Wang Chao was elated and stood up.
"Well, I'd better head to my class and check on my darling students."
The other teachers looked even more contemptuous.
Shameless—when they scored badly you never stopped scolding them for being hopeless.
Now that they've done well, they're suddenly your little darlings.
How realistic can you get?
Old Wang hugged the grade sheet, looking like the cat that got the cream.
But when he reached the doorway his smile vanished and he deliberately put on a stern face.
The students in the room were whispering among themselves, discussing the recent Mock Exam.
Old Wang stepped into the Classroom; the place fell silent as everyone stared at Wang Chao.
A flutter of nervousness ran through them.
"The results of the final Mock Exam are out."
Old Wang's tone was grave, making the students uneasy.
Seeing Teacher Wang look so worried, many hearts sank.
We're doomed—we bombed it!
Class Five must have flopped.
Teacher Wang continued, "Our class's score on this Mock Exam… is terrific."
After holding it in forever, Old Wang finally broke into a brilliant smile.
Keeping a straight face had actually been painful.
"Wow!"
Hearing Old Wang's words, the class exhaled in relief.
They'd all been tense, but the moment they heard "terrific," their anxious hearts relaxed.
"You're outstanding—six of the top ten places are ours. Amazing."
"Twenty-five of the top fifty—incredible."
"Thirty-eight of the top hundred—superb."
"Every one of you is fantastic."
For the first time, Wang Chao stood on the podium heaping praise on his class.
After all, this was the final Mock Exam.
Scores were basically set.
With the National Higher Education Entrance Examination right around the corner, there was no point demoralizing them.
What they needed now was encouragement.
To spark their self-confidence.
Only that could help them perform even better in the real exam."
At Teacher Wang's praise the class erupted.
Cheers filled the room.
Old Wang stood on the platform, watching his darling students jump for joy without trying to stop them.
He just kept smiling.
For a teacher, this was the happiest moment.
After a while Teacher Wang chuckled, "All right, quiet down."
As the cheers died, they heard Xu Liang slamming a desk in Class 2 across the hall.
Wang Chao understood: Class 2 hadn't done well; Old Xu was lecturing them.
"Our results are excellent, but remember—this is only a Mock Exam. The crucial test is still the final one. Celebrate, yes, but stay sharp. Don't get cocky."
From next door came Xu Liang's roar.
Wang Chao's mouth twitched.
"This score is great, but don't be proud—keep it up."
Old Xu's shouts seemed to grow louder.
Wang Chao felt fantastic.
He couldn't help laughing out loud.
Students: "…"
The proudest one here isn't us—it's you, Old Wang.
Old Wang finally calmed himself. "Since we did so well, let's sum up the experience and prepare for the final exam. Now, tell me—why did we excel this time?"
He looked expectantly at the students below the podium.
Nobody spoke.
Seeing no volunteers, Old Wang started calling names.
He pointed to a boy: "Zhang Jun, you answer."
Zhang Jun had improved fast—usually around 200th in the Whole School, now he'd leapt into the top fifty.
Wang Chao gazed at him hopefully.
Zhang Jun stood, looking awkward, unsure what to say.
Noticing his hesitation, Wang Chao smiled. "It's fine—share whatever experience you have."
Old Wang encouraged from the side.
After a long pause the boy finally spoke.
"I think the biggest reason for my jump is that I need to thank one person first."
Old Wang beamed with satisfaction.
Good kid—grateful, aware how hard teachers work.
Aware of everything I've done these three years.
Old Wang waited eagerly.
"First, I want to thank Ye Chen."
Old Wang froze.
Not me? It was Ye Chen.
"Actually my grades were always mediocre, but after Ye Chen led our review sessions my problem-solving and ability to organize knowledge improved hugely."
The boy looked at Ye Chen gratefully.
Old Wang saw many students nodding in agreement.
Clearly Ye Chen's teaching had benefited them a lot.
Old Wang thought it over and conceded the point.
Fine—he'd let it slide.
Zhang Jun went on: "I also need to thank another person."
Old Wang smiled again.
See? The kid hasn't forgotten me.
Zhang Jun continued: "I want to thank myself. During this final stretch I fought hard for my dream—up at four a.m. reciting, going to bed past midnight. My effort is why I'm here today."
The boy blushed praising himself, a bit embarrassed.
Old Wang: "…"
Well, the student was right—improvement does rely on personal effort.
Zhang Jun added: "Lastly, I want to thank one more person."
Old Wang nodded happily—this time it had to be him.
"I want to thank my mom—for making breakfast and warming milk every night."
Old Wang: "…"
"And finally, I want to thank one last person."
Old Wang watched Zhang Jun expectantly, face full of joy.
The kid must think I'm most important—saving the best for last.
Surely this one's me.
Zhang Jun concluded: "Last, I thank the teacher who set the paper—the questions happened to cover everything I reviewed, so I scored so well."
Teacher Wang: "…All right, self-study everyone."
Wang Chao left the room and sighed deeply.
He'd walked in delighted, so why did it sting so much now?
He even thanked the paper setter—why not me?
Just then Ye Chen ran out. "Teacher Wang, come back—the class has something to say."
Wang Chao blinked. "What is it?"
He turned toward the Classroom.
The students rose together and chorused, "Teacher Wang, thank you!"
At that moment Old Wang couldn't hold back; tears streamed down.
"You… you kids."
He took off his glasses and wiped his misty eyes.
At that instant his heart was completely content.