Two days later, the list of selected students for the graduation play was announced.
Song Xi was not among them.
"How could this happen..."
She couldn't believe the result. She had been busy running back and forth to the hospital these past few days. The doctor said her younger brother's condition had worsened and he urgently needed surgery. She had stayed by his side for two days at the hospital entrance. As soon as his condition stabilized, she rushed back to school.
And this was the result... she was actually rejected!
The graduation play was incredibly important to her. It meant she could stand out, gain recognition from insiders in the industry, and it was a golden opportunity! An opportunity to get closer to her dream and earn money!
But now, everything felt wasted. Song Xi was unwilling to accept it.
She refused to believe she lacked the talent for such a minor role in a graduation play. If she couldn't even secure a spot, how would she ever make it in the entertainment industry?
She decided to confront her teacher and demand an explanation!
As she approached the office door, she overheard a phone conversation.
"Young Master Zhang, as you instructed, Song Xi's name has been removed. Yes, yes, you are absolutely right. Those who don't listen deserve a lesson. Don't worry, she won't be in any major productions from now on..."
Despite it being the height of summer, Song Xi felt a chill run down her spine.
The teacher, who usually preached about professional ethics and decorum in class, turned out to be a hypocritical scoundrel!
Song Xi's body trembled uncontrollably. She gritted her teeth tightly and kicked the office door open.
"Bang—!"
The teacher, startled, quickly told the person on the phone, "Alright, Young Master Zhang, you carry on," and hung up.
"What are you doing here!"
He adopted a stern expression, a stark contrast to his earlier fawning demeanor.
"Are you here about the list?"
He clearly knew the reason and calmly took a sip of his tea, saying, "Since it's already been announced, there's no room for changes. Perhaps next time."
"Next time?" Song Xi sneered. "But that's not what you were saying on the phone just now."
The man's face darkened slightly. "Since you overheard, there's no need for me to waste words. Honestly, you do have some talent in acting, but so what? I've always told you young girls to be mindful of your boundaries, don't rely on your looks and act recklessly! Now look, you've landed yourself in trouble."
He continued to admonish her from a self-righteous pedestal.
Song Xi scoffed inwardly.
"Teacher, have you forgotten the saying, 'Erudition sets the standard, upright character guides the way for students'?"
The teacher flew into a rage, slamming his palm on the desk. "Don't lecture me! Instead of making a scene here, you'd be better off apologizing to the person you offended!"
"Get out!"
He ordered, and as she left, he added a final threat, "Keep your mouth shut. If I hear you spreading rumors outside, I'll make sure you don't graduate!"
Song Xi clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white.
After leaving the office, she received a WeChat message from Yi Xiaoling.
It was a photo of her and Zhang Qi kissing.
In the photo, Zhang Qi's face was flushed red, seemingly unaware he was being photographed. Yi Xiaoling, however, was smirking provocatively at the camera.
A moment later, the photo was recalled, and there was no further activity for a long time.
Song Xi understood perfectly the intention behind this stunt.
Normally, she would have ignored it. But today, coincidentally, she was brimming with anger and had nowhere to vent it. Since Yi Xiaoling had proactively provoked trouble, Song Xi certainly wouldn't disappoint her!
Song Xi quickly scrolled through Yi Xiaoling's Moments: "Jiying Hotel..."