Chapter 822: Stepping Stone to Honor
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
A flicker of light sparked in Su Li’s eyes, only to dim once more. “Mom, you don’t need to console me,” he murmured.
Gu Zi touched the tip of his nose with her finger, offering no further words of comfort. After entering the house, she dialed Guan Xin’s number.
Guan Xin had previously promised her one wish in exchange for an exclusive report on the opening of Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop’s new branch. At the time, Gu Zi hadn’t paid much attention, jokingly saying she would seek her help when she thought of something. Now, as the call connected, Gu Zi was straightforward and said, “I’ve thought of a request.”
The following morning, during the morning exercises, Su Li stood in his place, performing the movements listlessly, like a puppet. Gao Ming, standing nearby, couldn’t bear to watch, hoping that Su Li would cheer up soon.
As the exercises concluded and the class formation tightened, Gao Ming patted Su Li’s shoulder, striking up a conversation. “The school-wide meeting is usually held on Monday mornings. Why do you think they suddenly announced over the broadcast for us to stay after the exercises for a meeting?”
Su Li glanced at the stage where a senior student was holding a microphone, transitioning the event. “Now, we invite the principal to the stage to address our school-wide meeting today!”
He withdrew his gaze, his voice still somber. “Perhaps the principal hasn’t spoken in a while, so he’s making an appearance.”
Gao Ming speculated, “I bet something has happened, and it must be good news. This morning when I woke up, my eyelid kept twitching. My grandmother says that’s a sign of good luck. Hey, look, isn’t the principal looking our way?”
Principal Guan ascended the stage, his gaze sweeping over the sea of students below, his eyes filled with affection. He took the microphone and began to speak.
“Good morning, teachers and students! Today, I am presiding over the school-wide meeting and will be addressing you all. Of course, I don’t have a prepared speech. Today’s meeting is to honor one of our brave students, a decision made on the spur of the moment. You could consider this an individual commendation meeting, or perhaps an award ceremony for honor…”
As Principal Guan spoke, his gaze was solemn, and he continued his address.
Su Li averted his gaze, shaking his head. He didn’t think the principal was looking at him, but Gao Ming was excited. “But the principal mentioned yesterday’s martial arts competition, Su Li. It must have something to do with you.”
Upon hearing these words, Su Li instinctively looked back towards the stage, meeting the gaze of the principal. Just as he began to doubt his perception, the principal’s words reached his ears.
“Traditionally, in the event of an unforeseen circumstance during a competition, all rankings are nullified. However, regarding yesterday’s incident, I view it as a dual victory in both martial arts and spirit. After careful consideration throughout the night, I have decided to give our young hero a complete award ceremony. Now, I invite Su Li from Class B2 of the second year to come on stage. The other two winners, please join him.”
At this moment, Su Li was stunned. It was only after the urging of Gao Ming that he came back to his senses. Under the watchful eyes of his classmates, he walked towards the stage.
Sun Wei, however, stepped out first, snorting coldly as he deliberately walked ahead of Su Li, reaching the stage before him.
After being sent to the school infirmary yesterday, Sun Wei quickly regained consciousness and was picked up by his family’s driver. Once home, his mother, disappointed that he had not secured the championship, gave him a stern look. She felt he had lost face and even made him practice standing for over an hour to reflect on his failure and how he had become a stepping stone for others’ glory.
Sun Wei could only come up with one answer: it was all because of Su Li. If it weren’t for this troublemaker from the countryside, he would have been the champion, and his mother would not have been so disappointed.
Once on stage, Su Li had regained his composure. As he accepted the championship certificate and medal box from the principal, he remembered his mother’s words from yesterday. It turned out that it wasn’t just consolation; indeed, his mother never lied to him. He flashed a brilliant smile and said to the principal, “Thank you, Principal!”
Guan Xue looked at the boy with fondness. Not for any other reason, but because he had a heart that was upright and kind. As a martial artist, he had a warrior’s spirit.
When his daughter mentioned this incident last night, Guan Xue agreed without hesitation. His tone was now filled with concern, “Child, the honor rightfully belongs to you. Keep it up!”
After the award ceremony, enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience. Even Su Bing, who usually didn’t pay much attention to such events, clapped vigorously from the fourth-grade team. A slight smile played on his lips. Now, this silly little brother was also his pride.
However, where there is joy, there is also discontent. Zhou Hua, who had just recovered from her injuries and returned to school, saw Su Li, the rural child she looked down upon, being commended by the principal in front of the entire school. She was extremely displeased. Sun Wei had merely underperformed this time, allowing Su Li to take advantage. During this month’s exam, she had to remind Sun Wei to crush Su Li.