Hang-up One Second to Achieve Lv.999

C1 – You Are a Piece of Trash

​At Sigu City’s No. 1 Middle School, renowned as the most prestigious middle school in the city, its status remained unrivaled by any other institution.

In particular, the students of Class 6, Grade 12, were considered the cream of the crop at Sigu No. 1 Middle School.

“Qi Ning,” the voice belonged to the homeroom teacher of Class 6. She was a middle-aged woman on the cusp of menopause, named Cao Faang.

“Ms. Cao,” Qi Ning stood before Cao Faang, his head bowed, clearly showing signs of timidity.

“Explain it to me,” Cao Faang demanded, pointing at Qi Ning and then at the test paper on her desk. Her voice was icy. “You assured me that you would pass this time. So, how many points did you score?”

In addition to her role as the homeroom teacher, Cao Faang also taught political science.

“Ms. Cao,” Qi Ning’s voice quivered, “I had a cold during the exam, so I didn’t perform well.”

Before Cao Faang could respond, murmurs began to ripple through the classroom.

“He had a cold? His excuses are always so weak; it’s embarrassing.”

“Honestly, someone like him doesn’t belong in our class.”

“He can’t keep up with our pace, and his grades are consistently the lowest.”

It’s a common misconception that middle schoolers are supposed to be innocent and kind-hearted.

The truth, however, is often the opposite.

They can be even more status-conscious than adults. If you excel academically and come from a notable family, they flock to you. Otherwise, they treat you like trash, eager to kick you when you’re down.

“So, a cold is your excuse?” Cao Faang’s gaze was piercing, her indifference sending a chill through Qi Ning.

Qi Ning remained silent, his head still lowered.

He had indeed been sick on the day of the exam, but even without the cold, a high score was out of reach for him.

“I just can’t fathom why Ms. Cao insists on keeping him in our class.”

“If he weren’t in our class, we might have been named this month’s outstanding class.”

“Class 3’s level is nearly the same as ours, but they don’t have any students like this dead weight.”

Cao Faang listened to her classmates’ discussion but showed no interest in silencing them.

For her, Qi Ning was nothing but a liability. If it were up to her, she would have gotten rid of him long ago.

“Get back to your seat,” Cao Faang commanded, flinging Qi Ning’s exam paper at his face.

Qi Ning felt a sharp sting on his cheek.

The paper had left a slender cut across Qi Ning’s face.

Though it was only as long as a pinky finger, it looked chillingly gruesome.

“Ms. Cao really doesn’t hold back.”

“Qi Ning is always so shameless; he got what he deserved.”

“Why is he still standing there? Does he want to embarrass himself further?”

None of the other students offered Qi Ning any comfort; instead, they continued with their sneers and jeers.

Cao Faang gave Qi Ning a cold, indifferent look.

At that moment, blood trickled down Qi Ning’s cheek, dropping onto the exam paper at his feet.

The stain of blood formed instantly.

Qi Ning stared at the paper on the ground and the stark, unsettling bloodstain, taking deep breaths to steady himself.

His hands were clenched so tightly that his nails were nearly piercing his skin.

The sharp pain brought a startling clarity to his mind. He knew he needed to stay calm..