The Hope resumo, enredo, sinopse

Sinopse de The Hope

The Minglong High School, a private high school in Xingzhou City, has established Class 11 of Grade 12, led by the excellent English teacher Lei Ming and the psychology teacher Sang Xia, to better tap into the potential of its students.

Li Ran is an ordinary Grade 12 student at Minglong High School. Since childhood, he has lost his parents and has been dependent on his grandmother. His grandmother, despite her illness, works hard to support him so that he can pursue his dream of becoming a robotic engineer by going to college.

Filial Li Ran, to afford medical treatment for his grandmother, decides to drop out of school and earn money to support the family. Lei Ming, who doesn't give up on any student, tries every means to prevent Li Ran from dropping out. He brings him and other students facing various difficulties, including Cheng Yushan, into Class 11.

To help students like Li Ran regain their dreams, Lei Ming and Sang Xia, from the perspectives of education and psychological counseling, respectively, tailor their teaching methods, guide students to develop good study habits, assist each student in facing challenges, improve family relationships, and establish an optimistic mindset. In doing so, they win the trust and affection of the students.

In the end, Li Ran and other students, through their hard work, successfully enter the university of their choice, embarking on a new journey in life.

Resumos de The Hope

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In 2018, as Xingzhou prepared for the new school year, there was ongoing debate about the college entrance exam's fairness. Some believed that the era of bright students from humble backgrounds was over, making it difficult for ordinary people to get into prestigious schools. Others asserted that destiny was in one's own hands, maintaining that the exam remained the fairest competition.

Meanwhile, Lei Ming promoted himself in a park, enthusiastically convincing parents that with enough effort, anyone could succeed, regardless of their starting point. He claimed to help aspiring students get into top universities like Qingbei. The unveiling ceremony for the newly merged Minglong Experimental High School took place, sparking discussions about whether Principal Lou Jingzhi, formerly the head of Longhai High School, would even attend, given his new role as vice principal.

To everyone's surprise, Principal Lou arrived, explaining he was delayed by handover tasks at Longhai. The merger combined Mingying High School, known as the "Qingbei of Xingzhou" with a 98% first-tier university acceptance rate, and Longhai High School, which had only a 20% second-tier acceptance rate. This merger was intended to promote educational equality, but a week prior, Principal Gao Jingjuan of Mingying had conducted a diagnostic test for all third-year students across both schools.

Based on the results, she re-sorted classes and privately advised lower-ranked students, mostly from Longhai, to pursue alternative paths instead of the standard college entrance exam. This caused considerable controversy among parents, with some supporting the "teach students according to their aptitude" approach, while others protested the perceived unfairness.

In a televised interview, Principal Lou countered these claims, asserting that no student, regardless of their academic standing, would be abandoned, referencing the "Lizhou Miracle" of Lei Lizhou, who had successfully sent hundreds of struggling students to university through free tutoring. Back at the school, Principal Gao Jingjuan and Principal Lou Jingzhi discussed their divergent educational philosophies.

Gao Jingjuan advocated for vocational and general education, viewing it as "teaching students according to their aptitude" and a way to develop skilled personnel and broaden career paths. However, Principal Lou argued that this approach would be seen as a "de facto expulsion" by parents and students from Longhai, effectively abandoning them.

He proposed creating an "experimental class" to achieve another "Lizhou Miracle," aiming for students with scores below 350 to get into first-tier universities within a year, thereby fostering a "Minglong spirit." Principal Gao, though skeptical that such a miracle could be replicated, agreed to allow both methods to proceed simultaneously, stating that teaching could be experimental but students could not. She asked what Lei Ming's requirements were.

He requested a classroom, an office, the right to choose his own teachers and students, and to participate in the next day's opening ceremony. He also asked for an assistant. In response, Principal Gao assigned Sang Xia, a psychology teacher with a history of unconventional teaching methods and numerous parent complaints, to be the homeroom teacher for the new class. Despite Sang Xia's initial protests about her busy schedule, Gao insisted.

In a cafe, while Lei Ming was discussing nursing home options for his father, who suffered from Alzheimer's and believed Lei Ming was still in college, he noticed a young woman, Cheng Yushan, from Longhai High School, who had changed into a short skirt and was meeting a man. Lei Ming, distracted, overheard their conversation. Cheng Yushan asked the man if he could take her to Shanghai and help her find a job.

The man made inappropriate advances, but Cheng Yushan cleverly exposed his deception by revealing his local ID, bank cards, and apartment access card, proving he was not an out-of-town businessman. After she left, Lei Ming picked up a dropped math test from her seat, noticing it had only a few correct answers, but the last major question was perfectly solved, indicating her potential.

Lei Ming decided that his father, who loved teaching, would prefer to be in a place with many people where he could still "teach," opting for the more affordable, shared-room nursing plan instead of the high-end private care. The next day, during school entry, students from Mingying were allowed through without checks, while Longhai students faced strict bag inspections. Li Ran, a Longhai student, attempted to smuggle numerous cell phones by pretending to be a Mingying student.

However, Lei Ming, now working at the school, exposed his scheme by pulling the phones from his clothes. Li Ran was then singled out as a disciplinary example during the opening ceremony. Called on stage for a public apology, he instead defiantly read the same laudatory speech just given by the student representative. Afterward, Principal Gao announced the creation of a new experimental class for students aiming for Double First-Class universities. She then introduced Lei Ming to give a presentation.

Lei Ming, holding an uprooted sapling, took the stage and invited all third-year students to the track for a game. Students grumbled about the heat, but Lei Ming explained it was a "sociological game" where they would move forward or backward based on honest answers to his questions.

He asked if they had extracurricular talents, if their parents could help with homework, if they had private tutors, if they felt confident about finding a job after graduation, and if their families were happy. He then asked them to step back if they often spent birthdays alone, worried about non-academic issues, lacked a quiet study environment, if their parents often missed parent-teacher conferences, or if they had no concept of their future careers. As the game progressed, most Mingying students moved to the front, while Li Ran and Cheng Yushan, both from Longhai, found themselves at the very back of the track.

Lei Ming, addressing a group of students, described the inherent inequalities in life and education, noting that some people effortlessly succeed, some have multiple choices that lead to decent outcomes, while others face single-choice decisions where one mistake can lead to a lifetime of regret. He compared their situation to a dormant sapling, assuring them he would nurture it to flourish, just as he would help his students, who are willing to put in the effort to surpass expectations.

He announced the formation of Class 11, a new group that, despite sounding like an unnecessary addition, would offer a free, intensive program to help students, regardless of their past academic performance or family background, to tackle the college entrance exam and aim for Qingbei University, thereby "reshuffling the cards of their lives."

When he asked for registrations, Li Ran was the first to raise his hand, only to declare he needed to use the restroom, explaining that listening to "nonsense" made him want to pee. Several other students then followed his lead. Sang Xia, assigned as the headteacher for Class 11 and Lei Ming's mentor, found his motivational speech reminiscent of a sales pitch for "magic mops" or "ultrasonic face washers," sarcastically asking if he had a background in sales.

She clarified her role and defined boundaries, stating her desk was hers and his was in the back, expecting him to respect these limits. During lunch, she used the analogy of paths forming naturally in a garden to argue that the college entrance exam is not the only path to success, asserting that "all roads lead to Rome." Lei Ming appeared to ignore her, listening to music.

Sang Xia also informed him that the school had set a deadline: if five students didn't register for Class 11 within a week, it would be canceled, a prospect she seemed to welcome.

Lei Ming later leveraged her desire for a psychological counseling room and her performance appraisal to get her to compile a list of "potential seniors," focusing on those in the bottom 100 with outstanding performance in a single subject, competition experience, or abnormal grade fluctuations, specifically asking for Li Ran's two-year transcripts. Li Ran, a migrant child from a county town whose father passed away in his second year of middle school, now lives with his grandmother.

He exhibits strong psychological defenses. While his physics scores are consistently top-ranked, his overall grades fluctuate erratically. Lei Ming and Sang Xia tracked him to a used electronics market where he earned money repairing phones. Li Ran was contemplating renting a store from a man named Lu, who urged him to start his own business, dismissing rumors of demolition.

Li Ran confronted Lei Ming and Sang Xia, stating that the college entrance exam was not the most important test of his life, claiming that test had concluded at his birth. He bluntly told Lei Ming he wasn't obligated to listen to his "nonsense." Lei Ming, however, admired Li Ran's business acumen, noting how he cleverly used the Dihao Wood Flooring Progress Scholarship to consistently earn money by strategically managing his academic ranking.

Recognizing Li Ran's clear goals and initiative, Lei Ming simply wished him "Good luck with your business" and left, confidently telling Sang Xia that Li Ran would eventually join the class. Meanwhile, Cheng Yushan’s parents showed little interest in her studies, casually dismissing Mr. Xiao’s suggestion of vocational single recruitment.

Her mother had remarried the owner of a mahjong parlor when Cheng Yushan was six and had a younger son named Xuan, who attended Mingying Middle School and received preferential treatment at home. Cheng Yushan, despite being a talented math student who could correctly solve the hardest problems while leaving earlier ones blank, felt disregarded. Lei Ming discussed her situation with her, pointing out the low probability of achieving financial independence through marriage.

He argued that marrying someone, even if "suitable," would likely lead to a "second cycle" of problems due to disparities in education, finances, and family background. During this conversation, it was subtly implied that Cheng Yushan's stepfather, Bo, might have an inappropriate interest in her, as he made comments about her needing to "get some meat" and praised her looks, while her mother told her to stop playing mahjong with the teachers and cut up a fruit plate.

Lei Ming offered Cheng Yushan a deal: if she joined Class 11, he would cover her plane ticket and three months of living expenses in any Chinese city she chose, regardless of her Qingbei admission, as a low-cost, high-return way to escape her current family situation. Li Ran's grandmother, who worked as a housemaid, returned home with items discarded by her employers, upsetting Li Ran.

However, she lovingly presented him with a new pair of shoes she had bought for him. He then expressed to his grandmother his desire to start a small business instead of attending college, a suggestion that visibly upset her as she brought up his deceased father. He proceeded with his plan, even hanging a sign for "Jobs Digital Repair Shop" at his rented store. However, both his home and the electronics market were violently demolished.

Pinned to the ground during the chaos, Li Ran relived the traumatic memories of his father, Li Guanglin, dying in a factory accident and his mother abandoning him. He was then taken to the police station for his involvement in the disturbance. Lei Ming bailed him out, telling him that while he may have "lost that test when he was born," it wasn't his fault.

He encouraged Li Ran to view the college entrance exam as a "make-up test" and promised he wouldn't let him lose. Later that night, Li Ran's grandmother brought him to her employer's house, hoping they could stay for the night. The door was opened by Shen Yao, the esteemed student who delivered the speech at the opening ceremony.

In 2006, in Xingzhou City, Cheng Yushan's mother, Lu Qiao, remarried Zhou Weifeng, a man with a limp who owned a large house through housing relocation and operated a mahjong parlor from it. At their wedding banquet, Yushan was not allowed to sit at the main table and was instructed by her mother to call Zhou Weifeng "dad," though she later discarded the candy her mother had given her.

While searching for something in her room, Yushan accidentally broke her mother and stepfather's wedding photo. To her horror, she discovered a hidden camera within the frame, realizing her life had been secretly observed. Her home life was oppressive; one morning, her mother was busy fixing a leaky pipe while Zhou Weifeng complained about losing money on stocks and blamed her for the mess.

At breakfast, Yushan attempted to tell her mother about the camera, but Zhou Weifeng menacingly interrupted her by offering her food, silently warning her to stay quiet. Meanwhile, Li Ran and his grandmother, Granny Ge, were temporarily living in Shen Yao's home. One morning, Li Ran, looking for a restroom, inadvertently walked into Shen Yao's room while he was showering. Li Ran apologized, explaining he didn't know the room was occupied.

Shen Yao calmly told him the guest bathroom was downstairs and advised him to knock before entering rooms in his house. During breakfast, Granny Ge prepared a traditional village dish that Shen Yao's mother, Auntie Jiang, found too strong. Auntie Jiang asked Granny Ge to feed Shen Yao's younger brother, Liang, and requested that she not speak to him in the local dialect. Li Ran politely declined to join the family at the dining table.

Auntie Jiang, realizing Li Ran and Shen Yao attended the same school, arranged for their driver, Mr. Jin, to take them together. Shen Hao, Shen Yao's father, had offered them a place to stay after Li Ran's father passed away, also helping Li Ran secure school enrollment and hiring Granny Ge. Auntie Jiang explained to Granny Ge that due to frequent visits from relatives, they were given a storage room with a camping tent instead of a guest room.

Granny Ge cautioned Li Ran to be discreet, respect the family's rules, avoid being nosy, not eat at the main table, and keep his tableware separate. She encouraged him to get along with Shen Yao, whom she described as a good but quiet child. On their way to school, Li Ran offered Shen Yao a candy from Shen Yao's younger brother, which Shen Yao accepted. Shen Yao then asked Mr. Jin to stop the car a short distance from school.

Li Ran initially thought Shen Yao didn't want to be seen with a "poor student," but Mr. Jin clarified that Shen Yao was simply a low-key person. Lei Ming was actively working to secure approval for his special Class 11. He approached Xiao Rui, a former colleague from Zhixiang, who held the final signature needed. Lei Ming found Xiao Rui asleep in his office and woke him.

Xiao Rui expressed his skepticism, calling Class 11 "nonsense" and an "insult to teachers," arguing that no school could guarantee Qingbei University admissions with struggling students. Lei Ming challenged Xiao Rui to a plank contest, stipulating that if Xiao Rui lost, he must sign the approval. During the challenge, Lei Ming reminded Xiao Rui of how he had copied his teaching methods and catchphrases at Zhixiang.

Xiao Rui lost and agreed to sign, but only if Lei Ming could recruit a minimum of five students; otherwise, Lei Ming would have to disband the class himself. Cheng Yushan's school life was difficult, marked by bullying and unwanted attention from boys. During a physical education class, she was deliberately tripped. Other male students commented on her beauty, calling her aloof and a "celebrity."

Sang Xia, a teacher, observed this and enlisted the boys to help her move desks, leading them on a tiring journey up and down several floors as a subtle punishment. In class, the homeroom teacher, Mr. Rong, addressed unpaid school uniform fees, singling out Yushan and Li Ran. Li Ran argued that their old uniforms were fine and accused the school of using the fee as an excuse to get rid of students.

Angered, Mr. Rong declared that any student wearing an old uniform would not be permitted in his class. Frustrated, Yushan stormed out and went to the rooftop. Sang Xia followed her, and together they watched Lei Ming planting a tree below. Sang Xia dismissed the effort as "nonsense," noting the tree's roots were rotting and that only three days remained before a deadline. After school, Li Ran repaired phones at an electronics market to earn money.

He dealt with a customer who balked at his 380 yuan charge, firmly stating he would put the broken part back in if they didn't pay. Yushan approached him for a screen protector, for which he charged her "a cup of milk tea." She later returned with a cup of "Goodwill Milk Tea." Li Ran asked if Lei Ming had approached her about his new class.

She didn't answer directly, and he commented that he didn't "have the fate for that." That evening, despite it being her mother's birthday, Lu Qiao was busy in the kitchen while Zhou Weifeng and his friends drank. Zhou Weifeng had Yushan give her mother a gift from a friend, and Lu Qiao reminded Yushan to be grateful to these friends for helping with her brother's school fees.

Yushan gave her mother a small broach as a birthday gift, which Lu Qiao accepted with a faint smile. Immediately after, Zhou Weifeng called Yushan over and ordered her to toast his friends. Yushan refused, stating she was a student. Zhou Weifeng dismissed her as being in "adolescent rebellion" and mockingly revealed that she had been selected for a "special training class" for students at the bottom of the rankings, stating she lacked the "luck" and "brains" for Qingbei.

He then listed three reasons why she must drink: it was her mother’s birthday, his friends had helped them, and she had never called him "dad." Despite Lu Qiao's pleas, Yushan drank the entire glass of wine. Zhou Weifeng applauded, calling her a "heroine among women." Later that night, he went to check the footage from the hidden camera, only to discover it had been turned around, displaying his own reflection on the screen.

Bian Xiaoxiao lives with her aunt and uncle, constantly striving to be sensible and please them. She readily offers to help with household chores, earning praise from her aunt and uncle who compare her favorably to their own son. Meanwhile, Jiang Qinglang's parents argue daily, only feigning harmony and pleasantness when he is present. One morning, his parents debate his grades and diet, but as soon as Jiang Qinglang appears, they stop, offering him a hot meal.

He quickly excuses himself for class, and their argument resumes, highlighting the superficial peace. Sang Xia and her friend discuss their colleague Lei Ming, describing him as stingy and calculating, someone who would argue over a single yuan and meticulously log his daily expenses. She characterizes him as extremely self-centered, constantly displaying a sense of superiority, and prone to changing plans without notice.

Sang Xia shares an anecdote about Lei Ming telling a female colleague, Ms. Su, that he is too busy to date, despite being single, while continuously sending others requests to help him with bargain orders. She concludes that Lei Ming is cynical, indifferent, narcissistic, conceited, lacks compassion, and manipulates others to achieve his goals. Her friend suggests he exhibits traits of a "slight antisocial personality," a description Sang Xia readily agrees with.

Realizing the opportunity, Sang Xia decides to use Lei Ming's Class 11 as a "psychological training camp" for the troubled students, treating Lei Ming himself as a "guinea pig." Despite Sang Xia's harsh assessment, Lei Ming has a hidden compassionate side. He is seen buying large quantities of cat food for a stray cat hostel because Aunt Wang, who usually cares for them, is busy.

He also tries to help a woman known as Cold pot find a new shop, offering three options and even suggesting he could cover the full payment for the best one. However, Cold pot rejects his help, telling him he is not "that kind of man" and accusing him of "pretending to be kind." Lei Ming struggles with his own family.

Three days earlier, his father had vehemently warned him against coveting their house, prompting Lei Ming to respond that he could not care for him in his current condition, and his former students certainly wouldn't. His father believed Lei Ming being a teacher was "harmful to society." Lei Ming's aunt calls him, relaying that his father is calmer and urging him to visit.

Lei Ming goes home, where his father again accuses him of returning only to drive him out and take the house. Lei Ming explains he returned to be a teacher and doesn't seek his father's approval. He states that given his father's health, a sanatorium is the best option, as no one else can care for him. His father, however, refuses to leave, declaring he will not move "unless I'm dead."

Lei Ming leaves, carrying the weight of his family issues. Later, he is seen chasing a disappearing figure by the river, hinting at a past trauma that haunts him. Cheng Yushan receives money for her school uniform from her mother, who apologizes for forgetting it earlier and advises her not to take her stepfather's drunken words to heart, attributing his mood to poor business. Cheng Yushan, though appreciative, withdraws to her room.

Later, on the rooftop, Sang Xia finds Cheng Yushan. Sang Xia confides her own experience of being sexually harassed by a boy she liked in high school, who then spread rumors about her, leading to her being ostracized and almost believing the lies herself. She admits to resorting to rebellious behavior like skipping classes, stealing money, and frequenting internet cafes, only to be saved by a good teacher.

Sang Xia tells Cheng Yushan it is never a girl's fault to be harassed, excluded, or unable to fight back. She emphasizes that her visit is not to pressure Cheng Yushan to join Class 11 but to assure her of support. Deeply moved, Cheng Yushan texts Sang Xia, expressing her desire to join Class 11. At school, Bian Xiaoxiao arrives with egg cakes for her friends, having waited an hour in line.

Her efforts to please are evident as her friends enthusiastically praise her. Meanwhile, Jiang Qinglang is the subject of gossip among students, who accuse him of cheating because his mother is a doctor, implying he receives special treatment. Lei Ming, focusing his recruitment efforts on Jiang Qinglang, a popular rapper known for being demoted from Peach Plum Class, observes him cheating on a physics test using his phone.

Lei Ming confronts Jiang Qinglang, exposing his history of cheating and calling him a "master." He draws a parallel between a cheating student and a rapper who lip-syncs and plagiarizes, arguing that taking shortcuts compromises integrity and prevents one from becoming a "real rapper." Lei Ming offers to overlook the cheating incident if Jiang Qinglang joins Class 11, but Jiang Qinglang adamantly refuses.

At home, Bian Xiaoxiao's aunt and uncle complain about the spoiled seafood her father sent without cold chain transport. Bian Xiaoxiao apologizes for her father and dutifully cleans up, enduring her aunt's complaints about his stinginess and lack of consideration. That evening, Jiang Qinglang's mother discovers his cheating, which causes a heated argument with his father.

His mother had previously spoken to Ms. Liang, a teacher, who confirmed Qinglang's cheating included hiring a proxy test-taker, noting that his father had deflected her attempts to contact his mother due to her busy hospital schedule. Ms. Liang suggested Qinglang could rebuild his foundation in Pine Cypress Class. Jiang Qinglang's mother, however, focuses solely on his academics, confiscating his backpack and finding lyric sheets, candy, and a love letter.

His father defends him, stating Qinglang cheats out of fear of disappointing her and questioning her happiness despite her Qingbei education. His mother insists they present a "united front" for his upcoming college entrance exam. Jiang Qinglang, in an attempt to pacify them, promises to "make a comeback" in the next week's test to prove he can get high scores even in Pine Cypress Class.

His parents agree to suspend his pocket money until he returns to the top 100 in his grade and Peach Plum Class. As the registration deadline for Class 11 approaches, with only two hours left, Lei Ming remains surprisingly calm, leisurely eating a peculiar combination of chili sauce, soya milk, and coffee with leek pie. Sang Xia questions his composure. In the empty classroom, Mr. Xiao and Mr. Huang arrive.

Mr. Xiao reminds them of the agreement to cancel Class 11 if fewer than five students register by the deadline, and he prepares to lock the classroom. Lei Ming corrects him on the exact start time of registration, pointing out there's still one hour left. Mr. Xiao remains skeptical, stating that students are not easily fooled. He then instructs Mr. Huang to remove the desks and chairs for a Senior Two life-planning class, implying the class will be dismantled.

Sang Xia attempts to buy more time, mentioning online applications. Meanwhile, Jiang Qinglang, having reflected on Lei Ming's challenge, speculates that Lei Ming might either be a secret rapper himself or possess "true papers and unique lesson plans" that could easily help him return to Peach Plum Class. This thought drives him to reconsider. Concurrently, Bian Xiaoxiao's video featuring Lei Ming has gone viral, attracting over 2,000 comments and 260,000 likes.

Realizing Class 11 is her "attention-grabber," she decides to join. Just as Mr. Xiao, Mr. Rong, and the security guards begin to move the furniture out of the classroom, Bian Xiaoxiao bursts in, declaring her registration for Class 11. Jiang Qinglang quickly follows, also announcing his enrollment. Moments later, Cheng Yushan and Li Ran rush in, just in time to register. Lei Ming playfully asks Cheng Yushan why it took her so long, and she retorts that he "didn't tell us the time."

A photo of a student in red underwear circulated widely on the confession wall, making Yu Yang an infamous figure at school. Shortly after, Yu Yang's mother, Auntie Feng, who worked in the school canteen, burst into Class 11 with a load of local produce. She introduced her son, Yu Yang, to Lei Ming and Sang Xia, emphasizing his sole dedication to studying. Yu Yang, however, appeared nervous, stuttered, and seemed afraid to meet people.

Auntie Feng explained that Yu Yang had poor health and had missed a lot of classes in his second year of high school, forcing him to repeat the year. She reiterated that all he did was study, aside from eating and sleeping. Throughout the introduction, Auntie Feng did most of the talking, pushing a stammering Yu Yang to introduce himself. Lei Ming flatly rejected Yu Yang, stating he did not meet the enrollment criteria.

He criticized Yu Yang’s efforts as mere "performance-based studying," claiming he had seen many such children who were the "hope of their village," outwardly filial but actually "mama's boys," and claimed to be balanced in all subjects but had no real passion or skill. Lei Ming pressed Yu Yang, asking why he studied, to which Yu Yang could only mumble that it was what his mother and teachers wanted.

As Lei Ming continued his aggressive questioning, Li Ran and Cheng Yushan stood up, defending Yu Yang. In this supportive atmosphere, Yu Yang finally found his voice, declaring he wanted to join Class 11 not for his mother or teachers, but because he no longer wanted to endure the ridicule in his old class. Lei Ming then offered Yu Yang the last spot in Class 11 if he could pass an impromptu assessment test that afternoon.

At lunchtime, Auntie Feng loudly called Yu Yang to the front of the cafeteria line, piling food onto his plate despite his obvious discomfort. Other students in line grumbled about the queue-jumping and mocked Yu Yang, calling him the "disgusting underpants senior." Some students even pulled down Yu Yang's pants, further humiliating him. Later, in a dormitory utility room and in front of other canteen ladies, Auntie Feng insisted on washing Yu Yang, telling him to remove his clothes.

She lectured him about his stutter, dismissing it as not a serious issue and lamenting that he never listened. Deeply humiliated by the public nature of his mother's care, Yu Yang, while reading "humiliation" and "humanity" from his English book, felt profound shame as his mother mused about how psychology was not a subject for university entrance exams. During the afternoon assessment, Lei Ming announced that Yu Yang needed to rank in the top three to secure his place.

Sang Xia noticed Yu Yang's anxiety and offered a word of encouragement. After the exam, Lei Ming promptly collected the papers. He initially presented a ranking based on "academic point," a complex formula he had devised to predict a student's potential for admission to top universities. According to this "academic point" ranking, Cheng Yushan was first, followed by Jiang Qinglang, Li Ran, Yu Yang, and Bian Xiaoxiao.

However, when he announced the actual exam scores, Yu Yang had scored the highest with 71 points, followed by Jiang Qinglang (62), Cheng Yushan (60), Bian Xiaoxiao (36), and Li Ran (33). Yu Yang successfully joined Class 11, and Lei Ming declared that from then on, the class would be ranked solely by "academic point" as the ultimate measure of their progress. Meanwhile, Bian Xiaoxiao was secretly live-streaming the entire announcement on her phone.

Lei Ming then informed them that a ten-day training camp, with full board and lodging at school, would begin the next day. After class, Sang Xia confronted Lei Ming, realizing his earlier harshness towards Yu Yang was a "provocation tactic" aimed at motivating him. Lei Ming explained that he couldn't force someone unwilling to help themselves, and since Yu Yang had never pursued his own desires, joining Class 11 could be his first independent step.

Sang Xia, however, worried that his approach might backfire. She used a metaphor of a snail, explaining that poking it only makes it retreat further, and that Yu Yang, with his "avoidance" defense mechanism, needed to feel safe and trusted. She warned Lei Ming that if he continued with such aggressive tactics, Yu Yang might genuinely flee, or she would "attack" him. Separately, Lei Ming met with his former boss at the gym, seeking investment for Class 11.

He reminded his former boss of a debt owed by his previous company, Zhixiang. Meanwhile, Bian Xiaoxiao joined a video chat with her friends in a group ironically named "The Worst of Us" to discuss the upcoming training camp and an idol's poster. She attempted to fit in, agreeing with their opinions, but struggled to genuinely connect with the group.

At Cheng Yushan's home, her step-father expressed his disapproval of her attending the training camp, arguing that her mother needed help with the family business. Cheng Yushan's mother also questioned why she had changed the lock on her bedroom door, which Cheng Yushan simply stated was due to a malfunction. To ensure Cheng Yushan could attend, Sang Xia called her and instructed her to turn on the speakerphone.

Sang Xia then fabricated a story about the school conducting home visits for students with "special family situations" due to a case of severe depression caused by parental gender bias, which had led to police involvement. This subtle threat prompted Cheng Yushan's parents to quickly agree to her participation in the training camp. Lei Ming wryly commented on Sang Xia's "palace fight" skills.

Later, while shopping for training supplies with Sang Xia, Lei Ming was more interested in sampling free food than purchasing items. Sang Xia teased him, asking if he was there to shop or just for free food and social media check-ins. Lei Ming revealed he was using his elementary school classmate's cousin, who worked in hotel supplies wholesale, to get a 50% discount on materials, highlighting his frugal nature.

Jiang Qinglang's father secretly supported his son's participation in the training camp, promising to cover for him with his mother, who was working overtime. Jiang Qinglang confided in his father, asking about his mother's past aversion to liberal arts and how they ended up together. His father revealed that his past romantic letters, though now considered outdated, had once impressed his mother. Jiang Qinglang mused on his mother's strict but ultimately caring nature, acknowledging her dedication to their family.

Li Ran confronted Shen Yao, who was eating a midnight snack with his grandmother, about the "red underwear" photos. Li Ran showed him screenshots of the IP address, threatening to expose Shen Yao's address on the confession wall. Shen Yao initially feigned ignorance but then subtly threatened Li Ran by mentioning his grandmother.

A flashback revealed the origin of Shen Yao's bullying: during a lecture, Yu Yang, suffering from an upset stomach, accidentally soiled Shen Yao's shoes, leading to Shen Yao being ridiculed and subsequently targeting Yu Yang.

Lei Ming, reflecting on his strict upbringing in 1993, recalled how his father, Mr. Lei, instilled in him a meticulous approach to time management, asserting that the way one handles time dictates how one handles life. His father's focus was so intense that Lei Ming often came home to find him tutoring other students, with only a cold bun left for his dinner. His mornings began with a precise countdown, multitasking to gain an advantage, a method his father championed.

He remembered his father's words that time never waits for the weak and prefers to be controlled rather than chased. This intense self-discipline was a result of his father's belief that being frugal with time would lead to time being generous in return, and managing oneself was a vital ability to be a beacon in darkness.

Lei Ming's father often recited classical texts about enduring hardship to achieve greatness, explaining that when Heaven bestows great responsibility, it first inflicts suffering, toil, hunger, and disorder to sharpen one's character. His father emphasized that life is a race against time; one must learn to manage and master it, remaining resilient and prepared for challenges to achieve a remarkable life. Lei Ming, now an adult in 2018, continued these habits, waking precisely at 5 AM.

He rode his repaired old motorcycle, a prized possession from 2003 he had bought with his own savings. He remembered his father's disapproval and refusal to celebrate his admission to Qingbei University, instead demanding a liability waiver for potential motorcycle accidents. Despite this, Lei Ming found contentment in his disciplined routine, even on his birthday, though he was facing financial difficulties as evidenced by several overdue credit card bills and rent notices.

News reports also highlighted the struggles of Zhixiang Education, where Wang Yunyang, the head of their education sector, announced declining revenue and plans for increased investment in online education and AI. On the first day of training, Lei Ming, now a teacher, led the five students of Class 11—Li Ran, Cheng Yushan, Jiang Qinglang, Bian Xiaoxiao, and Yu Yang—in planting a bay tree. This unusual activity during morning exercises drew a crowd and some ridicule from other students.

Li Ran questioned the value of planting a tree instead of studying. Lei Ming clarified that this tree would be where they would hang their Qingbei admission letters a year later, symbolizing the starting point of their miracles and proving their doubters wrong.

He then announced three rules for the ten-day training focused on Chinese, math, and English: a guarantee of at least a fifty-point increase, strict prohibition of cheating (with immediate expulsion for offenders), and a directive not to call him "teacher," as he felt the title was too noble for him. He suggested alternatives like "Lei," "Brother Lei," or "Mr. Lei," as long as it wasn't "teacher."

Back in the classroom, while other classes were diligently studying, Class 11 students were largely idle. Bian Xiaoxiao was even live streaming, and Cheng Yushan was asleep. Lei Ming, observing them through the school's monitoring system, arrived and confiscated their phones, explaining that phones were the biggest obstacle to their Qingbei aspirations, not intelligence, scores, or parents. His first lesson was "phone withdrawal," where he set all their phones to maximum volume.

The constant notifications triggered a strong urge in the students. Yu Yang was the first to break, needing to reply to his mother to prevent her from worrying excessively. Lei Ming agreed, but only if Yu Yang screen-mirrored his phone for everyone to see. He explained this was the "craving" stage of addiction, where the unknown content compelled them to check. Bian Xiaoxiao, after seeing negative comments on her live stream when she reluctantly mirrored her screen, experienced significant embarrassment.

Lei Ming used this to illustrate the "response" and "reward" mechanisms of phone addiction, teaching them to avoid triggers, stop craving, refrain from responding, and never allow themselves the reward of checking their phones. He then mandated that all phones be placed in a designated box upon entering the classroom, with the class monitor (Li Ran) facing a three-day phone confiscation if anyone failed to comply.

Shortly after, Yu Yang's mother, Auntie Feng, rushed in, worried because she couldn't reach him. Lei Ming instructed her to contact Sang Xia for future updates, emphasizing that constant communication would hinder Yu Yang's studies. He also dismissed Class 11 early for lunch to allow them to eat without crowds. Sang Xia expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of Lei Ming's phone withdrawal method, noting how many adults struggle with time management.

Lei Ming, drawing on his own tough upbringing, claimed it was not optimism but experience, then requested Sang Xia to obtain permission for the monitoring room, implicitly offering her psychological health class time in return. During lunch break, Li Ran overheard other students disparaging Yu Yang, accusing him of cheating to get into Mingying and being a "Mama's boy." Jiang Qinglang confronted these students. Jiang Qinglang later managed to borrow a phone from a friend to play games.

Meanwhile, Bian Xiaoxiao overheard her "plastic sisters," Pan Ya, Yang Lin, and Sun Jia, criticize her for forgetting to promote Mubei. They then suggested she film Cheng Yushan to gain popularity. Jiang Qinglang intervened, criticizing Mubei's poor academic record and a past incident where he mispronounced a classical phrase about students, implying that following such an idol might affect their intellect.

He told Bian Xiaoxiao that she was "not like them" and offered himself as a subject for her videos if her friends pressured her again. Elsewhere, Li Ran, Yu Yang, and Cheng Yushan attempted to unlock the phone box with a wire. Lei Ming caught them in the act. Lei Ming then took the three students to the monitoring room, where Sang Xia had distracted the staff by offering to treat them to their favorite peach-flavored milk tea.

Calling it Minglong's "top secret," Lei Ming showed them live feeds of other classes. He compared Peach Plum Class 2, a high-achieving class with no special talent students, to Pine Cypress Class 4, an average class with a third of students capable of reaching second-tier universities.

He highlighted the stark difference in their pre-class habits: Peach Plum students cleared their desks, pre-studied, and prepared thoroughly to maximize every minute of learning, while Pine Cypress students wasted their break time, arriving exhausted and uninterested in class. Lei Ming explained the purpose of a countdown, likening the college entrance exam to a marathon where a visible finish line keeps runners motivated.

He also quoted an English proverb about the "wolf having a winning game when the shepherds quarrel" to illustrate the constant competition, emphasizing that someone is always trying to surpass them. He concluded that understanding this competition was crucial, and his efforts to bring them there would not be in vain if they grasped this lesson. Sang Xia then reflected, wondering if someone, too, was watching Lei Ming's back.

In 2008, Lei Ming returned to his alma mater, Xingzhou City High School, as a famous teacher from Zhixiang, to give a speech to the younger students. He stood in a classroom, pointing out that it had 350 seats, twelve of which were broken but now repaired. He asked a student to read the words carved on his seat, "See you at Qingbei," revealing that he himself had carved them.

Lei Ming shared that he used to come secretly to this classroom every night for self-study, changing seats daily, believing that by the time he reached that particular seat, he would have been accepted into Qingbei University. He admitted that senior year was incredibly tough, and he had cried countless times in various seats, feeling completely broken and distant from his dream.

However, after crying and picking himself up, seeing that carved seat always gave him renewed strength, reminding him that Qingbei was not far but waiting for him to proudly claim his place. He then advised the students that they could achieve their goals too, but urged them not to damage public property, keeping their aspirations in their hearts.

Lei Ming concluded his speech by reflecting on how, at eighteen, holding his Qingbei acceptance letter, he felt he had finally mastered and defeated time, repeating the proverb, "Little by little, it merges into the sea; every minute constitutes life," and leading the students in chanting, "Cherish time, and don't believe in fate." Later, Lei Ming and Class 11 were found by Mr. Xiao and Mr. Du in the monitoring room.

Mr. Xiao immediately blamed Sang Xia for the breach and threatened punishment. Lei Ming, however, produced a special pass from the principal, rendering Mr. Xiao powerless and forcing him and Mr. Rong to observe. Afterward, Lei Ming spoke with the male vice principal, explaining that he had anticipated Sang Xia's unreliability and prepared a backup plan.

He reminded the vice principal that they were allies, and the success of Class 11 would ensure that neither he nor Longhai High School would be "swallowed up." Lei Ming also clarified that Class 11's teaching had nothing to do with the "Lizhou Miracle" or his father, Lei Lizhou, beyond using the name as a gimmick. Lei Ming proceeded to give Class 11 a unique lesson using the surveillance footage, teaching them how top students learn.

He introduced a four-step process: trigger, crave, response, and reward. He showed footage of Peach Plum Class 2 and Pine Cypress Class 4, explaining that students' scores are determined by themselves, not by teachers, regardless of whether their teacher is an ordinary level teacher like Mr. Zhu or an outstanding teacher like Mr. Sheng.

He asserted that just as smartphones can be addictive, so can learning, if one establishes a correct reward system that releases endorphins, making them more focused and craving more rewards. He concluded that no one is born a top student; they simply learn to treat studying as a game.

Jiang Qinglang pointed out a student who appeared to be sleeping in Peach Plum Class 2, but Lei Ming revealed this was a "boy who secretly studies," using his in-class sleep to mislead opponents while utilizing class breaks to get free personalized tutoring from teachers. Lei Ming ended the lesson by posing a question: why is there such a stark difference in study habits between Peach Plum Class and Pine Cypress Class?

Mr. Xiao had to admit that Lei Ming "is quite something." During lunchtime, Cheng Yushan observed other students diligently studying in the cafeteria. She realized they were genuinely happy and focused in their own worlds, a feeling she had never experienced herself—the drive to strive for a goal. Sang Xia, observing her students scattering and eating separately, assigned them a task: buy meals for each other without communicating, with results impacting attendance points.

This resulted in confusion, with students bringing meals their classmates couldn't eat, like spicy food for someone who couldn't handle it, sweet food for someone who disliked it, or glutinous rice for Yu Yang, who had a sensitive stomach and was advised by his Auntie Feng not to eat it.

Sang Xia explained that the exercise was not a "love variety show" but about fostering empathy, respect, goodwill, sincerity, and mutual understanding within their collective, emphasizing that without it, they would face "a complete breakdown." She urged them to finish their meals and hoped that next time, they would have a better understanding of each other. Students then began to exchange meals to find something they could eat.

Li Ran confronted Shen Yao, knowing he was responsible for his broken computer, even though the incriminating photos had been deleted. Shen Yao, unfazed, deliberately called Li Ran’s grandmother, Granny Ge, who worked as a housekeeper for his family, to bring him some study materials and soup. He publicly announced that Li Ran's grandmother was his family's housekeeper, further humiliating Li Ran, and then demanded that she deliver soup to him every noon.

Cheng Yushan attempted to intervene by accepting a new computer from Shen Yao on Li Ran's behalf, but Li Ran refused, insisting he could fix his own. Shen Yao then asked Cheng Yushan to deliver the soup to his classroom door. After Shen Yao left, Granny Ge offered Li Ran some freshly peeled walnuts.

Li Ran hesitated, but Cheng Yushan accepted them from her, telling Granny Ge she was Li Ran's classmate and that the walnuts were good for the brain, then distributed them among her classmates. As the dorms were full, Sang Xia announced that Class 11’s accommodation for the ten-day training would be the performance hall. She had the "giant curtain" opened and presented Lei Ming’s supplies.

Seeing the students’ upset faces, she tried to lighten the mood, noting that sleeping on a stage was a rare life experience. She designated the area in front of the curtain for boys and behind it for girls, closer to the restroom, while she would sleep in a separate spot. As everyone started setting up, Bian Xiaoxiao tried to help Yu Yang, but he reacted strongly, telling her not to touch his belongings.

Sang Xia noticed that Cheng Yushan and Li Ran were still wearing their old uniforms. She gave them new ones, having already paid the fee, and told them to consider it a favor owed to her, suggesting they could buy her milk tea someday to foster their teacher-student relationship. Later, in the restroom, Bian Xiaoxiao saw Cheng Yushan washing her face with cold water.

Concerned, she offered Cheng Yushan her facial cleanser, but Cheng Yushan politely declined, stating that she was not there to make friends. Sang Xia, overhearing their conversation, mused that she was observing an interesting dynamic between a people-pleasing personality and an avoidant one. Yu Yang later asked Sang Xia why Lei Ming wasn’t staying with them, and she playfully replied that he had stinky feet.

That night, Jiang Qinglang peered through the stage curtain and saw Cheng Yushan, which brought him back to a memory from 2017, before the merger of Mingying and Longhai high schools. He recalled seeing Cheng Yushan waiting outside a milk tea shop. A boy from Mingying High, who was among the top fifty in his grade, approached her to ask for her QQ number, offering to pay for her milk tea and even tutor her for free.

Cheng Yushan declined, and when he persisted, she wrote the word "hick" on his hand. Jiang Qinglang remembered thinking she was a tough person. He had also received a message from his "strategist" friend, confirming he had dealt with "Voldemort" (presumably a teacher or parent) and told Jiang Qinglang's mother he was at a math training camp. The next morning, numerous alarms blared, waking up the students.

Lei Ming immediately addressed them, declaring that their freedom and time now belonged to him until they received their admission notices. He explained that their sleep schedule of 10 PM to 5:30 AM (7. 5 hours) covered five complete sleep cycles, which, physiologically, should make them energetic upon waking. If they felt tired, it meant they hadn't slept when they should have. He then challenged the notion that morning running was for physical fitness, calling it "pseudo-science."

Instead, he stated that the purpose of morning exercises was to build collective consciousness and study spirit through light activity to awaken their bodies and minds. Finally, he emphasized the importance of a comprehensive and balanced breakfast, detailing the vitamins and nutrients in their assigned meals, which he claimed would enhance memory, combat aging, and promote brain blood circulation, being most effective for those whose "brains have been idle for a long time."

For their first class of the day, Lei Ming introduced Tan Xiaozhou as Class 11's special guest Chinese teacher. Bian Xiaoxiao, excitedly, recognized her as "Tan Dada," the acclaimed author of "Ruan Lang Ling," professing to be her huge fan. Tan Xiaozhou recited lines from "East wind blows heavily, happy time fades away. . ." and "The eternal pledge of love remains, but the embroidered letter can no longer be delivered."

Sang Xia, from a distance, remarked to Lei Ming that he was getting "benefits" from his "ex-girlfriend," but Lei Ming quickly corrected her, stating that Tan Xiaozhou was officially hired by the school. Tan Xiaozhou then questioned Lei Ming, asking why he had sought her help. He replied that she was the only one he knew who understood both literature and the college entrance exam, possessing both looks and soul.

She also asked why he had avoided her previously, to which he playfully replied he hadn't washed his hair. When she pressed about the woman he was with that day, he claimed she was just a colleague. Tan Xiaozhou then teased him for being single for so many years and not asking her to help him find a girlfriend.

In class, Tan Xiaozhou asserted that studying Chinese was not just for exams but for making friends, falling in love, and enjoying life. To illustrate this, she asked the male students how they would confess to someone they secretly admired, with the female students judging their answers. Li Ran struggled, but Jiang Qinglang confidently declared his feelings to Cheng Yushan, stating, "We were friends, but now we're not, because you are now my girlfriend."

Tan Xiaozhou, after Jiang Qinglang sat down, called both attempts "incorrect demonstrations." She then taught them poetic ways to express love, sharing lines like "Trees grow on the mountain, and branches grow on the tree; my love for you grows in heart, but you, dear, don't know it," suggesting they only quote the first half and let the crush look up the rest. She also offered advanced poetic lines and practical applications for social media.

She gave examples of mundane comments people might leave on a QQ post about a beautiful sunset, like "Wow, so many birds," and then contrasted them with more sophisticated literary responses, such as a quote from Rilke's "Autumn Day" for those who want to appear profound. She ended by emphasizing that Chinese, as their native language, was easy to understand and beautiful. As she read a melancholic poem, a loud alarm sounded, and students cried out that someone was jumping from a building.

The students awoke to Lei Ming's lively lesson in the classroom, where he introduced them to his unique method of learning English through 100 Chinese songs he had personally adapted. He explained that English is a simple language, and his method aimed to build a bridge between Chinese and English, incorporating frequently tested collocations and easily confused vocabulary.

Lei Ming demonstrated how to use the songs to remember grammar and then announced that from that day forward, an English song would be sung during every afternoon self-study session, with Jiang Qinglang, the English representative, supervising. Sang Xia, initially skeptical of his "weird pedagogy," eventually found herself unconsciously dancing along outside the classroom. Lei Ming believed that English songs, unlike dull textbooks, offered a rich tapestry of "wildest imagination," "inconspicuous love," and "struggle against pain."

On the third day of the training camp, a new mathematics teacher, Hu Chong, arrived. He was initially hesitant to teach only five students, but Lei Ming persuaded him to stay. Hu Chong had trouble with the computer, so Li Ran, the class monitor, helped him set it up. Hu Chong immediately laid down strict rules: "no singing, no dancing, no jokes," and no "cozying up," advising students to go to Lei Ming for "unfun entertainment."

He introduced himself as a retired teacher who had taught Lei Ming and possibly even the students' parents, proudly calling himself "the human question bank" because he had seen every real exam question. Jiang Qinglang scoffed, mentioning the "Miao Question Bank" app. Hu Chong challenged him, proving his rapid recall by instantly solving complex past exam questions that Jiang Qinglang struggled to find on his phone.

Hu Chong emphasized that there are "no shortcuts in Mathematics" and that true understanding comes from tackling many difficult problems. To everyone's surprise, he then announced an immediate 30-minute exam. Earlier, Lei Ming had to work hard to convince Hu Chong to join. Hu Chong had complained about being exhausted from decades of teaching, especially from difficult students like Lei Ming.

Knowing Hu Chong's affinity for even numbers, Lei Ming enticed him by pointing out that if all five of his carefully selected students from Class 11 got into Qingbei University, Hu Chong's impressive total of Qingbei students would reach an even 56. Lei Ming offered a 10-day trial, promising to leave him alone if he wasn't satisfied, and teased him about a "secret Easter egg" awaiting him.

During the exam, Hu Chong rapidly dismissed most students' papers but stopped at Cheng Yushan's. He asked if she had encountered the second-to-last question, a first-year university-level inverse function problem, before. Cheng Yushan replied that she had seen its solution in a bookstore. Recognizing her extraordinary talent, Hu Chong, pleased, declared that he would indeed teach Class 11. During lunchtime, Li Ran delivered soup to Shen Yao as per their arrangement.

Shen Yao, still asserting his dominance, instructed Li Ran to also return the empty lunchbox to Mr. Jin, who was waiting at the entrance. Yu Yang observed this interaction with growing fear, as he was secretly a victim of bullying by Shen Yao's group. A flashback revealed Yu Yang being harassed by former classmates, with Shen Yao overseeing and asking what "benefits" Li Ran had given Yu Yang.

One of the bullies warned Yu Yang that while they would delete his compromising photos this time, they would "mess him up" if he disobeyed again, even in Class 11. That evening, Li Ran went to Lei Ming to retrieve his phone. After some lighthearted banter about Li Ran's reluctance to sing English songs, Lei Ming handed over the phone. Li Ran immediately saw missed calls from an unknown number.

He called back and learned from a police officer that Lu Jianhong, the person who had extorted money from him, had been found and his money recovered. The officer also asked Li Ran to tell his teacher to stop frequently calling the station, complaining that Lei Ming had been persistent in pursuing the case. Li Ran then saw Lei Ming leaving work and approached him, but his shyness prevented him from expressing his gratitude.

Lei Ming, noticing Li Ran's hesitation, encouraged him to speak, but Li Ran could only stammer that it was "nothing." A flashback revealed Lei Ming's determination: he had called Lu Jianhong, threatening him with legal action over illegal construction and fraud, which ultimately secured the return of Li Ran's money. On the fourth day, Bian Xiaoxiao was cornered by her "friends." She explained that Class 11 confiscated phones, making it difficult to reply to messages.

Her friends quickly reminded her of their "mission" to prank Cheng Yushan, handing her a detailed "prank script" and encouraging her to film it for her online account. Bian Xiaoxiao reluctantly agreed. Meanwhile, during the afternoon self-study, Jiang Qinglang tried to lead the class in singing English songs, but no one joined him, so he pulled Bian Xiaoxiao into it.

Jiang Qinglang's mother, Mrs. Guo, arrived at the school, first visiting Principal Lou to request Jiang Qinglang's transfer back to Peach Plum Class 4. She was informed that the transfer to Class 11 was official and not easily reversible. Mrs. Guo then confronted Lei Ming and Principal Gao, questioning the new class's legitimacy and Lei Ming's teaching methods, particularly the singing of "catchy songs." She threatened to report it to the parent-teacher committee.

Sang Xia intervened, pointing out that Jiang Qinglang hadn't used his phone for three days, a sign of progress. Mrs. Guo, however, dismissed this, stating her son was "not your experiment subject," and told Jiang Qinglang to pack his bags. Lei Ming proposed a wager: if Jiang Qinglang scored over 90 on a comprehensive Chinese, Math, and English exam at the end of the camp, he could stay.

Mrs. Guo, a doctor, initially rejected the "gamble," but Lei Ming reframed it as "respecting uncertainty" and "giving the future an opportunity," sweetening the deal by promising Jiang Qinglang's return to Peach Plum Class 4 if he failed. Principal Gao allowed Jiang Qinglang to make the final decision, and he chose to "give it a try," to which his mother reluctantly agreed.

Later, Mrs. Guo called Jiang Qinglang, having already arranged for his return to Peach Plum Class 4 to sit beside top-ranked Liu Xiaodan. Jiang Qinglang felt betrayed, but his mother maintained she was "objectively analyzing" his low scores and believed he couldn't pass. Jiang Qinglang insisted his effort mattered and asked, "What if I pass?" His mother conceded, saying she would "concede" if he passed. That night, with Sang Xia away, multiple conflicts erupted in the classroom.

Jiang Qinglang, desperate about the upcoming exam, offered Yu Yang 500 yuan to help him cheat. Li Ran overheard and firmly refused on Yu Yang's behalf, reminding them of Lei Ming's rule that cheating would result in expulsion. The argument quickly escalated as Jiang Qinglang accused Li Ran of arrogance due to his wealth, prompting Li Ran to retort that he never flaunted his money, unlike Jiang Qinglang, who seemed to harbor resentment towards the rich.

At the same time, Cheng Yushan discovered Bian Xiaoxiao's prank script and confronted her. Bian Xiaoxiao, distressed, explained that her "friends" had forced her, and Jiang Qinglang interjected to confirm her story. The classroom tension exploded. Jiang Qinglang redirected his anger at Li Ran, questioning his belief in Lei Ming's ability to get them into Qingbei and mocking Li Ran's low scores.

He disparaged Li Ran, calling him the "Steve Jobs of Longhai" and suggesting that university meant nothing to him since he could simply study abroad, unlike others who had "no choice." Li Ran fired back, accusing Jiang Qinglang of only getting into Mingying because of his mother. Jiang Qinglang retorted that Li Ran only got into Minglong by "playing the victim."

As their argument turned into a physical brawl, Yu Yang tried to intervene but was accidentally injured in the commotion. Cheng Yushan and Bian Xiaoxiao rushed to Yu Yang's aid, while Li Ran, in the chaos, turned and accused Cheng Yushan of pushing Yu Yang.

In a flashback to 1998 at Xingzhou No. 1 Middle School, a young Lei Ming struggles under the harsh tutelage of his math teacher, Hu Chong, who often scolds him for failing to grasp concepts and implies he’s either unwilling or unable to learn. In contrast, Hu Chong treats other students, like Ye Chao, with warmth.

Lei Ming also faces social awkwardness due to his father being a teacher at the school, who insists on being called "Mr. Lei" within school grounds, emphasizing the student-teacher dynamic over their father-son relationship. This strict environment, coupled with his father's distance and Hu Chong’s demanding nature, ignites a fierce resolve in Lei Ming to study diligently and get into Qingbei.

He later tells Sang Xia that his determination is fueled by resentment, believing it to be a powerful motivator for success. The Class 11 incident, involving a false fire alarm, becomes a major topic of discussion among the teachers. They express concern about the severity of the situation and the potential consequences, with many labeling the Class 11 students as unruly and unserious about their studies, making Sang Xia’s job difficult. Punishment is widely seen as inevitable.

Lei Ming, however, had predicted these reactions. When Principal Gao arrives, Lei Ming reveals his anticipation of the school's response, foreseeing Class 11's potential suspension and the students' return to their original classes, leaving him to face repercussions. Despite admitting he has no immediate solution, Lei Ming reassures Principal Lou that Principal Gao will not choose the most severe outcome. He proposes that the core issue for Class 11 is the students' lack of a sense of belonging.

Instead of harsh measures, he advocates for leniency, treating them like any other students without excessive scrutiny or suppression. He believes this is the most effective approach, and the principal agrees, instructing Mr. Rong to handle the situation. During Tan Xiaozhou's Chinese class, the students are visibly unengaged and distracted. She teaches them rapid reading techniques, explaining that the increasing demands for reading in the college entrance exam are designed to prevent 15% of students from finishing.

She introduces "flowing reading," an approach that encourages reading like listening to a song, without word-for-word memorization, and "dehydrated reading," which involves extracting the 20% most crucial information from a book and understanding its connection to the rest. Meanwhile, Jiang Qinglang is absent from class. Sang Xia finds him at a milk tea shop, where he's consumed three sugary drinks. He expresses his frustration, feeling he doesn't belong in Class 11 and sees no reason to stay.

Sang Xia initially appears to agree, offering to call his mother and arrange a taxi to send him home. However, when Jiang Qinglang hesitates, revealing his fear of failure and the belief that Li Ran and Lei Ming expect him to fail, Sang Xia shifts her tone. She challenges him, suggesting his defiance masks fear, and reminds him of his past assertive self, the "assertive little lion." She then declares her "100% certainty" that he will not fail.

Observing Jiang Qinglang's empty seat, Yu Yang nervously confides in Li Ran that Jiang Qinglang genuinely wants to stay in Class 11, admitting that while cheating was wrong, he truly wants to help him. Later, Sang Xia leads the students to a cluttered storage room, announcing it as her new "psychology classroom." She emphasizes that being Class 11's headteacher is the highest authority she's held, and if the class dissolves, she'd lose even that power.

She then tasks them with cleaning and organizing the room according to their own preferences, likening it to interior decorating. Sang Xia later discusses her philosophy with Lei Ming, asserting that students need "partners," not "natural enemies," for learning. She illustrates symbiotic relationships in nature, like crocodiles and Egyptian plovers, sea anemones and clownfish, or pistol shrimps and goby fish, to show how mutual support benefits different species.

Lei Ming, however, remains skeptical, believing the students are self-motivated and haven't yet formed genuine bonds. He insists the upcoming comprehensive exam will be the true test of their unity. Jiang Qinglang returns to his desk to find various study notes from his classmates: Bian Xiaoxiao provided Chinese composition materials, Yu Yang left supportive English notes, and Cheng Yushan contributed a math problem set.

Li Ran also added a notebook, reminding Jiang Qinglang that Lei Ming expects him to memorize its key content. Overwhelmed, Jiang Qinglang laments the futility of rote memorization. Li Ran then shares a study technique called the "memory tree," explaining how to organize complex knowledge by creating a mental tree diagram, connecting main concepts to related branches. He explains this method, combined with the Ebbinghaus mnemonic, uses both the left and right brain for better recall.

Later that night, Jiang Qinglang is still studying when Li Ran, also awake, joins him under a small lamp. Yu Yang, Bian Xiaoxiao, and Cheng Yushan soon emerge from their beds to join the impromptu group study session. Bian Xiaoxiao captures this moment of camaraderie with a photo. Sang Xia, briefly awakened, observes their diligent study, notes the time, and returns to sleep with a sense of contentment.

On the sixth day of intensive training, the students of Class 11 wake promptly and engage in their morning routines with newfound discipline, a stark contrast to their previous relaxed attitudes. Outsiders, observing them, mock their "memory tree" exercise. As Li Ran attempts to deliver lunch to Shen Yao, Jiang Qinglang, Bian Xiaoxiao, Yu Yang, and Cheng Yushan execute a public prank.

Jiang Qinglang theatrically introduces Shen Yao as "the school's VIP-level pretentious crook" and presents his "exclusive bird's nest soup package" from the "Class 11 takeout team," providing an exaggerated description of the soup. Bian Xiaoxiao then confronts Shen Yao about his pampered lifestyle, feigning concern about his supposed "polio," and proceeds to finish his soup, publicly humiliating him. An enraged Shen Yao storms off.

Following this, Yu Yang expresses his gratitude to Li Ran, acknowledging Li Ran's earlier intervention to make Shen Yao delete a compromising post, referencing a previous bullying incident. The internal comprehensive exam for Chinese, Math, and English quickly arrives. The tests are randomly generated by subject teachers, totaling 150 points over two hours. After immediate grading, Lei Ming announces Jiang Qinglang's score: 89, regrettably one point shy of the passing grade needed to stay in Class 11.

Despite the other students' protests, Lei Ming upholds the rules, stating, "You bet, you lose," and that "one point can mean a world of difference." He informs Jiang Qinglang that he can join Peach Plum Class 4. Jiang Qinglang's parents prepare to leave with him. Sang Xia dramatically intervenes, urging his mother to reconsider and give her son another chance.

She passionately highlights Jiang Qinglang's recent transformation—ten days without a phone, focused in class, and eagerly seeking help from teachers—emphasizing his rare dedication. She promises he would thrive more in Class 11. However, Jiang Qinglang's mother remains resolute, and they depart. Lei Ming then reveals the scores of the other students: Li Ran 75, Bian Xiaoxiao 71, Cheng Yushan 61, and Yu Yang 69.

He points out that Jiang Qinglang's 89 points, despite being below the passing mark, made him "top of the class." He asks the disappointed students how they feel, eliciting responses of fear, disappointment, and sadness. Lei Ming clarifies that their true emotion is "resentment" and instructs them to deeply remember this feeling.

He explains that resentment, unlike mere regret, will be their driving force through future failures and disappointments, pushing them to try again and strive for better, making it their most significant achievement of the past few days.

Jiang Qinglang's parents arrived at the school to take him home, but his mother observed his reluctance to leave Class 11, a look of strong determination she hadn't seen in him since he was ten years old, when he was learning to swim. She decided to trust Lei Ming and Sang Xia, hoping that in Class 11, Jiang Qinglang would not only put in effort but also achieve significant results.

She provided him with fresh clothes and some low-sugar, zero-fat snacks to share with his classmates before he rejoined the group. Back in the classroom, Lei Ming revealed the true nature of their recent test. He explained that out of forty questions, only the twelve prime-numbered ones were within their syllabus, and the rest were intentionally beyond their current capabilities. The students, to their relief, realized they had answered all the prime-numbered questions correctly, validating their hard work.

Lei Ming declared the ten-day training concluded, congratulating them on reaching this stage. He announced a three-day break for them to go home and review, with strict instructions to maintain their training routine and not to contact teachers or come to school. Class monitor Cheng Yushan was put in charge of supervision. As the announcement finished, Jiang Qinglang enthusiastically returned, proclaiming his decision to stay in Class 11.

On the first day of the break, the students dutifully clocked in online at 5:30 AM. Cheng Yushan, despite her supervisory role, found her own studies frequently interrupted as she had to help her mother serve customers, refill tea, and cut fruit in their busy tea shop. At Li Ran’s home, his grandmother accidentally shattered a valuable crystal decorative vase that Mr. Shen had brought back from Japan.

She dismissed it as minor and told Li Ran not to worry, but another housekeeper suggested that Li Ran discreetly check its price online. Jiang Qinglang, trying to study at home, was constantly disrupted by his parents' bickering, first over a trivial matter like opening a window, and later when his mother caught him texting a friend. Overwhelmed by the arguments, he eventually yelled at his parents to leave him alone.

Lei Ming visited his father at a nursing home and unexpectedly encountered Captain Hou, one of his father’s former students. Hou informed Lei Ming that his father had been quiet about their visit and warned him about his father's worsening memory, suggesting he might even forget Lei Ming soon.

Hou then presented Lei Ming with the necessary business and hygiene licenses for his food stall and informed him that his impounded cart was ready for pickup, emphasizing that he must operate within the designated mobile vendor zone. Lei Ming's thoughts drifted back to his childhood, recalling how his father, a dedicated teacher, often prioritized his students over family, even when Lei Ming’s mother was ill.

His mother had explained that his father was like a gardener, nurturing his students as his most precious fruits. Later, a caregiver at the nursing home informed Lei Ming that his father's numerous potted plants were attracting bugs and disrupting the landscaping plan, suggesting they be discarded. Lei Ming decided to take all the plants home with him. The students' disciplined routine began to fray on the second day of the holiday, with some missing their early morning check-ins.

Li Ran, after observing his grandmother anxiously checking her passbook, realized the broken vase was a financial burden. He accepted a rush order for phone repairs, which offered double pay, hoping to earn enough to help. Meanwhile, Bian Xiaoxiao faced the displeasure of her cousin, whose room she was occupying. He complained about his belongings, including vehicle models and posters, being moved. Her aunt defended Bian Xiaoxiao, but her cousin hinted at his aunt's financial dependence.

Yu Yang found himself trapped in a volatile dinner with his divorced parents. His mother, Auntie Feng, had invited Mr. Huang, the gatekeeper, to dinner, which Yu Yang's father also attended. The ex-spouses exchanged cutting remarks, with his father mocking Auntie Feng’s cafeteria job and her perceived relationship with Mr. Huang, while criticizing Yu Yang’s expensive tutoring and his lack of knowledge about "Class 11."

He pushed Yu Yang to abandon his studies and become a truck driver like him if he failed his exams. The relentless arguments drove Yu Yang to lock himself in his room. Through the closed door, he cried out that if he didn't pass his exams this year, he would indeed go with his father to drive trucks, leaving his mother collapsing in despair.

Lei Ming, seated at a barbecue stall, witnessed the boss lady being confronted by her brother, who demanded money and accused her of exploiting her daughter for profit. When the brother turned aggressive, Lei Ming intervened and forcefully drove him away. On the third day of the holiday, Li Ran looked up the price of Mr. Shen’s broken crystal vase online and was stunned by the exorbitant cost.

Unexpectedly, Shen Yao's father invited Li Ran to attend a physics competition class with Shen Yao, noting the teacher was highly sought after and Li Ran could "experience the atmosphere." Li Ran agreed. During the class, they were given a preliminary paper. While Shen Yao performed well on the foundational problems, he struggled with the challenging final question. Li Ran, despite having a weak foundation and making errors on some regular problems, surprisingly solved the advanced problem.

He explained his unique method of deducing formulas by eliminating options and validating them with other questions, earning praise from the teacher, who called him a "genius." Shen Yao's father, however, was visibly angered by Shen Yao's comparative performance, chastising him and suggesting that Li Ran, who lacked the opportunity to study competition physics, might surpass him. Shen Yao tightly clenched his fists.

Later, Shen Yao's father told Li Ran that his problem-solving style was uncannily similar to Li Ran's own father's. This remark triggered a flood of painful childhood memories for Li Ran, recalling his father’s past protests against an "unscrupulous factory" with shouts of "blood for blood" and "work injury compensation is morally justified," followed by episodes of domestic violence towards him and his mother.

Lei Ming later returned to the nursing home and was informed by Mr. Wang, another resident, that his father had been in the bathroom for over an hour, and Mr. Wang was hesitant to knock due to a past incident. Lei Ming opened the door to find his father distressed, attempting to wash his soiled pants after an episode of incontinence. Lei Ming tried to reassure him and offered to help.

His father, in a state of confusion, threw the pants at Lei Ming. As Lei Ming moved to close the door to assist him, his father, disoriented and agitated, asked Lei Ming who he was, and then repeatedly pleaded with him not to tell his son about the incident.

In 2018, before the new school year began, Minglong High School held a meeting for the re-election of its Senior Year Parent-Teacher Committee. The merger of two schools meant their respective committees also needed to combine, and a vice president position was open for election. Among the candidates were Shen Hao, father of Shen Yao from Peach Plum Class 2, and Guo Yun, Jiang Qinglang's mother.

Another candidate, Ryan, father of Zhao Qingqing, highlighted his debate team experience and external relations skills, offering his company's full sponsorship for the school's computer room upgrade. Feng Yan, mother of Yu Yang, simply stated she would do whatever the school asked. Zeng Wenhao's father from Pine Cypress Class 4, an engineering businessman, also ran, pledging a significant donation if elected and using the proverb "like begets like." Ultimately, Jiang Qinglang's mother, Guo Yun, was elected.

Back at school, Lei Ming informed the students that their three-day holiday was a deliberate "trap" designed to make them realize the reality of their home routines. He explained that this final class of the ten-day training aimed to make them understand the difference in study habits between the elite Peach Plum Class and their Class 11. He presented pie charts comparing the weekend schedules of parents from both classes, showing time allocated to study/work, sports, leisure, and sleep.

Lei Ming revealed that Peach Plum Class parents were "masters of time management" who instilled value in every second, making elite college entrance just an "ordinary thing" for their children. He argued that the students' parents often unconsciously imposed their own habits, or their time was eroded by endless family trivialities, arguments, and feelings of helplessness.

One student questioned why he couldn't adopt his parents' self-discipline despite their elite habits, to which Lei Ming explained that conflicting parental instructions could result in a "two positives make a negative" outcome. Li Ran interjected, asserting that it all boiled down to family background and the "like begets like" mentality, arguing that Lei Ming's assessment was unfair to parents who worked hard to survive.

Lei Ming conceded his words might be unfair to parents, but stated that life is inherently an unfair game. He challenged Li Ran, saying that complaining wouldn't achieve fairness. Lei Ming emphasized that the true agent of change was not external forces but themselves. He concluded by telling them that for the next year, they were their own individuals, free from inherited habits or external influence.

On the matter of learning, while the "like begets like" saying might apply to leaving parents and family, the "rest of the story," he asserted, was theirs to write. For Cheng Yushan, he advised her to escape her family's original concepts, and for Li Ran, to "clear this unfair game" and establish his own fairness.

Meanwhile, at Cheng Yushan's home, her stepfather accused her of stealing 10,000 yuan that went missing, with her mother not defending her and even suggesting she might have been conned. Cheng Yushan vehemently denied it, stating she was at school for ten days of training, and challenged them to check the surveillance cameras. Her stepfather dismissed the idea, claiming it would take too long.

He then stormed into her room, throwing her belongings and accusing her of buying "crap" with stolen money. Cheng Yushan's mother tried to mediate, urging her to apologize, but Cheng Yushan defiantly declared he was not her father, adding that her real father had passed away long ago. Enraged, her stepfather ordered her to leave the house, throwing her possessions.

He then grabbed her cherished doll, suspecting money was hidden inside, and ruthlessly cut it open with scissors, leaving Cheng Yushan distraught and crying uncontrollably. At that moment, Bian Xiaoxiao arrived, using the pretense that the teacher wanted Cheng Yushan back at school, and whisked her away. Later, the missing money was found back in the shoebox. Cheng Yushan's mother wondered if her own son, Xuan, had taken it, but her stepfather quickly dismissed the thought.

Bian Xiaoxiao took Cheng Yushan to a noodle shop, where they challenged themselves to eat extremely spicy beef noodles, winning two chili peppers as a "secret gift." As they walked, Bian Xiaoxiao recounted her first visit to Xingzhou at age seven, when her father bought her a beautiful fish named Sophie. She believed Sophie was the prettiest fish in their hometown, but it was eaten by a wild cat the very next day.

From that moment, Bian Xiaoxiao vowed to stay in a big city like Xingzhou, believing that beautiful things could only survive there, even if it meant facing judgment, comparison, or contempt, and striving tirelessly to avoid being disliked. She then reassured Cheng Yushan, telling her that even though she knew Cheng Yushan wasn't particularly fond of her, she firmly believed Cheng Yushan hadn't stolen the money, offering an unwavering show of trust.

Later, Lei Ming had a blind date arranged by his aunt, only to find that his date was Bai Lu, Sang Xia's best friend. Sang Xia was also present, having known about the date beforehand and having tried unsuccessfully to contact Lei Ming via WeChat about student issues, complaining that he "kept silent at the critical moment." Lei Ming and Sang Xia inadvertently started discussing work.

Bai Lu, feeling ignored, decided to go to the shop next door for rice noodles, telling Sang Xia to call her if Lei Ming "picked on" her. Sang Xia then presented Lei Ming with the "House, Tree, Person" drawings the students had made during training to analyze their psychological states. She explained that Cheng Yushan's drawing, placed low on the page with a dark, sealed house, indicated insecurity, a strong psychological defense, and hostility towards her family.

Bian Xiaoxiao's drawing, with its single lines and the person facing the house, suggested a tendency to please and an effort to communicate with family. Yu Yang's drawing, showing a person trapped in a window, reflected despair, anxiety, or an unwillingness to engage. Jiang Qinglang's drawing, featuring a house without a chimney but a large sun, implied that warmth came from outside the home, indicating a superficial family life where his true desires were hidden.

Most concerning was Li Ran's drawing, which was full of uncertainty, with the house, tree, and person scattered and askew, signifying torn self-awareness, intense internal conflict, and a tendency to act rashly. His roughly drawn house suggested he had no concept of or desire to understand "home," and the scarred tree bark represented numerous psychological traumas, leaving him wanting to escape but unsure where to go.

Sang Xia criticized Lei Ming for only addressing half the problem by not including parents in understanding their own issues. She then declared that she would be holding a parent-teacher meeting, not asking for his opinion, and assured him she could postpone other school commitments to make it happen. The parent-teacher meeting commenced, with Sang Xia immediately announcing that parents, not students, were the focus. When asked to rate themselves as "good parents," all parents confidently raised their hands.

Sang Xia then distributed a questionnaire designed to identify different parental types, encouraging self-reflection.

She outlined four categories: "parents of excessive competition," who use their children's achievements to validate their own status; "parents of manipulation," who control their children's lives from major decisions to minor habits, subtly "kidnapping" them with love and sacrifice; "parents of evasion," who avoid family problems and responsibilities, leading to a loss of trust and security for their children; and "parents of excessive indulgence," who lack discipline, leading to a lack of responsibility and potentially bad habits in their children.

Sang Xia shared cautionary tales, including a child who ran away after parents invaded his privacy and another who committed suicide after his mother failed to defend him against accusations or his father's verbal abuse. She gently suggested that despite their confidence, parents might be "so wrong on each question." When parents protested, Lei Ming stepped in. Sang Xia then advised parents to "not pay excessive attention to your children," quoting Kahlil Gibran, "Your children are not your children.

They come through you but not from you." Lei Ming added that parents should avoid constantly instructing their children, making excessive arrangements, or binding their care to their children's success, warning against "kidnapping your children with your love." He concluded by saying that the upcoming year would be a battle for their children, and what they truly needed might be different from what parents assumed, offering parents the chance for a daily "make-up exam" on their parenting.

Later that day, Shen Yao's mother picked him up, giving him an address, Yueli Bay No. 8, Building B, Room 1003, and instructing him to ask his father if he would come home for his birthday dinner. Shen Yao, visibly distressed and clutching his wrist, asked if he could avoid going.

Reluctantly, he went upstairs and heard sounds of a piano, laughter, and cheering from inside the apartment, confirming his father was with another woman, whom guests called a "talented girl," and jokingly referring to the music as his father and the woman's "love song." Shen Yao returned to the car, telling his mother his father had "no reaction." His mother questioned the woman's age, estimating "25?" and her profession, "seems to do music."

Noticing Shen Yao's hand, she then commented that his father "is dating girls younger" but found out the apartment was rented, not bought, predicting his father would get "tired of her within three months." Shen Yao simply replied, "Mom, I'm hungry," indicating his profound unhappiness. Meanwhile, it was also Li Ran's birthday. His grandmother warmly wished him a happy birthday, serving him longevity noodles.

She proudly showed him her savings, "almost six figures," accumulated by frugality, including renting out their old house as a warehouse. She urged him to focus on his studies and not worry about saving money, assuring him that their life would "grow better." She then presented him with a small cake, explaining it was a free gift she received when buying a larger one for Shen Yao, adding that "it'll be the same in the belly."

Li Ran closed his eyes and wished his "granny a long life," while his grandmother wished he "could enter Qingbei." Despite their cramped living conditions, their small celebration was filled with warmth and love, a stark contrast to Shen Yao's lonely birthday.

In 2009, at Xingzhou Normal University, Sang Xia was preparing for her postgraduate exams amidst a significant increase in applicants. Despite the fierce competition, Sang Xia often felt sleepy, prompting her friend Bai Lu to urge her to stay focused. Bai Lu shared concerns about a senior psychology graduate who had changed jobs three times due to immense work pressure and nearly suffered a psychological breakdown, illustrating the grim reality of their chosen field.

Another student revealed her plan to study abroad for IELTS, openly stating her intention to marry a finance student from Cambridge, believing that for people like them, pursuing a successful partner was a better investment than continued academic struggle. Sang Xia challenged this, asserting that true capability came from self-reliance. This sentiment was echoed by other classmates who expressed frustration with their psychology major, deeming it useless and leading to a difficult job search.

The pressure culminated in one student having an emotional breakdown, declaring she was giving up on further studies. Meanwhile, during a senior year head teachers' meeting, Mr. Xiao announced that the upcoming monthly exam would follow a strict syllabus to instill urgency. He declared that if Class 11's academic performance did not show significant improvement, he would personally recommend its disbandment. Sang Xia immediately objected, arguing that the class needed more time to prove itself.

However, Lei Ming interrupted her, calmly accepting the challenge and setting a target score of 450 points for the monthly exam, pledging to disband the class himself if they failed. Mr. Xiao agreed to the terms. The students were dismayed by the daunting 450-point target, feeling it was unattainable. Sang Xia tried to deflect blame to Lei Ming, but a student pointed out that simply passing all six subjects would collectively achieve that score.

Lei Ming then informed the class that specialized teachers from Minglong Experimental High School would provide substitute classes, grouping students according to their subject choices. A day prior, Lei Ming had met with Mr. Wang, proposing a marketing strategy for Class 11.

He presented each student as a unique "product" with a compelling narrative: Cheng Yushan, a "rebel girl" on the path to a prestigious university; Li Ran, a "handsome, miserable, and talented" underdog; Jiang Qinglang, a "sunny doctor's son" suitable for bundled marketing, predicted to be the first to gain a fan base; Bian Xiaoxiao, a "village girl" symbolizing a "lucky fish" narrative of overcoming adversity; and Yu Yang, described as the "most boring" but a reliable "Monk Sha" whose four years in high school for Qingbei was a "gimmick" in itself.

Lei Ming also boasted that other institutions had previously adopted his marketing ideas. Impressed by Lei Ming's bold, commodity-like analysis of students, Mr. Wang acknowledged the critical importance of the upcoming monthly exam. Later that day, Sang Xia found Lei Ming in the office, behaving secretively after hours. She pointed out his body language, suggesting he was lying about organizing study materials.

Lei Ming dismissed her observations, and Sang Xia clarified her disinterest in his private life unless it interfered with Class 11 matters. Sang Xia and Lei Ming swapped shifts for evening self-study, as Sang Xia had an appointment. It turned out to be an alumni reunion where her best friend, Bai Lu, intended to confront her rival, Song Jie, who had returned from abroad. Bai Lu, having dressed elaborately, was surprised when Lei Ming also arrived.

At the dinner, Bai Lu shocked Sang Xia by introducing Lei Ming as her fiancé, later admitting she had paid him to accompany her. Song Jie dominated the conversation, boasting about her husband's family wealth and belittling the psychology major. Other alumni echoed similar sentiments, sharing how they had abandoned their psychology degrees for more practical careers. Lei Ming seized the moment to promote his career planning philosophy, asserting that subject and major choices were pivotal life decisions.

Disgusted by what she perceived as a "complaint session" about their profession rather than a genuine reunion, Sang Xia abruptly excused herself, claiming school work, ignoring Bai Lu's pleas to stay. That night, while helping his grandmother with recycling, Li Ran discovered Shen Yao in the basement, visibly distressed and groaning in pain. Shen Yao reacted violently to Li Ran's presence, repeatedly shouting at him to leave.

The next day, Shen Yao arrived at school for the monthly exam wearing a wrist brace. This exam was crucial for Class 11's survival, and every student gave their all. Before the test, Lei Ming lightly told the students it would be "okay to disband" if they failed. Strict exam regulations were announced, prohibiting electronic devices and emphasizing silence. When the results were posted, Shen Yao once again topped his grade. The Class 11 students anxiously checked their scores.

Yu Yang, Cheng Yushan, and Jiang Qinglang all celebrated surpassing the 450-point mark. However, Li Ran and Bian Xiaoxiao did not meet the target. Mr. Xiao immediately confronted Lei Ming, demanding he submit the disbandment application. Lei Ming, however, countered that Mr. Xiao was mistaken, as Class 11's "average" score was 452. 2, exceeding the target. He argued this demonstrated "team spirit" and "class honor."

The Principal intervened, acknowledging the significant improvement under Lei Ming's guidance and deferring the final decision until the end-of-semester exam, thereby saving Class 11 from immediate disbandment. That evening, Lei Ming treated the class to a celebratory dinner for their "team victory." He distributed cash bonuses: 100 yuan for every point above 450. Yu Yang received 4400 yuan, Cheng Yushan 1100 yuan, and Jiang Qinglang 500 yuan.

For Li Ran and Bian Xiaoxiao, who fell short, Lei Ming advanced them 1000 yuan each, telling them they now "owed" him points for the next exam. Sang Xia criticized this as "transactional parenting," but Lei Ming countered that the "why" of studying didn't matter as long as there was serious effort. The students eagerly accepted the money, calling him "Boss Lei."

Lei Ming then announced that the students would pay for the dinner, and the target score for the next monthly exam would be 500 points. In a subsequent career planning class, Lei Ming attributed their exam failures to poor subject choices, often influenced by parents or personal interests without strategic foresight. He highlighted that the "new college entrance exam" was a "rare benefit for underachievers" that they were misusing.

He revealed that their current subject combinations, except for Bian Xiaoxiao's and Jiang Qinglang's, would severely limit their university major options nationwide. He then presented new subject combinations, strongly advocating for "pure science" for most students, particularly physics, as it was the most competitive path to top universities like Qingbei. Sang Xia challenged Lei Ming, arguing that career planning should prioritize self-understanding and personal growth, not just enrollment rates. She questioned if he considered the students' "likes, suitability, or willingness."

Lei Ming retorted that such considerations were "meaningless in this adult world." A student remarked that Lei Ming's earlier bonuses were a manipulative prelude to this subject change, and Sang Xia accused Lei Ming of hypocrisy and using "unscrupulous means" under the guise of helping students. The argument ended with Lei Ming inviting them to a "reality experience class" the next day.

The following day, Lei Ming took the class to a job fair for a social experience lesson, arranging for them to act as mock interviewers. They witnessed several candidates, including an anxious postgraduate who had abandoned his passion for philosophy to study finance due to parental pressure, and an outwardly confident Qingbei graduate who was privately struggling with immense pressure and self-doubt.

Deeply affected, Sang Xia confronted Lei Ming, arguing his methods ignored the students' mental well-being and would only create "pathetic survivors" in a lifelong competition. Lei Ming, in turn, challenged Sang Xia's own career choices, asking why she, a graduate of Xingzhou Normal University, pursued a master's degree from Huashi Normal University if not for the value of higher education.

He argued that her actions proved the importance of academic credentials in securing a position at a prestigious institution like Mingying High School. Disillusioned, Sang Xia declared her immediate departure from Class 11, stating her idealistic approach was naive. She emphasized that "liking, suitability, and willingness" always held meaning for a human being. Her students called after her as she left.

Later, Sang Xia reflected on her decision, questioning if happiness was less important than achieving high scores, making money, and buying a house. She pondered the meaning of her own persistence. She then visited her former teacher, Lei Lizhou, who was in a care facility. Speaking to him, she criticized Lei Ming, stating he could never achieve the "Lizhou Miracle" because its true essence was providing "companionship and hope" to lost students, not merely boosting scores.

Lei Lizhou, suffering from memory loss, did not recognize Sang Xia when she introduced herself as his student. Just then, Lei Ming arrived and took over from Chief Nurse Yang to assist Lei Lizhou.

Sang Xia, a former student of Mr. Lei, recalled seeing photos of his accomplished son, Lei Ming, at their home, impressed by his achievements such as the second prize of the IMO and being the top scorer in the college entrance exam. Mr. Lei, who taught Chinese literature, was known for his modest demeanor.

Years later, during a graduation reunion at Mr. Lei's house—a tradition for his students to "never forget our teacher, gather here each year"—Lei Ming briefly appeared to retrieve some items. Students recognized him from a massive "class for 10,000 people" he once led at a stadium and eagerly took photos. Sang Xia also captured a solo photo with Mr. Lei.

When Class 11 was later formed, Lei Ming specifically requested Sang Xia as the psychology teacher, noting from her resume photo that "she's cheerful. . . It lifts my mood," after rejecting other, more conventional teachers. Sang Xia conducted a class on preventing sexual harassment, titled "Juvenile Sex Education and Physiological Hygiene."

When students questioned the relevance of the topic to their exams, Sang Xia argued that crucial life skills like making friends, dating, waste classification, and fire escape, though not tested, are indispensable. She illustrated her points with scenarios: persistently following a crush, making an inappropriate joke about a female subordinate, or a boss hinting at career advantages to a young secretary—all of which she defined as "sexual harassment," emphasizing that any sexually suggestive words or actions causing discomfort constitute harassment.

She cited statistics revealing that 75% of girls and 40% of boys experience harassment, which can also occur between individuals of the same sex. Throughout the lesson, Shen Yao remained disengaged, focused on his own work. The class was abruptly ended by the Director, accompanied by school leaders, who severely reprimanded Sang Xia.

He brought up her past transgressions, such as discussing the merits of puppy love instead of its dangers and highlighting student suicide rates during a school anniversary, warning her that her "inappropriate" lessons were generating numerous parent complaints. Students then faced their final opportunity to adjust their subject selections for the college entrance exam. Lei Ming advised them to be meticulous and resist external influences.

Li Ran, initially hesitant about physics, was convinced by Lei Ming's compelling arguments about the extensive career prospects in STEM fields like AI, cloud computing, and advanced manufacturing. Cheng Yushan also considered switching to physics, despite her preference for history, as Lei Ming pointed out that medical schools often don't accept history credits. Jiang Qinglang, however, decided to stick with history.

Lei Ming articulated his philosophy that before students develop the necessary vision and ability to make informed life choices, educators should guide them toward the "best" path, such as aiming for elite universities like Qingbei, where they can "choose the love from the best." Sang Xia decided to reclaim the Psychological Catharsis Room, which had been converted into an unofficial nap area by other teachers.

When they resisted, citing their schedule, Sang Xia firmly told them to find another place, playfully suggesting they could "sleep together" with her if they insisted, which promptly cleared the room. Meanwhile, Class 11 students, feeling her absence, sought her out, imploring her to return. They dramatically exaggerated Lei Ming's distress, claiming he "knows he was wrong," was "upset recently," "always scolded us and was upset," and suffered from "dark circles deepening day by day" due to sleeplessness.

They even asserted that Lei Ming, whom they referred to as "Mr. Wrong," had locked himself in his office and refused to teach in her absence. Sang Xia, though skeptical, agreed to visit Lei Ming, partly to retrieve personal items and partly to confront him.

To her surprise, she found Lei Ming enjoying a lively gathering, surrounded by enthusiastic teachers who were eagerly introducing him to various women for matchmaking, praising their culinary skills and appearances, a stark contrast to the students' portrayal of his misery. For students like Jiang Qinglang and Yu Yang who required history, Lei Ming brought in Qi Yingchun, a "walking encyclopedia of history" and a "special-grade teacher of history."

Known for her interactive approach that replaced rote memorization with engaging games, she initially presented a traditional lecture on 1840, the year of the Opium War and Lin Zexu's Destruction of Opium at Humen, but quickly shifted to an adapted "Flying Flower Order." In this game, students had to identify a major historical event starting with a randomly generated number within a minute, with a penalty of drinking water for incorrect or delayed answers.

This dynamic method stimulated engagement; Jiang Qinglang successfully named events like the Battle of Feishui in 383 and the Huns taking Chang'an in 316, though he incurred a penalty for time. Yu Yang, despite a minor error regarding the Tang and Sui dynasties, gained confidence, speaking with a newfound loudness and clarity that his teacher praised, subtly aiding his stutter.

For students studying geography, including Bian Xiaoxiao, Li Ran, and Cheng Yushan, Lei Ming enlisted Xiang Dawei, a veteran geography teacher from Mingying. Although Xiang Dawei was unpopular at his previous school due to his emphasis on "basic and practical knowledge" through "body memory skill" and "experiential teaching," which was considered "too shallow" there, Lei Ming believed his approach was a "perfect fit for Class 11."

Xiang Dawei incorporated tai chi-like movements to teach geographical concepts, illustrating the interplay of "the moon as yin, the sun as yang" and the dynamics of ocean currents like the Peru Current and the East Australian warm current. Lei Ming had persistently messaged Sang Xia, nearly "harassing" her, to attend Mr. Bi's physics class. Initially dismissive, Sang Xia stayed upon realizing the renowned "Dr. Miracle" was teaching.

She soon challenged Lei Ming, accusing Mr. Bi's methods of being "live commerce techniques to attract traffic" that prioritized "pleasing fans" over "teaching students." Lei Ming defended his approach, arguing that some teachers struggled due to their inability to capture student attention. He advocated for a system where teachers are accountable to students as "customers" through "real-time feedback rating systems," asserting that "Compulsory education is our country's welfare, but not a privilege for teachers to condescend."

He believed this would foster "interesting, responsible, and skillful teachers." Sang Xia retorted that Lei Ming was inscrutable, his "just words" often concealing "egoism," making his true motivations unclear. Lei Ming insisted on focusing on "practical deeds," reiterating his conviction that for students uncertain about their futures, it was best to "choose the best for them directly," like aiming for Qingbei, enabling them to "choose the love from the best."

Sang Xia, perceiving his defensiveness, asked if he felt compelled to explain himself. He denied it, and she abruptly left, citing another appointment, ignoring his request to dispose of his trash. After work, Sang Xia visited Mr. Lei, her former teacher. She found him in the canteen, attempting to feed a woman, whom he believed had just finished chemotherapy.

It became clear that Mr. Lei was suffering from memory loss, frequently mistaking women in their thirties for his deceased wife, who had passed away from breast cancer, and insisting they undergo chemotherapy as a form of penance for his past neglect. Lei Ming arrived with Sang Xia and found his father trying to hide food in his pockets for "Ming." They gently intervened, reassuring Mr. Lei and helping him change his soiled clothes.

Lei Ming then confronted Sang Xia, asking if she had known that Mr. Lei was his father. Sang Xia confirmed her past as a 2007 graduate of No. 1 High School, where Mr. Lei had been her Chinese teacher. When Lei Ming questioned her reasons for not revealing this, Sang Xia cryptically replied that it was akin to him not sharing all his secrets.

Despite Sang Xia's earlier decision to leave Class 11, Lei Ming still mentioned the upcoming "rural life" trip, subtly implying her involvement. Sang Xia reiterated her intention to take a day off, asserting that she was no longer the head teacher, though Lei Ming noted Principal Gao had not yet formally approved it.

As Lei Ming accepted her decision, urging her "just don't regret it," Mr. Lei, in a moment of profound confusion, clasped Sang Xia's hand, mistaking her for "Dr. Lu" and pleading with her to perform his "lover's surgery." This heart-wrenching plea brought tears to Lei Ming's eyes.

On Shen Yao’s birthday, his father returned home very late. His mother questioned his lateness, and his father explained that his flight was delayed, promising to have his assistant deliver a gift the next day. Annoyed, Shen Yao’s mother asked him to stop letting his assistant buy gifts, to which his father retorted it was a special circumstance.

Shen Yao, visibly upset, thanked his father and then refused to eat when his father asked for food to be reheated, saying he had already eaten. Shen Yao showed his father his recent mock exam results, but his father criticized his score in Chinese, stating there was still room for improvement. He then lectured Shen Yao's mother, Mengyao, to focus more on their son rather than dramas and stocks.

Throughout dinner, his father’s phone kept ringing, and he eventually left, citing company matters. Later, his father was on the phone, dismissing a report about damaged shoes as a prank. A flashback revealed that Shen Yao, in a fit of rage, had deliberately broken high heels implied to belong to his father's mistress. Later that night, Li Ran discovered Shen Yao had self-harmed.

The school organized a farming practice day, emphasizing discipline and active participation, as it was directly linked to the new college entrance exam’s qualitative education assessment. Class 11, with fewer students, was instructed to merge with Peach Plum Class 2. As students boarded the bus, Sang Xia had not yet arrived, and Class 11 students expressed concern. Mr. Xiao, the dean, insisted they depart, but Lei Ming, pretending to throw out trash, deliberately delayed the bus.

Other buses had already left, and Peach Plum Class 2 students grew impatient, arguing with Class 11 about the delay. Lei Ming firmly told the driver to wait. Finally, Sang Xia arrived, bringing buns for Yu Yang that his mother had forgotten. Lei Ming, relieved, then apologized to Sang Xia for his harsh words about her graduate degree at the job fair, admitting he had been harsh. Sang Xia mockingly accepted his apology. Meanwhile, Bian Xiaoxiao appeared noticeably uncomfortable.

Mr. Xiao reiterated the activity rules, which included three competitive scoring events. Students from Peach Plum Class 2 openly refused to merge with Class 11, citing previous losses and disparaging Class 11 as "low-performing students." In response, Lei Ming declared that Class 11 would compete as an independent group, confident they could manage the 20 credits on their own, a decision met with cheers from his students.

Bian Xiaoxiao had been in communication with her father, who spoke about a good harvest at the orchard and offered her money. She informed him that the school's farming practice would be in their village. Her father was thrilled, eager to prepare seafood and delicious dishes for her teachers and classmates. However, Bian Xiaoxiao, fearing her classmates would judge her father's appearance, asked him to take the day off from the orchard.

Upon arrival, she attempted to stay on the bus, claiming a stomachache, but Lei Ming saw through her excuse, offering her medicine for various ailments and insisting she join. She eventually disembarked, trying to conceal her face with a hat and sunglasses. While the students rested, they noticed a man with a burnt face wearing a mask, working in the orchard. This was Bian Xiaoxiao's father, who had come despite her request.

A student accidentally knocked off her father’s mask, revealing his scars. Bian Xiaoxiao, sitting quietly in a corner, was deeply distressed and refused to eat the spicy stir-fried pork her father had specially prepared for her. During the insect identification part of the competition, Li Ran and Jiang Qinglang caught insects.

Shen Yao constantly glanced at Li Ran, increasingly paranoid that Li Ran would reveal his self-harm, especially after overhearing other students discuss a student from Class 1 who had dropped out due to severe depression discovered by a desk mate. Peach Plum Class 2 students mocked Class 11 for their lack of knowledge about insects. After Shen Yao correctly answered an initial question, the teacher posed a more challenging one: "Why do we need pests?"

To everyone’s surprise, Yu Yang answered fluently and correctly, drawing on biology concepts to explain that pests are necessary for maintaining ecological balance in food chains. The teacher awarded Yu Yang points and emphasized that nature has food chains but no hierarchy of disdain, asserting that all creatures are essential. He then instructed the students to return the insects to their natural habitats. The next event was the fishing competition.

In the first round, Peach Plum Class 2 caught five fish, while Class 11 caught none. During the second round, Peach Plum Class 2 accused Class 11 of cheating, claiming Jiang Qinglang was repeatedly re-entering the competition disguised with a hat and mask. When he was revealed, the Peach Plum girls protested that it was unfair for two boys to compete against their two girls. Unable to tolerate it anymore, Bian Xiaoxiao dramatically removed her hat and mask.

She offered to single-handedly take on any number of students from Peach Plum Class 2, proposing double points for a win or double deduction for a loss. Peach Plum Class 2 accepted her challenge. Bian Xiaoxiao then displayed remarkable skill, efficiently catching fish and securing a victory for Class 11 with twelve fish to Peach Plum Class 2's four. A flashback revealed Lei Ming had previously shared fishing tips with her, emphasizing a slow and firm grip.

Later that evening, as everyone prepared to build fires and cook, Sang Xia spoke to Lei Ming about his father, Mr. Lei. She suggested that Mr. Lei cared deeply for him but struggled to express it, a common trait in Chinese fathers. Lei Ming countered that his father did express himself, but in peculiar ways. He recalled his late mother consistently telling him to be sensible and independent, never to trouble his father due to his heavy teaching load.

Lei Ming had followed this, yet never received his father's approval, eventually learning to stop trying to understand him. Sang Xia then theorized that Mr. Lei’s strictness might stem from a fear of Lei Ming becoming overly dependent, wanting him to be self-sufficient if he were ever alone. Lei Ming responded with a hint of envy, implying Sang Xia had a more understanding parental relationship. Meanwhile, Shen Yao was consumed by paranoia.

He misinterpreted Li Ran’s casual conversations with Bian Xiaoxiao as Li Ran revealing his self-harm. Remembering how Qian Ningyu's depression had led to his transfer, Shen Yao's anxiety escalated. He followed Bian Xiaoxiao and confronted her. When she called him crazy, his agitation grew, and he chased her, causing her to fall down a cliff. A search party was quickly organized for the missing Shen Yao and Bian Xiaoxiao. Li Ran eventually found Shen Yao, who was injured.

Li Ran helped him, reassuring him that he had not and would not tell anyone about his secret, which surprised Shen Yao. Li Ran then carried Shen Yao back to the camp. Bian Xiaoxiao, having regained consciousness after her fall, found her leg injured and immobilized. She used her clothes to improvise a bandage. Her father was the one who finally located her, tenderly carrying her on his back.

He informed her that Lei Ming had called him earlier to alert him to her disappearance and had also sent her recent report card, praising her dedication to studying and advising him not to be angry. Bian Xiaoxiao, tearful, confessed that she hadn't wanted her father at the base, not out of shame, but because she feared other students' reactions to his burnt face would make him uncomfortable.

She then pulled a broken pair of sunglasses from her pocket, a gift for her father because his eyes hurt in the sun. She apologized for the gift breaking, but her father lovingly insisted on keeping them. Acknowledging her father's unconditional love, she expressed remorse for her earlier actions. Back at the camp, Bian Xiaoxiao, despite her injuries, refused to go to the hospital and instead joined the others in their celebration.

Lei Ming approached her and suggested she start a "cloud studying" live-stream account. He proposed the name "The Worst Students' Countdown to Qingbei," predicting it would be highly engaging. He explained that if the channel became popular, the collective oversight of the internet would keep her accountable. Even if it didn't immediately go viral, if she succeeded in getting into Qingbei a year later, these videos would resurface, establishing her as a unique education influencer with "looks, talent, and followers." Bian Xiaoxiao was clearly intrigued by the prospect.

In 2016, at Longhai Experimental High School, Li Ran scored 99 in physics, ranking first in his grade. However, his head teacher accused him of cheating, pointing out his past poor performance in Lengquan County and his family's financial situation that would not allow for cram classes. Li Ran angrily retorted that the head teacher himself was running an illegal after-school class and leaking questions. The head teacher then scolded Li Ran for his attitude and lack of manners.

Li Ran, furious, almost physically confronted the teacher but stormed out when he noticed the teacher's daughter. Later, the school principal informed Li Ran that the head teacher's unauthorized cram school was uncovered, and he had been fired. The principal, while believing Li Ran, also reprimanded him for vandalizing the head teacher's car by painting it black, reminding him it was a crime. Physics teacher Bi Ke had consistently praised Li Ran's talent in physics, noting his junior high award.

Lei Ming encouraged Li Ran to sign up for the upcoming physics competition, seeing it as an opportunity for special admission or a recommendation, but Li Ran initially showed no interest. Despite his claims, Li Ran's passion for physics was evident as he found himself drawn to Shen Yao's physics notes. Shen Yao, noticing Li Ran's interest, asked Li Ran if anyone had taught him it was rude to touch other people's belongings without permission.

He then remarked on Li Ran's father's aptitude for physics despite not attending college. After a brief tense exchange, Shen Yao offered to help Li Ran get into the school team for the competition as a repayment for Li Ran saving him previously, stating he would help Li Ran register for the preliminary in three days. Li Ran ended up qualifying for the semi-finals, ranking 19th.

Students were surprised by Shen Yao's assistance, some doubting his true intentions, thinking he merely wanted a worthy opponent. Li Ran later visited a tutoring center, but upon learning the prices ranged from 9,800 to 39,800 RMB, he quickly left. Afterward, Cheng Yushan provided him with a stack of physics competition questions, reminding him there were ways to study even without money.

Following Lei Ming's advice, Bian Xiaoxiao transformed her social media account into a study live stream, declaring her ambition to attend Qingbei University. She candidly admitted to her audience that she was an underachiever, having scored 421 on her last monthly exam, but expressed confidence in her teachers' "secret weapons."

She then introduced her Class 11 classmates: Jiang Qinglang, a "Prince of Rap" who also shared words of encouragement; Cheng Yushan, whom Bian Xiaoxiao playfully called the "Princess of Mahjong"; Li Ran, the "Big Shot of Phones"; and Yu Yang, the most diligent student. Other students, like Zeng Wenhao from Pine Cypress Class 4, soon followed suit, starting their own study live streams.

Sang Xia observed that this method was highly effective, fostering self-discipline among students and giving teachers a much-needed break from supervising evening study sessions. Lei Ming and Sang Xia enjoyed a late-night motorcycle ride, celebrating their newfound "nightlife." Bi Ke, upon seeing Class 11's live stream, critiqued its poor picture quality and composition. He also mentioned receiving messages from fans asking about Class 11's streams and comments questioning if students using phones for live streams violated school rules.

Li Ran, focused on his exercises, did not engage. Bi Ke, however, stressed that this was an era of self-achievement and resource sharing, with "cyber" being the best partner for study. He later provided Li Ran with expensive mock exam papers for the upcoming physics semi-finals, which had over 2,000 provincial entrants vying for only 15 spots in the provincial team.

Li Ran, who had previously researched tutoring fees of over 40,000 RMB and knew he couldn't afford them, was hesitant. Bi Ke reassured him, revealing that Lei Ming had already paid for the materials and his tutoring, urging him to study hard and not worry about the cost. Mr. Xiao convened a meeting to discuss the study live stream trend.

While some expressed concerns about students using phones, Lei Ming, after initially agreeing on the strict prohibition of phones in school, proposed a "win-win" solution. He suggested leveraging the Mingying Online School, which belonged to their educational group, and using existing classroom cameras and multimedia equipment to manage students' study live streams centrally. This would allow students to participate without needing their personal phones.

Gao Jingjuan, in a public interview, acknowledged the spontaneous nature of the student-led live streams but clarified that the school's policy prohibiting phones on campus remained unchanged. She emphasized the school's open-minded approach to innovative learning methods and announced the plan to integrate study live streams through Mingying Online School, ensuring unified management. Class 11 teachers and students, including Lei Ming, declined media interviews due to their intense study and teaching schedules.

Many media outlets called for interviews with Class 11, keeping Lei Ming and Sang Xia busy. Sang Xia expressed suspicion about Lei Ming's sudden change of heart, questioning how an "egoist" could suddenly start considering the students' well-being. Lei Ming brushed off her doubts, jokingly claiming he wanted to be a good person after her "soul-reaching" psychological analysis.

Separately, Lei Ming met with Mr. Wang, who was impressed by Class 11's live stream success, boasting over a million views in less than half a month. Mr. Wang introduced Lei Ming to Mr. Bai from the investment department and Mr. Tian, the marketing director, indicating interest in Lei Ming's business plan. Lei Ming, however, declined a dinner invitation, citing teaching commitments, but strategically alluded to the project's momentum, suggesting it was gaining speed.

The day before Li Ran's physics competition, Class 11 surprised him with a small celebration and words of encouragement, chanting "See you at Qingbei!" Other students from Longhai Experimental High School also gathered to cheer for Li Ran, recognizing him as the first student from Longhai to reach the physics competition semi-finals. Li Ran's classmates expressed their pride, with one jokingly asking him not to raise his phone repair prices after he becomes famous.

Lei Ming instructed Li Ran to review his mistakes on the bus, drink less water, use abdominal breathing, and quicken his reading speed during the exam, assuring him, "You can make it." As the crowd cheered, Lei Ming walked solemnly at the end of the procession, his face etched with worry. Later that night, Lei Ming had a distressing dream where he heard students screaming that Li Ran was jumping off the Zhiyuan Building. He rushed to the rooftop, only to find a different girl standing there.

Eight years prior, Lei Ming's mother expressed her concern that Lei Ming, despite returning to Xingzhou, still chose to live separately and did not visit his family often. She mentioned that his father, Lei Lizhou, cared for him deeply but was reluctant to show it. Lei Lizhou, however, criticized Lei Ming's choice to work at an educational institution like Zhixiang instead of pursuing a stable teaching position, believing Zhixiang prioritized profit over students.

Lei Ming, feeling his father was biased against him and his workplace, retorted that Zhixiang also aimed to empower students through education. Lei Ming then sought his father's advice on how to guide a peculiar, self-deprecating student in his graduate class who faced social exclusion but had a strong will to learn.

Drawing from his teaching experience, Lei Lizhou emphasized the importance of showing care, encouragement, praise, and trust to build the student's confidence, providing appropriate support to alleviate pressure, and opening their heart. He stressed never giving up on any student and that a teacher's role extends beyond teaching to being a friend and family, offering care and companionship. Four months later, the student Lei Ming had discussed, Zheng Qian, came to his office on her graduation day.

Earlier, Lei Ming had politely declined her attempt to connect on social media, suggesting she use the official channels or re-enroll for more classes. Drunk, Zheng Qian confessed her long-standing affection for Lei Ming, detailing the numerous postcards, gifts, and messages she had sent him. She presented him with a graduation gift, a cuckoo, symbolizing a truth-teller, implying he was like that to her. Lei Ming firmly stated that his role was to impart knowledge and dismissed her sentiments.

Zheng Qian, deeply hurt, questioned if her appearance or inadequacy was the reason for his rejection. She also asked why he had secretly paid her tuition fees, falsely claiming it was a scholarship, and given her so much encouragement if he had no feelings for her, explaining she had persevered because of him.

Lei Ming clarified that his encouragement stemmed from her self-deprecating nature and the scholarship was to prevent her from dropping out, firmly asserting that their relationship had no romantic possibility now or in the future and asking her to let go of her "futile romantic illusions." After Lei Ming apologized, she made one last request for a hug, which he refused with another "Sorry." Following this, Zheng Qian tragically jumped from the building.

In the aftermath, reporters swarmed Lei Lizhou, questioning his son's actions and whereabouts, and whether such tragedies were linked to educational institutions hiring unqualified teachers for profit. Lei Lizhou expressed regret and stated that Lei Ming would take responsibility for the public and Zheng Qian's family, a statement that the media interpreted as an admission of Lei Ming's culpability.

As Lei Ming prepared to leave Xingzhou, Lei Lizhou confronted him, accusing him of lacking remorse and refusing to take responsibility for his actions, and reiterating his prejudice against Zhixiang. Lei Ming angrily countered that his actions were a direct consequence of following his father's own philosophy of student care.

He then launched into a furious tirade, accusing Lei Lizhou of hypocrisy, demanding to know where his father was when his mother was ill, when he needed a father, and now, when he was being condemned by the world. Lei Ming declared that he had spent his life striving for his father's approval and pride, but from that moment on, he no longer needed it because he no longer respected Lei Lizhou.

He vehemently stated he would never become a person like him and ordered his father to leave his home. Back in the present, Lei Ming woke from a nightmare, likely haunted by the past incident. Li Ran, hearing that Lei Ming had paid his tutoring fees, visited Lei Ming to thank him, but Lei Ming coldly dismissed him, telling him not to seek encouragement for the upcoming physics competition.

Meanwhile, Zheng Qian's mother continued to reject Lei Ming's attempts at compensation, refusing to accept a new storefront for her barbecue stall that he had arranged for her. Li Ran received the news that he had narrowly missed qualifying for the physics competition finals. Seeing the disappointed expressions of his classmates, Li Ran recalled Shen Yao's warning about the heavy burden of high expectations and the greater disappointment and blame that follows failure, making him feel uncomfortable.

Cheng Yushan found Li Ran and encouraged him not to give up, reminding him that he still "owed" Lei Ming 30 points on his college entrance exam. Li Ran admitted that he felt disadvantaged compared to his peers who had received extensive, expensive training since childhood, deeming his own rushed preparation for the competition "unphysical."

Cheng Yushan comforted him, explaining that the true joy and value lay not in the result but in the strenuous process—the hard work, sweat, and worn-out shoes—the indelible memories that would still excite him years later, regardless of his circumstances. She told him she knew he could still succeed. At Zhixiang, a presentation highlighted Class 11's unexpected marketing success through their study live stream, garnering significant online discussion and mainstream media coverage, attracting many advertising partners.

Despite this, Class 11's academic prospects remained dim, with AI predictions showing zero students likely to reach Qingbei's score or even the second-tier university threshold, and a mere 9/100,000 chance of all five students being admitted to Qingbei. Mr. Wang acknowledged Lei Ming's slim chances of fulfilling their original agreement (turning Class 11 into a Qingbei Training Project and getting students admitted), but proposed an "invest now" deal.

He suggested that Class 11's current advertising value, stemming from their live stream, was already a success. The condition was for Lei Ming to leave Minglong and endorse Zhixiang, turning Class 11's teaching achievements into an advertisement for Zhixiang's AI education, renaming the "Qingbei Training" to "College Entrance Exam Transformation" to manage expectations. If Lei Ming refused, Zhixiang would withdraw support for his project.

Mr. Wang, his "former boss," urged Lei Ming to accept, citing the immediate financial and reputational benefits, and warned that failure in the college entrance exam would diminish the project's value. Lei Ming, however, questioned if Mr. Wang's eagerness for commercialization stemmed from a lack of belief in the students' ability to get into Qingbei.

Simultaneously, Lei Lizhou's health had severely deteriorated, with a doctor recommending immediate transfer from the nursing home to a hospital due to an advanced urinary tract infection and the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Lei Ming agreed to the transfer. Late that night, Lei Ming messaged Sang Xia, inviting her for a drink. Sang Xia, dressing up for what she thought was a private outing, arrived to find a group gathering of teachers.

Despite her initial awkwardness, she eventually, under the influence of alcohol, told Lei Ming she was starting to believe that the students could actually get into Qingbei. With a heavy heart, Lei Ming apologized to Sang Xia (seemingly for disappointing her burgeoning faith) and then sang a melancholic song about leaving and an uncertain return, reflecting his decision to accept Zhixiang's terms for his father's medical needs. The next day, Lei Ming was unreachable.

After school, two individuals claiming to be Lei Ming's friends intercepted Class 11, promising a "surprise." Although Li Ran attempted to confirm with Lei Ming, he claimed ignorance, leading the students to follow the "friends" to Zhixiang. Upon arrival, they were immediately surrounded by cameras, with staff explaining that Lei Ming had arranged the filming for a video log to document their studies.

They were then ushered into a virtual reality experience as part of their "second training session" at Zhixiang's creative center. The students were then pressured to participate in a live stream, where they were expected to deliver scripted speeches promoting Zhixiang's AI teaching methods. When Cheng Yushan developed a high fever, Li Ran insisted she be taken to a hospital, but the staff coldly refused, reminding them they were "assets" under contract. Just as the situation escalated, Sang Xia arrived.

She forcefully intervened, asserting her legal authority as their head teacher and, when challenged, even threatened physical action, citing her Thai boxing skills. She then led the students away from the live stream, instructing them to shed the promotional clothing they had been made to wear.

The story begins in 1999, with news reports announcing Lei Ming as Xingzhou City's top scorer in liberal arts, a significant achievement for his family. While teachers prepared a celebratory feast for Lei Ming, his father, Mr. Lei, was absent, busy tutoring another student, Ye Chao. Lei Ming felt a pang of disappointment that his father wasn't present for this momentous occasion. At the feast, Mr. Lei was reminded that he needed to leave to join his son's celebration.

Ye Chao toasted Mr. Lei, expressing heartfelt gratitude for his free tutoring and even for buying him bus tickets during holidays, acknowledging his own lack of eloquent speech compared to his city peers. Mr. Lei, in turn, commended Ye Chao's achievement in getting into a second-tier college like the College of Finance in Beijing, calling it a good school with a promising finance major.

He reiterated his philosophy that the college entrance exam is about a clear conscience, not just winning, and that Ye Chao had certainly achieved that. As Mr. Lei prepared to depart, Ye Chao unexpectedly knelt, desperately asking for help. He explained that despite his hard work, inspired by Mr. Lei’s words about knowledge changing destiny, his family couldn't afford his travel expenses to Beijing.

The previous night, creditors had attacked his father, and all the money borrowed for his tuition had been spent on his father's initial surgery, with more payments still due. Ye Chao pleaded for assistance, promising lifelong repayment. Mr. Lei, visibly distressed, explained he couldn't touch the money saved for his own son, Lei Ming, who was also heading to Beijing. Ye Chao, distraught, apologized for his improper request, insisting he had no other recourse.

Mr. Lei, overcome, told Ye Chao to leave, claiming he needed to compose himself after drinking. Years later, Lei Ming received an official school notice stating his termination. The notice outlined how in September 2018, he concealed his true intentions, establishing Class 11 of Senior 3, recruiting five students, and utilizing school resources to bolster investment for his business, the Qingbei Training Class.

He was accused of misleading the school and students, exploiting Class 11 for commercial gain, and forcing students into off-campus business activities, all in severe violation of school regulations. When Lei Ming asked about the fate of Class 11, he was curtly informed it was no longer his concern. He packed his belongings from his office, pausing in Class 11's classroom, reflecting on the students' diligent study. Outside, Sang Xia, Li Ran, and the others were waiting.

Jiang Qinglang angrily confronted Lei Ming, demanding to know if everything had been a lie, a sentiment echoed by the visibly upset students. Lei Ming admitted his return to Xingzhou was a "last fight" and that the Qingbei Training Class was his final chance and entrepreneurial project. He explained that he selected them because they were "losers," and if even one of them got into Qingbei, he could secure investment elsewhere.

He expressed surprise at their rapid and superior commercial performance. Lei Ming then declared it a "win-win" situation: students could attend a good school with Zhixiang's faculty without his difficult teaching, and he wouldn't have to pretend to be an "enthusiastic teacher." Cheng Yushan, furious, threw her monthly test prize money at Lei Ming, followed by the other students, asserting their dignity and stating they didn't study for money, unlike him.

Lei Ming picked up the money, cautioning them to respect it and not to trust teachers who claimed to always be kind, because teachers are human and inherently selfish, and truly selfless teachers are rare. Sang Xia told him to get lost. As Lei Ming walked away in the rain, Li Ran pursued him, questioning if he ever truly believed the "dry sapling" (referring to their potential) could survive or if they could get into Qingbei.

Li Ran accused Lei Ming of speaking "nonsense" with his promises about changing their destiny. Lei Ming simply responded, "Right." Enraged, Li Ran punched Lei Ming, who made no attempt to defend himself and calmly continued on his way. A school meeting ensued regarding the disbandment of Class 11.

Sang Xia argued against it, highlighting the class's remarkable progress, from 300 to 450 points in under three months, and stating that dissolving it would render their educational experiment futile, like a rocket breaking apart mid-flight. However, Mr. Xiao argued that with Lei Ming, their "combustion," fired, no one would dare take over. Sang Xia, as Class 11's head teacher, admitted her initial "selfishness" in taking on the class but emphasized her belief in the students when others doubted them.

She asserted that Class 11 had entered its "coasting flight" and could succeed without its "combustion," asking for more patience and faith and offering to take responsibility for any associated risks. Mr. Xiao questioned her ability to bear such a burden, mentioning Mr. Ding was closely monitoring the situation. Ultimately, Gao Jingjuan decided to suspend Class 11, reassigning the five students to their original classes, and promised further instructions.

The students returned to their former classes, facing questions and comments from their peers. Cheng Yushan's teacher criticized her for sleeping in class, implying Class 11's teaching methods were "nonsense" and "misled the students." To her teacher's astonishment, Cheng Yushan effortlessly solved a complex problem on the blackboard, stating she had mastered it two months prior.

Feeling suffocated, Cheng Yushan left class and encountered Yu Yang, who was doing homework alone in the small garden, having also been bullied in his old class. Later, Jiang Qinglang, Bian Xiaoxiao, Cheng Yushan, and Yu Yang gathered at a bookshop after learning the "Guidance on Applying for National University" had arrived. Bian Xiaoxiao expressed surprise that Cheng Yushan was there, thinking the guidance no longer concerned them, a sentiment Cheng Yushan initially shared.

However, she realized her body had become "too honest," now waking her at 5:30 AM daily to study, a habit instilled by Class 11. She admitted to feeling uneasy without stretching or reviewing past mistakes, jokingly calling them "bad habits." Yu Yang, whose mother had been pressuring him to attend Zhixiang by emphasizing academic scores over friendships, stated he wouldn't have achieved his current academic level without his friends and refused to go anywhere without them.

Eventually, Li Ran, who had been skipping class for ten days, arrived. The group acknowledged their significant academic improvement, and Bian Xiaoxiao mused that Lei Ming would be happy to know. Li Ran seemed to have some undisclosed information. Meanwhile, Mr. Lei's health had deteriorated. Lei Ming rushed to the hospital to find his father struggling against medical staff who were inserting a catheter. Mr. Lei, disoriented, cried out for help.

A nurse explained that due to his inability to control his bodily functions, Mr. Lei had developed severe bedsores, making the catheter necessary. Lei Ming spent the night in the hospital corridor. The next morning, a nurse woke him, saying his father wanted him. Mr. Lei, barely coherent and frequently choking on phlegm, tried to tell Lei Ming something important but couldn't recall it. The nurse mentioned he had been fixated on this "important thing" for days.

In a brief moment of lucidity, Mr. Lei seemed to believe Lei Ming was after his house or money, yelling angrily at him and demanding the "Lei Ming kid" be brought. Lei Ming remained by his father's side, learning from the director that his father's aspiration pneumonia was a common and often fatal complication of advanced Alzheimer's disease, with surgery not being an immediate option.

Only anti-infective treatment was possible, and the doctor advised Lei Ming to prepare for the worst. Sang Xia visited Mr. Lei at the nursing home, only to find he had been transferred to the hospital. Elsewhere, Cheng Yushan overheard her stepfather and mother planning to dismantle her room to expand their mahjong parlor. They suggested she temporarily share her brother's room for six months, asserting that she would "leave home anyway" for vocational school or work.

Her mother also mentioned that her cousin's son, A-He, liked Yushan, and their home was closer to school. Cheng Yushan quietly retreated, her future suddenly uncertain. Mr. Wang, Gao Jingjuan's ex-husband, met with her to discuss Zhixiang taking over Class 11.

He stated that Lei Ming's financial and legal procedures were almost complete and sought her approval for Zhixiang's acquisition, promising that the students' academic records would remain with Mingying Longhai, and their college entrance exam results would reflect positively on her school. He also announced Zhixiang would establish a scholarship at Mingying Longhai for promising, financially struggling students.

Gao Jingjuan criticized Lei Ming for not informing her about his plan to use Class 11 to secure investment from Mr. Wang, especially given the strict regulations on private schools collaborating with commercial institutions. Reflecting on the definition of a "good teacher," she likened Lei Ming's teaching to "spicy and salty" beef noodles: not elegant or nutritious, but brutally effective at satisfying a deep hunger.

She believed Class 11's students were "starved" for knowledge, and Lei Ming's "crazy provision and zealousness" were precisely what they needed. She observed Lei Ming's almost "pathological fervor" in teaching and managing the class, concluding that he wasn't doing it merely for investment but genuinely cared about the children, wanting to help them achieve the near-impossible and believe in changing their destinies. She suspected Lei Ming himself hadn't fully realized the depth of his own dedication.

Meanwhile, Lei Ming was at Zhixiang, preparing for a press conference. Looking thinner, he was asked if he had been working out for his live streams. He provided detailed instructions to Zhixiang staff about each of the five students: Yu Yang, despite his strong foundation, had a slight social phobia and mental stuttering, requiring careful questioning and public speaking encouragement, with his mother kept out of the educational plan and no mention of him repeating Senior 2.

He also tends to get nervous and vomit before exams. Bian Xiaoxiao, though small, was tough and wanted to be an internet celebrity; she should be prevented from accepting commercial endorsements for six months to avoid distraction. Jiang Qinglang had excellent English but often showed off and interrupted in class. His cheating habit seemed reformed but might resurface under pressure, requiring close monitoring. His privileged background meant he might struggle to empathize with the team, but he was kind.

Li Ran, a highly intelligent physics whiz and hacker, appeared cool but harbored self-contempt, and his emotional "weakness" could easily be triggered; he should be provoked when needing soothing and encouraged when irritated. Finally, Cheng Yushan, a "genius girl," was the opposite of Li Ran; she should never be provoked as it would make her more irrational, and only Sang Xia could "subdue" her.

Cheng Yushan was also the most mature of the five, and her opinion could be sought if the others proved difficult. After confirming he had no further instructions, Lei Ming went with the stylist for a hair and makeup trial.

In 2005, at Xingzhou No. 1 Middle School, a frustrated teacher, who seemed to be in a volatile mood, began scolding students for a forgotten task. When it was revealed that Sang Xia, then a high school student, was the student on duty, the teacher discovered an "adult book" in her possession. Accusing Sang Xia of trying to seduce someone, the teacher escalated the confrontation by threatening to cut Sang Xia's bangs, claiming they obscured her eyes and ears.

Overwhelmed and weary of being "hit and scolded," Sang Xia defiantly pulled out a knife. Her teacher, Mr. Lei Lizhou, intervened, disarming her with a calm promise to give her better books to read, telling her, "It's good that you love reading, but the books you pick aren't very interesting." He comforted her, assuring her everything would be "okay" and not to worry. Following the incident, the abusive teacher was expelled, and Sang Xia received a serious demerit.

However, Mr. Lei continued to mentor her, providing free tutoring after school. He instilled in her the belief that "how you see yourself is a thousand times more important than how others see you," encouraging her to write and read "many more wonderful and great stories."

When it came time to choose her college major, only Mr. Lei supported her ambition to study psychology, affirming that those in mental health are "both doctors and teachers, and curing and educating are both life-saving skills." This deeply impacted Sang Xia. Later, Sang Xia sought advice from a friend who read her tarot cards. The reading painted a bleak picture for Class 11, indicating it was "beyond redemption."

However, for Sang Xia, who desired to "turn the tide," the cards also suggested rebirth and that while individual power was limited, "it depends on your effort," urging her to act "sneakily" rather than confront directly. Following this, Sang Xia discovered Class 11 had been suspended and the classroom lock changed. Determined, she attempted to open the room, only to find Li Ran, Cheng Yushan, Yu Yang, Bian Xiaoxiao, and Jiang Qinglang already inside.

They explained it was Jiang Qinglang's idea: though the school had suspended the class, they would not stop. They had made a duplicate key and were taking turns keeping watch at Zhiyuan Building, where the classrooms were usually empty. Sang Xia was heartened by their initiative and revealed that through her "persistent persuasion," their subject teachers had agreed to help them complete the semester's curriculum through unconventional means.

With curtains drawn to ensure secrecy, Sang Xia officially declared the formation of "the underground Class 11," where students continued their studies diligently, even watching video lectures from their teachers. Sang Xia herself contributed by moving office plants to the corridor to give them a "sunbath." In a more recent timeline, Sang Xia desperately tried to locate Mr. Lei Lizhou, calling hospitals but being denied information due to patient privacy.

She then posted in her high school alumni group, asking for any news, but received mostly unhelpful or even insensitive responses, such as a classmate sarcastically asking if their teacher was "still alive." Her own mother's inquiries also yielded no results. It was later revealed that Mr. Lei Lizhou was suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease. Li Ran, who had been following Lei Ming out of lingering anger, stumbled upon Lei Ming at a hospital.

There, he witnessed Lei Ming tirelessly caring for his critically ill father, Mr. Lei Lizhou, who was in critical condition with severe complications, needing a catheter inserted. Mr. Lei Lizhou passed away. At his memorial service, a disoriented Lei Ming stood, staring out at a cuckoo bird, seemingly detached from the solemnity. His aunt gently nudged him, urging him not to be distracted. Sang Xia, however, was inconsolable, weeping openly.

Many former students, some from as far back as 1993 and others from more recent years, including Wu Wenjing, He Qiguang, Liu Jinping, Sun Zhiping (whose wife Deng Linlin called in from the UK), Xu Jie, Hou Yongliang, Zhao Hong, Wang Yuxia, Kong Xianghao, Du Jianan, Zhang Jin, Yang Zhen, Liu Yin, Xie Dai'an, and Zhang Huanhuan, came to pay their respects.

They each expressed profound gratitude for Mr. Lei Lizhou's teachings and life-changing guidance, with Liu Jinping tearfully recounting how Mr. Lei's encouragement saved him from dropping out. Amidst the outpouring of grief and appreciation, Lei Ming privately grappled with his own complex feelings.

He felt his father had built a "shrine" of the "People's Teacher" for himself, adorned with the "handcuffs and shackles" of "mission," and in doing so, never once glanced at the "lonely little boy" (himself) standing in the corner. Seeking to provide comfort, Sang Xia approached Lei Ming, revealing that she had taken the Class 11 students to visit his father just two days before his passing.

She shared that Mr. Lei Lizhou had been mumbling incoherently, and after listening carefully, she realized he was expressing worries about Lei Ming—concerned he might not become a good teacher and could potentially mislead others. The Class 11 students then chimed in with their own heartfelt words about Lei Ming's positive influence on them.

Yu Yang recounted how Lei Ming had "privately" encouraged him, assuring him he would "definitely pass the exam," and stated that without Lei Ming and Class 11, he would "not be studying anymore." Bian Xiaoxiao excitedly shared that many students in school were now inquiring about Class 11 and wanted to join, even revealing that "many female teachers secretly admire Mr. Lei."

Jiang Qinglang admitted that while Lei Ming's words could be "quite disheartening," his methods were "truly effective," enabling him to achieve his "highest score" without cheating, and he believed Lei Ming was sincere when he promised to help them win their most important exam. Li Ran and Cheng Yushan proudly declared that Class 11's average monthly exam score had risen from 450 to 500 points, with a goal of 600, concluding that despite their past frustrations, they "miss him."

Later, Zheng Qian's mother approached Lei Ming at her food stall. She revealed she had paid her respects at his father's funeral from a distance, standing outside the hall. She then recounted that after Lei Ming had "ran away" following an incident, his father, Mr. Lei Lizhou, repeatedly came to her to apologize. Despite her anger, even slapping him once, he continued to visit her every month for a year, offering support.

Mr. Lei Lizhou had not only helped her set up her skewer stand but had also paid for her hospitalization for an acute gastric ulcer two years prior. Her story, shared "because of your dad," deeply moved Lei Ming, bringing him to tears.

The story then fast-forwards to the Zhixiang Education live press conference, where they were launching their "College Entrance Exam Turnaround Class," touting it as a revolutionary online education project leveraging big data and AI to help students with "less ideal grades" achieve academic comebacks. Lei Ming, introduced as a "renowned lecturer" and the "founder of Yiming Company," walked onto the stage conspicuously without wearing the formal attire expected for the event.

He began his speech by disagreeing with the preceding introduction, humbly stating, "I'm not a creator of miracles. I'm just a porter for potential students." He then observed that the five Class 11 students, whom he sarcastically called "the real stars," were absent, jokingly relieved that "no one will disrupt the event."

Lei Ming then boldly proclaimed himself a "scammer," recalling his past assurances to the Class 11 students, such as "Every one of you can get into Qingbei," and "This tree looks dead, but once you plant it back in the soil, it will come back to life," and "As long as you dare to dream, miracles will happen." He challenged the audience, asking if his claims sounded "unbelievable."

He then revealed that according to Zhixiang's own big data model, the Class 11 students' probability of getting into Qingbei was a mere "nine in a hundred thousand," effectively meaning "they won't have a chance." At that very moment, Sang Xia and the Class 11 students arrived at the remote location Lei Ming had sent them via his phone.

There, they found the small, seemingly dead tree from their Class 11 classroom, now replanted and thriving, a stark visual contradiction to the statistical hopelessness Lei Ming was describing on stage. Lei Ming continued his speech, interweaving his father's profound philosophy that "education is not a business. . . it's about having a clear conscience" and that "you have to look at students' growth," contrasting it with his own past, admittedly "unscientific, irrational, and too artistic" views.

He argued that big data "can't calculate whether a tree has its own will to survive," nor can it predict how "a group of seemingly hopeless kids" can "clench their fists, bite their teeth, step by step, break through the obstacles. . . and run towards that goal that big data says is hopeless."

Lei Ming then fiercely denounced Zhixiang, stating they had "never believed in my students" and had "never given them trust, or dignity," because they failed to believe "that hard work can really change their destiny." He revealed that Class 11's "progress and score improvement" were achieved "solely on their own efforts," not through "AI teaching and big data calculation." He exposed Zhixiang's "AI teaching achievements" and "success rate in the college entrance exam" as "all fake," fabricated merely for "advertisement."

With a final, decisive statement, Lei Ming announced, "today, I'm not here to endorse, I'm here to lift the endorsement," apologizing for his "personal misconduct" and declaring himself "ready for challenges." The revelation sent shockwaves through the audience, as President Wang and other Zhixiang executives watched in dismay while reporters clamored for answers.

Lei Ming meticulously cared for the sapling, shielding it from rain and watering it daily, believing that miracles require time. One day, as he tended to the sapling, the students of Class 11 arrived. They made it clear they hadn't fully forgiven him but would allow him to return to their class if he adhered to three rules. First, he must never disappear or unilaterally solve their problems again.

Second, if their collective score in the next exam fell below 500 points, it would be his responsibility, incurring a fine of 100 for every point they were short. Third, he had to ask Ms. Sang out on a date. Lei Ming, after a moment of surprise, agreed to their terms, and the students urged him to pack up and get back to class. Meanwhile, Sang Xia was persistent in convincing Principal Gao to reinstate Lei Ming.

She highlighted Lei Ming’s bold actions at the Zhixiang press conference, where he burned all bridges, likely incurring financial penalties, all for the chance to return to Class 11. She argued that while he deserved severe punishment, Class 11 could not function without him. Principal Gao initially stated the decision was out of her hands, but then the Class 11 students arrived, collectively petitioning for Lei Ming’s return.

They emphasized their recent progress and insisted that only with Lei Ming could they achieve their goals, vouching for him as a good teacher with their student ID cards. Moved by their sincerity, Principal Gao agreed to let Lei Ming return, albeit with a demerit. Back with the students, Lei Ming presented a sobering analysis: the probability of them getting into Qingbei based solely on their current test scores was "nine out of 100,000," which he clarified as "zero."

He then introduced his "Spiral of Success" strategy, encouraging them to find alternative paths if the main one was blocked. He outlined individualized plans: Bian Xiaoxiao, with her image and diction, was a strong candidate for Qingbei's Arts and Communication College, provided she received professional training, though she still needed to improve her scores significantly.

Jiang Qinglang’s choice of History, Chemistry, and Geography for the three-one-two system was a fortunate coincidence, as Qingbei was offering new Paleography and Sociology majors for the first time, which would likely have more lenient admission lines. Lei Ming had already secured his parents' support for this path.

Yu Yang was the only student with a chance to get into Qingbei on test scores alone; despite scoring 494, he was "only 193 away" from his target, thanks to his solid foundation in history, geography, and politics, with potential for further improvement in Chinese, Math, and English.

For Cheng Yushan and Li Ran, he proposed the "Wings Program," newly announced by Qingbei, which targeted gifted students with strong single-subject performance, offering a 30-point reduction from the unified recruitment's admissions line. Sang Xia pressed Lei Ming about Cheng Yushan and Li Ran’s chances in the Wings Program. Lei Ming explained Cheng Yushan’s innate mathematical genius, evident in her unconscious habit of arranging objects according to the golden ratio and her quick mental calculations.

He stressed that math competitions seek genuises, not just top students, and for Cheng Yushan, this path was destiny. For Li Ran, Lei Ming recalled a complex automatic irrigation robot Li Ran had once made for him, praising its intricate mechanical design, adaptability to various terrains, optimized control algorithms, and humidity sensors—a level of sophistication comparable to top university graduate projects. He was confident both would secure interviews for the program.

Sang Xia then questioned Lei Ming’s motivation for returning to Class 11 with nothing after leaving Zhixiang, wondering if it was merely defiance. Lei Ming asked if it wasn't "cool," to which Sang Xia retorted that true coolness lay in letting go of his obsession with Qingbei and the students. Lei Ming then invited her on a "cool home visit." During their visit to the Shen family, Mrs. Shen initially assumed they were there for her son, Shen Yao.

Lei Ming clarified they were there for Li Ran, whom the school had selected as a "seed" for the National Youth Robotics Competition, and they needed to assess his preparation environment. They learned that Li Ran and his grandmother lived in the basement, a cramped space where Li Ran studied late into the night.

Li Ran’s grandmother added that Mrs. Shen had prohibited Li Ran from working on his projects in the basement due to the noise, as she was a light sleeper. Using a "Mental Health Week" initiative as a pretext, Sang Xia requested to see Shen Yao's room, claiming she wanted to study the environment of exemplary students like him. Mrs. Shen agreed, and upstairs, Sang Xia discreetly found a bottle labeled "Multi-vitamin tablets" containing antidepressant medication, which she photographed before leaving.

Back at Zhixiang, the company was reeling from Lei Ming’s public disavowal. Sales had plummeted by 89. 3%, seventy-five negative reports had surfaced online, and their official social media account lost 30% of its followers. Employees unanimously agreed that Lei Ming must "pay for everything he said that day." Meanwhile, Lei Ming offered Li Ran and his grandmother a new home in his own house, giving the master bedroom to the grandmother and his room to Li Ran.

He refused to accept rent, framing it as them helping him by "watch[ing his] house and clean[ing] it without payment." He stipulated they cover the utilities and could stay until the college entrance exams, jokingly threatening to collect back rent if Li Ran failed. He even claimed his house was a "birthplace of high achievers" and living there would boost Li Ran's IQ, finally telling Li Ran not to thank him as he hated it.

An old neighbor, Mr. Yang, mistook Li Ran for Lei Ming's son and Sang Xia for his wife, cheerfully remarking on how Lei Ming's "love would come soon." Li Ran's grandmother expressed profound gratitude to Lei Ming's deceased parents, calling it the "most decent home" they had ever had, and prayed for blessings for Lei Ming and Li Ran's success in the college entrance exams.

Sang Xia remarked that Lei Ming was becoming "more and more like a father," to which he replied, "Really?" In a history class, Yu Yang, during a historical reenactment, stammered, prompting a classmate to compare his speech to a "damaged CD." The teacher, however, praised Yu Yang’s performance as accurate, then recounted the story of Han Feizi, a brilliant Legalist who stuttered but excelled at writing.

The teacher further encouraged Yu Yang by listing other famous historical figures with stutters, such as Meng Jiao, Zhou Chang, and Deng Ai, explaining how the idiom "Qi Qi Ai Ai" (stammer) was derived from Zhou Chang and Deng Ai's speech. He shared how Zhou Chang’s stutter once dramatically influenced Emperor Liu Bang to reconsider abolishing the crown prince, thereby changing history.

The teacher urged Yu Yang to "be confident," and Yu Yang, visibly inspired, repeated his lines with renewed conviction. Lei Ming then introduced Li Ran and Cheng Yushan to Chen Jin, his former business partner from "Convenient English," now a technical director specializing in intelligent robots. Lei Ming described Li Ran as his "most worried about" student, tasking Chen Jin with coaching him for the robotics competition.

Li Ran reported that the school’s robotics club wouldn't grant him a training room as he was competing individually. Chen Jin offered his workshop, available from 11 PM to 8 AM, and showed Li Ran various sophisticated equipment, explaining that while most were unavailable during office hours, microcontroller development boards could be used for a fee, and supplies would be Li Ran's responsibility.

Chen Jin also informed them of a new "Future Battlefield" competitive unit in the competition, offering extra points for challenging and defeating the previous champion, thus requiring a "competitive robot." Recognizing the risks, Chen Jin told Li Ran to figure out how to win with limited resources.

For Cheng Yushan’s math preparation, Chen Jin advised her to "summon her Great Spirit" by re-verifying classic theorems like Menelaus', Ceva's, Ptolemy's, and Euler's, using older formulas, assuring her that the great mathematicians would become her guiding spirits. For Li Ran, Chen Jin instructed him to disassemble and reassemble robots into their smallest units to understand their design, and to figure things out himself rather than asking, stating he wouldn't understand his explanations.

Li Ran, reflecting on his task, remembered his late father building him a small robot from "scrap material from the factory," including an old "megohmmeter," and telling him, "Even if it's not gold, it can shine." Meanwhile, Cheng Yushan overheard her stepfather planning to demolish her room for an "extension" to add more tables to their chess hall.

However, upon returning home, she found her room newly decorated, her doll back in place, and a new sign on the door declaring, "Shhh. . . The scholar-lord is working hard. Don't interrupt." Her mother explained she had painted the room and her brother bought the sign, expressing that her daughter's future and success in college were far more important than any additional income from the chess hall.

Cheng Yushan, moved, hugged her mother, promising to take her and Zhou Lixuan with her when she left. Later that night, Li Ran messaged Cheng Yushan, seeking her help with some robot parts that weren't printing correctly. He mentioned Chen Jin’s advice to find someone with "good spatial framing skills" and immediately thought of her. Cheng Yushan quickly responded with a design concept, and Li Ran, grateful, offered to buy her a "cup of milk tea." As they continued to chat, they discovered they were listening to the same song, sharing a moment of mutual encouragement.

In 2017, in Xingzhou, Cheng Yushan witnessed Li Ran being beaten by a group of thugs on her way home from school. The thugs were aggressive, demanding Li Ran's phones and money, accusing him of trying to steal their business. Li Ran, injured, later found a bag of milk and bread left beside him under a bridge.

The next morning, Jiang Qinglang arrived early to pick up Cheng Yushan for her mathematics competition, offering his father, Jiang Chuan, as their driver. Jiang Chuan, admiring Cheng Yushan's talent as a mathematics genius, tried to shake her hand to "increase his IQ." On the way, Jiang Qinglang offered Cheng Yushan two plans to help her relax: quiet study or conversation, music, and jokes. Cheng Yushan chose to study quietly.

He had also packed breakfast and yogurt for her and gave her gum, which he said helps calm nerves before an exam. Inside the gum wrapper, Cheng Yushan found a note from Jiang Qinglang that read, "After a storm comes a calm, you're number one." Meanwhile, Li Ran arrived at the robot competition with his creation, "Fire Rain." The arena contest rules stipulated a three-minute match, with victory achieved by completely disabling the opponent's robot.

If both robots remained active, judges would decide based on lethality, damage, operation, and tactics. The reigning champion was Ma Long with his robot, "Mastiff," from the Silver Wing Robot Club, known for its strong power and enhanced AI auxiliary combat system. Li Ran was a first-time competitor, and "Fire Rain" had been designed and built in less than a month, making many observers doubt his chances against the formidable Mastiff. The match began with both robots cautiously probing. "

Fire Rain," smaller and more agile, attempted to evade Mastiff's frontal assaults and find opportunities for flank attacks. However, Mastiff delivered a heavy blow to "Fire Rain's" front, then relentlessly pursued and overturned it, seemingly predicting its movements. As Mastiff continued its attack, shattering pieces flew from "Fire Rain." In a critical moment, "Fire Rain" attacked Mastiff's left camera, damaging its vision and partially disabling its machine vision function.

Taking advantage of Mastiff's blind spot, "Fire Rain" provoked it, drawing Mastiff into a trap where it was thrown and overturned for the first time in the competition. Mastiff quickly recovered and deployed a hidden cutting weapon from its tail, its first time revealing this formidable tool. It clamped down on "Fire Rain," dismembering its equipment and power cabins. With only a minute left and "Fire Rain's" weapon system nearly destroyed, it was revealed to be a mother-son robot.

The smaller sub-robot then launched itself, and in a flash, struck Mastiff's main control board, causing its power, control, and communication modules to fail, leading to "brain death." "Fire Rain" emerged victorious, becoming the new arena champion, much to the excitement of the crowd. Despite winning the match, Li Ran was awarded a second-place trophy for the overall competition. After the competition, Li Ran excitedly cycled to Cheng Yushan's home to share his news.

However, he saw Jiang Qinglang dropping her off from his car. Cheng Yushan's mother then asked if Jiang Qinglang was her boyfriend, openly expressing approval due to his good looks, polite demeanor, and wealthy family, even suggesting they attend the same university. Li Ran, holding his trophy, felt a pang of disappointment and did not share his achievement with Cheng Yushan. Later, the results of the joint exam were posted.

Shen Yao, who usually ranked in the top three, dropped to eleventh place. Cheng Yushan, Li Ran, and Yu Yang all scored over 500 points, much to the delight of their classmates. The announcement of Li Ran securing the runner-up position in the robot competition then flashed across the screen, making Class 11 the center of attention and pride. Observing the jubilant students from a distance, Shen Yao appeared frustrated.

He later noticed that the medication in his room had been moved and correctly guessed that Sang Xia had been there. Meanwhile, Lei Ming received a court summons. His friend informed him that Zhixiang was suing him for copyright infringement, demanding three million yuan in compensation. If he failed to pay within three months, he would be placed on the defaulter list.

His friend advised him to sell the house his father had left him, stressing that desperate times call for desperate measures. Lei Ming argued that while he might be a "jerk" for prioritizing Class 11 (his "true love") over Zhixiang (his first "marriage" for money), he had the right to choose. His friend warned that a defaulter's reputation would be far worse than a "jerk" who repents. At home, Cheng Yushan's stepfather entered her room while her mother was out.

He tried to convince her to consider marrying his wealthy nephew, He, who drove a BMW and earned 400,000 yuan annually from his hardware store chain. He suggested they could get engaged before her college entrance exam. Cheng Yushan firmly refused, reminding him of her upcoming three-day training at Sang Xia's house and the weekend math competition.

When Jiang Qinglang called, her stepfather snatched her phone, accusing her of talking to a "lecher" and threatening to release "videos" he had on his computer if she didn't comply. Cheng Yushan bravely confronted him, stating that she understood he installed cameras not for lust but to control her, her mother, and their entire home, labeling him as a coward who lacked both courage and ability, fearing the loss of his meager influence should she succeed. He slapped her.

Undeterred, Cheng Yushan packed her suitcase and left, daring him to release the videos and see who the police would arrest. Cheng Yushan arrived at Sang Xia's home, where Sang Xia comforted her, applying a face mask to her reddened cheek and soaking their feet together. Cheng Yushan confided in Sang Xia about her mother's past struggles in their rural village, where boys were given rice and girls only sweet potatoes.

She recounted how her mother had cared for her grandparents for four years, only to be forced to sign away her inheritance to her uncles on her grandmother's deathbed. Her mother moved to Xingzhou for work and married her stepfather to secure Cheng Yushan's school enrollment. Cheng Yushan expressed no blame towards her mother, understanding that her mother could not protect her when she could not even protect herself.

However, Cheng Yushan declared her intent to protect her mother and eventually take her away, ensuring she would not endure further pain. Sang Xia affirmed Cheng Yushan's strength and advised her to collect evidence such as recordings, screenshots, chat logs, police reports, and injury assessments if she ever decided to seek legal protection. Later, Li Ran encountered Cheng Yushan's stepfather at a noodle shop. He followed him, attempting to steal his phone, but was caught and beaten.

Jiang Qinglang, wearing a helmet to conceal his identity, intervened, joining the fray. After they fended off the stepfather, Li Ran, bruised but relieved, asked Jiang Qinglang why he had helped. Jiang Qinglang candidly admitted his feelings for Cheng Yushan, declaring his intention to confess to her after the college entrance exam and proposing a fair competition for her affection. Li Ran, pretending not to understand, simply walked away.

Li Ran's grandmother, Granny Ge, invited Lei Ming and Sang Xia to dinner. Lei Ming arrived with a large potted plant, and when Sang Xia playfully questioned why he was there, he reminded her that she had extended the invitation. Granny Ge had prepared a warm meal of hometown dishes, even setting out couple slippers and placing matching bear decorations on the table. She expressed gratitude to both Lei Ming and Sang Xia, calling them "two esteemed teachers."

During the meal, Sang Xia reminisced about her tutoring days at that very table, recalling how considerate Lei Ming was, even providing thick seat cushions. Lei Ming then pointed out that Sang Xia was sitting in what used to be his exclusive seat. He remembered carving the character for "endure" on the table and noted that he hadn't finished carving the heart next to it before he left for Beijing.

Sang Xia revealed that she was the one who had completed the carving for him. Granny Ge, busy in the kitchen, brought out a pot of pig trotter soup, urging them to eat without waiting for her, and Sang Xia offered to serve Lei Ming some soup. The next morning, a banner appeared on the Administrative Building that read, "Ms. SX, I want to date you."

School staff quickly worked to remove it, concerned about the impact it would have if it had been displayed in the Academic Building. News of the banner and a related post on the school's confession wall quickly spread among students. Many speculated that "SX" referred to Sang Xia, commenting on her attractive looks and wealth.

Students, including Jiang Qinglang, Bian Xiaoxiao, and Li Ran, discussed the romantic gesture, with some dreaming of experiencing adult romance, recalling how their head teacher, Mr. Zhao, and Ms. Shi from the Youth League Committee had gotten together after a year of Mr. Zhao sending Ms. Shi shredded potatoes. Sang Xia, however, was greatly troubled by the incident.

She discussed it with her colleagues, questioning why "SX" was assumed to be a female teacher, or if it could be a confession from a female to a male, or even male to male. She noted there were numerous teachers with the initials "SX," including Ms. Shen Xiao. Her colleagues playfully teased her, suggesting she was envious and that it was undoubtedly her.

They collectively characterized the anonymous confessor as "confident yet ordinary," "self-righteous," "romantic and sentimental," and a "typical middle-aged straight man," making him "easily traceable." Zhou, a teacher, agreed it was urgent to uncover the person responsible. Sang Xia was determined to find the culprit and demanded to see the surveillance footage. Rong, the director of the Moral Education Department, initially tried to deter her, claiming there was "nothing to see" and that the footage had already been checked.

However, Sang Xia insisted on reviewing the surveillance from the previous night, suspecting the banner was hung then. Rong, realizing he couldn't stop her, reluctantly allowed it. Reviewing the footage, Sang Xia spotted Lei Ming. She zoomed in on his image, took a picture with her phone, and left with a knowing smile.

She then confronted Lei Ming, who seemed surprisingly unfazed and more concerned about the immense compensation money he owed, worried about being put on a credit blacklist and losing his job. That evening, Sang Xia rode on Lei Ming's motorcycle to a quiet bar to talk. She bluntly told him that she disliked his "confession approach," deeming it an act of "emotional kidnapping" and "social death" for her.

She had initially thought it wasn't his style but then considered it plausible given his "narcissistic and confident" nature. Lei Ming, however, was preoccupied with his financial woes, revealing that his application for a compensation postponement had been rejected and he had only managed to raise 70,000 yuan from all his contacts, including former investors, colleagues, ex-girlfriends, and even his ex-landlord.

He even considered selling his father's house but couldn't, as Li Ran and his grandmother were living there until the college entrance exams, and he didn't want to uproot them. When Sang Xia pressed him, showing him the picture from the surveillance, Lei Ming still refused to admit to hanging the banner.

He evaded the question by asking what she wanted him to say and suggested that if he were to confess, he would do so simply, like inviting her for a drink on a special day. Later that night, as Lei Ming and Sang Xia were leaving the bar, Zhou, who happened to be there, offered them a ride since Lei Ming had been drinking. On the way, Zhou playfully asked if they were dating.

Sang Xia quickly denied it, remarking that her "mating standards are not that low," which seemed to relieve Zhou. Trying to ease the awkward atmosphere, Zhou put on some music by "Artificial Milky Way," a band Sang Xia liked, though Lei Ming expressed his dislike for it. Back at school, students were abuzz with excitement about the upcoming New Year's Party.

Lei Ming, addressing their distraction, announced that Cheng Yushan had won first prize in the math competition, securing an interview for the "Wings Program." While congratulating her, he warned the students not to be complacent, reminding them that increasing scores from 500 to 680 was "super hard mode," and urged them not to waste precious time on party preparations, as they would have "plenty of time for such things later."

That night, Jiang Qinglang took Bian Xiaoxiao shopping to buy a gift for Cheng Yushan, promising to cover all expenses. Bian Xiaoxiao, discreetly harboring feelings for Jiang Qinglang, helped him choose a new pair of headphones for Cheng Yushan, noting that Cheng Yushan's old ones were worn out and she loved music, despite the chosen brand being a bit expensive.

To her surprise and delight, Jiang Qinglang then presented her with a new pair of pink headphones, thanking her for accompanying him. Bian Xiaoxiao, touched, enthusiastically declared her fondness for pink. At the New Year's Party, after a performance of Kuaiban by Zeng Wenhao from Class 4, Director Rong unexpectedly took the stage. He apologized for interrupting but confessed that he was the one who had hung the banner on the Administrative Building.

He reflected on his role as the director of the Moral Education Department, acknowledging that he had "separated numerous couples" over his twelve years of work. A flashback revealed Lei Ming had helped him hang the banner in a "monitoring blind spot" and, misunderstanding Rong's intentions, believed it was a confession to Sang Xia. Returning to the present, Rong declared he had gathered the courage to confess his sincere feelings to the person he liked.

Students immediately began to speculate it was Sang Xia. To everyone's surprise, Rong then revealed the object of his affection was Ms. Shen Xiao from Pine Cypress Class 5. He expressed his desire to "date her," and Ms. Shen Xiao, after some encouragement from students, accepted his confession. Emboldened, Rong then proposed marriage.

Ms. Shen Xiao, however, politely declined the marriage proposal, stating that "dating is okay, living together is indeed a bit too early," and she wished to finish teaching her current Year 12 class before becoming "someone's wife"—clarifying that she meant "his." The atmosphere then shifted as the host announced Class 11's program. The students of Class 11 were bewildered, having prepared no performance. To Sang Xia's delight, "Artificial Milky Way," her favorite band, began to play.

The lead singer, Dong, introduced himself as one of Lei Ming's very first students from his New Concept English training class. He dedicated a song to "a teacher who likes this song very much" and "to this enchanting night." Lei Ming tried to explain to Sang Xia how he knew about her favorite band, but she was too ecstatic to listen. After the New Year's Party, Li Ran watched, dejected, as Jiang Qinglang picked up Cheng Yushan on his motorcycle.

Seeing Li Ran's mood, Bian Xiaoxiao gently pulled him away to get some noodles. While eating, Bian Xiaoxiao observed that love could sometimes be a form of posturing, insincerity, or obsession. She implied that Li Ran, in his efforts to present his "best self," inadvertently concealed his vulnerabilities.

She revealed to him that Cheng Yushan's reluctance to walk home with him after school stemmed from deeper issues: her "polaroids, chess room, and her stepfather" were all "scars" she didn't want him to see. Meanwhile, on New Year's Eve, Jiang Qinglang confessed his feelings to Cheng Yushan, under the mistaken belief that she was the "X" who had posted a confession to "J" (Jiang) on the school's confession wall. Cheng Yushan, however, clarified that "X might be someone else."

Separately, Lei Ming met with Zhou at a quiet bar. He admitted that despite contacting everyone in his phone book—former investors, colleagues, ex-girlfriends, and even his ex-landlord—he had only managed to borrow 70,000 yuan towards his substantial compensation debt. He also mentioned that he couldn't sell his father's house because Li Ran and his grandmother were living there until the college entrance exams.

Zhou then offered to lend him the full 1 million yuan he needed, but stated that while she "wouldn't be so noble" if it were for an "ex-teacher," she would have "no problem at all" if it were for her "current boyfriend." She directly asked him if he would "like to date her." Lei Ming, deflecting the direct proposal, jokingly remarked on his continued popularity and asked if a "date" could "discount 500,000 yuan" from his debt.

Zhou then brought up an old classroom discussion, revealing that over 70% of the girls in class once believed he "didn't like girls." Lei Ming clarified that he "doesn't like students." Later, Sang Xia, still excited from the band performance, received a specially signed autograph from Dong of Artificial Milky Way, noting Lei Ming had insisted on the personalized message for her.

Zhou and Lei Ming continued drinking, and after her direct yet unreciprocated confession, Zhou finally said "Goodbye" to Lei Ming. She later recorded a tearful voice message, lamenting that she had "said goodbye today" to "a man I've liked for ten years." As the New Year's bell chimed, Sang Xia texted Lei Ming, inviting him out for fried chicken and beer. She eagerly rushed to the location he sent her. However, before she could arrive, Lei Ming received some bad news on his phone.

In 2008, a tragic incident unfolded when a student named Zheng Qian jumped from a building. It was reported that she was a student who had pursued her teacher, Lei Ming. Flashbacks revealed that the night before Zheng Qian's death, around 9 PM, Lei Ming had a dispute with her in a classroom. She was seen running out, disheveled and crying.

Photos from that night were confirmed, and a leader at Zhixiang accused Lei Ming of inappropriate behavior towards Zheng Qian. Despite the police ruling it a suicide, the incident caused severe public backlash. A director, Mr. Wang, met with Lei Ming and informed him that the leadership intended to expel him, issue a strong reprimand, and ban him from the education industry to protect the company's reputation.

Mr. Wang offered a compromise: Lei Ming could hold a press conference to apologize and then resign for a period, which would prevent him from being officially labeled as a "tainted teacher." Lei Ming, however, found a hair clip left by Zheng Qian under his desk, implying he understood their relationship better than anyone. He asserted to Mr. Wang that their relationship was purely that of teacher and student, with no other connection.

Ten years later, in 2018, the past controversy resurfaced. An anonymous tip exposed Lei Ming as the same "wolfish Lei Ming" involved in Zheng Qian's death at Zhixiang. The online community was outraged, demanding his expulsion and calling him a "beast in human form" while spreading rumors about his past, including insinuating an inappropriate relationship with his current student, Cheng Yushan. Class 11, where Lei Ming taught, became a focal point for gossip.

Students like Li Ran, Cheng Yushan, Yu Yang, Bian Xiaoxiao, and Jiang Qinglang were deeply affected, with Li Ran nearly getting into a fight defending their teacher. Bian Xiaoxiao openly questioned if they truly believed Lei Ming, and while Li Ran trusted him concerning the current accusations, he admitted they couldn't speak for the past as they weren't witnesses. Feeling helpless, they realized they lacked the confidence to publicly defend him.

Lei Ming, meanwhile, was in hiding at a hotel, besieged by reporters disguised as delivery personnel. He remained elusive but managed to send a message to his students after Li Ran flooded the hotel's system with threats of a class boycott. Lei Ming reassured his students that he wasn't missing, urged them to listen to Ms. Sang during his absence, and insisted they not let the incident disrupt their studies.

Cheng Yushan found the timing of the old scandal's resurgence too convenient, suspecting someone was profiting from Lei Ming's downfall. Later, Sang Xia found Lei Ming in the hotel's underground garage, having called him repeatedly. She confronted him about standing her up on New Year's Eve but clarified she wasn't there to discuss work or demand explanations. Instead, she brought food and drinks, recognizing he was experiencing a stress response.

She suggested he let go of the past and encouraged him to eat, assuring him she would be there whenever he was ready to talk, warning that being perpetually "strangled by the past" would lead to suffocation. As Lei Ming began to eat, he eventually admitted to Sang Xia that he bore responsibility for Zheng Qian's death and had not forgiven himself for ten years.

He cautioned Sang Xia not to become too invested in her students, emphasizing that teachers and students could never truly be friends, and crossing that boundary could lead to uncontrollable consequences. After Lei Ming left, Sang Xia received a notification that Shen Yao had scheduled a psychological counseling appointment.

Meanwhile, Li Ran, Cheng Yushan, Jiang Qinglang, Yu Yang, and Bian Xiaoxiao launched their own investigation into the Zheng Qian incident, focusing on popular online platforms from 2008 such as Post Bar, blogs, and Xiaonei, with Li Ran tasked with tracing anonymous posts. At the same time, Lei Ming visited Zheng Qian's grave, apologizing for returning to teaching despite his earlier promise.

He recounted reliving the moment of her fall, feeling unable to save her, and believed his "payback is not over yet." Zheng Qian's mother approached him there, returning all the money Lei Ming had sent her over the past decade, acknowledging that only he would have done so.

She asked him to stop visiting her stall and the stray cat rescue station, as those were ways she kept her daughter's memory alive, and asked him never to mention the incident again, asserting that each time it was brought up, Qian "died again." Lei Ming solemnly promised. Zheng Qian's mother tearfully expressed her enduring confusion, unable to comprehend why her daughter, who had been happy, accepted to a school, and won a scholarship, would choose to end her life.

She wondered about the immense pain Zheng Qian must have endured falling from such a height. During his psychological counseling session with Sang Xia, Shen Yao presented his past self-assessment scores, detailing moderate anxiety, severe depression, and personality traits indicating emotional instability and low empathy from two years prior. He claimed to be healthy now and merely wished to update her watchlist.

Sang Xia, however, saw through his facade, noting he had likely memorized the test answers and only came because she had discreetly moved his escitalopram medication, an antidepressant he had taken but claimed to have stopped. She challenged his assertion of health by questioning why her evaluation mattered to him.

Shen Yao dismissed school psychological counselors as a "facade," arguing that a non-depressed person couldn't genuinely help a depressed one, much like another person couldn't feel the pain of his own cut arm. He attributed all his anxiety to academic pressure, confident it would vanish after the college entrance exam.

Sang Xia then subtly asked if his cruel treatment of a butterfly during a farming practice trip was also due to academic pressure, to which Shen Yao denied it was him. The students later shared their findings with Sang Xia, revealing that Zheng Qian was isolated. They discovered a Post Bar post from October 25, 2008—two days after her death—with a title that ended with the question, "Regarding Zheng Qian's death, is everyone in the class innocent?"

The Post Bar had been filled with vitriolic attacks against Lei Ming. Li Ran confirmed that Lei Ming's previous name was a homophone for his current one, but with a different Chinese character. They also found that Zheng Qian used a consistent "A flying girl" avatar across all platforms and interacted with an anonymous account that posted "Mr. Lei is Innocent."

The tone of these interactions strongly suggested they were classmates, and this account was identified as their Chinese teacher, Ms. Xiao Zhou. When confronted, Ms. Xiao Zhou confirmed she posted the message defending Lei Ming. She admitted that she, like many girls at the time, was infatuated with Lei Ming. She described Zheng Qian as the "most ordinary" of Lei Ming's admirers, a girl so unremarkable she "couldn't find any distinctive features" in a sketch of her.

The teacher then recounted how she became fearful of Zheng Qian: she easily became an administrator of Lei Ming's Post Bar, and Lei Ming even "liked" her post about it. Shortly after, an anonymous user named "Ye Du Wu Ren"—later discovered to be Zheng Qian—sent her hateful private messages. Her homework disappeared or was defaced, and ink was spilled on her bag.

One day, she saw Zheng Qian staring at her menacingly through a mirror's reflection, a look she found unforgettable and terrifying. Ms. Xiao Zhou revealed that Zheng Qian had repeatedly applied for the Post Bar administrator role but was always rejected, which explained her animosity. Zheng Qian was naturally isolated, rarely making eye contact or speaking.

However, after students discovered her mother sold grilled squid from a roadside stall, they began calling Zheng Qian "Grilled Squid" and subjecting her to pranks, such as deflating her bicycle tires. Ms. Xiao Zhou questioned whether Zheng Qian's isolation was inherent or imposed by others. She noted that while most students' admiration for Lei Ming was playful, Zheng Qian's was genuine.

She saved her lunch money to buy him gifts, which angered Lei Ming, causing him to distance himself from her. At the graduation party, Zheng Qian appeared unexpectedly, dressed brightly, but left quickly, claiming to be in the wrong place. The next day, she jumped. Ms. Xiao Zhou concluded that Lei Ming had not avoided his past but rather "held it in," never truly finding peace.

Lei Ming returned to his old residence and found a box filled with love letters from Zheng Qian. Simultaneously, a meeting was held at Minglong to discuss Lei Ming's potential expulsion. During the meeting, Principal Lou stated his position. Principal Lou responded that he had no objections to Lei Ming's expulsion, "provided" the investigation confirmed any inappropriate behavior. He accepted full responsibility for hiring Lei Ming and was willing to face consequences.

However, he also contended that dismissing Lei Ming based solely on unverified news reports would be equally irresponsible, emphasizing the need for concrete proof. This stance came after Mr. Wang from Zhixiang had tried to pressure him, arguing that Class 11 was solely to secure investment and that if Principal Lou took over, any future triumphs would be his, ensuring Zhixiang's long-term commitment. At this point, Mr. Xiao, who had interned at Zhixiang ten years prior, stepped forward.

He claimed to confirm the veracity of the news reports, stating that on the night of the incident, he had intended to seek advice from Lei Ming but overheard Lei Ming and Zheng Qian's voices. He then revealed that he had taken photos, and Lei Ming had later asked him to keep it a secret, implying he was young and would eventually forget. Mr. Xiao declared that he would not forget.

During a psychological survey at Minglong, the students discussed their feelings about anxiety. Some students casually stated that they weren't anxious about the upcoming college entrance exam, mentioning alternative career paths like forming a band, playing basketball, or e-sports, or simply working for their fathers. One student emphasized converting problems into concrete goals to manage emotions. Shen Yao, however, firmly declared he was never anxious and didn't need to cope with a non-existent feeling.

He listed activities like clearing his online shopping cart and watching videos of cute animals as his ways of de-stressing. He then pointedly suggested that Sang Xia, as a psychology teacher with little presence in the school, was the one who seemed anxious and advised her to "idle" rather than waste time on a "pointless survey" that only concerned her. Lei Ming reviewed Zheng Qian's old student records.

Her file indicated she was a sophomore from Xingzhou Business School who transferred on May 18, 2008, with a strong English foundation and aspirations for a postgraduate degree at Shanghai International Studies University. It noted her introverted personality and difficulty communicating, which led to her being excluded by classmates despite her diligence. In June 2008, Lei Ming decided to intervene, crafting a special study plan for her and discreetly guiding her to ease her psychological burden.

He even helped her secure a scholarship from Zhixiang, which he personally funded. Her academic performance improved, but her feelings for him shifted beyond a student-teacher relationship. By August, Lei Ming noticed her grades slipping, her mind preoccupied, and an increase in gifts. He tried to gently redirect her, explaining that the best way to thank him was to focus on her studies and achieve her postgraduate goal. He even suggested they could be colleagues one day.

However, Zheng Qian confessed that her feelings for him were not merely that of a student for a teacher. Lei Ming reacted with anger, telling her it was a crucial sprint period for her studies and she shouldn't dwell on "impossible things." He refused another gift from her. His notes from September 2008 indicated that his explanation had backfired, leading her to send even more gifts and completely lose focus on her studies.

He then decided on a period of "silent treatment." By the end of September, her grades had begun to recover. In a later interaction, Zheng Qian made a final plea, asking for a hug, but Lei Ming refused, stating, "I can't." He then told her to forget the incident, assuring her that she was young and would move on, saying, "Farewell." Sang Xia attempted to connect with Shen Yao online, pretending to be an 18-year-old peer.

However, Shen Yao quickly saw through her disguise, noting her 8-digit QQ number, which suggested she was older, and her consistent attempts at psychological counseling. He jokingly acknowledged her "great inference." Later, in the psychological consulting room, Shen Yao asked how Sang Xia found his private account. Sang Xia explained that she regularly checked the "tree-hole box" outside her room and discovered four notes signed "Renardeau," which means "little fox" in French, allowing her to trace him online.

Shen Yao then confided a traumatic childhood memory. In primary school, after an Olympiad class, he saw classmates torturing a butterfly, cutting off its wings one by one, watching it suffer. When he intervened, he was severely beaten. Afterward, he stayed with the dying butterfly, watching ants consume its body.

Sang Xia deduced that Shen Yao saw himself as that butterfly and had been self-harming, and while he had tried to save himself, he no longer believed it was possible, feeling that if the "butterfly itself didn't want to live, how could it be saved?" Sang Xia acknowledged that thoughts of wanting to die are common and should be understood, not demonized.

Shen Yao spoke of constant fatigue and physical pain, using medication with significant side effects like weight gain and drowsiness, which further hindered his studies. He revealed these feelings began in Year 10, a time that was supposedly positive: he became the top student, his father's company prospered, and his younger brother was born.

He admitted he wasn't close to his brother and recounted his mother's words that his father viewed him as "plan A" and his brother as "plan B" for family education. He now felt more pity than hatred for his three-year-old brother, who was already burdened with singing, English, and skating lessons, knowing his life would only become more demanding and less joyful. Sang Xia advised Shen Yao to unleash his pent-up anger, contrasting his suppression with Li Ran's expressiveness.

She gave him "homework": to do things he had never done before, such as talking to his parents without discussing academics, playing with his brother, watching an unconventional movie, or even skipping a day of class to experience life as "Shen Yao who is not living up to others' expectations." She emphasized that depressed individuals often suppress their anger, fearing that revealing their true selves will cost them love.

She urged him to face his emotions frankly, suggesting activities like tearing paper, eating spicy food, squeezing ice, or petting animals to manage his feelings. Most importantly, she told him to prioritize not losing himself over the fear of losing others. Sang Xia assured Shen Yao that she had deleted his video and that her room was always open if he needed to talk. Shen Yao thanked her.

As he left, he noticed Zheng Qian's online avatar on the wall and told Sang Xia he believed it was hung upside down; the girl wasn't flying but was jumping, wanting to end her life. He urged Sang Xia to refer the person in the picture to a hospital immediately. Meanwhile, Li Ran and the others were investigating Zheng Qian's case, discovering her online alias "Desperate Sunsets," inspired by a Borges poem, on a locked blog.

They suspected Lei Ming might know the password. Sang Xia encouraged Lei Ming to consider any clues, reminding him how much his friends wanted to help. Lei Ming, initially dismissive, returned home and tried using the date he first met Zheng Qian—May 18, 2008—as the password. It unlocked the blog, revealing Zheng Qian's suicide note. In it, she addressed Lei Ming, stating that by the time he read it, she would have left the world.

She wrote that the password was the date they first met, indicating her hope that he would remember. She described her life before him as a cycle of studying, her mother, being ignored, and feigning happiness. She detailed a period of unexplained chronic pain, sleepless nights, and struggling in darkness, where she had previously contemplated suicide and even written a will, only holding on for her hardworking mother. Secret hospital visits yielded no diagnosis beyond "study pressure."

Online research led her to realize her symptoms matched depression, a concept she found confusing at the time. She didn't dare tell her mother due to the cost of medication and her mother's existing burdens, believing she wouldn't understand. She had hoped a new environment after postgraduate studies would bring relief. Even at Zhixiang, she remained in darkness, finding solace only in good grades and seeing Lei Ming. She knew he had personally funded her scholarship.

She questioned if she would have had the courage to live if society understood her illness better, if there was less stigma, if she had known sooner it was a disease and not a personal failing, and if she had received early treatment. She concluded that she didn't blame anyone, cherishing the good moments and warm people like Lei Ming in her life.

However, she had gradually lost the ability to love herself, and her only regret was her mother, whom she hoped would forgive her selfishness. Her final wish was for a hug from him, a farewell to the world. She signed off, "Farewell, Mr. Lei. See you in the next life." Devastated, Lei Ming also found the message "Mr. Lei, see you in the next life" written on her ceiling.

He imagined an alternative past where he accepted a brooch from her, telling her it was the last gift, and then agreed when she asked for a hug "like a friend." Zheng Qian's mother painfully recalled a conversation where her daughter had indirectly mentioned a classmate with "this disease."

Her mother had dismissed it as "psychosis," warning her daughter to stay away from such a person to avoid infection, and worrying about the social implications for a girl with such an illness. Now, full of regret, she wished she had looked more closely at her daughter or offered a hug. Following the public release of Zheng Qian's suicide note, the truth about the "wolfish teacher" incident came to light.

The testament revealed Lei Ming as a supportive teacher and cleared his name, ending a decade of false accusations that had derailed his career. The tragedy sparked widespread discussion on depression among young people, highlighting society's lack of understanding and the misconceptions surrounding mental health.

News reports emphasized the growing youth depression rates and criticized schools, teachers, and parents for often neglecting these issues, concluding that open discussions about suicide with young people do not increase risk but instead encourage them to seek help when needed.

Public opinion shifted significantly after Lei Ming's name was cleared, with many netizens now accusing Zhixiang Education of deliberately manipulating the scandal. They speculated it was a retaliatory move after Lei Ming's revelations in November about the company's excessive marketing and the true effectiveness of its AI teaching.

Reports also highlighted that ten years ago, during a critical strategic transition, Zhixiang had placed all blame on Lei Ming to protect its reputation, forbidding internal discussions and treating the victim's family with indifference. This left Zhixiang Education facing widespread criticism. Mr. Wang, from Zhixiang, visited Zheng Qian's mother, bringing gifts and hoping she would issue a statement of consent.

However, only Lei Ming was present, and he made it clear that Zheng Qian’s mother would not be reading any such statement. Lei Ming confronted Mr. Wang, questioning why Zhixiang would pay money if they were truly not responsible for Zheng Qian's death, as Mr. Wang claimed. Mr. Wang asserted it was a humanitarian gesture and a charity fund.

Lei Ming then reminded Mr. Wang that Zheng Qian had sought him out before her death, wanting to withdraw due to her illness, but Mr. Wang had refused a tuition refund, citing the non-refundable policy. He had dismissed her condition as mere "mood swings" and told her to find fault within herself.

Lei Ming also revealed that Ms. Xu, who had left Zhixiang six years prior, was present during that meeting and had recently described Zhixiang's approach to student psychological intervention as "apathy and dereliction." Lei Ming's sole demand was for Zhixiang to pay compensation, not a pension, and to never again disturb Zheng Qian's mother in any way. He then handed back the health products Mr. Wang had brought, telling him that inner peace was the best medicine.

As winter break began, Lei Ming addressed the parents, thanking them and the students of Class 11 for their unwavering trust. He shared how Zheng Qian's incident had given him new insights, particularly appreciating those who offer unconditional belief and support in times of despair. He assigned the parents four tasks. First, to hug their children without saying anything, assuring them the children would understand.

Bian Xiaoxiao, having saved money to buy her father a new jacket, received a heartfelt hug from him, touched by her thoughtfulness. Second, to praise their children daily in public settings. Auntie Feng, Yu Yang's mother, wholeheartedly praised her son in the market, having shifted from her usual critical approach. Third, to support their children in doing something they truly desired, even if it seemed mischievous.

Cheng Yushan, with her mother and younger brother, "pranked" her stepfather by mixing his prized vintage wine with strange ingredients; her brother proudly took credit, feeling very happy. Lastly, for the children to act as parents for one day, making decisions unconditionally. Jiang Qinglang took charge of their New Year's Eve dinner, setting rules like unlimited sweets and soda, and prohibiting his father from answering phone calls. However, his father broke this rule, leading to a strained and unhappy meal.

The first mock exam results showed significant improvement across the board. Sang Xia distributed red packets to celebrate, while Lei Ming reminded everyone, especially Bian Xiaoxiao, Li Ran, and Cheng Yushan, to prepare diligently for their upcoming art exams and the Wings Program, promising to meet in Beijing after the New Year. True to their word, the students traveled to Beijing. Lei Ming led them to a budget-friendly hotel close to Qingbei University.

To Lei Ming's surprise, Sang Xia and Yu Yang had also arrived early for their own reasons, joining the group at the hotel. Lei Ming made them draw cards to determine roommates, with Li Ran and Cheng Yushan ending up sharing. Using his old Qingbei student ID, Lei Ming took the students on a tour of the university, emphasizing that they were not visitors but future students, aiming to inspire them.

He showed them unique study spots, explaining that the canteen, not the library, was the best place due to its quiet atmosphere after meal times, strong Wi-Fi (modified by computer science students), and access to freshly cooked food. He also pointed out the Mechanics Club, jokingly noting its high success rate in relationships, as brains were considered sexier than bodies there. The students, particularly Li Ran and Bian Xiaoxiao, were captivated, expressing wishes to skateboard on campus someday.

Later that night, Cheng Yushan and Li Ran continued studying, while Jiang Qinglang approached Bian Xiaoxiao for help in selecting a song for his competition, having overcome a difficult battle with his mother to come to Beijing. Bian Xiaoxiao expertly helped him choose a song. Meanwhile, Sang Xia did not return to the hotel, stating she had other accommodations. Lei Ming watched from the window as a luxury car picked her up, leaving him visibly bewildered.

Unable to sleep, Lei Ming went to check on Li Ran and Cheng Yushan. He advised them about the upcoming Wings Program interview, cautioning them not to be intimidated by overly confident students from winter camps, whose teachers often made false promises just to collect fees. He also warned them against relying on old exam questions or standardized answer templates, as the program sought students with independent views and original thoughts. He urged them to simply "be yourselves."

The next day, at the Wings Program written test, Li Ran and Cheng Yushan encountered Shen Yao. Other candidates discussed the exam's changed format, noting how attendees of the winter camp should be well-prepared. It was mentioned that Shen Yao’s brother had previously achieved first place in the Wings Program. Separately, Yu Yang visited his old friend Wu Fan, whom he hadn't seen in a long time. He brought specialty gifts.

Yu Yang recalled how Wu Fan had stood up for him when he was bullied, promising they would attend the same university so Wu Fan could continue to protect him. Wu Fan, now in college, expressed his disillusionment with university life, noting that many students just relaxed and partied. He also revealed he had a girlfriend.

He told Yu Yang that he planned to take the civil service exam and return to Xingzhou after graduation next year, expressing regret that he wouldn't be able to pick up Yu Yang when he eventually enrolled at Qingbei. Meanwhile, Lei Ming met with former college classmates to seek financial assistance. His friends, while struggling with their own car and mortgage payments and the recent birth of a second child, offered what little they could.

They reminisced about Lei Ming's internship at Zhixiang, noting that everyone had envied him, believing he would be the most successful among them, and expressed sadness that he now had to pay Zhixiang so much money. They toasted, assuring him that tough times would pass. During the Wings Program interview, Li Ran and Cheng Yushan felt nervous, especially after seeing Shen Yao's numerous awards and hearing an examiner commend him.

Shen Yao whispered to Li Ran to be cautious when answering questions from Mr. Fang, the main examiner. As their names were called, Li Ran and Cheng Yushan entered their respective interview rooms. The interviewer acknowledged Li Ran's impressive improvement of over 300 points in just six months but pointed out that his overall academic standing was still not exceptional compared to other candidates.

They pressed him on why he chose Qingbei and the source of his profound courage and confidence. Li Ran candidly admitted he had never considered taking the college entrance exam or even applying to Qingbei until he met Lei Ming. He recounted how Lei Ming, initially dismissed as a liar, had inspired them, provided scholarships, and even clashed with his former employer, Zhixiang, incurring penalties for their sake.

Lei Ming had generously allowed Li Ran and his grandmother to live in his house, deftly using a joke about charging rent if Li Ran failed to preserve his dignity. Despite speaking about the world's injustices, Lei Ming had always shown them the utmost generosity and fairness. Li Ran concluded by expressing his deep desire to understand the power and magic of Qingbei that could cultivate such a unique and influential individual like Lei Ming.

He affirmed that regardless of whether they were accepted into Qingbei, the lessons Lei Ming taught them would remain with them forever. At a subway station, Lei Ming encountered Ye Chao, a familiar face, who was promoting a startup venture by offering free wet wipes and hair clips. Lei Ming scanned his QR code to show support.

In 1999, Lei Ming arrived at Tsingpei University, a place where many of his classmates were champions from various cities, like the champion of science in Wenhu, the champion of Ningbo, and the champion of liberal arts in Yuan County. While his peers discussed prestigious opportunities such as exchange programs and scholarships, Lei Ming, despite being a champion from a smaller place, felt like a "hungry champion" struggling to afford food.

At the same time, Ye Chao thrived at a second-tier college in Beijing, confidently treating his friends to drinks and asserting that a foothold in Beijing promised a good future. By 2002, Lei Ming had secured a job at Zhixiang and rented a place in Haidian District, celebrating with his friends. Meanwhile, Ye Chao found his circle of friends shrinking as many left Beijing to return to their hometowns.

One friend, lamenting the departure of Guo, Du, and Yong, explicitly told Ye Chao that he had to "hang in there for them," as he was now the sole remaining one in Beijing from their group. Later, Ye Chao invited Lei Ming to his home, a cluttered space he apologized for. Ye Chao's wife, who was busy with their sleeping child, Bao, asked Ye Chao to fix the broken washing machine, barely acknowledging Lei Ming.

As they worked on the appliance, Ye Chao confided in Lei Ming about his unfulfilled life, expressing regret that Mr. Lei, who had once supported his college education, would be disappointed by his current state. Ye Chao felt that life had simply "pushed him along" since coming to Beijing. He still clung to the hope of a better future if he stayed, believing that returning to his hometown would invalidate his life's efforts and make him a "laughingstock."

Lei Ming then shared the somber news that Mr. Lei had passed away last year. He reassured Ye Chao that Mr. Lei had no regrets about him, and above all, cared for his well-being. Lei Ming urged Ye Chao to visit Mr. Lei's grave in Xingzhou when he could. After Lei Ming departed, a heartbroken Ye Chao broke down, apologizing to Mr. Lei.

Concurrently, Jiang Qinglang participated in a rap competition in Beijing, with Bian Xiaoxiao cheering him on from the audience. On stage, Jiang Qinglang rapped about his journey from a "test-taker" to finding his voice, thanking his "sincere friends" and specifically calling Bian Xiaoxiao his "choice dilemma terminator." He conveyed that rap was his "real voice," a space where he felt "free, pure, passionate, and full of strength."

Bian Xiaoxiao, later facing her own art audition, felt daunted by the numerous talented candidates like Qin Yufei and Li Zhuolun. Despite feeling ordinary on such a large stage, she drew courage from the idea that simply "daring to venture into it" was a cool thing in itself, then delivered a poetic performance. The Class 11 students, accompanied by Sang Xia, went to a renowned and hard-to-book restaurant in Beijing.

What began as a discreet dinner soon turned into a lively family affair, as Sang Xia's parents, the owners of the restaurant chain, orchestrated a grand welcome ceremony. This revealed Sang Xia's wealthy background, confirming the students' previous speculation that her family "had a fish pond." During the meal, Sang's father and Lei Ming drank heavily. Sang's father spoke of Sang Xia's refusal to stay in Beijing and her insistence on returning to Xingzhou.

He mentioned that his family was not materialistic and the bride price "doesn't matter," only requesting a kind man with a house, a car, and no debts. A very inebriated Lei Ming, after expressing gratitude to Sang Xia's family, declared that while he had nothing material, he had "five good students" and "Sang Xia," and would work hard for them.

The next day, on the plane back to Xingzhou, a still-nauseous Lei Ming pondered whether Tsingpei University was truly the "only answer" for his students. Upon returning to Xingzhou, Lei Ming and Sang Xia encountered a surprising sight: advertisements for Zhixiang Education featuring Mr. Bi and Ms. Xiao Zhou, two of their former teachers.

Mr. Bi explained that due to Lei Ming's past difficult relationship with Zhixiang's CEO, Wang Yunyang, he had been forced to seek new employment to support his team. Ms. Xiao Zhou, while denying any affiliation with Zhixiang, informed Lei Ming that she was leaving Xingzhou to move to Singapore with her new boyfriend, assuring him that her departure would not significantly impact Class 11. The team realized they now lacked a Chinese and a physics teacher.

Further compounding the crisis, Sang Xia reported that Mr. Hu, the math teacher, had suffered a heart attack and his daughter refused to let him teach remotely. Lei Ming, left with few options, devised a temporary, teacher-independent plan, a "third solution" that could sustain the students' studies for two weeks—enough time for a review cycle, during which he hoped to find new instructors.

For Chinese, students would intensely copy and dictate texts, while for science, they would engage in "paired combat," challenging each other with self-created problems. For other subjects, they would act as substitute teachers in other classes, focusing on areas they struggled with, to solidify their own understanding. Lei Ming emphasized that the last 100 days before the exam were about "peeling an onion," repeatedly understanding each concept from different angles until it became their own.

Meanwhile, Bian Xiaoxiao noticed Jiang Qinglang's unusual distraction. Over an outing to make cakes, she learned he had received an invitation to a three-month, closed rapper training camp, "Rapper's Guide to Singing and Composing." This opportunity, a prize from his second-place win at a Beijing competition, presented a painful dilemma: accepting it meant missing the college entrance exam.

Bian Xiaoxiao, ever the "choice dilemma terminator," encouraged him to pursue what he truly liked, contrasting the "healthy" and "essential" path of college with the "refreshing, exciting, and sugary" path of rap, which many parents deemed "unhealthy." Around the same time, Lei Ming was struggling to sell Mr. Lei's old house.

Despite it being in a school district, the Xingzhou second-hand market was bleak, and his non-negotiable condition that buyers could only move in after Li Ran's college entrance exam severely limited potential buyers. Li Ran's grandmother offered to move out sooner, but Lei Ming refused, insisting on protecting Li Ran's focus.

Jiang Qinglang confided in Bian Xiaoxiao, revealing that his parents had actually divorced over a year ago but had hidden the certificate from him to avoid upsetting him before the exam. He found it difficult to accept, especially seeing his father in a new relationship with Aunt Gu, and secretly hoped for his parents' reconciliation.

Bian Xiaoxiao suggested a plan: Jiang Qinglang should present the Finland trip tickets to his parents as an anniversary gift, claiming he bought them with his lucky money. While they were away, he could covertly register for the rapper training camp, with Bian Xiaoxiao covering for him with Lei Ming. Jiang Qinglang embraced this "last struggle," although he still harbored doubts about his parents actually going on the trip.

Following Bian Xiaoxiao's advice, Jiang Qinglang prepared a special dinner for his parents to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, feigning ignorance of their marital issues. He gave them the Finland trip tickets, explaining that the dates aligned with their annual leave. However, his mother reacted with anger, criticizing him for making arrangements without consultation and urging him to focus solely on the college entrance exam. Jiang Qinglang insisted that for his peace of mind, they must accept his gift.

Later, Jiang Qinglang told his parents he was leaving for a "closed training camp." His parents video-called him from the airport, claiming they were about to board their flight to Helsinki and reiterating their mutual non-disturbance pact for the duration of his "training." But when Jiang Qinglang returned home, he found his parents there, revealing their deception. Heartbroken, he broke the silence, confessing his own lie about the training camp and revealing that the Finland tickets were his competition prize.

He confronted them about their elaborate charade, then bluntly exposed his knowledge of their divorce, having discovered the certificate on his father's safe. He voiced his frustration, comparing his father's relationship with Aunt Gu to "cheating" and expressing how uncomfortable it made him. He also acknowledged his mother's likely exhaustion with the pretense.

Finally, Jiang Qinglang declared his true intentions: he did not want to take the college entrance exam; he wanted to become a rapper, vowing to accept the consequences of his choice alone. His parents, shocked, pleaded with him not to joke about such a serious matter.

In 2008, Xingzhou City, a young Shen Yao prepared for a play, but the role was given to another child, Guo Haoran. Shen Yao's father intervened, leveraging the fact that Guo Haoran's mother had just joined his company, to reclaim the part for his son.

Shen Yao's father constantly instilled in his son the belief that he must always be first, as "the trophy for first place is always one," and only by being first would others care for and respect him. Li Ran was summoned to the principal's office by Sang Xia. Outside, he overheard Shen Yao's father, Mr. Shen, discussing Shen Yao's impressive volunteer work with the Autism Children Care Association with Mr. Fang from the Wings Program.

Mr. Shen also mentioned that Li Ran and his grandmother had temporarily resided at their home, subtly implying Li Ran's less privileged background. Just then, Lei Ming arrived, announcing that he would represent Li Ran, acting as his half-guardian since Li Ran's grandmother was unavailable. Mr. Fang congratulated both Shen Yao and Li Ran for passing the preliminary selection for the Wings Program, but stated that only one spot was allocated to their school.

Mr. Shen suggested that the program should prioritize candidates with long-term endurance and a stable family background, rather than "opportunists" who show a "short-term outbreak" of effort. He emphasized that Shen Yao fit this description, having always focused on academics and charity. Lei Ming countered that the Wings Program was intended to "give wings to students without wings," not to provide extra gliders to those already well-equipped.

Feeling undervalued due to his past "messy" academic record and his family background, Li Ran concluded that the program only sought "clean, good seed" top students who had "never made mistakes." Distraught, he left the room. Lei Ming remained to speak with Mr. Fang. Later, he conveyed the final assessment criteria to Li Ran. Both Li Ran and Shen Yao had passed the initial selection, and the ultimate decision would depend on their scores in two upcoming physics practice exams.

If Li Ran surpassed Shen Yao, the Wings Program spot would be his. Lei Ming encouraged Li Ran, telling him that his true goal was "that Dragon Gate" of Tsingpei, not "that carp" (Shen Yao). Meanwhile, Jiang Qinglang requested a two-week leave from school, just three months before the college entrance exam. Gao Jingjuan, his teacher, initially refused, concerned that it would jeopardize all his efforts. However, Jiang Qinglang's mother surprised everyone by approving the leave.

She explained that she had secretly attended his rap competition in Beijing, where his performance was a heartfelt expression of his true self. His rap spoke of not wanting to be a "soulless test-taker" but to pursue his dream and become her "most proud child" in his own way, acknowledging that "life's book isn't just one directory" and asking his mother to let him choose once. Hearing this, she understood his desire to bravely step out of his comfort zone.

She allowed him one year to pursue his dream without financial support from the family, as a "gap year" to see if his passion could sustain him. If not, he would return to take the college entrance exam the following year. Moved by her support, Jiang Qinglang revealed he had known about his parents' hidden divorce, which they had planned to keep secret until after his exam. He decided to live with his mother.

This confrontation had been building; earlier, he had presented his parents with tickets for a trip to Finland, hoping for a reconciliation, only to discover they never left, which led to him revealing what he knew and his desire to become a rapper. Sang Xia was astonished that Lei Ming had approved Jiang Qinglang's leave. Lei Ming explained his reasoning by recalling two former students, Dong and Lei Lei, who had formed a band.

He saw a genuine happiness in them on stage that he never saw in Jiang Qinglang when he was just studying, and he didn't want to be the reason Qinglang regretted not pursuing his dream. After school, Mr. Shen invited Li Ran to an expensive restaurant. He attempted to persuade Li Ran to withdraw from the Wings Program, offering him four years of university tuition and living expenses for both him and his grandmother, until he found a job.

He also presented him with a bank card for his grandmother's living expenses, calling it "a token of my goodwill." Mr. Shen emphasized that Tsingpei was a "long shot" for Li Ran, pointing out that the Wings Program only offered a 30-point reduction, which, given Li Ran's current grades, was "a drop in the bucket." Upon returning home, Li Ran's grandmother confronted him about having dinner with Mr. Shen.

Li Ran then revealed her chronic renal failure diagnosis, informing her that her current medication was ineffective and that she needed expensive treatment at a major hospital. He suggested that if he withdrew from the Wings Program, they would have the money from Mr. Shen for her treatment. His grandmother vehemently refused, breaking the bank card and declaring she would rather die than accept such money. Late that night, Li Ran found his grandmother collecting scrap metal.

She confessed to him the true reason his father, Guanglin, never went to university. Three months before his college entrance exam, Li Ran's grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer. Director Shen, Shen Yao's grandfather, offered to cover all medical expenses, provide Guanglin with a technical job at the factory, and a three-bedroom apartment. The condition was that Guanglin withdraw from his special recruitment slot at Xingzhou Sci & Tech University, allowing Shen Hao (Shen Yao's father) to take it instead.

Guanglin sacrificed his dream for his family. Hearing this, Li Ran raced home and found a blood-stained watch, a painful reminder of his father's death. His father, an alcoholic, had asked Li Ran to buy liquor. Annoyed by his father's drunken state, Li Ran put on headphones and ignored him, leading his father to go out alone and die in a motorcycle accident.

At the hundred-day pledge ceremony, Li Ran confronted Shen Yao, declaring that he would not give up on the exams and would "win back" what his father had lost years ago.

As the college entrance examination approached, anxiety filled the air, leaving many students sleepless. Li Ran, Cheng Yushan, Yu Yang, and Bian Xiaoxiao all experienced nightmares on the very day their second mock exam results were to be released. The scores came out: Cheng Yushan had 598, Yu Yang 584, Li Ran 579, and Bian Xiaoxiao 512. Shen Yao maintained his top position with 665.

Many students were deeply upset by their results, with one lamenting that if her mother knew she dropped 200 points, she'd be killed, and another declaring, "If I don't pass the cutoff score in the NCEE, let's not meet in this life." Jiang Qinglang, attending a training camp, appeared visibly nervous. During his initial evaluation, he introduced himself as AKA Sunshine, from Yunti in Xingzhou City, and announced his song "Dancing with Me."

However, halfway through, he stopped, apologized to the judges, and walked off the stage, leaving them to comment that he might be under a lot of pressure. With only two months left until the NCEE, Sang Xia's psychological counseling room was overflowing with anxious students. One student shared that she couldn't sleep, constantly thinking about unmemorized knowledge points and unfinished test papers, even dreaming about unsolved problems.

Another student described the intense pressure, feeling panicked despite endless studying, noting that the more she studied, the more anxious she became, even forgetting things she once knew. She mentioned her father's demand for her to reach the undergraduate admission score, otherwise, she wouldn't be his daughter anymore. Students felt pressured to study because everyone else was, but then felt insecure when they realized they knew nothing.

Sang Xia reassured them that anxiety was normal, especially for high-achieving students, and revealed that one student hadn't had her period in two months due to stress. Bian Xiaoxiao also watched Jiang Qinglang's competition video and expressed her concern for him. Back in Class 11, despite a facade of calm, students were deeply anxious after the mock exam. Lei Ming canceled morning self-study and dedicated the first class to "How to Combat Anxiety."

He acknowledged their feelings, noting that they might be so anxious they couldn't sleep or study, and even disliked themselves in the mirror. He explained that the root of anxiety was its lack of specificity – too many difficulties and disorganized thoughts. His first step was "honesty": writing or drawing everything that made them anxious without reservation. After they completed this, Lei Ming pointed out that their lists didn't contain their goals, only "distractions" from achieving them.

His second step was "eliminating distractions and focusing thoughts" by identifying the most prominent and direct goal and "just doing it." For them, this was "scores." He instructed them to break down their ultimate score targets into smaller, weekly plans for each subject. He urged them to "stop overthinking" and "start acting," emphasizing that thinking only consumed time and energy. For example, if they had no appetite, they should just find something easy to do, and hunger would follow.

If they couldn't sleep, they should get up and do something productive like studying or reading, but not endlessly scroll on their phones. He asserted that following these steps would "put anxiety back in its place," revealing it was never as terrifying as they imagined. Lei Ming then turned the students over to Sang Xia, saying the remaining part was her domain.

Sang Xia explained that exercise and play were effective anxiety relievers due to the "endorphin effect," which generates "happiness factors" that uplift spirits. She led the students, including Li Ran, Cheng Yushan, Yu Yang, and Bian Xiaoxiao, on a vigorous bike ride to expend their energy. Afterwards, in a white room, they were given buckets with paint-filled balloons, which they enthusiastically threw and smashed against the walls, effectively releasing their pent-up emotions.

Li Ran worried about improving his score by seventy-six points, which averaged out to thirteen points per subject, a goal he felt was unattainable without dedicated teachers. Bian Xiaoxiao noted that Lei Ming's hairline was receding from stress over finding them teachers. At this point, Ms. Gao Jingjuan, the principal, stepped in with several teachers in tow.

She revealed that Mr. Xiao had persistently approached her over a dozen times verbally and submitted three written reports, even waiting outside her office, to secure teachers for Class 11. Mr. Xiao also provided internal study materials and papers for the final two months of the NCEE. He took the opportunity to apologize to Lei Ming for misunderstanding him regarding Zheng Qian, and Lei Ming returned the sentiment, acknowledging his own hasty judgment.

Despite the new teachers offered, Lei Ming stated that Class 11 "really doesn't need teachers" anymore because he had found a "better solution": the "Little Bee Learning Method." He explained that students would "go out and attend classes like bees collecting nectar." He analyzed each student’s weaknesses and recommended specific teachers: Cheng Yushan, weak in classical Chinese, should attend Mr. Huang Mingfen’s class in Peach Plum Class 1, known for his strong, albeit dry, expertise.

Li Ran, good at physics but weak in chemistry, was advised to attend Mr. Yang Jiang’s class in Peach Plum Class 2, a Master of Physics and Chemistry from Xiangtan University, who could bridge both subjects. Yu Yang, strong in liberal arts but stuck at 70 points in geography, needed new stimulation from Mr. Ma Ciyun in Pine Cypress Class 1, whose visual, engaging, and efficient classes were perfect for breaking through plateaus.

Bian Xiaoxiao, with a weak math foundation, was recommended Mr. Hao Ran in Pine Cypress Class 5, a self-taught math teacher and former railway worker, ideal for strengthening fundamentals. Meanwhile, a real estate agent brought a potential buyer to Lei Ming's house. The buyer appeared overly eager, dismissing flaws like slight water leakage (calling it good luck that "attracts wealth") and external noise (calling it a "lively atmosphere").

The buyer even agreed to pay immediately and allow Lei Ming to stay until the end of the year, pushing to sign the contract that day. Lei Ming, sensing something amiss, asked the agent to contact the buyer later, but the man insisted on signing "right now." Later, Lei Ming confronted Sang Xia, realizing she was the mysterious buyer.

Sang Xia initially denied it, claiming she bought it because a feng shui expert told her it had "good feng shui" and "gathers positive energy," bringing prosperity. Lei Ming, however, rejected her offer, stating he found a "more suitable buyer": Zheng Qian's mother. He explained that with the compensation from Zhixiang and her savings, she now had enough to open a new store, and Lei Ming’s house was ideal for it. He declared this "the best arrangement."

During a faculty meeting, Ms. Gao Jingjuan praised Lei Ming and Sang Xia, highlighting how Minglong Experimental High School had pioneered innovative teaching methods now adopted across Xingzhou City. She acknowledged the challenging "Black Friday" period before the NCEE, a time of anxiety and academic bottlenecks. She then announced a school-wide adoption of Class 11’s model, transforming the "Little Bee Learning Method" into a "Big Bee Learning Method."

The new system would allow all Year 12 students to choose classes based on their needs, fostering collective learning and complementary strengths. Teachers would offer specialized open classes based on their expertise. Mr. Xiao lightened the mood by humorously asking Lei Ming, as part of an English lesson example, if his previous "I love you" was serious. Mr. Lou, usually focused on administration, was seen enthusiastically preparing a physics lesson on rectilinear motion, expressing how he missed teaching.

As the new system took effect, the "Peach Plum" and "Pine Cypress" signs on the class plaques, which designated different academic tiers, were covered with white paper. When asked how to handle this, Mr. Lou responded, "Don't deal with it. Just leave it as it is." He added that from Class 1 to Class 11, class names should simply be numerical, implying the end of academic stratification.

This moment symbolized the reconciliation between the formerly distinct Mingying and Longhai campuses, becoming "only Minglong." Back at the training camp, Jiang Qinglang prepared for his performance. He recalled a past argument with his mother, who had urged him to withdraw, claiming his performance wasn't good. He had accused her of never supporting him, always wanting him to fail to prove she was right.

His mother clarified that she wanted him to sing what he truly desired, not just to conform to the organizers. Standing on stage, Jiang Qinglang announced he wanted to sing a song he genuinely cared about, defying the planned "Little Balloon." Despite initial chaos from the director and a temporary music cut, he continued to sing his heartfelt, self-composed song.

The lyrics expressed his journey: starting from different families but being equal, learning from Mr. Lei Ming that "success has no shortcuts," and bravely pursuing his dreams. He proclaimed that he no longer cared about others' gazes and was "fully armed" to "change fate's courage," steering his own life. The performance ignited the audience and was broadcast live at the school, captivating the students and staff.

His mother, watching from the audience, finally displayed a look of genuine pride and relief. At school, when an administrator asked who covered the class plaques, it was revealed that the students had done it on Li Ran's instruction. Ms. Gao concluded the day by directing everyone's attention to an emergency notification on the multimedia screens, marking another unexpected turn in the dynamic school environment.

Zhou Weifeng, Cheng Yushan's stepfather, arrived at Class 11 and called Li Ran out. When Cheng Yushan inquired, Li Ran dismissively claimed he was "just being a good Samaritan." However, Zhou Weifeng was actually confronting Li Ran about stealing his phone and demanded 3,700 RMB for medical expenses, accusing Li Ran of "provoking trouble."

He warned Li Ran about receiving a disciplinary record before the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) and told him to stop seeing Cheng Yushan, mentioning that he had already collected his nephew's bride price. Later, Zhou Weifeng sent threatening messages to Cheng Yushan, instructing her to "be honest" or he would "ruin her reputation" by revealing "her videos" if her mother found out.

After school, Cheng Yushan caught Li Ran following Zhou Weifeng, suspecting he carried a weapon to "stab or beat him." She cautioned Li Ran about the severe legal consequences of violence, emphasizing that he was an adult. Cheng Yushan then urged Li Ran to focus on the upcoming third mock exam, reminding him that this was his last chance to surpass Shen Yao for the Wings Program, and he shouldn't "mess up" over "unimportant matters" like her situation.

Li Ran, visibly upset, retorted, "Is your matter not important?" before promising to "do well in the exam." While shopping with her sons, Shen Yao's mother, Mengyao, was asked about her dreams before becoming a parent. She shared that she was once the captain of the provincial figure skating team, but his father, Shen Hao, disapproved, calling it "just a performance to please people" and dismissing her talent, leading her to give it up and "become your mom."

Shen Yao encouraged her, asserting that "Dad was wrong" and that figure skating is a beautiful and challenging sport. Inspired, she returned to the ice, performing her old moves with her sons cheering her on. Later, they went to buy a birthday gift for Shen Hao. Mengyao was drawn to a high-quality ceramic and titanium sports wristwatch, described as the "latest sports wristwatch" with a "touch-sensitive" face, capable of recording "health conditions."

However, the salesperson informed her it had just been reserved. To her surprise, she discovered their family driver, Old Jin, attempting to purchase the same watch with a stylish woman. Old Jin awkwardly introduced the woman as his cousin, but Shen Yao and his mother immediately recognized her as Shen Hao's mistress. The mistress tried to assert her claim, telling Mengyao that it was inappropriate for her to buy the gift and insisting it was "first come, first served."

Shen Yao intervened, explaining that the card Old Jin was using was a "family joint card" meant "only for family members" and that his "dad probably made a mistake." He then calmly retrieved the card, promising to keep it for his father, and instructed Old Jin to have the watch delivered to their home. Back home, Shen Hao expressed his pleasure with the birthday watch, telling Mengyao, "You still understand me the best."

He then admitted to Mengyao that he had "known Wei for a while" and that "Wei is pregnant," though he assured her Wei "couldn't replace you" and he hadn't bought her a house. Mengyao, visibly hurt, reminded him of their "bottom line" of "no children," despite his desire for a daughter.

Shen Hao then coldly laid out his plan: he would have Jin take Wei to Hong Kong for an ultrasound, abort the baby if it was a boy, and keep it if it was a girl. Wei herself would be "sent to the US for study" and given money, with "no contact with the child" thereafter.

He optimistically stated that "a year later, our family will have sons and a daughter," and Mengyao could simply "sit at home, drink tea, and take care of the kid." Mengyao sadly realized she was just "useful" to him. Shen Hao, in turn, belittled her, saying she was only "a successful mother" and had "succeeded in nothing else."

He then told her not to be "nervous all the time" and reassured her that she was and "always will be" the mistress of the house. Mengyao, hurt, conceded, "I'm only good at being a wife and mother" and decided to skip his upcoming birthday party "to avoid causing you trouble." Shen Yao observed this entire exchange from upstairs, clenching his fists.

The results for the third mock exam were released, although the school chose not to publicly post the rankings. Lei Ming announced to Class 11 that their performance was "outstandingly" excellent. Cheng Yushan scored 669 points, prompting an excited classmate to declare she was "guaranteed admission to Tsingpei." Yu Yang achieved 621 points, and Bian Xiaoxiao scored 534 points.

Lei Ming praised everyone's performance but cautioned them not to "slack off," reminding them that mock exam scores typically "reflect 80-90% of your true performance in the NCEE." He then specifically warned Li Ran that if he didn't "perform as well as Shen Yao in this exam," he would "miss the Wings Program." Li Ran's score was 652 points. The class then wondered about Shen Yao's results.

At Shen Hao's birthday party, he proudly spoke of his son, Shen Yao, and the Tsingpei "Wings Program." He asked Shen Yao to announce his third mock exam results to the guests. To everyone's shock, Shen Yao declared his score of "397 points in total, last in the class," despite his father trying to pass it off as "697 points" due to "academic pressure."

Shen Yao, asserting that he was "not kidding," seized the opportunity to expose his father, stating that he celebrates his birthday "three times": once at home, once for "business," and once "for his current girlfriend." He then proceeded to name and shame several female guests present, revealing their past relationships with his father, including "Auntie Luo," his father's former secretary and "girlfriend for three months," and "Auntie Wu," whose relationship ended with his father "seamlessly shifting to his current girlfriend."

Shen Yao further revealed that this "current girlfriend" was pregnant, but his father "doesn't love her anyway," only wanting her "to give birth to another son for him." When his father attempted to strike him, Shen Yao defiantly challenged him, "Hit me! Hit me!" He then confronted his father, questioning if he still considered himself "an outstanding father" given that Shen Yao "bullied classmates at school" and was "severely depressed."

He confessed to "hurting myself in the basement" during his parents' arguments and his father's affairs, and revealed his school had given him a "school observation" as "punishment." He concluded by declaring himself "a weakling," the very thing his father "most disliked." Just then, Wei, the pregnant mistress—brought to the party by Mengyao—stormed into the private club, shouting at Shen Hao, "No one should touch my child!"

Fearing Li Ran would do something impulsive, Cheng Yushan confided in Lei Ming and Sang Xia. Li Ran clarified that he "didn't intend to harm Zhou Weifeng" but was "following him" to "figure out Zhou Weifeng's routine" and find digital evidence on his computer, which he believed Zhou Weifeng "shouldn't delete," without telling Cheng Yushan to spare her worry. Lei Ming then arranged a meeting with Zhou Weifeng, bringing the 3,700 RMB demanded.

Lei Ming insisted that Zhou Weifeng sign a guarantee letter promising "not to affect" his students, including Cheng Yushan, "before the NCEE." Zhou Weifeng, still claiming "bruises" from Li Ran, refused to sign and threatened to call the police to "make a big deal out of it," but Lei Ming pressed him to "take the money" and "don't harass Li Ran anymore." While Lei Ming distracted Zhou Weifeng, Li Ran, disguised as a repairman, searched Zhou Weifeng's computer at home.

Cheng Yushan's younger brother unexpectedly appeared, stating, "I know what you two are looking for," and located a disc amidst a pile. Li Ran quickly took the disc and left upon receiving a text from Lei Ming warning that "Zhou Weifeng is coming back." However, when Sang Xia checked the disc in the car, Li Ran confirmed, "It's empty." Fearing exposure, Zhou Weifeng preemptively made a false accusation to Cheng Yushan's mother, Qiao.

He suggested that "since Yushan is grown up, it's inconvenient for her to stay at home," then fabricated a story about Cheng Yushan asking him for 5,000 RMB while Qiao was out. He claimed Yushan "took off her outerwear, picked up her phone, and took a picture," threatening to "post the photo online, accusing me of harassing her" if he didn't give her the money. He further implied that Yushan "matured early" and this was part of her "rebellious" phase.

Zhou Weifeng then told Qiao that if she didn't believe him, she should check Yushan's school bag, where the "five thousand" would be "in a white envelope." Qiao, disturbed, indeed found a white envelope containing the money in Cheng Yushan's school bag that night.

With only ten days left until the college entrance exam, the school announced a holiday for students to prepare at home. Mr. Lei gathered Class 11 at the small tree they had planted, declaring it their last class together. To mark the occasion, Mr. Lei and Ms. Sang decided to play a game with them, similar to their very first class.

This time, the students answered Mr. Lei's questions with confidence and determination, all stepping forward to affirm their journey in Class 11, their understanding of the exam's significance, and their clear goals for the future. They also showed courage in facing difficulties, working hard for loved ones, and overcoming injustice. Afterward, students expressed their personal feelings.

One student shared that they hadn't cut their hair for three years, seeing it as a symbol of their perseverance through classes and exams, which they would now cut as a goodbye. Yu Wenjing confidently declared she would get into the best university in Nanjing, while another student encouraged her friend, Zhang Xiaorui, telling her she deserved a wonderful future.

Another student announced her parents' recent divorce but stated she wasn't sad, reassuring her mother that she was grown up and would take care of her. Li Ran declared his dream of exploring the moon, meeting Chang'e, and researching anti-cancer drugs to ensure his granny lived to a hundred, making a promise to his future self that he would live a good life. Together, the students bid farewell to being eighteen and eagerly welcomed nineteen.

Meanwhile, at the chess room, Cheng Yushan's mother was busy arranging for Yushan to stay elsewhere during the shop's renovations, unaware of the lurking danger. Police officers arrived, arresting Zhou Weifeng on suspicion of sending obscene, insulting, and threatening information, disturbing normal life, peeping, taking photos, eavesdropping, and spreading others' privacy. Zhou Weifeng vehemently denied the charges, accusing Cheng Yushan of framing him.

However, Cheng's mother had already discovered the camera he installed in Yushan's room, confronting him with the evidence. Enraged, Zhou Weifeng lashed out, calling Yushan and her mother "ingrates" and accusing them of plotting to take his chess room and house, claiming they would starve without him. Yushan's brother intervened, defending his mother and revealing how she tirelessly managed the family business and household without ever asking Zhou Weifeng for money, only to be constantly belittled.

The police then cuffed Zhou Weifeng and took him away. Earlier, Mr. Lei and Ms. Sang had informed Cheng's mother about Zhou Weifeng's actions. Overwhelmed with guilt and regret, Cheng's mother cried, realizing the suffering Yushan had endured. Mr. Lei urged her to help Yushan by finding the hidden videos, as Zhou Weifeng still possessed evidence that could be used against Yushan.

Cheng's mother then remembered that Zhou Weifeng, who never used USB drives, had recently attached one to his keychain, suspecting it might contain the videos. She successfully retrieved the USB drive and later moved out of the chess room with Cheng Yushan and her son, starting a new life working at a convenience store.

As the college entrance exam approached, Mr. Lei and Ms. Sang meticulously tested various routes to the exam centers, simulating peak traffic conditions to find the most efficient paths for their students. Mr. Lei appeared even more anxious than the students themselves. He had advised Li Ran's grandmother to praise him often to boost his confidence, suggested Cheng Yushan find ways to relax, and reminded Yu Yang's Auntie Feng not to nag him, as it increased his stress.

Bian Xiaoxiao's biggest challenge was selecting the perfect outfit for the exam, with Mr. Lei cautioning against brightly colored, patterned, or new clothes that could cause distractions or be mistaken for cheating. On the day before the exam, Bian Xiaoxiao's aunt and friends arrived, having spent several nights embroidering a banner wishing her "topping the list."

Yu Yang's mother also went to great lengths to ensure a lucky atmosphere, preparing auspicious dishes and insisting he wear purple underwear, believing "purple brings success." On the first day of the exam, Mr. Lei found himself at the school, recalling his own lonely college entrance exam experience in 1999 when no one sent him off. He felt a pang of old grievance until his former teacher, Hu Chong, appeared.

Hu Chong revealed that Mr. Lei's father had secretly asked him to tutor Lei Ming, and had even waited outside the exam hall for two full days during Lei Ming's exam, fearing his presence would pressure his son. This revelation dispelled years of Mr. Lei's resentment. Outside the exam hall, Mr. Xiao, the director, enthusiastically cheered on each student with unique, personalized slogans crafted over three nights. All students had arrived except Li Ran, whose phone was unreachable.

Three days prior, Li Ran's grandmother, Granny Ge, had been hospitalized. She had called Mr. Lei and Ms. Sang, entrusting them with her secret, pleading with them not to tell Li Ran, as his exam was more important than her life and she didn't want him to repeat his father's interrupted education. Despite Ms. Sang's advice to keep it from Li Ran, Mr. Lei ultimately decided to tell him the truth, believing that regrets related to family were irreversible.

Li Ran rushed to the hospital just as Granny Ge fell into a coma. Though nurses prevented him from entering the room immediately, he was grateful to Mr. Lei for informing him. After surgery, the doctor reported that while Granny Ge was temporarily stable, her condition had progressed to chronic renal failure, or uremia, affecting multiple organ systems, and advised a kidney transplant as soon as possible for better recovery.

Li Ran spent the entire night before the exam at his grandmother's bedside. On the morning of the exam, with only five minutes left before the exam hall doors closed, Mr. Lei and Ms. Sang anxiously scanned the crowd for Li Ran. Just in the nick of time, a police escort arrived, clearing the way for Li Ran to rush into the exam hall.

Mr. Lei and Ms. Sang quickly urged him to enter, ensuring he made it inside, finally easing their worried hearts. During their final gathering before the exam, as Class 11 prepared to depart, they surrounded Mr. Lei, demanding an "adult gift" that wouldn't cost money or effort: they wanted him to perform a stunning dance.

Mr. Lei scoffed at the idea, but the students insisted, making a deal that if they all smoothly completed the college entrance exam, he would dance for them. Mr. Lei, with a smile, playfully retorted, "Don't even think about it. It's your own exam." He then gave them his heartfelt final advice: "That's all for your last class. I wish you grow up, but also, don't grow up.

I wish you gain the wisdom of survival but never lose the most genuine passion and innocence of life. The next few decades, the next hundred years, you'll have to live on your own!"

During winter break, the five members of Class 11 gathered at the Tsingpei Home to discuss their lives ten years into the future. Cheng Yushan envisioned herself as a wealthy, independent career woman who was still single, enjoying activities like hiking and camping when bored. Bian Xiaoxiao hoped to be slimmer and wealthier. Yu Yang desired a peaceful life where he could still feel needed by others.

Jiang Qinglang dreamed of exploring the edges of the universe, and he was also jokingly asked to get alien autographs for everyone. To everyone's surprise, Li Ran's dream was to be a good father to three children. Reflecting on the past, they all agreed that ten years prior, none of them would have imagined working so hard for college. Twelve years later, Lei Ming had moved his "headquarters" to a remote village and established Minglong Shared Education.

The initiative used remote holographic projection to provide online classes to over 320 remote primary and secondary schools across 23 provinces. Despite his age, Lei Ming remained youthful in spirit, continuing to teach with passion. The former students of Class 11, who had promised to gather annually, hadn't done so for three years since Lei Ming relocated.

Bian Xiaoxiao and Jiang Qinglang had divorced but remained friends, Li Ran and Cheng Yushan had grown apart, and Yu Yang had become a successful historical web novelist. Li Ran's company was providing strong technical support for Lei Ming’s education program, having arrived a week earlier than the others. Sang Xia, who had been studying in France, returned specifically to bring Lei Ming a birthday cake, leading to another reunion for Class 11.

Following the college entrance exam, Lei Ming fulfilled his promise to the students by performing a dance on the school rooftop for the entire school. During the graduation photo, Li Ran and Cheng Yushan, wearing matching outfits, held hands openly. This gesture reflected a promise Li Ran had made to Cheng Yushan during the physics exam: if they both answered the last single-choice question correctly, they would officially become a couple.

After checking their answers, they realized they both got it right. On the day the exam results were released, Lei Ming and Sang Xia were anxiously waiting together. Sang Xia suggested they play a game of truth to pass the time. She asked for Lei Ming's first impression of her, and he admitted he thought she was "definitely hard to handle."

When it was her turn, Sang Xia recalled her first time seeing Lei Ming in his house and thinking he was "pretty handsome." Lei Ming was then asked about his most unforgettable moment with Class 11 that year, to which he recalled the New Year's party with the artificial Milky Way, feeling it was "all worth it" to see the students so happy. Sang Xia's most unforgettable moment was seeing the "little sapling" grow, realizing she "didn't misjudge" him.

Finally, Lei Ming asked Sang Xia if she would be willing to be with him in the future, regardless of which class he taught, and she readily agreed. The tension mounted as the exam results were released. At the hospital, Li Ran and Cheng Yushan, by his grandmother's bedside, nervously checked their scores together. Li Ran scored 677 points, while Cheng Yushan achieved an impressive 705 points, bringing immense joy and celebration to the hospital ward and Li Ran's grandmother.

In her village, Bian Xiaoxiao scored 613 points, earning her the highest score in the community and her family's proud celebration. Meanwhile, Yu Yang accompanied his father on a truck route, experiencing his father's hard work firsthand. Struggling to find a signal in the mountains, they climbed onto the truck's roof to check, where Yu Yang discovered he scored 632 points, moving him and his father to tears of joy. Everyone had achieved results they could be proud of.

A month later, "Qianqian Skewers" opened its doors, a place where Class 11 would later agree to gather annually on Lei Ming's birthday. While walking by the river, Li Ran encountered Shen Yao, who revealed his score of 713, securing him a spot in Tsingbei University's School of Architecture based on his raw score. Li Ran, knowing about Shen Yao's parents' divorce, congratulated him sincerely.

However, Li Ran shared that he would not be attending Tsingbei, opting instead for Aerospace University in the same city, drawn by his preferred major and the opportunity to be in the same city as someone he liked. Afterward, Li Ran, Yu Yang, Jiang Qinglang, and Shen Yao, filled with youthful exuberance, spontaneously stripped off their shirts and swam across the Qingjiang River, celebrating their graduation and their continued hot-blooded youth.

Cheng Yushan was admitted to Tsingbei University for Mathematics with 705 points, Li Ran to Aerospace University for Aircraft Design and Engineering with 677 points, Bian Xiaoxiao to Tsingbei University for Broadcasting and Hosting with 613 points, Yu Yang to Guangbei Normal University for History with 632 points, and Jiang Qinglang, who took the exam the following year, was admitted to Huanan Conservatory of Music for Composition and Compositional Theory.

Twelve years later, at the Minglong Shared Education headquarters, Lei Ming's former colleagues and students reunited. Jiang Qinglang and Bian Xiaoxiao, though divorced, maintained a friendly relationship. Yu Yang had become a successful historical web novelist. Li Ran's company was a key technical supporter for Lei Ming's educational platform. When a birthday cake from Sang Xia, who was still in France, arrived, Lei Ming feigned indifference, but his lingering affection for her was evident. To his surprise, Sang Xia had actually returned from France and personally delivered the cake, and they were all reunited once again.