Ruan Qing had already finished everything she needed to do within just three to four minutes, before running back to Class One. Here, she could hear the Principal’s speech coming to an end.

“This is your last year of high school, and finally, your most difficult year is coming to an end. I wish that you can enjoy excellent results in next year’s college entrance exam – that you may all step into your dreams and carry on with the rest of your lives.”

A thunderous applause echoed across the room as their bright faces shone all around.

Just then, the principal’s expression had turned solemn. “Now, if you’d all take your parents through the door of success, we can get started.”

Yao Ran glanced at Ruan Qingwith the corner of her eyes, as her pursed lips had transformed into a smile. Let it begin.

..

Cheng Yan gazed as the students held all of their parents’ arms, walking through the arched entrance. Raising his eyebrows, he motioned towards them as he stood by Yao Tang.

The girl simply glanced at him-her eyes cold and emotionless. She didn’t even bother noticing him as she brought her gaze back to the entrance. Her hands were shoved into her pockets as she followed through with the line.

This girl really was something else. With a sneer, he grabbed the girl by the hand and took another step forward.

Yao Tang frowned, her gaze falling onto his hand.

What the hell has this man been holding that made his hand scalding hot? An unusual feeling flowed through her body that made her purse her lips.

It felt very strange, yet so warm.

“I should be taking the initiative, shouldn’t I?” Cheng Yan didn’t appear as if he’d been caught off-guard. Instead, he lowered his voice beside her ear and whispered. The corners of his lips inched upwards.

She raised her eyes to look up at him.

Their gazes met, and he took this time to observe her features-the light veins lined across her forehead, and her dark and cold eyes. There was something about them that appeared dark, yet still so clear. It’s as if he was staring straight into a void mirror.

His heart skipped a beat. There was just something about her that he couldn’t point out. While she may appear unruly or careless, she still appeared free and beautiful — like a woman who couldn’t be restrained.

His smile widened. “It’s good that you’re not angry.”

Without another word, he turned away.

Yao Tang was still gazing at their interlocked hands. While her face may appear emotionless, they may notice something different upon looking closer—a deep thought that she just couldn’t shake off. Without another word, the pair had already passed through the arched door.

Cheng Yan took the pen that Meng Yang had handed over and gave one to her.

The young man glanced at their interlocked hands, and his eyes widened. However, he had no chance to comment on it as the two had already stepped away from his viewpoint.

The ceremony was quite grand and orderly. While the stadium was already crowded as it was, the staff had managed to make it all appear organized—with every parent and student divided per class. Everyone was required to write their own oath on paper with their signature.

Yao Tang signed uglily, with no oath.

Placing her pen down and shoving her hands into her pockets, she turned and went to her position.

Xi Yan didn’t mention anything else.

Once everyone had signed, they all returned to their seats.

“Now, why don’t we all review the history of No. 1 High School Together, and all the outstanding students we’ve had from our previous batch of exam takers. Teachers, parents, and students, if I may have your eyes directed to the screen.”

The big screen immediately played all the honors and accolades that they have received per student. However, within a few seconds of the introduction, the screen flashed and everything turned dark.

Suddenly, the big screen lit up once again. This time, with a little girl.

Her small body was placed on a chair. Her young face was stained with blood, and her eyes-her eyes were tinged red and black. There was not a trace of emotion across her features.

It was as if the girl had just crawled out of the depths of hell.

The young girl had been staring at the two young uniformed women in front of her. Her gaze felt like broken ice as if channeling the hate they had from within her.

It was as if the girl was being punished.

Next to the photo, three lines had popped up.

She had beaten someone so bad that it had paralyzed her victim. This was her punishment.

Name: Yao Tang.

Age: 5 years old.

Within seconds, another photo flashed across the screen. It was a picture of Yao Tang and her medical records, with another picture of her fighting against another student. She had been six years old then.

A Children’s Association Psychologist had come to visit her home, to explain the situation, but the old professional was only met with her wicked smile. There was no remorse painted across her features – as if she was absorbing every inch of their fear..