Xia Qingtian and Li Xiaoxiao waited in the advisor's office for a long time. Just as class was about to begin, the advisor returned in a hurry.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." The advisor pulled out a chair, sat down, and then looked at Xia Qingtian. "Qingtian, about that security guard named Erya today..."
"She's my friend." Xia Qingtian had anticipated that the advisor would be looking for her regarding Erya. "She has a bit of a peculiar personality, but she's very warm and genuine."
"I can see that." The advisor nodded, choosing a more neutral word. "A young person with a lot of character."
Xia Qingtian gave a dry laugh at this, saying nothing further.
"The thing is, this project is very important to the school. You're Erya's friend, and I hope you can help talk to her. Professor Tang will also work hard to secure the most generous terms for her. You should have seen today; Professor Tang... he's eager to recruit talent."
The advisor paused before continuing, "Of course, we will also help you both secure some benefits. I can't promise anything else, but your academic credits this year are guaranteed."
"Advisor, if I can help the school, I will certainly do my best." Xia Qingtian smiled faintly. "Credits and such are not important. I haven't been attending classes regularly, which has caused you trouble. I also want to do more for our class."
Xia Qingtian's eloquent words visibly improved the advisor's mood.
"However, I haven't known Erya for very long. As you saw today, Erya's personality is indeed..." Xia Qingtian shyly curved her lips. "I will try my best, but I can't guarantee the outcome."
"Alright." The advisor knew that nothing could be guaranteed, and Xia Qingtian's willingness to try made her feel more at ease. "Then I'll trouble you with this matter."
Just then, the class bell rang. Xia Qingtian politely bid farewell to the advisor and left the office with Li Xiaoxiao.
As soon as they were out of the advisor's office, Li Xiaoxiao tugged at Xia Qingtian's arm and whispered, "I was so worried! What's wrong with you? Aren't you worried about not getting enough credits? The advisor said she'd guarantee your credits, so why did you pretend to be so noble and refuse?"
"Shh..." Xia Qingtian gently shook her head, taking Li Xiaoxiao's hand. "Let's not talk about that now. This class is with Professor Yu, and he takes attendance before class. Let's hurry."
"What's the rush? Professor Yu's class is in a large lecture hall, he's good-tempered, and it's only random attendance. Our names are towards the back..." Li Xiaoxiao said, but Xia Qingtian was already pulling her further away. "Qingtian, slow down..."
Watching Xia Qingtian and Li Xiaoxiao's retreating figures, Jiang Yingying emerged from a corner, her eyes red, her hands clenched into fists at her sides, her face filled with resentment.
But she had other matters to attend to now.
Thinking of the humiliation she suffered today, Jiang Yingying felt like dropping out of school.
But now was not the time.
The sudden joint venture between Gu Corporation and Xia Corporation not only increased Xia Corporation's value by multiples but also caught the attention of many clients who had partnered with Jiang Corporation, even causing some to shift their collaborations to Xia Corporation.
Jiang Corporation was not in a good situation, and naturally, the atmosphere in the Jiang family was also unpleasant.
At this time, she absolutely could not afford any stain on her record at school.
Pushing open the door, Jiang Yingying immediately spotted the advisor busy at her desk. She walked straight towards the advisor and, with a voice hoarse from crying, called out, "Advisor..."
The advisor looked back upon hearing Jiang Yingying's voice. "Oh, it's you. What is it?"
Hearing the advisor's noticeably distant tone, Jiang Yingying's expression became even more grim. She mentally cursed the advisor's entire family but maintained an appearance of remorse and shame. "Advisor, I'm sorry. It was my fault today; I embarrassed you."
"Sigh..." Hearing Jiang Yingying's apology, the advisor's stiffened expression softened considerably. She turned to face Jiang Yingying and said, "I am very disappointed in you regarding today's incident."
Jiang Yingying had previously had unpleasant interactions with Xia Qingtian. The advisor had known earlier that Jiang Yingying was jealous of Xia Qingtian, but she had dismissed it as petty jealousies between girls.
Normally, Jiang Yingying was diligent in class matters and had good grades, so the advisor had overlooked other things. But today, it wasn't just her; how could Jiang Yingying say such things?
"I'm sorry, Advisor. It's all my fault..." Jiang Yingying knew that no matter what she said now, she couldn't change the established facts. What she needed to do now was to minimize the damage.
At the very least, it couldn't affect her future awards, excellent student selections, or recommendations.
Now, she could only force herself to act humble and weak.
"Next week, Z University will have an event where they select a few outstanding students from each department to be junior assistants at City High School for three days. This is a voluntary activity, but it actually comes with meal allowances, and the academic credits will be recorded in your file. It's a strong piece of evidence for recommendations, studying abroad, or future awards." The advisor looked at Jiang Yingying.
Upon hearing the advisor's words, Jiang Yingying's eyes lit up.
It seemed that her choice to swallow her pride and apologize for the sake of reconciliation was a wise one, as it had now secured her another opportunity!
"Originally, I intended to nominate you, but due to this incident, I've decided to nominate Xia Qingtian and Li Xiaoxiao." The advisor stated.
Hearing the advisor's words, Jiang Yingying was instantly stunned. She blurted out, "On what grounds!"
As soon as the words left her mouth, Jiang Yingying realized she had been too impulsive. Meeting the advisor's astonished gaze, Jiang Yingying, flustered, immediately said, "N-no, it's not that. I just... I feel that Xia Qingtian also frequently misses classes, and for an event like this, Xia Qingtian might not have the time. And Li Xiaoxiao's grades aren't that good; she can't be considered an outstanding student..."
If the advisor had initially thought Jiang Yingying was sincerely apologizing after realizing her mistake, after this outburst of "On what grounds!", the advisor saw through Jiang Yingying's hypocrisy.
Realizing Jiang Yingying's pretense, the advisor's tone immediately turned cold. "Although Li Xiaoxiao's grades are not outstanding, she is the recipient of this year's 'Campus Star' award, a nomination from the department. As for Xia Qingtian, I will discuss her availability again. I believe she won't miss such a good opportunity."
Hearing the advisor's tone, Jiang Yingying knew she had revealed her true colors. She knew she shouldn't continue to be unreasonable at this point; it was wiser to stop.
But she felt incredibly unwilling.
"Advisor, I believe my grades are superior to both Xia Qingtian and Li Xiaoxiao. If Li Xiaoxiao's nomination is from the department, then what about Xia Qingtian's nomination? I think I am more suitable than her." Jiang Yingying steeled herself and looked directly into the advisor's eyes.