Zhou Yi arrived outside the classroom just as class was about to start. His advisor, Liu Wei, stood at the door, his expression grim. He had just endured subtle jabs from the advisors of Class 1 and Class 2, leaving his mood sour.
"Teacher Xu, look at the exam results. Our class lost to Classes 1 and 2 again. Half the students failed. If this continues, how many of our students will qualify for graduate school? We barely secured any scholarship spots. It's frustrating."
Math teacher Xu Cong smiled helplessly. "There's little we can do, Liu. These are art students. Math has always been their weak point."
Liu Wei's dissatisfaction was evident. He patted Xu Cong's shoulder and forced a smile.
"Math is crucial nowadays. Who would've thought art majors would study advanced math? Since we're already doing it, we should aim for a spot in the upcoming Mathematical Modeling Competition—an international event offering substantial rewards. Even representing the country guarantees significant benefits."
This competition involved domestic selection rounds: provincial, then national, culminating in the top ten teams advancing internationally.
Liu Wei coveted the provincial spot. Without passing the school's selection, competing provincially was impossible.
Xu Cong wasn't sure whether to admire Liu Wei's ambition or dismiss it as unrealistic. Elite universities dominated this arena. While Huaihai University had a slot, this was the art department. Most students were painters or designers—not mathematicians.
"Liu, the Mathematical Modeling Competition isn't easy."
"We have a few strong math students. Don't underestimate the art majors."
"Everyone has their strengths. Focus instead on competitions like the National Painting Contest."
"I know, I know. But the selection is imminent. Please think of something, Teacher Xu."
Xu Cong nodded. "I'll try my best. Class is starting. You should go."
Liu Wei pursed his lips, knowing Xu Cong was brushing him off. Nearing retirement, Xu no longer cared deeply about teaching. Unlike high school teachers burdened by college entrance exams, university professors enjoyed a relaxed pace.
Turning, Liu Wei saw Zhou Yi standing behind him. He was immediately struck by Zhou Yi's appearance.
What the hell?! How is it that just minutes ago, Zhou Yi looked average, but now he's so handsome it's almost surreal?
It was as if Zhou Yi radiated an aura, blinding Liu Wei with his perfection. This face surpassed even digital models! Anime characters couldn't compare. Zhou Yi looked otherworldly.
Liu Wei, a straight man in his thirties, was stunned for several seconds before regaining composure. Remembering Zhou Yi missed the class meeting, he prepared to lecture him.
"Why weren't you at the class meeting? Didn't you see my notice?" Liu Wei's tone was sharp.
Zhou Yi didn't dislike this advisor, so he smiled and politely explained.
"Teacher, I haven't mentioned this before, but I'm an orphan."
Liu Wei paused. During parent-teacher meetings, Zhou Yi always claimed his family was busy. He assumed they were preoccupied, not realizing the truth.
"Just yesterday, my biological parents found me. I moved this morning, which is why I wasn't here."
Liu Wei softened. He opened his mouth but couldn't find words to reprimand him.
"Next time, ask for leave if something comes up. You can't skip class without notice, understood?"
"Understood, Teacher."
Seeing Zhou Yi's respectful demeanor, Liu Wei waved him inside.
As Zhou Yi entered, he drew immediate attention. For large classes like math and English, the three visual communication classes attended together. The girls, upon seeing Zhou Yi's face, whispered excitedly.
"Oh my God, is that really Zhou Yi? He's absurdly handsome!"
"Suddenly, I envy Su Ning."
"With looks like that, he should be a celebrity."
"He could dominate the entertainment industry!"
"The new male beauty standard has arrived."
"Was he hiding behind those long bangs to avoid attention?"
Zhou Yi ignored the stares and calmly took his seat. Zhang Wu shot him a cold glare, unable to hide his jealousy as he once again felt Zhou Yi's overwhelming handsomeness.
"Must feel great being surrounded by girls, huh? Something you could only dream of before, right?"
Zhang Wu's envious tone was almost comical.
Zhou Yi chuckled. "It does feel great. Too bad you'll never know what it's like."
Zhou Yi's face, usually distant and aloof, became strikingly handsome even in mockery.
Behind him, a camera shutter clicked.
"Crap, I forgot to turn off the sound!"
A small gasp followed.
Zhou Yi glanced back. The girls quickly lowered their heads, avoiding his gaze.
Furious, Zhang Wu realized Zhou Yi had grown sharper-tongued. Unable to mock his looks, he targeted another weakness.
"You! Don't think being handsome changes your standing in Su Ning's eyes. Girls like her care about more than appearances. With your bottom-tier grades, you'll probably rank last again in the next exam."