Feeling remarkably good about herself. Lu Mian went to meet her class teacher. She wanted to change her choice of school and put National Defense Academy as her top choice. She also wanted to check if she could get her letters of recommendations.
"Your grades are not in the top 10 student Lu and you are already skipping classes. Instead of adding your name and loosing your chance, how about just asking your family to buy you a seat?" her teacher asked sarcastically.
Lu Mian tried her best to not let her annoyance show. Teacher Sun wasn't a bad person - he just looked down upon students too much. In his books, if you weren't a good student, you were not worth his effort and beneath his notice.
"Teacher Sun is joking. How can I compete with the Lu family princess? I am just the older sister who takes care of company matters. Also Teacher Sun has taught me to respect academics and the minds that truly pursue knowledge. I wouldn't dare to buy my way in" she responded politely.
"If my grades are the only issue, then can Teacher Sun allow me to update my institute after this monthly test? I guarantee that I will come first" she promised.
Teacher Sun was surprised. He knew this Lu family girl was smart. It really bothered him when students with potential didn't use it well. Now, that she's decided to make something of herself, maybe he could get some glory from her success.
Before he could agree though, Teacher Zhao interrupted "You will also need a recommendation letter. Just switching out names will not work" Zhao was curious. He genuinely wanted to help, and felt a vague sense of pity for this hard working girl who always seemed overlooked.
"I wont write you one" hurriedly declined Teacher Sun. It would be too embarrassing if he had to recommend a student who couldn't qualify. "Okay, let's forget about changing. I think University in City C actually suits your skills and you can be around to help your husband. That't it. Run along"
Lu Mian was shocked. And angry. She had been a teacher too in her life. Even if you didn't do your best to teach well, she felt a qualified teacher should care about students and try to help. She gritted her teeth. I will find another way she promised herself.
"Student Lu", called Teacher Zhao. "Actually, you could just participate in the upcoming Math and Science Olympiads. The first place gets scouted for top universities. As long as you win, you will have offers from any university you desire, regardless of what you have chosen."
Lu Mian was surprised. In all her life, she never knew this possibility existed. Oh, she knew about the olympiads. But thought winning just meant merit and fame. Not a shot at the best university!
"I would still need letters of recommendation" she frowned.
"I can write one for you." said Teacher Zhao seriously. I am an alumni of the Defense Academy and my words have weight.
"What are Teacher Zhao's conditions"? Asked Lu Mian without beating around the bush.
"I want you to genuinely work and try for yourself" demanded Teacher Zhao. "I know you are capable of brilliant things. I also know you are slaving away and not using your genius. Today, As your teacher, I have never been able to make you see your worth. If you promise to take your future seriously, then I could consider it."
Lu Mian's heart was full. She was silly. Oh she was so dumb in her previous life. There were genuine people who had cared, who had tried to help her and she had been blind. Lu Mian recalled with clarity how Teacher Zhao would insist on visiting home last year when her grades had dropped. Aunt Xu would send him away or assure him "She would look into it".
Teacher Zhao was also the one who had cautioned her against an early marriage in her last life. He had pulled her aside and had told her that girls needed to have a future first - that she should at least achieve something and be independent before getting married. Drowning in love, she had brushed it off.
Lu Mian took a step back and gave Teacher Zhao a deep bow. "Student Lu Mian thanks Teacher Zhao for his care" she thanked him formally. "I promise you I will do well in the Olympiads and work for myself".
Teacher Zhao smiled. "Good. Good. Come to my office to get some materials. Time is short. The Olympiad is just under a month away. You will need your parents signature though. Here, these are the forms you need" he said, giving her a tonne of books and forms to sign.
Lu Mian thanked teacher Zhao and walked back to class.
"I wish you were here to see this old Song." murmured Teacher Zhao thinking of his genius friend whom he had studied with at the Defense Academy. Finally, a prodigy worth teaching - I hope she sticks to the path, he thought, vaguely feeling that Lu Mian's unrelenting straight back and perseverance reminded him of someone he once knew.
As Lu Mian walked back, she just realized something - She was still not 18 yet! As a minor, how could the severance document hold true?! Her options were to wait till she turned 18 to use the severance document (that was in 6 months time). Or, find a way to transfer her household registration so that she could have a guardian for the 6 months.
Of the two, she preferred the second option. The sooner she was out of the Lu family, the better. "That was a stupid oversight" she scolded herself as she walked into her class.
As expected, the moment she walked in, there was a hush. Lu Mian was easily one of the most beautiful people in the whole school. Her bright eyes, well curved eyebrows and rosebud lips on a heart shaped face hinted at a heart stopping beauty that was still budding. She looked fresh, and youthful, effortlessly capturing everyone's attention at a single glance.
The reason they were staring today though, was because they had seen the epic showdown between her and Pei Yan in the breakfast shop this morning. It had quickly become viral now there were bets in the school forum on how the Pei enterprises would do and if she would lose the bet.
Lu Xinya was affected the worst. In an instant, she went from being a worshipped heiress to a shameless mistress, carrying the pot of seducing her brother in law. Unable to bear the mocking and laughter of her peers, she had gone back home to complain to her mother and grandma.
"Wretched jinx." cursed old Madam Lu. I knew she must've been bluffing yesterday. So she was waiting for us here".
"Mom, I have tried my best to be an understanding step mother. But this is too much for even me. I need an explanation from her for hurting Xinxin so much. How can my Xinxin live after this - her reputation spoiled?!" sobbed Aunt Xu.
"Things have come to this, there's no need to be nice anymore. Let's go talk to my son. Does she really think she is so awesome? Without the help of the Lu and Pei families, she is nothing!" hmph. "It's time we showed her our power, and destroyed her arrogance. But first, do this…" and she whispered instructions to her daughter in law and Madam Lu swept away regally to talk to her son.
"Just wait Lu Mian. Wait and watch the show. With old Madam Lu and your father on our side, I will see how you dare get up" murmured Aunt Xu, her eyes flashing with malice before rushing off to do as Madam Lu instructed. There was going to be a good show to watch tonight.