A street urchin turned academic genius, starting by saving the blind school beauty.

Chapter 81 Xu Ziqing Insists on Participating

The morning classes ended quickly. Lu Zhaoye realized that he hadn't eaten with Xu Ziqing for several days, so he packed lunch and went to Xu Ziqing's room.

However, the little girl was also there.

The three people sat at the table, eating and chatting.

Zhang Xinhan sat next to Lu Zhaoye and asked him arrogantly,

"Lu Zhaoye, why haven't you come to have dinner with Qingqing these past few days? You scumbag!"

Lu Zhaoye was eating rice when he heard Zhang Xinhan's words and almost choked. Fortunately, Xu Ziqing handed him a water glass in time, and he calmed down after drinking some water.

However, seeing Lu Zhaoye like this, Zhang Xinhan became even more certain.

"What a scumbag! I told you so!"

"Okay, Hanhan, big brother... he probably just has something to do," Xu Ziqing said obediently, holding a lunchbox, trying to comfort Lu Zhaoye.

At this moment, Lu Zhaoye frowned and asked in return,

"How did you know I hadn't been here for several days? Oh, little sister, have you been following me every day?"

Rather than passively falling into the trap of self-justification, it's better to focus on offense and showcase the ultimate charm of language.

"Xu Ziqing, you wouldn't have any designs on me, would you? Oh, I forgot to tell you, I'm really handsome."

Zhang Xinhan pouted, completely unaware that her best friend beside her had already secretly tightened her grip on her chopsticks, and continued speaking.

"Hey Lu Zhaoye, how can you be so narcissistic? I don't like you at all, so just don't get any ideas about me..."

Before Zhang Xinhan could finish speaking, Xu Ziqing suddenly interrupted her, saying seriously,

"Hanhan".

"Is it hard to eat your food if you sit over there? Come sit over here, I'll sit next to you, brother."

"..."

Lu Zhaoye's lips twitched, and as he watched this scene, he suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

However, Zhang Xinhan reacted quickly; she smelled a strong scent of jealousy and immediately said with a smile,

"Great, Qingqing, that braised pork is a bit out of reach."

Lu Zhaoye suppressed a laugh, but Zhang Xinhan did so while they were changing seats.

The girl stomped hard on his foot and covered his mouth with her hand to stop him from screaming.

......

......

After settling back into her seat, Xu Ziqing subtly shifted, and only after sensing her older brother's presence did she continue speaking with a smile.

"Big brother, Hanhan said you're also participating in the math competition?"

Lu Zhaoye nodded subconsciously, but then quickly spoke up.

"Yes, your older brother is quite capable, isn't he? Old Zhang personally invited me to go."

Xu Ziqing smiled upon hearing this, then praised her with a smirk.

"Mmm, big brother is awesome."

"Big brother, can I participate?"

"No," Lu Zhaoye and Zhang Xinhan said in unison.

"Why? My math is pretty good too."

Lu Zhaoye took a bite of food, then explained,

"The competition is too difficult for you, and you'll be taking the college entrance exam in a year. Instead of participating in this kind of competition which doesn't offer much value for you, you'd be better off spending more time studying other subjects."

For Xu Ziqing, participating in math competitions is a thankless task. She doesn't have much time to begin with, so it's fine if she wins an award, but what if she doesn't?

That would be a complete waste of time.

"Yes, Qingqing, although this math competition isn't as difficult as the National High School Mathematics Championship, I heard from your uncle that there are still many experts participating. Winning an award isn't easy," Zhang Xinhan said, sitting down beside her.

Lu Zhaoye suddenly realized something: Old Zhang wouldn't wait until he got the provincial award to give him the 50,000 yuan he promised, would he? Damn, that old fox!

"Okay, then you guys have to do your best," Xu Ziqing said, but she was a little sad inside.

So it turns out... I still can't participate in everyone's lives...

"Just stay home and relax. Wait for your big brother to come back with a big prize," Lu Zhaoye said with a grin, not noticing the disappointment in Xu Ziqing's eyes.

Zhang Xinhan pouted and retorted.

"Let's talk about it after you get through the preliminaries. Otherwise, you might not even be able to go to the city competition when the results come out next week."

Lu Zhaoye rolled his eyes. It was just a qualifier.

"You should worry about yourself first. If you make it to the city competition, I'll give you a chance to be my teammate."

"?"

Xu Ziqing and Zhang Xinhan were both taken aback.

"Math Olympiad is an individual competition, big brother... there are no teammates here," Xu Ziqing reminded her.

Lu Zhaoye slapped his forehead, only then remembering that he had just heard it from Xu Qingwan.

"Oh, I forgot to mention, my deskmate told me that her dad said the rules for this year's math competition have changed. Apparently, it's going to be a five-person team competition after you get into the provincial competition, instead of the individual ranking competition that used to be."

"Your deskmate, Xu Qingwan?" Zhang Xinhan asked, somewhat puzzled, then countered, "Is the information reliable? How did she know?"

"It should be true, her dad is pretty powerful," Lu Zhaoye assured.

Zhang Xinhan nodded, showing interest, and continued to inquire about the details of the competition.

"How many people are in a team after we get to the provincial competition? Can I be on your team?"

"It seems like there are five people," Lu Zhaoye said, then a smile appeared on his face. "You probably can't be on my team."

"Why?" Zhang Xinhan stared intently at Lu Zhaoye with her fox-like eyes, her cheeks puffed out, looking a little unhappy.

Lu Zhaoye, having eaten his fill, put down his chopsticks and said...

"Even if you make it to the provincial competition, I won't take you. My team can't have kids."

Zhang Xinhan pouted and rolled her eyes.

"Tch, I'd rather not be on your team then, in case you're the one who drags us down."

Lu Zhaoye leaned back in his chair with a chuckle and continued watching Zhang Xinhan's performance.

"By the way, why are there five people? Our school only has four people who can go to the city competition, so won't we be short one person for the provincial competition?"

Lu Zhaoye rolled his eyes and said irritably,

"Are you so sure all four of our school's students can make it to the provincial competition?"

"..."

An eerie silence fell over the air for a brief moment.

"Alright, alright, don't be so downcast," Lu Zhaoye said, giving the two of them a pep talk.

"We still have a good chance. Little sister, you should study more these few days. If you don't understand something, feel free to ask me."

"Little brother, study hard at home and wait for our triumphant return."

"Big brother," Xu Ziqing suddenly spoke.

Lu Zhaoye and Zhang Xinhan were both taken aback, then looked at Xu Ziqing.

"What's wrong?"

"I want to participate in the math competition too."

Lu Zhaoye's eyes widened. Why did he change his mind again?

"Hey bro, didn't we just agree that you shouldn't listen to my bragging? Maybe we really will be eliminated in the first round."

Zhang Xinhan sat silently to the side, looking at Xu Ziqing thoughtfully.

"Big brother, I want to go."

"..."

These few simple words left Lu Zhaoye momentarily speechless, so he simply...

"Okay, if you want to go, then go ahead, but you have to listen to me when you go out."

Xu Ziqing's lips curled slightly, and she nodded, but then she suddenly seemed to remember something and pressed for an answer.

"Big brother, your deskmate... is Xu Qingwan?"

"!!!"

Lu Zhaoye swallowed hard, while Zhang Xinhan broke out in a cold sweat.

"Is she a girl?"