"This..."
Ross frowned, his expression conflicted before sighing and releasing his grip.
"If Evan insists on trying, let him try," he said, his tone resigned.
"You're quite impressive, Evan," Principal Charles Zane remarked with a faint smile, his eyes gleaming with admiration. It had been a while since he'd encountered such an intriguing young man.
"I genuinely hope you pass the test. Good luck!" Zane added, signaling to a middle-aged man nearby. The man placed a stack of test papers on the desk in front of Evan before quietly leaving the room.
Situations like this were nothing new. Zenith Academy, as one of the top-ranked schools in the country, attracted countless students eager to study there.
But gaining admission? That was no easy feat. It required two things: exceptional grades and formal enrollment through the usual channels.
Transferring mid-year?
Impossible.
The standards were notoriously strict—no one had ever succeeded. Not a single student.
Zane glanced at the clock. "It's 9 a.m. now. You have three hours to complete these four test papers. If your total score exceeds 730 points, you're in."
Evan gave a slight nod, removed his backpack, and pulled out a gel pen. Without hesitation, he began working on the papers.
Zane didn't linger. He rose from his seat and left the office. Ross hesitated, casting a glance back at Evan, concern etched on his face. After a brief moment, he followed Zane out.
Once alone, Evan focused on the test papers in front of him, a confident smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.
"730 points?" he murmured. "Not too hard…"
Picking up the math test from the top of the stack, he quickly scanned the questions. Almost instantly, the relevant concepts and solutions sprang to mind, as if he were accessing a cheat code.
Which, in a way, he was.
"That system… it's incredible," he thought.
For the past five days, Evan had immersed himself in relentless study. By the time he arrived at Zenith that morning, he had leveled up his knowledge to tier three.
Zenith Academy? He was determined to conquer it.
Time passed. An hour later, Zane and Ross returned to the office. Whatever conversation they'd had during their absence, Ross now seemed uneasy, his face a mask of defeat.
Seeing Evan still absorbed in his work, Zane gestured for Ross to remain quiet and motioned toward the sofa. The two sat down and waited.
"Phew..."
Evan finally set down his pen and exhaled softly. A quick glance at the clock showed it was 10:43 a.m.
He calmly organized the test papers, stood up, and addressed Zane. "Principal, I've finished."
Zane's brows furrowed in surprise. "Finished already?"
The disbelief on his face was obvious. Four rigorous test papers completed in less than two hours? Impossible.
Unless… had the boy given up halfway?
With that thought, Zane gently reminded, "Evan, you still have over an hour left. Are you sure you don't want to double-check your work?"
"There's no need," Evan replied, his voice steady, his youthful face free of arrogance or false humility. "I don't doubt myself."
"Very well," Zane said, his eyes gleaming with intrigue as he approached the desk to grade the papers.
Meanwhile, Ross grew restless. He walked over to Evan, placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, and whispered anxiously, "Evan, there's still time. Why rush to submit?"
Evan returned his pen to its case, his voice calm yet firm. "Uncle Ross, if Mom ever misses me, please bring her to Imperial City to visit."
Ross blinked, bewildered. "What… what are you talking about?"
It didn't take long for him to understand.
Zane lowered the test papers, his expression a mix of shock and awe. The results had left him shaken.
"A genius," he thought, his heart racing.
Clearing his throat, Zane turned to Ross, who was sweating nervously. "Mr. Ross, Evan has passed. I'll arrange for his enrollment immediately."
Ross froze, unable to process the sudden turn of events. Had he heard that correctly? Evan had passed?
By 1:50 p.m., just before afternoon classes began, the science-focused Class 2 of Grade 12 was immersed in their English listening exercises. Their homeroom teacher, Ms. Tina Young, who also taught English, was scheduled to lead the first session of the day.
When the bell rang, Tina entered the classroom as usual—except this time, she wasn't alone.
Trailing behind her was a boy with strikingly clear features. His sharp, yet calm gaze exuded an air of maturity beyond his years. Standing at around six feet tall, his slightly tousled black hair added a touch of effortless charm.
It was Evan.
As he stepped into the room, Evan couldn't help but feel a slight nervousness. His eyes quickly scanned the classroom, searching for a familiar face etched deeply in his memories.
Then, in the third row by the window, partially obscured by a small mountain of books, he spotted her. A petite figure with her head bent over her desk, focused on her work.
Nia Xi.
Evan's heart skipped a beat, his thoughts racing. I've found you.
Memories of their previous life together surged through him. His emotions—nervousness, excitement, longing—blended into an overwhelming tide.
This lifetime, it will only ever be her.
Tina clapped her hands to get the class's attention. "Everyone, settle down. We have a new student joining us today. Let's give him a warm welcome."
Scattered applause filled the room, accompanied by curious murmurs.
"A transfer student? At Zenith? How's that even possible?"
"Who knows, but look at him—he's so handsome!"
Excited whispers broke out among the students, particularly from the girls.
"Wow, a real-life prince charming!" Romy exclaimed, nudging her deskmate. "Nia, look! Isn't he dreamy?"
"Focus, Romy," Nia replied softly without lifting her head. Her tone was gentle yet resolute, her delicate features framed by stray locks of dark hair. Her large, luminous eyes were fixed intently on her workbook.
Romy pouted dramatically. "You're no fun. All you ever do is study. You'll end up boring yourself to death."
Nia chuckled, dimples forming on her cheeks. "Progress requires diligence. Slacking isn't an option."
Rolling her eyes, Romy turned her attention back to Evan. "Suit yourself. I'll enjoy the view for both of us."
Meanwhile, Evan introduced himself. "Hello, everyone. I'm Evan Leaf. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
His voice, deep and magnetic, sent a ripple of excitement through the room.
"He's perfect!" Romy whispered, swooning.
"Evan," Tina said, smiling, "there are several empty seats in the classroom. Feel free to choose one."
"Thank you, Ms. Young," Evan replied politely before heading toward the left side of the classroom.
As he approached Nia's desk, Romy leaned closer to her friend, practically vibrating with excitement. "He's coming this way! Look, look!"
Nia sighed. "Alright, alright, I'll look."
She glanced up just as Evan's gaze locked onto hers.
Time seemed to freeze.
Though Nia quickly looked away, a faint blush tinted her cheeks.
Evan's heart swelled. I've finally found you, my little dreamer.