Xu Mumu is relatively relaxed, but Xu Minglei and the others aren’t as at ease.

Today is the day of the competition; several schools have come from the provincial capital. Xu Minglei and the others glance at these people and feel a lot of pressure. These competitors don’t seem weak. Some are even reading their books and notes right before going on stage.

Xu Minglei and the others quickly find a spot to read, thinking that it’s best to absorb as much as they can right now. They don’t want to forget everything in a nervous moment once they’re called on stage.

There are several topics for the speech, and they have to choose what to speak about.

Upon seeing the topics, Xu Minglei and the others begin to draft their speeches internally, preparing for what they will say on stage.

Xu Minglei isn’t at the same school as Xu Jiaojiao and the others, and he is going on stage before them.

Before stepping onto the stage, Xu Minglei takes a deep breath and then confidently goes up to start his speech.

Impromptu speeches are quite challenging, especially for middle school students like them.

Xu Minglei’s speech is quite dedicated; even though it’s just a few minutes, he manages to present all his viewpoints without any distracting accent, making it pleasant to listen to.

The results are not announced immediately, but upon stepping down, Xu Minglei still feels relieved.

As Xu Minglei comes out, Xu Jiaojiao and the others notice him immediately. However, they are all somewhat nervous, and the place is not conducive to making a commotion, so they can only converse after leaving.

Standing upright, Xu Minglei feels that as the elder brother, he ought to reassure the younger ones. Among them, except for Xu Wan, he is the oldest. Imitating his sister’s manner, he gives them a comforting look.

Unfortunately, the younger ones don’t quite understand his gesture. Instead, they think Xu Minglei is signaling them to work hard for their difficult speeches.

"Xu Minglei, we should go now," the teacher leading the group quietly states as she sees Xu Minglei still sitting and waiting.

Now that the competition is over, it’s time to head back. The results won’t be out yet, so they have to go home and wait for another two days.

However, she is quite confident in Xu Minglei, who happens to be her English student. Xu Minglei’s English grades are top of the class, and he has a standard British accent, making listening to his English a pleasure.

"Mr. Tang, those are my siblings, I want to wait for them," Xu Minglei points towards Xu Jiaojiao and the others.

"Your family’s kids?" Mr. Tang is surprised. These siblings all have the qualifications to compete. From a school in the county, this school has been quite prominent lately for having several students competing, even better than the provincial city’s middle schools. Are they really Xu Minglei’s siblings?

"Yes, my cousin, and my younger cousins, plus a friend from my old brigade," Xu Minglei quietly explains. They all qualified, though Tiedan’s scores were a bit lower, he managed to make it through.

"Let’s wait outside so we don’t disturb their review," Mr. Tang suggests. She thinks this is worth reporting to the principal. The middle school and high school departments of the provincial city school are not separated, and such talented students should be recruited to Experimental Middle School.

Xu Minglei nods and goes outside with Mr. Tang to wait.

Experimental Middle School also had a few students participating, with Xu Minglei being the last to go up, so the competition is already over.

Outside, Mr. Tang inquires about the speech conditions of the students, as they were specifically chosen for their talent; each had highlights in their content.

Mr. Tang already has an idea in mind about the potential prize winners.

Besides these, Mr. Tang asks about Xu Minglei’s family a bit more.

"Why didn’t your cousin come to Experimental Middle School?" Mr. Tang gently looks at Xu Minglei. It would be highly rewarding to recruit these kids to Experimental Middle School.

"My family moved to the provincial city, while they are still living back home. It’s quite far from the provincial city, so they couldn’t come here to study," Xu Minglei truthfully reveals.

"I see, they should be preparing for the entrance exam soon. Will they consider applying to our school later?" Mr. Tang smiles and asks.

"They probably will," Xu Minglei nods. Experimental Middle School is the best high school in the provincial city, much better than the ones in the county. That’s their goal.

"That’s good, that’s good," Mr. Tang breathes a slight sigh of relief and then asks, "How are you all so good at English? Does anyone in your family work in foreign languages?" This has intrigued Mr. Tang greatly.

"No, it’s because my sister taught us. She knows many languages; she even taught us French, though I’m not very good at it," Xu Minglei speaks highly of his sister.

Mr. Tang is taken aback, surprised to hear this answer.

"Your sister teaches you other languages," Mr. Tang looks at Xu Minglei in astonishment, and the other students are equally surprised.

"Yes, we are learning slowly, and my sister hasn’t taught much yet," Xu Minglei pouts.

"Your sister is a great teacher," Mr. Tang remarks, curious about Xu Minglei’s sister, wondering what kind of girl could train young students to a competitive level; it’s impressive.

"Of course, she is very knowledgeable. At one time, she was the provincial top scorer in science," Xu Minglei proudly states, eager to be as capable as his sister. She has earned many awards and even afforded a house.

"Is the top scorer, Xu Mumu, your sister?" Mr. Tang recalls the name Xu Mumu quite well. Her high scores were unmatched; even last year’s second-place science top scorer had a lower score than Xu Mumu. The only person with the surname Xu could be Xu Mumu.

"Yes, you know my sister?" Xu Minglei is overjoyed, feeling excited that even Mr. Tang knows his sister.

"So she is your sister," Mr. Tang sighs, realizing why the children are so talented, thanks to good teaching.

"Yes, my sister is the best. We didn’t do well in the brigade school, but it was all thanks to my sister’s teaching," Xu Minglei proudly asserts, crediting his sister.

Seeing Xu Minglei’s apparent sister admiration, Mr. Tang doesn’t know what more to say. She remembers that the girl’s student record seems to be from a county middle school.