like a slap in the face, made all the worse by the fact that Principal Zhang had deliberately seated him next to an old rival, someone who had a knack for rubbing salt into his wounds.

“Old Li,” his rival leaned over and whispered with a grin, “I’ve heard the news. Gu Zi was originally one of your students, right? You were so loyal to her that you let her go to Renhe. Now look at this–you’ve handed them the provincial top scholar on a silver platter. Honestly, I think you should go up there and give a speech yourself. Haha, just kidding! No need to go up now since she’s no longer your student, right?”

Principal Li’s face turned ashen with fury, but he had no retort. He could only stew silently in his frustration. Even though he had already demoted the teacher who had rejected Gu Zi’s application, it didn’t make him feel any better. Seeing the poised and talented Gu Zi on stage only made his heart ache with regret.

As Gu Zi began her speech, the once noisy crowd fell silent. More than anything, it was her beauty that left everyone in awe. Not only had she excelled academically, but her striking looks and natural elegance were undeniable.

Her poise, the way she carried herself, made it seem like she was completely at ease in such a grand setting–something that would have intimidated most other people. Yet there she was, unruffled, effortlessly owning the moment.

From the moment she stepped onto the stage, to when she gave interviews and accepted her 2,000 yuan scholarship, Gu Zi exuded calm and grace.

It was impossible not to admire her. She was a true lady, a modern-day aristocrat. And in that moment, as everyone watched her, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of quiet respect–one that was earned, not demanded.

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