She had heard of this stock in her previous life, where it had caused quite a stir in the market.
Unlike other newly listed stocks, its price had plummeted immediately after the market opened, dropping to rock-bottom levels. Investors had rushed to sell, overwhelmed by panic and uncertainty, and soon, the stock had become so worthless that no one wanted it. The market had completely turned its back on this seemingly doomed investment.
However, three days later, the company had released major news, causing the stock price to skyrocket. In just a week, it had increased more than eighteenfold, transforming from a forgotten asset into a highly sought-after treasure.
Resting her chin on her hand, a smile tugged at the corners of Qin Sheng's lips. She could vividly recall the rise and fall of this stock, the dramatic turn of events that had unfolded. There was still a week before this stock would be listed again. She had a window of opportunity to gather enough capital to seize this chance.
Black Empire was her fastest route to making money. With its network of elite hackers and its reputation for high-stakes challenges, it was the ideal platform for her to accumulate the funds she needed.
---
The next day, Qin Sheng was taken to H City High School, a prestigious institution with a reputation for academic excellence. As she entered the school grounds, she felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety.
Inside the office, the head teacher of Class One and the grade director were locked in a heated argument. "I don't care! I won't agree to let Qin Sheng join our class. I won't let a rotten apple spoil the whole barrel."
Teacher Liang's frustration was palpable. She had won awards every year, and Qin Sheng, a poor student who had just returned from the countryside, would drag down the class average and cost her the bonus. She was determined to prevent such a scenario.
"Teacher Liang, Qin Sheng has great potential," the grade director argued, his head aching terribly. The Qin family had donated a sports hall to the school, and they specifically wanted Qin Sheng in Class One. The principal had entrusted him with this task, and he was under pressure to comply.
H City High School's senior year had four classes, from Class One to Class Four, with Class One being the best and Class Four the worst. The hierarchy was clear, and Qin Hai naturally wanted Qin Sheng to stay in the best class to maintain his family's prestige.
Liang Hua snorted coldly but still refused to agree. She sat back in her chair, ignoring the grade director and casually scrolling through her phone.
The grade director rubbed his temples, his headache intensifying under the mounting pressure.
At this moment, Qin Sheng walked in, dressed simply in jeans, a white T-shirt, and a jacket. Despite her casual appearance, she seemed to radiate a dazzling aura of determination and confidence.
"Qin Sheng," the grade director called out, momentarily stunned by her presence.
"Director, I don't want to join Class One." Her voice was steady, her decision clear.
The grade director looked at Qin Sheng in surprise. Class One was the best, and everyone fought tooth and nail to get in. This was the first time anyone had ever refused such an offer.
Liang Hua snorted again, her dislike for Qin Sheng growing. Refusing to let Qin Sheng into Class One was one thing, but for Qin Sheng herself to reject Class One was like throwing her face to the ground and stomping on it.
"Why?" the grade director asked, trying to understand her reasoning.
Qin Sheng narrowed her eyes slightly and glanced at Teacher Liang.
In her previous life, she had joined Class One, where Liang Hua constantly made things difficult for her. Due to Qin Churou's plea, she had deliberately hidden her true grades, scoring zero on every test, filling in only the multiple-choice questions while leaving the others blank. Her efforts to blend in and avoid trouble had led to public humiliation, with Liang Hua using her poor results as a weapon against her.
After every exam, Liang Hua had used her results to publicly humiliate her in front of the entire class. Qin Churou was also in Class One, and Qin Sheng did not want to spend her final year of high school engaged in a battle of wits with both Liang Hua and Qin Churou.
"My grades aren't good enough for Teacher Liang's class," Qin Sheng replied calmly, withdrawing her gaze.
Liang Hua's face turned red with anger, but she couldn't refute it since she had said those words herself. Her pride was hurt, and she struggled to maintain her composure.
The grade director did not immediately agree, still feeling conflicted. After all, Qin Sheng did not represent Qin Hai's ambitions alone; her presence would affect the whole class's performance.
Qin Sheng continued, "I will speak to him myself. Director, you can arrange as you see fit." Her resolve was unshakeable.
The grade director looked at Qin Sheng with admiration and a hint of gratitude. He turned and glanced at the other three head teachers seated in the office. "Who among you is willing to take Qin Sheng into your class?"
The head teachers of Class Two and Class Three immediately lowered their heads upon hearing this, avoiding eye contact.
None of them wanted Qin Sheng, a poor student, in their class, fearing it would lower the class average and affect their graduation rates. They were more concerned about their own standings and less about offering a chance to someone who needed it.
**(End of Chapter)**