Chapter One: The Transfer Student

Radiant sunlight poured from the azure sky, falling straight onto the earth, bathing people in its gentle warmth and making everyone feel especially comfortable. Even those who had been hiding indoors from the cold ventured outside to breathe in the fresh air and bask in the sun; after all, in the depths of winter, days with such glorious weather were exceedingly rare.

At the heart of Beijing stood an elite high school known as Innovation High. Each year, countless students from this school gained admission to the nation’s top universities, including prestigious names like Tsinghua and Peking University. It was said that half the students here would make it into first-tier universities. Admission to Innovation High was a mark of either great wealth or exceptional academic achievement.

In the Academic Affairs Office, the director sat at his desk, savoring a cup of Pu’er tea and perusing the morning paper. He hummed a light tune now and then, thoroughly enjoying this moment of leisure. Just as he was about to raise his cup again, a knock at the door disrupted his tranquility.

With a hint of displeasure, he set the teacup down and said coolly, “Come in.”

The door opened to reveal an exceptionally beautiful girl. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she wore a white jacket with a bright red scarf wrapped around her neck. Her delicate face, exquisitely shaped nose, and large, sparkling eyes instantly drew attention.

“Excuse me, are you Director Liu?” The girl scanned the room, saw only one person present, and asked with a gentle smile.

“Yes, that’s me. And you are?” Director Liu was momentarily taken aback by her beauty. He couldn’t help but think to himself how refined her features were.

“Hello, Director Liu. My name is Wang Yuqing, a senior at Donghai First High School. Principal Wang recommended me to transfer to your school. Here are my documents,” she said, stepping forward to place a folder on his desk.

“Uh… Donghai City? Transferring to our school?” Director Liu was momentarily stunned, unable to make sense of the situation. He looked at her with evident confusion.

“Principal Wang,” the girl gently reminded him.

“Oh, Old Wang! So you’re the student he mentioned,” Director Liu suddenly understood.

Wang Yuqing nodded lightly.

“Old Wang couldn’t stop singing your praises, saying I was the lucky one. He claimed he was giving me the best student from his school. When he called me a few days ago, I could tell he was quite reluctant to let you go,” Director Liu recalled with a hearty laugh.

“Principal Wang exaggerates—I’m not as outstanding as he says,” Wang Yuqing replied modestly, lowering her head in embarrassment.

“Heh, if Old Wang says you’re exceptional, he’s probably right. I know my old classmate too well. Please, have a seat while I review your file,” Director Liu said, gesturing to a chair beside her.

“Wang Yuqing, female. Interests: literature, music… Middle school at Donghai Affiliated, entered Donghai First High with the city’s second-highest score. Consistently ranked first in the high school. Awarded city-level Model Student, provincial Excellent Student Leader, national Outstanding Youth League Member; participated in over thirty national competitions, won countless awards…”

Director Liu scanned the four sheets packed with her accolades and couldn’t help but marvel inwardly. Just one of these honors would be an impressive lifetime achievement for most students, yet she had amassed so many. No wonder his old classmate had been so reluctant on the phone, feeling he was giving away a treasure.

“No problem, your transfer is approved. I’ll have someone handle your academic record—or better yet, I’ll take care of it myself,” Director Liu said enthusiastically.

Now, he was eager to keep this girl at the school. Anyone seeing Director Liu’s expression would be surprised. In the past, many parents had tried to get their children into this school through gifts, dinners, and connections, but Director Liu had always refused. This time, not only did he agree, but he insisted on personally arranging everything. It spoke volumes about Wang Yuqing’s exceptional abilities.

“By the way, which class would you like to join?” he asked.

“Class One,” the girl answered without hesitation.

“Well, Class One is the top science class, but from your file, you were in the humanities track before. How about Class Three? That’s the top humanities class,” Director Liu suggested in a conciliatory tone.

“No, thank you for your concern, Director Liu. I’ve already decided on Class One,” the girl replied firmly, her delicate face set with determination.

Seeing her resolve, Director Liu didn’t press the issue. He picked up the phone on his desk and dialed a number.

“Mr. Yan, could you come to the Academic Affairs Office, please?”

Soon after, the door opened and a middle-aged man entered, his stern face framed by large glasses, a mathematics textbook tucked under his arm.

“Director Liu, what’s the matter? I have to get to class,” he said.

“No need to rush, Old Yan. Let me introduce you. This is Wang Yuqing, our new transfer student. She’ll be joining your class, so take good care of her,” Director Liu said.

“Hello, Teacher,” Wang Yuqing greeted him with a sweet smile, dimples rippling across her cheeks.

“Uh… Director Liu, our class is the top class. This… transfer student…” The teacher’s reluctance was evident.

“Old Yan, you’re not opposed to this, are you? Just take a look at her file. Believe me, having her in your class is a real privilege,” Director Liu said, handing him the folder.

Skeptical, the teacher took the documents, but as he read, his expression turned to astonishment. He stepped over to Wang Yuqing, looking her up and down with increasing delight. “Come, let’s go to class. From now on, you’re my student.”

He was about to lead her out when Director Liu cleared his throat. “Hold on, Old Yan. One more thing. The mock exams are in two weeks. What happened with Xiao Lin last time? He only scored two hundred points. You need to pay closer attention to him.”

At this, the teacher stumbled at the doorway. The name Xiao Lin made Wang Yuqing’s eyes light up; in her mind, she immediately pictured a sunny, handsome boy.

“Director Liu, you have no idea. I’m at my wit’s end with Xiao Lin. I’ve talked to him countless times, but he’s always indifferent, never listens, and even sleeps in class…” the teacher complained.

“I don’t care. Just make sure he improves. He was top of his class when he entered the school—how did he end up like this? That’s your responsibility as his homeroom teacher. All right, off you go now,” Director Liu said, waving them out and adding gently, “Take care, Wang Yuqing.”

The teacher could only manage a wry smile. Wang Yuqing, meanwhile, was left puzzled, still thinking about what the teacher had just said about Xiao Lin.