The Chinese had come through once again in the Science Olympiad, ranking first in individual and team scores.
At the announcement of the results, the audience broke out in applause and Director Li stood up instantly and strode onto the stage to hug the contestants who had been working hard in the past five hours.
No matter the failure or success, the students' hard work and spirits were all worthy of this praise.
Even Gao Yiyang's father, who had never come to his son's school or attended a parent meeting, was brought to tears. People tend to be more affectionate when they reach their middle-ages.
He had no idea how outstanding his son was and how proud he was of him.
Following the contestants' chuckles and handshakes, the fierce Olympiad competition finally came to an end.
As Ye Jian received the gold medal which she finally obtained after two lives, the rim of her eyes reddened despite her usual calm composure. In her previous life, she had endured so much hardship and still could not escape from Ye Ying's abuse. Finally, in this life, she could stand up against Sun Dongqing and Ye Ying and would no longer suffer from their persecutions.
Like the pretty wildflowers that grew on the thorny roadside, this continuous applause should only be enjoyed momentarily; one should keep in mind that a wonderful life journey cannot stop here.
"Ye Jian and Yang Ye, come stand in front. Boys, form lines on the two sides. Let's take a group picture." Under the stage, Director Li and the embassy staff gathered the students around for their first group picture in Australia.
While the twelve students toured around the University of Sydney, the picture was already sent back to China by the embassy.
Back in their home country, the news that Chinese contestants had won the most team and individual gold medals in the Science Olympiad traveled fast like the spring breeze.
Even People's Daily, the most widely read newspaper, covered the story with details of the contestants during the competition.
As the deputy town mayor, Ye Zhifan always read the People's Daily. The moment he saw the photo which occupied the most important section of the People's Daily, his eyes froze.
His initially relaxed brows suddenly tightened when he saw the name in the caption.
After briefly arriving at work, he grabbed his briefcase and left the office with the newspaper still clenched in his hands.
Some government officials saw him leave in a hurry as if something important happened and kindly asked. "Deputy Town Mayor, we have a meeting in ten minutes, where are you…"
"Postpone the meeting for one hour, I need to leave for an emergency." How would he have the mood for a meeting?! Ye Zhifan left the office building with a gloomy look and rushed home on his motorcycle without looking back.
After breakfast, Sun Dongqing took Ye Ying out for grocery shopping and on their way back, Sun Dongqing boasted about Ye Ying's final grades to the Shuikou villagers whom they had ran into on their way home.
"I don't mean to boast about our Yingying, but she is such a thoughtful kid who never troubled me or her dad on studies. For this year's finals, her grades were among the top of her class again. People always say nothing is superior to studying. Although Yingying is a girl, she does so much better than a boy!"
Ever since higher officials said Ye Zhifan could very likely become the Mayor and that her daughter was doing so well in school, Sun Dongqing started to feel overly proud again. Therefore, she held her chin up high wherever she went.
As Ye Zhifan saw his wife chatting exultantly with the villagers on his way back home, his face turned sullen.