The morning sun bathed the school in a soft, golden light as Feng Yan and Ning Jue arrived at the gates. Feng Yan's heart pounded slightly as she stepped onto the familiar grounds, but she quickly quelled the nerves. *This is not like last time,* she reminded herself. *This time, I'm in control.*
As they walked through the corridors, Ning Jue chatted easily, oblivious to the growing attention that Feng Yan was attracting. It wasn't long before the students began to notice her, their usual disdainful looks giving way to surprise and curiosity. Feng Yan had always been seen as the poor, adopted daughter of the Feng family—the one who wore hand-me-downs and kept her head low, hiding her beauty behind old clothes and glasses.
But today, everything was different.
Feng Yan had discarded the worn-out clothes that once belonged to Feng Yue. Instead, she wore a simple yet elegant outfit that accentuated her tall, slender figure. Her hair, usually left loose to cover her face, was now pulled back into a sleek ponytail, revealing her delicate features. She had also removed her glasses, allowing her bright, almond-shaped eyes to shine with a new intensity.
The transformation was stunning. Her fair skin was radiant, her cheeks and lips naturally rosy, and her sharp facial features were highlighted by the newfound confidence that radiated from her. The once timid girl had become an exquisite beauty, drawing the attention of everyone around her. Even the boys who had never given her a second glance were now staring in awe, while the girls felt a mix of envy and admiration.
Feng Yan noticed the looks but didn't let them faze her. Instead, she carried herself with a cold, casual confidence, her lips curled into a slight, enigmatic smile. She walked into the classroom with her head held high, ignoring the whispers and gasps that followed her.
As she sat down at her desk, she felt the eyes of her classmates boring into her. In her previous life, she would have cowered under their scrutiny, but now, she welcomed it. *Let them look,* she thought. *I'm not the same Feng Yan they used to mock.*
However, not everyone was content to just stare. Bai Shuang, Feng Yue's best friend and loyal lackey, noticed the change in Feng Yan and decided she wouldn't let this go without a confrontation. Bai Shuang was used to being the center of attention, second only to Feng Yue, and she wasn't about to let someone like Feng Yan steal the spotlight.
With a sneer on her face, Bai Shuang strutted over to Feng Yan's desk, her tone dripping with disdain. "Well, well, look who decided to show her face at school. I didn't think you had the nerve to come back, especially after your pathetic results. If it weren't for Feng Yue's pity, you wouldn't even have the right to set foot in this school!"
Bai Shuang's voice was loud, drawing the attention of the entire class. Her intention was clear—she wanted to humiliate Feng Yan in front of everyone, just as she had done countless times before.
But this time, Feng Yan didn't lower her head or try to avoid the confrontation. Instead, she slowly lifted her eyes to meet Bai Shuang's, her gaze icy and unyielding. The coldness in Feng Yan's eyes sent a shiver down Bai Shuang's spine, and for a moment, she faltered, unsure of herself.
"Is that so?" Feng Yan's voice was calm, almost indifferent, but there was an underlying sharpness that made everyone in the room pause. "It seems you're mistaken, Bai Shuang. I don't need anyone's pity, least of all Feng Yue's. As for being in this school, I have every right to be here—more right than you might think."
Bai Shuang blinked, momentarily thrown off by Feng Yan's words. She wasn't used to this version of Feng Yan—the one who didn't cower, who didn't meekly accept the insults thrown her way. Desperately trying to regain control of the situation, she puffed up her chest and leaned in closer.
"Don't think you can talk back to me just because you dressed up a little," Bai Shuang sneered. "You're still the same worthless girl who leeches off the Feng family. Don't forget your place."
Feng Yan's eyes narrowed, the cold smile never leaving her face. She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms casually as she responded, "The only person who seems to have forgotten their place is you, Bai Shuang. You're not as important as you think. And if you continue to bark like this, you might find yourself regretting it."
The venom in her words was subtle, but it was enough to send a wave of unease through the room. Bai Shuang's face flushed with anger and embarrassment, but she found herself at a loss for words. Feng Yan's calm, cutting demeanor was unlike anything she had ever encountered from the girl she once thought she could easily bully.
Before Bai Shuang could muster a retort, Feng Yan turned her attention away from her, as if dismissing her as an insignificant nuisance. The message was clear—Bai Shuang was no longer worth her time.
Bai Shuang stood there, speechless, her fists clenched at her sides. The entire class watched in stunned silence, unsure of what had just happened. Feng Yan, the girl they had once dismissed as nothing, had just put Bai Shuang in her place with a few simple words.
For the first time, Feng Yan felt the power of standing up for herself, and it felt liberating. She was no longer the weak, timid girl who allowed others to walk all over her. She was strong, determined, and ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
And she knew that this was only the beginning.