CHAPTER 500: 199 CHANGE DESTINY_2

"She doesn’t even look like she studies that hard—why has her performance improved so dramatically?"

The repeat students, already wracked with anxiety over their studies, now found themselves in a complex web of emotions.

Looking again at their own stagnant test scores, they felt as though dying might be preferable.

Maybe, just maybe, Zhu Xing was right—Qi Baotan must have used some underhanded method, like cheating...

Only by thinking this way could everyone’s restless hearts feel a sliver of consolation.

Qi Baotan’s pale face revealed a frosty smirk as she shot a mocking glance at Zhu Xing.

"Didn’t you want to know why I’ve improved so quickly? It’s because I have the world’s best tutor. Every problem-solving method I’ve used came straight from her."

Xue Hongyan, along with most of the eavesdropping classmates, had a glimmer of curiosity light up in their eyes.

The class’s top male science student scoffed. "What nonsense are you spouting? What kind of tutor could help someone improve by over a hundred points in just a few months? If such a tutor existed, wouldn’t those expensive prep schools be a complete joke?"

"Your disbelief only shows your ignorance. Haven’t you heard? There’s always someone better out there. Hongyan, didn’t you say you wanted to know how to solve this problem? I’ll explain it to you step by step. If your score improves after the next exam, then we’ll see what everyone has to say about my tutor’s abilities."

Xue Hongyan’s cheeks flushed with excitement.

Qi Baotan grabbed her pen, pulled over a scratch notebook, and quietly began explaining the question to Xue Hongyan.

Those seated nearby strained their ears to catch a snippet, hoping to pick up some tips. Yet Qi Baotan’s voice was pitched just right—clear only to Xue Hongyan and herself, inaudible to anyone else.

Everyone was left bitterly disappointed.

Zhu Xing rolled her eyes with disdain. Just the sight of Qi Baotan’s face was insufferable to her.

The bell signaling the end of class rang. Qi Baotan put down her pen and glanced at Xue Hongyan. "Got it?"

Though Xue Hongyan’s face still carried traces of confusion, a spark of comprehension glimmered. "I’ll take my time working through it. Baotan, sorry for taking up your time, and thank you."

Xue Hongyan spoke with genuine sincerity on her face.

Qi Baotan smiled warmly. "If you’re grateful, thank the friend who selflessly helped me."

Xue Hongyan replied earnestly, "Your friend must be incredibly smart and talented. If I ever have the chance, I’d love to meet her."

Qi Baotan’s smile brimmed with pride, happier than if she were being praised herself. "Of course."

Her deskmate was born in the countryside, into dire poverty. Her father passed away early, and her grandparents were both frail—one disabled, the other chronically ill. Her mother couldn’t handle the burden and had abandoned her, disappearing without a word.

Over the years, Xue Hongyan had made it this far by relying on government assistance and the help of neighbors and relatives. She wasn’t especially bright, but she was remarkably hardworking. This year, despite missing the cutoff for the prestigious 985 universities by just a few points, misfortune struck again when she failed to secure a spot at the school she’d settled for, wasting her score. She had almost resigned herself to attending a second-rate university when her former homeroom teacher, unwilling to see her potential squandered, fervently persuaded her to retake the exams. Weighing her options, Xue Hongyan decided to endure the immense pressure and repeat her studies.

But perhaps she had placed herself under too much strain—after repeating the grade, her performance hadn’t improved. Xue Hongyan grew increasingly anxious, but she had no solution. All she could do was push herself even harder—a vicious cycle. Left unchecked, her grades would only continue to deteriorate.

Qi Baotan had seen all of this unfold right before her eyes.

Xue Hongyan was reserved, awkward, and introverted, always keeping to herself.

But she was also meticulous, kind, and diligent, brimming with unnoticed virtues.

Qi Baotan knew she was merely lucky—to have met An’an, the person who had pulled her from the quagmire, granted her a life of dignity, and given her the courage to face the world again.

What was unfortunate about Xue Hongyan was her origins. But one’s background is a fate beyond anyone’s control.

So Qi Baotan decided she would become Xue Hongyan’s benefactor.

In one’s journey of growth, there are often periods spent wandering without purpose. They don’t know how to seize opportunities, nor which direction to aim their efforts. It’s as though they came into this world merely to make up the numbers.

Perhaps they would drift through life in this daze.

But if someone could give them a hand, shake them awake, perhaps their life trajectory could change entirely.

She had been soaked by the rain herself, and so she understood its cold sting.

Now, she wanted to hold up an umbrella for someone else standing in the downpour.

This, Qi Baotan thought, was the scene An’an would have most wished to witness.

As she thought of An’an, warmth welled up in Qi Baotan’s chest. She took out her phone from her bag, intending to send her a message.

She had heard the winter camp was being held next door. With An’an’s brilliant mathematics skills, she was certain she must be attending.

In fact, An’an had never shared any details about herself, yet somehow, Qi Baotan just knew.