Feng Yan walked through the school gates, her mind focused and clear. The morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a golden glow over the well-manicured campus. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of purpose—a feeling that she was taking the first real steps toward reclaiming her life.
As she made her way toward the school office, her thoughts lingered on the events of the previous night. The diviner's cryptic words about her rebirth and ancient bloodline still echoed in her mind. Though she had brushed them off at the time, there was an unsettling truth to his words that gnawed at her. But Feng Yan was determined not to let it distract her. She had bigger priorities now, starting with securing her place in the school dormitory.
The office was quiet, with a few students milling about, finishing up paperwork. Feng Yan approached the desk where a middle-aged woman with glasses sat, flipping through files. She didn't look up as Feng Yan spoke.
"I'd like to apply for a dormitory room," Feng Yan said, her voice calm and collected.
The woman finally glanced up and handed her a form. "Fill this out, submit the necessary fees, and you'll be assigned a room," she said monotonously.
The process was swift. Feng Yan paid the required fees and completed the paperwork without any issues. The clerk smiled politely as she handed Feng Yan a confirmation slip.
"You'll be allotted a two-person room, which is the highest grade available," the clerk explained. "It will be shared with another student. You can move in tomorrow."
Sharing a room with just one other person would provide her with more space and privacy than the other dormitory options, but the thought of living with a stranger didn't particularly bother her. It was a small price to pay for her independence.
After confirming the details, Feng Yan thanked the staff and walked out of the office, feeling as if a small weight had lifted off her shoulders. This dormitory arrangement marked another step in her plan to reclaim her life. She would have a space of her own—one where she could focus on her studies and herself without the constant shadow of the Feng family looming over her.
She left the office with her dormitory situation settled and walked back toward her classroom. As she entered, she noticed that the atmosphere in the room was tense but charged with excitement. Her classmates were sitting upright, their attention focused on the homeroom teacher, who stood at the front of the room holding a stack of papers. Feng Yan quietly slipped into her seat, her presence barely noticed in the bustling classroom.
The teacher, a strict but fair woman named Ms. Zhao, glanced around the room, ensuring she had everyone's attention before she spoke. "I have the test schedules for the upcoming exams," she began, her voice firm but not unkind. "These exams will determine your eligibility to participate in the school's entrance test for the national academic competition."
A murmur ran through the classroom as Ms. Zhao continued. "The top scorers will have the opportunity to compete for a recommendation letter from First Capital University. As you know, this is a highly prestigious opportunity. First Capital University is one of the top universities in the country. If you receive their recommendation, it could open many doors for you."
The excitement in the room was palpable now. First Capital University was renowned for its academic excellence, and the recommendation letter was a golden ticket to success. Feng Yan listened intently, though she remained outwardly calm. The idea of competing for such an opportunity intrigued her. In her previous life, she hadn't cared about such things—her focus had been on pleasing Feng Yue and keeping her family content. But now, everything was different.
Feng Yan knew she had the talent to excel academically. In her past life, she had deliberately held herself back to avoid outshining Feng Yue. But now that she was free from the toxic hold of the Feng family, she had no reason to hide her abilities. This was her chance to show the world what she was truly capable of.
Ms. Zhao handed out the test schedules to each student, her expression serious. "These exams will not be easy, and only the top performers will be selected for the entrance test. I expect each of you to put in your best effort."
Feng Yan took her schedule and glanced over it. The exams would cover a range of subjects, from mathematics to science to literature. None of the topics intimidated her. In fact, she felt a sense of anticipation building within her. She hadn't felt this motivated in years—not since the early days after her adoption, when she had still believed that academic success could earn her the love of her adoptive parents.
But this time, her motivation wasn't driven by a need for approval. It was for herself. Feng Yan wanted to prove that she could succeed, not just to others, but to herself. She was no longer the weak, timid girl who had been manipulated by those around her. She had been given a second chance, and she intended to make the most of it.
As Ms. Zhao finished speaking and left the room, the classroom erupted into chatter. Some students were already discussing their study plans, while others looked anxious about the upcoming tests. Feng Yan sat quietly, deep in thought. Her classmates barely noticed her, which was fine by her. She wasn't looking for attention—she was focused on her goal.
Glancing out of the window, Feng Yan allowed herself a brief moment of reflection. The world outside was moving, bustling, and filled with opportunities. For years, she had watched life pass by, content to stay in the shadows. But now, she was ready to step into the light.
The tests were just the beginning. Feng Yan knew she had much to do if she wanted to reclaim her future, but she was determined. Her rebirth had given her a fresh start, and she would not squander it.
She straightened in her seat, her resolve firm. The competition for First Capital University's recommendation was fierce, but Feng Yan was prepared for the challenge. This was her chance to rise—to show that she was not the weak, forgotten girl she had once been, but a star reborn, destined for greatness.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Feng Yan silently made a vow to herself. She would give everything she had to this opportunity, and she would not let her past hold her back. This time, she would rise to the top, not for anyone else, but for herself. And nothing—not the ghosts of her past, nor the enemies who awaited her in the future—would stop her.
The path ahead was uncertain, filled with challenges she could not yet foresee. But Feng Yan was no longer afraid. She had faced death and been reborn. Now, it was time to claim the life she had always deserved.