CHAPTER 521: 206 PEARLS LOST IN THE SEA_2

The girl’s casual tone carried an unmistakable air of dominance and confidence.

Meng Junzhu was deeply shaken, staring incredulously at the girl before her.

She had taught countless students over the years, including child prodigies and geniuses, yet none of them could match the composure and self-assurance of the girl standing in front of her.

Last year, she joined Lanya High School, spending a year abroad on a paid training program. Upon returning, she took over the school’s elite Class A. Lan Man, a bold and meticulous woman with a commanding presence, entrusted the reputation of the Lanya Group to such a young educator—a decision Meng Junzhu deeply admired.

Before taking over the class, Meng meticulously analyzed the academic records and personalities of each student. Shen You’an was her primary focus, a directive that came directly from President Lan.

Shen You’an’s academic performance and copies of her test papers were still neatly displayed on her desk. Every time Meng reviewed them, her amazement grew.

Shen You’an’s academic achievements loomed like Mount Tai—a massive, immovable presence overshadowing her peers. Many had attempted the climb but inevitably faltered partway up the mountain.

Through extensive analysis, Meng discovered the invincibility of Shen You’an’s scores stemmed from more than her elegant penmanship; her logic was impeccable as well.

While poring over Shen’s first- and second-grade exam papers, Meng realized that many of the questions weren’t solved with the typical childish mindset. Shen You’an always found alternate paths — her thinking was more abstract, concise, and rigorous.

When proving formulas that could be demonstrated in a single sentence, she would never pad her answers with unnecessary verbosity.

She often evoked awe from those around her—revealing that certain problems indeed had alternative solutions.

It could be said that her intellectual maturity far exceeded her peers, and sometimes even highly capable adults couldn’t match her.

Her growth over the years had been characterized by achievements that spoke for themselves.

And her future carried limitless possibilities.

It was only when she made bold statements that they didn’t seem absurd or laughable; instead, they instilled confidence—when Shen You’an said she could accomplish something, she delivered.

Meng Junzhu gazed deeply into her eyes, and after a long pause, nodded: "Alright, I believe in you."

The girl’s cheeks bloomed with a smile as radiant as the shimmering clouds at sunrise, brilliant and dazzling.

~

Early in the morning, Shen You’an set out with Gao Yuyue before seven o’clock.

Gao Yuyue rubbed her sleepy eyes and mumbled, "I regret this. It’s like I’ve lost my mind to skip sleep, fill my stomach, and head out with you to be blasted by this chilly wind."

Chunzhou had dramatic temperature swings between day and night; one might need a winter coat in the morning yet switch to a short-sleeved shirt by noon.

She pulled her jacket tightly around herself, let out three consecutive yawns, only to choke down mouthfuls of cold air.

Shen You’an handed her a bottle of warm milk and two boiled eggs: "Your breakfast."

"Wow, this feels heavenly." Gao Yuyue pressed the milk bottle against her face and let out a satisfied sigh.

The two quickly hailed a cab and headed straight for Lushui Ancient City.

Soon after they left, another taxi stopped outside the Blue Sky Hotel. Xu Na climbed out reluctantly, pursing her lips as she looked at the hotel entrance with a glum expression.

After a day of inner turmoil, she had finally decided to come.

Just as she was about to step inside, she turned around abruptly.

If those students found out she had humbled herself to apologize to one of them, how would she salvage her reputation?

She took a few steps before recalling the warnings her classmates had given her.

Was Helian really as formidable as they’d claimed?

Clenching her teeth, she adopted a "just get it over with" attitude and marched into the hotel with a determined air.

The receptionist immediately greeted her with a sweet and professional smile.

Xu Na’s eyes darted nervously, and her tone was clipped: "I’m looking for Shen You’an."

The receptionists exchanged subtle glances; Shen You’an’s name had gained quite a bit of attention the day before.

The hotel maintained a strict policy against disclosing guest privacy but allowed room phones to be used for inquiries—whether the meeting would happen ultimately depended on the guest.

However, the receptionist had just seen Shen You’an and her classmate leave moments ago.

The hotel had procedures for handling such situations.

They used the contact information provided during check-in to make a polite call to the guest.

The call connected quickly.

After explaining the situation, the receptionist glanced at the woman before her: "May I ask your name?"

Xu Na slowly spat out each syllable: "Xu Na."

The receptionist hung up with the same polished smile and said, "I’m sorry, Miss Shen does not wish to see you."

Xu Na’s brows furrowed so tightly they could have crushed a fly: "I said my name is Xu Na, and she refuses to see me? How dare she...!"

The person in front of her had sharply defined cheekbones, a long and narrow face, thick glasses perched on her nose, and unusually thin lips. Whenever she spoke, spittle flew, her sharp eyebrows and cutting features forming an unpleasantly acrid demeanor.

The receptionist’s gaze flickered with faint disdain, though her expression remained composed and courteous: "Please refrain from speaking loudly in public spaces."