Judith’s confidence only grew as she continued, her voice dripping with disdain. “What gives you the right to act all high and mighty in front of me? If you’re so capable, why don’t you make it into the top 400 of your course? Prove it with results! Compete with me if you dare!” Her words hung in the air like a challenge, and the students of Class 3 exchanged uneasy glances. The class monitor’s face fell. Competing with Judith? Their academic records were hardly something to boast about. Judith sneered at their silence. “What’s the matter? Afraid? Too scared to even try? Pathetic! You’re all worthless, just like your so-called ‘Teacher Liza.’ If her students are garbage, then what does that make her? An even bigger piece of trash—” A calm yet commanding female voice interrupted her. “You want to compete in results?” The crowd parted as Liza stepped forward, her presence radiating quiet authority. She moved closer to Judith, her voice steady and deliberate. “Fine. Let’s compete.” For a moment, the crowd fell into stunned silence. Judith was the first to recover, bursting into laughter. “What did you just say? You want to compete with me? You, Liza, are either unbelievably stupid or hopelessly naive. Do you even know what kind of students you’re standing up for? They’re failures! Misfits! And you want to challenge me? On what grounds?” Liza didn’t flinch. Her lips curved into a faint smile as she met Judith’s eyes. “Why not? Let’s not just compete; let’s make it interesting. Since you seem to enjoy looking down on my students, let’s place a bet.” Her tone was calm but carried an edge. “If we win, you will publicly apologize to every student in Class 3. You will admit in front of the entire university that you’re the one who’s trash—a disgrace to this campus. Do you accept?” Her words rippled through the crowd like a shockwave. Li City University had a strict academic ranking system, with monthly exams determining students’ standings within their courses. The students of Class 3, however, consistently found themselves at the very bottom. Was Liza serious? Even Judith looked stunned before her laughter rang out again. “You’ve lost your mind! Compete with me? Bet against me? If I win, you should leave this university for good. People like you don’t deserve to stay here. You’re disgusting.” Liza gave a small, nonchalant nod, signaling her agreement. The class monitor’s anxiety peaked. “Teacher Liza…” he began hesitantly, his voice laced with concern. He knew she was standing up for them, but was it worth risking her career? Losing this bet could cost her everything. Liza turned to face him, her expression unwavering. “What’s wrong? Don’t believe in yourselves? Or is it me you don’t trust?” Her steady gaze and arched brow silenced the class monitor. Something about her confidence stirred an unexpected resolve within him.“I… I believe in you, Teacher,” he finally said, clenching his fists. “I believe in us too. Judith, don’t underestimate us. In the next exam, I swear I’ll beat you!” Judith threw her head back and laughed mockingly. “Did everyone hear that? The student ranked dead last is challenging me! Do you even know what it means to be in the top three? I’ve been in the top three consistently. I bet you’ve never even dreamed of being there!” Before she could continue, Liza placed a firm hand on Judith’s shoulder, leaning in close. Her voice dropped to a whisper, laced with icy calm. “Don’t get too arrogant, Judith. The higher you climb, the harder you’ll fall. And when you do, remember—it’s lightning that strikes the loudest.” Her words hung ominously in the air, silencing even Judith’s laughter. The challenge had been set, and the stage was now theirs to claim. After returning to the classroom, the atmosphere was unusually tense. The students sat rigidly in their seats, their expressions heavy with unease.Liza raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over the somber faces before her. “What’s going on here? You all look like you’re about to burst into tears. I’ve only just been assigned to teach you, and you’re already acting like this before we’ve even started class?” The class monitor quickly stood up, his head bowed in guilt. “No, that’s not it, Teacher,” he stammered. “We just… we feel like we’re not good enough to deserve you as our teacher.” His words carried the weight of the entire class’s feelings. For years, the university had largely ignored Class 3, letting them muddle through their studies with little care or attention. But then came the news that Master Ruby co, the legendary designer, was going to take over their class. The students had been overjoyed, thrilled at the chance to learn from someone so accomplished. Their excitement, however, had been short-lived. The controversy on the forum threw everything into chaos. They’d rallied to support their teacher, doing everything they could to protect her reputation. They thought they had done the right thing, but now, in the cold light of reflection, it felt like they’d only dragged her down. No one could deny Judith’s academic prowess, regardless of her personality. In their anger, they’d agreed to a bet that now seemed impossible to win. And if Liza lost because of them and had to leave Li City University, how could they ever face her? Heads hung low, their guilt was almost tangible. Liza looked around at her students and sighed, half-amused, half-exasperated. “Is all of this really necessary? Let’s set aside whether or not you can surpass Judith with my guidance and win this bet. Let’s consider the worst-case scenario—what if I do lose and leave Li City University? Will that be the end of the world for me?” The students lifted their heads, their eyes filled with confusion and hesitation. Pointing to herself, Liza said lightly, “Look at me. I’m Ruby co, an international designer. I didn’t come to Li City University because I desperately needed this job. I came because Mason nagged me endlessly until I finally agreed to fill in as a substitute. Do you think a job here, earning just a few thousand yuan, is my life’s pinnacle?” Her words shocked the students. Liza continued, her tone firm but kind. “So don’t burden yourselves with unnecessary pressure. You’re young; you don’t need to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. I’m not going to crumble if I lose this position. And trust me, neither will you.”