496 Setting Up Xia Wan


    "ssmates, there is less than a week left until our reception event." Jiang Rong stood at the lectern, her gaze sweeping over the students below.


    "To ensure the best possible oue for the reception, the school has decided to renovate some of the school buildings and the auditorium starting today.


    "To minimize the impact on your studies and daily life, the school has adjusted the ss schedule.


    "Starting today, we will only have sses in the morning. In the afternoon, everyone can choose to stay for self-study or engage in free activities."


    As soon as Jiang Rong finished speaking, a burst of cheers erupted in the ss.


    Jiang Rong had anticipated this reaction from the students and quickly doused their excitement with a reality check.


    "After the reception event, we will have our mid-term exams for this semester.


    "Students whose grades drop by more than three percent will have to attend after-school tutoring every day for the remainder of the semester.


    "So, I hope everyone will take advantage of these days to be self-disciplined and not fall behind in their studies."


    With Jiang Rong''s words, a groan of despair once again filled the ssroom.


    "Additionally, during the renovation period, students participating in the English training will meet at the temporary site set up on the sports field.


    "That''s all for the uing school course and teaching activity arrangements. I hope everyone will actively support this."


    Ignoring the students''ints, Jiang Rong opened her textbook and began the lesson.


    Liu Hua nudged Xia Wan''s elbow, "The school is not having sses, how about we find a ce to study this afternoon?"


    "I have something to do tonight. How about you apany me to buy some things this afternoon?" Xia Wan, recalling Chen Mo''s invitation, decided to buy gifts for Chen Shan and Chen Shui.


    "Sure! I also want to buy some books. I heard there''s a new,rge state-owned bookstore. Let''s go shopping!" Liu Hua said excitedly.


    Xia Wan nced back at Xia Chen, who was staring at the study materials on the desk, looking preupied.


    Ever since joining the English training, the number of sses with Lina had noticeably decreased.


    Although Xia Chen''s English speaking skills had improved rapidly, he always seemed to be hiding something.


    Xia Wan withdrew her gaze, focusing on her textbook. Suddenly, she noticed a note appearing in front of her.


    She looked around, but no one seemed to be looking at her.


    The note was unsigned, simply stating, "Meet beside the big tree at the school gate at noon."


    With such a vague meeting ce and no signature, Xia Wan couldn''t be bothered and crumpled the note, tossing it aside.


    By noon, Xia Wan hadpletely forgotten about the note.


    She walked out of the school gate arm in arm with Liu Hua, then turned right towards the bus station.


    Not far out, they heard someone urgently calling Xia Wan''s name from behind.


    Xia Wan and Liu Hua turned to see a usually quiet girl from their ss running towards them.


    Xia Wan barely interacted with her but remembered her name was probably Li Ting.


    "Li Ting, what''s the matter?" Xia Wan asked as Li Ting reached them.


    "Xia Wan, I left you a note. Why didn''t youe to the meeting?" Li Ting asked with a hint of usation.


    "So you wrote the note. I thought it was some prank since it was unsigned and without a reason," Xia Wan replied nonchntly.


    "A prank?" Li Ting sounded angry, "I was trying to warn you. Do you know the risk I took?"


    "Don''t be so dramatic! If you have something to say, just say it. Why the attitude? Did we offend you somehow?" Liu Hua retorted, not pleased with Li Ting''s manner.


    Li Ting, faced with Liu Hua''s directness and Xia Wan''s indifference, became even more frustrated. "Don''t you understand when someone is trying to help you!"


    "If it weren''t for overhearing someone plotting against you, I wouldn''t have..."


    "What did you say? Who is plotting against Xia Wan?" Liu Hua became genuinely concerned upon hearing this.


    Li Ting looked around nervously, then said, "I don''t know who is plotting against Xia Wan, but I know what their n is."


    "They?" Xia Wan and Liu Hua exchanged nces.


    "Yes, I overheard it by chance in the abandoned warehouse behind the school," Li Ting asserted, "They''re nning to cause trouble in your family''s shop."


    "And to ruin your reputation at school."


    "Not only that, but your brother too..."