Everyone went to the halĺ for the announcement of the results . Some were scared , some were nervous and some didn't really care .
The ones that were nervous , Xinyan and Jiayi . The ones that were scared Qiao Jingjing (we'll come back to this later )
The ones that didn't care Lu Song and Mo Xuleo . Everyone was seated at the large hall. The form teachers of each class were nervous well except for teacher Chen whose Xuleo always gets the first prize.
Some even started congratulating him before the award ceremony began . He even held a fountain pen in his hands tied with a red ribbon. He wanted to give it to Xuleo as a gift . After all whoever's class got the first, second and third place would get a bonus in their salary . This is why the teachers were so competitive and why he wanted to give Xuleo a gift . She won him a bonus every term .
"Good day students. "
The principal of the school began with the opening remark .
"I'm sure you know why we're gathered here so let's begin "
"Third place in grade 7 Mu Xiner
Second place in grade 7 ...
First place in grade 7 ..."
The three students got up and went to receive their gifts with a round of applause accompanying them as they received their gifts
"Third place in grade 8 Qiao Jingjing "
Qiao Jingjing was happy and sad well more sad than happy . Her mother would kill her . She could only hope Xuleo got the first place if not she would get a beating.
She walked to the stage hands trembling.
She took the award the trophy and plaque then went down right after .
"Second place in grade 8 Lu Song "
He went up the stage and went down immediately.
"First place grade 7 is Mu Xinyan and Mo Jiayi "
Xuleo's face dropped . She didn't get first place . Her two sisters got awards but she didn't. She knew she couldn't do anything to Jiayi but Jingjing, she would make sure her mother beat Jingjing to a pulp .
Mu Xinyan and Mo Jiayi happily went up stage and received their awards then they went down.
"Jingjing cone with me outside "
Jingjing was trembling and went outside with Xuleo.
*PA*the sound of crisp slap .
"Xuleo why did you slap me !"
"How dare you score higher than me . Today I'll tell mother . I'll make sure mother starves you . Haven't I been good to you why did you score higher than me . Don't worry , I'll make sure mother teaches you a lesson you'll never forget so you'll always remember, you place and thats below me "
"Xuleo I'm sorry please don't tell mom . Ill never pass you ever again I'll remain below you I'm sorry . " she was very scared . The last time Xuleo came back home , her mother had sold her to some men who had their way with her for a week and this was all so she could buy new clothes for Xuleo and prepare a dumb feast for Xuleo. She begged her mother to tell the men to let her go . She was only 12 . Her mother told her that she wouldn't die if she stayed with the men and left . She didn't even eat from the feast or get any new clothes. That time , Xuleo was still being pampered by the Mo family and didn't lack any clothes but still her mother did that to her .
That incident had made her scared of her mother and of men . After she came back she wanted to take a long bath to wash of the feelings of those men who touched her but her mother gave her a bucket of water , telling her not to waste water . For a month she had nightmares but her mother would beat her for disturbing her sleep .
She didn't know what her mother would do to her if Xuleo reported her . Jiayi was accompanying Xinyan to the bathroom when she heard everything. Xuleo left that place then Jiayi and Xinyan came to see Jingjing. No wonder she always supported Xuleo.
"Are you okay ?" Jiayi asked .
"Its not like you care "
"We heard everything " Xinyan said .
"So ?"
"We might be able to help you if you tell us the full the story " Jiayi said
"Yes a problem shared is half solved at least you'll be able relieve yourself from keeping so much secrets . " Xinyan said
Both of them sat by the sides of Jingjing .
Jingjing told them the tale of how her mother wants Xuleo to take over the Mo family's wealth . Her mother was the one that gave Xuleo that poison to kill Jiayi . She also told them how she was sent to those men for a week and how she her mother told her to flunk all her exams so Xuleo would score higher .
"Is that woman really your mother ?" Xinyan asked .
"Unfortunately " she said with a sad smile .
"You should come to my house with me " Jiayi suggested.
"No way Xuleo will tell my mom and when I go back my mom will kill me . "
"If you go to your house your mom will still kill . So come with me . My mom has an organisation against child abuse . She'll definitely help you . " Jiayi said .
Jingjing saw the light of hope