Feng Yan, along with the other students, arrived at the principal's office. The air was thick with tension as Feng Yue immediately launched into her accusations, claiming that Feng Yan had cheated on the exam. Her voice was loud and full of indignation, as if she had already won her case. The other students, especially Feng Yue's friends, stood behind her, nodding in agreement, while the principal listened quietly.
The principal turned to the homeroom teacher, his eyes asking for clarification. The teacher, though clearly uncomfortable with the situation, responded truthfully, "Sir, I was the one invigilating the exams. I didn't notice Feng Yan engaging in any underhanded methods. She finished early, but I had no reason to believe she cheated. However, it is true that Feng Yan has always been among the bottom three in previous exams."
The principal nodded thoughtfully, shifting his attention to Feng Yan. He was intrigued. Despite the accusations being flung at her, Feng Yan's expression remained calm, almost detached. If it had been any other student, they might have been flustered, defensive, or even in tears by now. But Feng Yan sat quietly, her face betraying no emotion. There was no guilt in her demeanor, no nervousness—only an icy calmness, as if none of this affected her.
Her beauty, combined with the serenity of her cold demeanor, created an aura of command and confidence. She didn't seem like a regular student facing an accusation; she seemed like someone who had weathered far greater storms in life.
The principal, a man of the world who had seen many students come and go, was not quick to judge. He had dealt with all sorts of personalities in his career and could tell when someone was putting on a show. But Feng Yan didn't seem like someone who needed to. Her calm temperament and the depth in her eyes hinted at someone who had experienced more than what her peers could imagine.
He smiled slightly, folding his hands on the desk. "Feng Yan, what do you have to say about this complaint?"
Feng Yan looked at the principal and, sensing his fairness, decided to speak plainly. "Principal, I understand the concern. I have always been in the bottom three, but this time I studied hard because I have a goal. I want to participate in the competition, and I need a recommendation letter for university. I've been separated from my family, and I need to prove myself. If you still have doubts or wish to clear my name, I am ready for any further steps you deem necessary."
Her words were calm, but there was an underlying firmness that commanded respect. The principal observed her closely. Her lack of defensiveness and her willingness to cooperate showed confidence in her abilities. She didn't lash out or complain, and he respected that.
He also couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity at her situation. Being separated from one's family was no small burden for someone so young, and it seemed like she was taking control of her fate with determination.
"Very well," the principal said, leaning back in his chair. "Would you be willing to take a retest right now to clear your name?"
Feng Yan nodded without hesitation. "I'm ready."
Her immediate acceptance surprised the students, especially Feng Yue, who was now starting to regret her impulsive accusation. The principal, impressed by Feng Yan's composed response, arranged for the retest to take place immediately. A few minutes later, they were in a separate room, with only the principal, the homeroom teacher, and a handful of other staff members present to invigilate the test.
Feng Yan was handed a fresh paper—just as challenging, if not more so, than the original exam. Without a word, she sat down and began to write.
The room was silent except for the soft sound of her pen moving across the paper. The principal watched her closely, noting how focused she was, how her eyes never wandered, and how quickly she worked, but with precision.
Thirty minutes passed, and Feng Yan stood up, having completed the test. She handed her paper to the principal and stepped back, her calm demeanor never wavering.
The principal scanned her answers, his brows rising with each correct solution he saw. By the time he finished reviewing the paper, he was thoroughly convinced. Feng Yan's performance was flawless.
He looked up and smiled. "There is no doubt. Feng Yan, you have proven yourself."
Feng Yue and her friends, who had been waiting anxiously outside, were called back into the office. The principal addressed them firmly, "Feng Yan has taken a retest under my supervision and passed with flying colors. There was no cheating involved. I hope this settles the matter."
Feng Yue's face paled, her earlier confidence completely shattered. She had no choice but to lower her head, her jealousy now a bitter taste in her mouth.
Feng Yan, however, said nothing. She simply nodded at the principal, thanked him, and walked out of the office. There was no triumph in her steps, no gloating. She had proven her worth, and that was all that mattered.
As she exited, the whispers behind her grew louder, but Feng Yan paid them no mind. She had her sights set on bigger things—the competition and her future. The rest were just distractions.