<div> July 9th.
 Battle Through the Heavens had become a massive success, a money-making phenomenon. With over 100,000 favorites, it had sparked an entirely new genre: the “trash protagonist” trope.
 The novel’s success led to an influx of similar stories featuring worthless protagonists.
 Liu Changqing had recently finalized a deal with a major publishing house. The contract terms were favorable—he sold the rights for simplified and traditional Chinese editions, along with overseas rights, for 500,000 yuan upfront, plus royalties based on sales.
 He had also signed a partnership agreement with Feng Qian, registering a new company. Liu Changqing handed over the keys to his commercial spaces, and renovations were already underway. By the end of the month, Feng Qian’s company would relocate to the new office.
 Over the past few days, apart from negotiating the publishing contract, Liu Changqing had locked himself at home, sketching creatures for Pocket Monsters.
 He had drawn many designs for the first generation of Pokémon. While he couldn’t guarantee 100% accuracy to the originals, the iconic creatures were faithfully recreated.
 Today, however, Liu Changqing had to leave the house.
Follow current novℯls on ƒгeewёbnovel.com. It was the third day since his son Liu Zhiyue’s exams had ended, and the results were out.
 Since the results affected class placements, Liu Changqing felt it was important to personally check on his son’s performance.
 After paying tuition, Liu Changqing arrived at his son’s classroom, where the teacher was addressing the students. The back rows were crowded with parents standing to observe.
 “Excuse me,” Liu Changqing murmured as he squeezed into the room.
 <div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:10px;text-align:center">
 <div></div>
 </div> This was his first time seeing his son’s seat—second-to-last row by the window, a prime location.
 Sitting next to him was his desk mate, Zhao Xuanwen, who looked surprised to see Liu Changqing.
 It had been a while since he’d seen the girl.
 After nodding in acknowledgment, Liu Changqing moved to stand with the other parents. He straightened his posture and focused on the teacher at the podium.
 “You’re here too?”
 A soft voice beside him drew his attention. He turned to see a familiar face—someone with a gentle demeanor, bangs framing her forehead, and her hair tied in a bun. Her soulful eyes were captivating.
 It took Liu Changqing a moment to recognize her.
 “Zhou Shiyan’s mom?”
 “I’m Lan Yixian.”
 “That’s a nice name,” Liu Changqing said awkwardly, suddenly realizing he hadn’t known her name despite having eaten breakfast at her place multiple times.
 Today, Lan Yixian looked especially put-together, youthful, and confident, though her figure remained as striking as ever.
 “How long have you been here?” Liu Changqing asked, lowering his voice.
 <div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:10px;text-align:center">
 <div></div>
 </div> “Over an hour.”
 “That long? You could’ve come later when the class assignments were posted. Have you seen the report cards?”
 “You missed it,” Lan Yixian replied, pointing toward a desk at the front.
 Following her direction, Liu Changqing spotted a sheet of paper on the desk, though it was partially covered and unreadable from his angle.
 “You must be thrilled. Your daughter’s a class representative, right? She must’ve done well.”
 “She did alright,” Lan Yixian said modestly, though the joy in her eyes was unmistakable.
 Before they could continue, the teacher at the podium coughed pointedly, drawing attention.
 Realizing their quiet conversation had disrupted the class, Liu Changqing offered a quick apology to those around him and fell silent.
 The teacher began announcing the class placements.
 Liu Changqing was eager to hear where his son had been placed, though he noticed Liu Zhiyue sitting with his head down, avoiding eye contact.
 One by one, the teacher called out names. Some parents beamed with pride, while others looked visibly upset.
 Zhou Shiyan was unsurprisingly assigned to the Rocket Class—a special class for the top students. Lan Yixian’s face flushed with joy at the news.
 <div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:10px;text-align:center">
 <div></div>
 </div> What caught Liu Changqing off guard was Zhao Xuanwen being placed in a regular class. He had assumed she was an excellent student based on her demeanor.
 As the teacher neared the end of the list, Liu Changqing waited anxiously to hear his son’s name.
 But the teacher finished reading, packed up her papers, and dismissed the students for summer break.
 “Why wasn’t Zhiyue’s name called?” Liu Changqing thought, his concern mounting as he glanced at his son, who still hadn’t lifted his head.
 The teacher began to leave the classroom, but Liu Changqing quickly stepped into the hallway to intercept her.
 “Excuse me, I’m Liu Zhiyue’s parent. Why wasn’t his name on the list?”
 The teacher, startled by his sudden approach, adjusted her glasses and replied, “You must’ve missed my earlier announcement. It’s no wonder, arriving so late.”
 “What do you mean?” Liu Changqing asked, unease creeping in.
 With a faintly mocking smile, the teacher explained, “Your son was caught cheating. His exam results were invalidated.”
 “Cheating?”
 Liu Changqing’s voice rose in disbelief.
 Pulling out the report cards, the teacher pointed to his son’s name and explained, “Liu Zhiyue, who’s consistently ranked in the lower middle of the school, suddenly scored in the top ten. Even on the advanced math paper, which was well beyond the syllabus, he achieved a perfect score. The progress is too unrealistic to be credible.”</div>
 

<div style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;text-align:center">
<div>

</div>
</div>

Chapter 81: Cheating

July 9th. Battle Through the Heavens had become a massive success, a money-making phenomenon. With over 100,000 favorites, it had sparked an entirely new genre: the “trash protagonist” trope. The novel’s success led to an influx of similar stories featuring worthless protagonists. Liu Changqing had recently finalized a deal with a major publishing house. The contract terms were favorable—he sold the rights for simplified and traditional Chinese editions, along with overseas rights, for 500,000...

Madam, Please Behave

Chapter 81: Cheating

Madam, Please Behave - Chapter 81: Cheating