As I prepared to leave for school, Nainai blocked my path, a stern expression on her face. "Mei, you need to eat breakfast," she said, her voice firm but loving. I hesitated for a moment, but Nainai's persistence eventually won out. I sat down at the table, and Nainai placed a steaming bowl of porridge in front of me.
"Mei, I'm glad you're eating," Nainai said, smiling. "You've been so busy with school lately. How's your school going?"
I shrugged, feeling a mix of emotions. "I don't know, Nainai. But one good thing is that I've got a rival."
Nainai's face lit up with a smile. "Oh, that's wonderful! Finally, something interesting is happening in your life."
But I didn't share her enthusiasm. Instead, I felt a pang of nervousness. Nainai noticed my expression and asked, "What's wrong, Mei? Are you afraid of something?"
I hesitated, unsure of how to explain my feelings. "It's just that...ever since Zhiyu came to school, the teachers have been paying more attention to him. And I don't like it."
Nainai's expression turned thoughtful. "Don't you see, Mei? Teachers pay attention to everyone. When you used to study alone in class, I paid attention to you. Now Zhiyu has joined, so it's only natural that the teachers pay attention to him too."
I looked down, feeling a twinge of guilt. Nainai was right, as always. "You've said that Zhiyu has started talking to everyone quickly," she continued. "I can understand that you don't interact with anyone much, but it's not like you hate Zhiyu. Now it's your responsibility to talk to everyone too."
I nodded, feeling a sense of determination. Maybe it was time for me to step out of my comfort zone and see what happened.
Just then, I remembered something. "Nainai, I got a science project in my club!" I exclaimed.
Nainai's face lit up with excitement. "That's wonderful, Mei! I'm so proud of you! What's the project about?"
"I'm not entirely sure yet," I admitted. "But I'm going to research black holes."
Nainai beamed with pride. "That sounds fascinating, Mei! You're going to do great things, I just know it. Good luck with your project, and don't worry about Zhiyu. You'll show him what you're capable of!"
On the way to school, I ran into my friends Bao and Daiyu. Li Bao, my best friend since childhood, was always looking out for me.
"Hey, Mei! What's up?" Bao asked, grinning.
"Not much," I replied. "Just dealing with a new guy in school named Zhiyu. He's in my Science Club and thinks he's going to win the project competition."
Daiyu's eyes widened. "Ooh, sounds like a rival! Tell us more."
I filled them in on the details, and they listened with excitement.
"Wow, this Zhiyu guy sounds interesting," Bao said, chuckling. "We have to meet him."
I rolled my eyes. "You guys are just excited to see the new guy, aren't you?"
Daiyu giggled. "Maybe a little. But seriously, Mei, don't worry about Zhiyu. You're going to crush him."
Bao nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're the best student in school. Zhiyu doesn't stand a chance."
I smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude towards my friends. "Thanks, guys. You're always there to support me."
As we walked to class, I couldn't help but feel a sense of determination. I was going to show Zhiyu what I was capable of, and I was going to win that competition.