Chapter 776: Chapter 774: Defending One’s Position
Moreover, they had skipped grades to get here, so if she managed to rank ahead of both Little Prodigies this time, no matter who she told, she’d gain considerable prestige.
The midterm exam arrived as scheduled, and after breezing through the test paper, Jiang Mianmian handed in her paper early once again and went home.
The day after the exam, the results were released.
Without any surprise, Jiang Mianmian ranked first in the grade, and Zhong Yuan closely followed as the second.
"Jiang Mianmian, let me see your exam paper," Zhong Yuan said nonchalantly after seeing the rankings.
"Sure," Jiang Mianmian handed him the test paper.
After carefully reviewing it, Zhong Yuan pinpointed where he fell short compared to her and then devised a study plan focusing on his weaknesses.
This midterm had brought considerable pressure to all the ninth graders.
Especially the usual top rankers who had been out performed by two grade-skipping kids, they were not convinced and were determined to surpass them to defend their positions.
Teacher Chu was surprised to find that since the midterm, the entire ninth-grade’s study atmosphere had improved compared to before.
Particularly those students who were previously top scorers and a bit arrogant became even more diligent and hardworking.
Many students were not in a rush to go home after school in the evening, but instead chose to stay voluntarily for self-study.
Teacher Chu stayed a few times to observe and noticed that the students were very self-motivated in their studies, with no chattering or horsing around. When they encountered difficulties, they would quietly discuss with their desk mates or those seated nearby. The learning discipline was exceptionally good.
Inside the teachers’ office, Teacher Chu was reporting this new development to the principal.
The principal, hearing this, was very pleased, "Haha, Teacher Chu, this is a good thing! The ninth grade is a crucial year for the students, and their willingness to attend evening self-study sessions surely means they are trying to fight for their futures."
"Indeed, Principal, now that the kids know the importance of striving and improving, a few of us teachers would like to join the students for evening self-study sessions, so they can ask us any questions as they arise," Teacher Chu suggested.
"Yes, Principal, and since we live nearby, we can come over directly after dinner. We can prepare lessons and mark assignments while the kids study," another teacher from Class 2 of ninth grade added.
"Well, that sounds very thoughtful. Here is what we’ll do, follow the students in their self-study sessions, and I’ll provide you with additional subsidies. Don’t rush to refuse, all of you have families and responsibilities, you can’t stay at school all day, the school should compensate you for your extra effort," the Principal decided.
The Principal knew they were volunteering and wanted the best for the students, but volunteering was one thing; as a principal, he couldn’t just not acknowledge their efforts. Over time, lack of recognition could also lead to disheartenment.
After the teachers and the principal finalized the evening self-study sessions, the students were informed and were very pleased.
Seeing that teachers were available to answer questions, some students who hadn’t previously stayed started staying as well, planning to complete their homework before going home instead of struggling alone at home with no one to ask.
That very afternoon, right after the school bell rang, Zhong Yuan saw Jiang Mianmian packing up to leave and said, "Jiang Mianmian, don’t go home yet. Stay here for the evening self-study. Now that the teachers are here, we can ask them about anything right away."