Chapter 15: Calling the Parents
"Director, I was seated at the first desk of the first row, right under the surveillance camera. Everything I did was clearly recorded. If there’s any suspicion of cheating, just check the footage," An Wen said calmly.
Her words were reasonable, but it was precisely because they had checked the footage that they were even more convinced she had cheated. She skimmed through the questions without hesitation and answered them directly, never pausing during the exam—even during the math test.
"An Wen, let me ask you—how would you rate your memory?" the Teaching Director demanded sternly.
"Fairly good."
"So, if you’ve seen a question before, you shouldn’t make a mistake on it again, correct?" the Teaching Director pressed.
"What are you implying, Director?" An Wen asked.
"An Wen, someone reported that you knew the exam questions in advance," the Math Teacher interjected.
"Do you have proof?"
"If we had concrete evidence, do you think you’d still be ranked first on the Red Honor Roll?" the Teaching Director snapped.
So that was why the rankings hadn’t been posted yet.
"We called you here today to explain why you didn’t even need to think before writing your answers—especially in math," the English Teacher said gently, softening the Teaching Director’s harsh tone.
"I remember you took over half a month off. How is it that after just a few days back in class, you could answer every question flawlessly without even pausing?" The Teaching Director pulled out his phone and opened his gallery—he had actually taken photos of An Wen’s exam paper. Pointing at the screen, he said, "You only got one multiple-choice question wrong on the entire paper. The last problem was extremely difficult, yet you solved it perfectly. But you messed up this simple Set Theory Question? Does that make any sense?"
The Math Teacher added, "That question was practically free points. You were the only one in the class who got it wrong. An Wen, be honest with us—did you know the questions beforehand?"
An Wen: "..." When she handed in her paper, she had deliberately changed one answer to avoid a perfect score, thinking it would be too conspicuous. Who knew she’d accidentally pick the Set Theory Question?
"Tell us the truth—did you cheat? You’re a bright and talented student. If you confess, the school might let this slide. But you must tell us who leaked the questions to you," the Teaching Director insisted.
"Director, no one leaked anything to me."
The Teaching Director’s expression darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. He slammed his hand on the desk. "Do you think we’re fools? You skipped school for weeks, didn’t study, and still came back to top the exam? If no one gave you the questions, did you write the paper yourself?"
"An Wen, we’ve always believed you were an honest student. Don’t throw that away over this," the Math Teacher said.
"If you refuse to cooperate, the school won’t cover for you. Call your parents and have them come here immediately," the Teaching Director ordered sharply.
"There’s no need to call my parents," An Wen replied coolly.
"Don’t think your grades will protect you forever! At Di Cheng No. 1 High School, cheating is grounds for expulsion! The teachers are trying to give you a chance, and yet you’re still bargaining with us?" The Teaching Director’s voice rose in fury. "Call your parents now!"
The physics teacher, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up.
"An Wen, the teachers just want you to reveal who leaked the questions. You'll still remain the top of the Red Honor Roll!"
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