Birth of a Beauty

"So, I will start by announcing boy's leader..He is Quan Long. Quan Long, Come here in front." Mr.Ning spoke.

No one was too much bewildered as they had already predicted it would be either the class president who comes first in class or the talented Lu San.

Quan Long stood up and slowly made his way to Mr. Ning as everyone clapped for him.

"So, We decided to make you the leader for the festival, not only because you come first, you are very smart and can tackle problems easily. Are you willing to take this responsibility?" Mr. Ning inquired. Quan Long spoke without any hesitation " Yes, I am gladly willing."

Then, Mr.Ning pinned the small blue token on his shirt.

"Thank you, Teacher." Quan Long thanked him and faced the class. The students applauded.

Unknowingly his line of gaze went on Lin Xueqing,who was sitting in the front line lazily flipping the book, he couldn't help but smile.

Sensing someone's stare on her, Lin Xeuqing lifted her head to notice certain someone smiling.

Their eyes met. Not expecting her to stare back, Quan Long got flustered as he hastily averted his eyes making Lin Xueqing confused.

Afterwards, Mr. Ning turned towards the class, before speaking " Now, for the girl's leader. It was really a hard decision. We discussed a lot about it. Eventually,we came to a certain conclusion.." "She is talented & hardworking. She has been a diligent student who always obeys teacher's orders, complete all the due assignment on time. So, We decided she would be the good option." Before He could announce the name, the girl's started to discuss as soon as they heard his words 'diligent and hardworking.'

"There is no way it's Shi Yun. She is nowhere near to be called something like that."

"Yeah, But who knows. She is spoiled kid. Her family might have bribed them. Anything can happen,no?"

"Yes, Who knows, I can be the leader. Wow, What if he is talking about me? I am very diligent student."

"*Scoff* Diligent, my foot!! You don't even complete your assignment let alone get praised highly by the Teacher."

"Hey, I was just kidding. And I do complete my assignment. You are the one who doesn't even touch it and always lies to the teacher."

"What did you say?!"

Noticing some students gossiping, Mr.Ning shouted," Silence! Why are you making noise all of a sudden? If you want to talk, go outside and chat as much as you want. Don't disturb others." After it was pin drop silence in the class, He continued " So what I was saying. Yes, I was about to announce the girl's leader name."

He stared directly at Li Seulbi before speaking " Li Seulbi, Come in the front."

Everyone's sharp shocked eyes landed on Li Seulbi who was looking at Mr.Ning with her brows raised, completely stunned.

'Did he just call out my name? Or Am I hallucinating? That can't be because everyone is staring at me. So that means I am the chosen one. ' Li Seulbi looked around her, feeling nervous and dumbfounded The students nearby her began to whispering to eachother.

"How can this ugly outcast, be worthy of being the leader? Isn't it unfair?"

"I hate to say this but This pig actually comes in top 3 in studies and carves for assignments. And you know teachers like either rich or nerds like her. So It's not too surprising."

"Ugh, She will be nuisance to the festival. Will she roam around flaunting her leadership looking like that, Ew!"

"Yeah, Who will even listen to someone like her? I am curious why they didn't choose goddess Sis Yun!"

Li Seulbi could vaguely hear them bad mouthing about her, making feel bad and discouraged.

'I cannot do this. They are talking about me. I will just decline it making some excuse. I can never do this.' Such thoughts began to revolve her mind.

Li Seulbi opened her mouth to reject but-

*Clap Clap*

Sound of clapping was heard in the silent class. Looking at the source of sound, everyone saw Xi Mei clapping her hands with all her might.

"Woohoo, Biggy Sis. Keep it up. Go and say yes." Xi Mei cheered.

Following by Lu San who was right behind Xi Mei, also started clapping, flashing his cute smile.

Since Lu San was clapping, All girls started doing it too despite their unwillingness.

"Li Seulbi, Come in front." Mr.Ning repeated his words.

*Thump Thump*

'What am I doing? My legs are walking on it's own. I am scared. I want to reject but Xiao Mei..I don't want to see my only friend sad because of me. What should I do?' Feeling her heart palpitate rapidly, Li Seulbi thought, walking toward towards the teacher fidgeting her fingers in nervousness.

"This is really important task and a good way to get your grades up. You are already talented, you just need a gentle push. I hope this chance will be that push. Are you willing to take this responsibility?" Mr. Ning exclaimed.

Lu San was also feeling anxious. He knew her pretty well. She easily would get hurt or discouraged if people around her badmouth about her. He was worried, she might not agree because what others said. He silently began to pray.

As expected, Li Seulbi was feeling dispirited.

'Should I just reject? They said Sis Yun was vying for this position, she will bully me if I will agree. What should I do? Everyone is watching.'

Li Seulbi clenched her sweating hands as she looked around the classroom. She could see mockery in everyone's eyes except..

"You can do it!! Go for it." Li Seulbi saw Xi Mei mouthing those encouraging words and smiling with her big eyes.

She was shining in her dark harsh world. Subconsciously, her eyes went behind Xi Mei. When Lu San saw Li Seulbi looking back at him, he was taken aback.

He quickly nodded his head and smiled. He mouthed to stimulate her. " You can do it. Believe in yourself."

Suddenly Li Seulbi felt surge of various emotions engulfing her heart. Like time had stopped, everything stopped moving around her.

Li Seulbi was greatly taken aback. Then She saw a bright ray of light, there was a person standing there.

The person was Su Yumi.

"Yumi!" Li Seulbi called out. She wanted to run towards her but she couldn't move.

Su Yumi smiled, staying there she began to speak as her words began to resonate in Li Seulbi's mind.

"Child, Remember this. You should care about the ones who support and pray for you not the ones who talk about you. Do what your heart wants. Once you begin to believe yourself, you will eventually find your answers. And I will always be with you.." Her voice started to fade away.

"Li Seulbi..Li Seulbi!" Abruptly her aged voice was replaced by manly voice.

Li Seulbi came back to her senses to see Mr.Ning's worried face and everyone was chuckling and mocking her.

"Are you fine? You suddenly spaced out. I thought something happened to you." Mr.Ning spoke in worry.

'Was it an illusion? Or is it because I was missing Yumi.' Li Seulbi shook her head to throw those thoughts away for the moment and looked at Mr.Ning.

She flashed a smile and spoke confidently " Sorry to make you worry, Teacher. And I am gladly willing to take this opportunity. Thank you." She then bowed in respect.