CHAPTER 196: CHAPTER 196: THE CREDIT IS NOT MINE ALONE

Zhao Jianlan did want to say something, but she didn’t know what it was either. Still, she proudly added, "Of course, it’s a great thing."

After speaking, she looked proud and walked briskly towards the classroom.

The people behind her watched her leave and dispersed with laughter.

Yu Xinyan followed behind Teacher Chu and hadn’t yet entered the principal’s office when they heard the joyful noises from inside.

Just as they appeared at the door, Director Qiao from the teaching office smiled and said, "Xinyan, come on in."

Principal Feng had already risen from his seat, "Student Xinyan, you’ve really made a name for our school. We just received the notification: you won first prize in the provincial finals, bringing honor to our school. On behalf of the school, I thank you."

Yu Xinyan smiled slightly, "The teachers put in a lot of effort during this time. The credit isn’t mine alone."

Just one sentence, and even Teacher Chu, who taught Chinese, beamed with pride, feeling proud to have such a student.

Upon hearing Yu Xinyan’s words, Principal Feng generously said, "You’re right, they did work hard indeed. This time, the class teachers and teachers involved will all be rewarded."

The people in the room clapped, and someone even shouted, "Great."

Principal Feng went further, "What Student Yu Xinyan has achieved for our Mechanical Factory High School is evident to all. We, the school leaders, have discussed and decided to reward Student Yu Xinyan with a hundred yuan."

After Principal Feng spoke, Director Qiao from the teaching office stepped forward and handed a pre-prepared red envelope to Yu Xinyan, "Congratulations, Student Xinyan."

Yu Xinyan smiled as she accepted it, "Thank you, Principal, thank you, Director, thank you to all the teachers."

Just as they were speaking, Vice Principal Zhang returned with the city-level first prize certificate and award. As he entered, he laughed, "Everyone’s here."

Teacher Chu was the first to react, "Vice Principal Zhang, you’re back?"

Vice Principal Zhang replied with a smile, "I got back late yesterday, so I didn’t come here."

He looked directly at Yu Xinyan, "Student Xinyan, you’re amazing."

As he took out the certificate and prize money from his briefcase, he said, "You wouldn’t believe it, but yesterday when I was in the city for a meeting, people from other schools came over one after another to congratulate us. I almost laughed myself silly."

Principal Feng couldn’t help but tease, "Oh, if I went to a meeting and laughed myself silly, I’d still be delighted."

Vice Principal Zhang handed the certificate and prize money first to Principal Feng, "Look, this is the certificate and prize money for the first prize in the mathematics competition from Student Xinyan."

Principal Feng accepted it enthusiastically, "Director Qiao, banners, yes, we need to do some publicity and make two banners."

As he spoke, he looked over at Yu Xinyan.

At first, Yu Xinyan thought it unnecessary, but seeing the school leaders all in agreement and considering Principal Feng’s real intention behind making the banners, she didn’t say much more.

After his excitement, Principal Feng instructed the teaching director, "The banners need to be expedited. It’s best if they’re made today, so we can hold a school-wide assembly tomorrow to commend Student Yu Xinyan for achieving first in the city mathematics competition."

The teaching director quietly reminded him, "Principal Feng, should we wait for the provincial first prize to announce it together?"

Principal Feng waved it off, "No need to wait, it’s a good thing. We want to encourage all students to learn from Student Yu Xinyan. The provincial award will probably arrive next week; once it does, we’ll hold another commendation assembly."

Thinking of something, he advised, "Our budget is limited, so when making the banners, have them add an extra word for the province; then we can simply change the word for reuse."

Everyone in the room laughed, "Principal, you’re brilliant."

Thus, Yu Xinyan didn’t get to take the city’s certificate and prize today either, because Principal Feng wanted to personally award them tomorrow.

But it didn’t take long for the news to spread throughout the school, and many students came to congratulate Yu Xinyan.

A student approached to ask, "Xinyan, how much is the prize for first in the city?"

Yu Xinyan waved with a smile, "Principal Feng didn’t say, and we’ll only find out tomorrow."

The student, eager for gossip, said, "The school alone awarded you fifty yuan a few days ago. I don’t think the city’s prize will be any less. You’re really incredible."

Actually, Yu Xinyan knew about this before the competition, but she didn’t want to say, fearing it would cause trouble.

The teaching director worked efficiently and had the banners ready before noon. At lunchtime, each class was notified of the school-wide assembly during the morning exercise break tomorrow.

That day, their sophomore class two was bustling with excitement, filled with students eager to join the fun. But the boys in the class didn’t let them disturb Yu Xinyan and told the incoming students, "You can only observe from a distance, not disturb."