At that time, she thought that was the fastest way to make her stance clear in front of Li Jirong. However, she probably made the stake too high in the heat of the moment.

'No, don't get cold feet now! Everything will be fine. You are an experienced writer, for goodness sake.'historical

Li Caiyi's online friend in her previous life was the one who encouraged her to have confidence in her writing. They would occasionally recommend a writing competition for her or offer an opportunity to publish her stories, but she always refused. She never met that friend of hers, but she imagined if she had a friend, then they would be the closest to a friend for her.

On her last day, she sent them her last story, and she wondered whether they liked it or not?

A classmate called out to Li Caiyi and told her that Teacher Shi had called her. Zhou Ya and Feng Nian cheered on her before she got up from her seat and went to the teacher's office.

When Li Caiyi arrived, Teacher Shi had been waiting for her. She had a big smile on her face, so Li Caiyi felt she must have good news.

"Li Caiyi, the result for the writing competition has been announced." Teacher Shi paused briefly, causing a bit of tension in the air. The female teacher burst into laughter when she noticed how nervous Li Caiyi was. "Haha, don't frown like that. Congratulations, Li Caiyi. You got first place."

Li Caiyi was so happy she almost jumped in place. "Really?"

"Yeah. After I read your manuscript, I already had a hunch you already got this competition in a bag, but I did not expect you to really win this. You did great, Li Caiyi." Teacher Shi patted her shoulders several times with a grin.

"Thank you, Teacher Shi!"

Our conversation garnered the attention of the other teachers in the room. Teacher Shi proudly told them about Li Caiyi's achievement, and each of them congratulated her. Li Caiyi's figure shrunk from being the center of attention, but she felt it was not that bad for the first time.

So many people praised her, and they genuinely felt happy for her. It gave Li Caiyi a sense of accomplishment like she had never experienced before.

In the end, Teacher Shi gave her a piece of paper with numbers written on it. "This was the number of one of the competition committee. Call him so you can discuss your winning prize."

Li Caiyi heard that and instantly saw this paper as her bag of money, so she received it with both of her hands. "Thank you, Teacher Shi!"

***

Li Caiyi did not waste her time. She contacted the committee as soon as she left the teacher's office.

They talked about the winning prize, and Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief when the committee person told her they could transfer her round-trip tickets to another person. Li Caiyi had inquired Teacher Shi before about her free date, so she mentioned that date and Teacher Shi's name and booked a ticket for her. As for the money prize, Li Caiyi could almost hear the caching sound of money beside her ears.

Li Caiyi's smile radiated happiness. She could earn money by using her writing skill. That fact alone was enough to boost her self-confidence. Wouldn't she be set for life if she could publish a good-selling book?

"Huh? What are you doing grinning like that in front of the teacher's office?"

Li Caiyi turned her head and saw Shao Jingfei, who was currently looking at her with a strange expression. "Shao Jingfei!"

"Whoa, stop giving me a blinding smile like that, or I will fall for you!" Shao Jingfei said that, but he was obviously joking around, looking at how he grinned playfully. "Did something good happen?"

Li Caiyi was so happy, and she couldn't help but want to tell someone about it. Since Shao Jingfei had volunteered himself, Li Caiyi did not hesitate to tell him her good news. Shao Jingfei's eyes widened when he heard that.

"What? You joined that writing competition? And you got first place?!"

"That's right."

"Whoa, I would never have expected that..." Shao Jingfei fell into a deep silence, a reaction Li Caiyi least expected from him since he was usually very chatty and overall a boisterous person.

"Shao Jingfei?"

"Hm? Oh, congratulations! Man, I must be lucky to befriend a talented person like you! Maybe I can be more popular if I stick beside you? Hahaha." Shao Jingfei laughed at his own joke, looking very much like himself. Li Caiyi quickly brushed his silence earlier off from her mind and laughed alongside him.

It really felt good to be congratulated for something you worked so hard to earn.

***

After Li Caiyi and Shao Jingfei parted ways, he swiftly pulled out his phone and called a number. The call was picked up in a flash.

"It's rare to receive a call from you," said the man from the other side.

"Our company was the one who sponsored the last writing competition in my school, right?" Shao Jingfei went straight to the point.

There was a brief silence before the man on the other side spoke again. "Yes, but why do you ask about that? Aren't you usually not interested in things like this?"

"Send me the copy of the manuscript of the one who won first place. Her name is Li Caiyi."

"Jingfei, is she one of your friends?"

"You don't need to know. Just ask your people to send it to me as soon as possible."

"...Alright. But are you really not going to come back for Father's birthday? He did not show it, but he was looking forward to you coming home."

"For what? So he can force me to work for him again? No way. I'm going to hang up."

"Jingfei—"

Shao Jingfei immediately hung up his phone. His countenance was dark as he pocketed his phone.

'Don't joke around. Does he think he can chase me away and call me back whenever it's convenient for him?' Shao Jingfei thought to himself.

He had to admit that he was very curious about Li Caiyi's work, but he would not return home just because of that. Unless his father apologized to him, he would never go home!