Chapter 192: Chapter 192: Preliminary Round Ends, Qi Scores Full Marks
The competition lasted one hour, during which the teachers from various schools across Z Country were on edge, eyes glued to the stage so as not to miss a single moment.
Just like them, the Z Country audience watching the live stream also shared the same feeling. They all knew that they might miss out on the awards again this time, yet they couldn’t help but hold some hope.
Perhaps, there might be a miracle?
As the last minute on the screen ended, the preliminary round was also paused.
"The time is up," Rosen said earnestly, "Now, please allow the staff to collect the papers in an orderly manner for the Olympiad group to grade."
Glancing at the few people grading not far away, Daisy Cooper sneaked up in front of the girl, "Claire, how do you feel?"
Do you have any confidence?
She held back from asking that question because today’s Olympiad questions were truly in hell mode, far more difficult than before.
Putting the pen cap back on, Claire Green lifted her eyelids, "Not bad."
Upon hearing this,
Daisy Cooper patted her on the shoulder in consolation, fearing that she might lose confidence because of this competition.
"It’s okay; mainly, the questions were too difficult this time. It’s normal if you didn’t do well, so don’t worry too much."
Claire Green gave her a complex look, wondering if all young people nowadays loved to overthink.
"Classmate Daisy is right, it’s all about participation."
Xu Lei initially wanted to come over and ask about her exam but accidentally overheard their conversation, feeling a twinge of disappointment.
If even Claire Green didn’t do well, there’s no need to mention the others. Is Z Country destined to always be the runner-up?
Nearby, Olivia Song heard their conversation, and a gleam of joy flashed in her eyes.
Didn’t do well; that’s really wonderful.
Soon.
All the papers were graded, and the Olympiad judges wore subtle expressions.
After exchanging glances, they called over the referee to hand over the results.
Staring at the sheet in his hand, shock emerged on Rosen’s face, sparking curiosity among the audience both in the venue and watching the live stream.
What happened to make the judges and the host so surprised?
[I suddenly have a premonition.]
[It’s not just you. This competition seems likely to disappoint some people.]
[Unless the winner is Z Country, I can’t think of anything else that would make them react this way.]
Stifling his surprise, Rosen composed himself and revealed a mysterious smile, waving the paper in his hand to keep everyone in suspense, "The results of the preliminary round are out, and calling it shocking would not be an exaggeration."
Successfully piquing the audience’s curiosity, he began announcing the scores with a smile, "Loga, 90 points. Weiss, 86 points. Daisy Cooper, 86 points. Olivia Song 60 points..."
As the scores of each contestant were read out, just as the M Country audience was assuming victory, Rosen’s last statement exploded like a bomb.
"Claire Green, full marks."
It was a bombshell.
No one reacted immediately.
Full marks?
How could there be a perfect score?
Xu Lei was dumbfounded and spoke, "Is this what you call ’not bad’?"
For the group of stunned individuals, Claire Green’s expression remained unchanged, still showing a laid-back demeanor, "Yeah, it wasn’t difficult."
Daisy Cooper had just snapped back to reality when she heard her words; her lips twitched, pondering how she could be so nonchalant.
They had struggled with the exam, yet she said it wasn’t difficult. How were the Olympiad organizers supposed to feel about that?
The venue fell silent for two seconds.
Then cheers erupted across the competition site.
"Oh my god, full marks, the girl is awesome."
"Z Country has finally beaten M Country in a competition; I’m freaking crying."
"A perfect score, this is the first perfect score in an international competition."
The live stream was also in a frenzy, with various gift effects continuously pouring in.
[Damn, the girl is amazing, directly slapping Loga in the face.]
[I just want to ask if some people feel embarrassed now, after claiming first place was theirs, but sorry, the Z Country contestant took first with full marks.]
[I thought she seemed calm when she was writing, didn’t expect such a surprise.]
Far away in Bayne City, Brightsong was also in jubilant celebration.
"Sister Claire is undoubtedly Sister Claire."
"You can always trust Sister Claire because she never disappoints."
...
Seeing that the excitement had mostly settled down, Rosen smiled and spoke up, "I know everyone is thrilled, but I have to interrupt, as we still need to interview our contestants."
He approached the girl with the microphone, curious, "Claire Green, how do you feel about taking first place in the preliminary round?"
Claire Green’s cold eyes scanned the crowd, a slight mischievous curve on her lips, she said casually, "Nothing much, just standard operations."
Not expecting her to say that, Rosen was momentarily stunned but quickly regained his composure, "It seems Claire Green usually performs very well."
Who would have thought?
The girl softly affirmed, her playful voice spreading across the entire venue through the microphone.
"It’s no problem to crush M Country."
Gasp.
The audience below took a deep breath, shocked and incredulous, gazing at her.
Is she really this bold?
[Why is she so cool.]
[Claire Green: Wasn’t Loga claiming that first place was a fact? Sorry, my score trumps yours.]
[A bold and stunning girl, I think I’m in love.]
This segment of the interview was quickly recorded and shared on Weibo, instantly topping the trending list.
Curious onlookers who hadn’t watched the competition clicked into the trending topic and were astounded.
[I need all the information about this girl in one minute.]
[You can check the Brightsong forum now; it’s all ablaze.]
[Damn, isn’t this the girl who topped the joint exams and led her entire class to success?]
Rosen’s hand holding the microphone grew stiff, looking shocked. Did she realize how many people she might be offending with that statement?
He didn’t need to look to know the M Country contestants must have looked displeased.
Miller Weiss had a darkened face, his hands clenched at his sides. He used to have Loga overshadowing him, and now there’s another one.
Luckily, he’s prepared.
Bold words come with consequences.
Exchanging a subtle glance with Olivia Song, he glanced at the boy beside him, a clear message.
Receiving the signal, the boy swallowed nervously and shouted, "Judge, I have something to say."
The sudden voice drew everyone’s attention.
Rosen checked his badge and asked curiously, "What does Student Hankong want to say?"
Hankong extended a finger, "I want to report that the Z Country contestant Claire Green cheated in the exam."
As soon as the words fell.
The live stream and the venue fell into complete silence.
Rosen’s face turned unsightly, "Student Hankong, do you have any evidence? Without it, falsely accusing a contestant could result in legal consequences."
"What nonsense are you talking about? Claire has the skills and doesn’t need to cheat. Maybe it’s just you M Country people unable to accept losing and slandering her intentionally."
Daisy Cooper stepped forward, shielding the girl and glaring angrily at Hankong.
Her words woke everyone up.
Various angry voices erupted from the audience below.
"What’s this, can’t take losing so you start making accusations?"
"I could say that all of M Country cheats; otherwise, how do they win every time?"
"So disgusting, a supposed great country can’t even handle losing."
Hankong didn’t care about what they said, he continued, "Of course, I have evidence; otherwise, I wouldn’t be making a report."