On the school field, up on the rostrum, Director Victor Zhao and Principal Damon Deng were still locked in a standoff.
"Principal Deng, give me an explanation! A student like this is simply a disgrace to Capitalview First High!"
"It’s true he didn’t do anything openly, but he must have threatened Eric Yu in private. Otherwise, how could Eric be so terrified of him?"
"I strongly recommend that all of his classes be suspended immediately!"
Director Zhao’s voice was thick with anger.
"Director Zhao, are you sure you’re not mistaken? This student has helped the police crack a case before—there’s no way he’d threaten anyone like that!"
Stella Huang grew anxious and quickly spoke up.
Deputy Director Sun also rushed to his feet, turning to Stella: "Reporter Huang, this student’s issues are an internal school matter. Please don’t record this or get involved!"
"What exactly is wrong with him? Can you tell me?"
Just as Deputy Director Sun finished speaking, a cold voice suddenly sounded nearby.
"Tell you? Who do you think you are! This student doesn’t even listen to the director! You—"
He heard the voice and instinctively grew angry, but as he turned his head, he caught sight of two people standing beside the rostrum.
A middle-aged man and an elderly gentleman.
The middle-aged man was wearing a military uniform, but there were no insignia or badges—just a plain outfit.
The old man looked vigorous and sharp; even at a glance, he gave off a stern, commanding presence.
None of the officials even knew when they’d arrived.
The one who spoke was the old man.
Deputy Director Sun felt that the old man and the officer looked familiar, but for the moment, he couldn’t recall their names or identities.
Before Deputy Director Sun could come up with a response, he suddenly saw Director Zhao, standing beside Principal Deng, jerk violently, his face changing dramatically. Zhao rushed out from behind the rostrum so fast he knocked over a chair and nearly tripped.
Even so, despite the embarrassment, he didn’t hesitate for a second. He sprinted up to the old man, face flushed with excitement: "Old Man Su! What brings you here?"
He reached out, intending to help Victor Su up onto the rostrum.
The sudden scene left all the students stunned—most were baffled, but those familiar with Jinnan’s power structure grew visibly excited, their eyes locked onto the elderly man climbing the rostrum.
When Deputy Director Sun heard the name Su, he finally remembered—his legs went weak and he nearly collapsed.
"I’m here to listen to a speech."
Victor Su spoke mildly, moving his arm to gently push away Director Zhao’s supporting hand.
"Listen to a speech... this..."
Director Zhao’s throat was dry. "Or would you rather wait a moment? I’ll have this troublemaking student thrown out right now, and arrange your speech immediately!"
A jolt ran through him as he realized, and he quickly turned his head.
Seeing the guests, Principal Deng had already stood up. Compared to his earlier argument with Director Zhao, he now looked much more anxious: "Old Man Su, why didn’t you let us know you were coming? I would have arranged a proper welcome."
Principal Deng stepped forward, ready to greet Victor Su onto the rostrum.
But this time, Victor Su shook his head, circled around Principal Deng, and—under countless focused gazes—walked straight up to Evan Lin and stopped.
A breeze began to stir.
Victor Su’s face, previously cold, softened the moment he looked at Evan Lin, turning gentle and kind as if spring had arrived.
"Classmate Lin... would you mind saying a few words now?"
Victor Su spoke slowly, smiling: "I’ve heard you were personally recommended to Clearwater University’s Department of Mathematics by Professor Gordon Gu, so I’d very much like to hear what you have to say. May I have the honor?"
Boom!
As soon as Victor Su spoke, even the students who didn’t know his exact identity could tell from Director Zhao and Principal Deng’s nervous, deferential attitude that this old man was someone truly important.
And he was actually speaking to Evan Lin in a near-requesting tone!
On top of that—
He was personally recommended to Clearwater University’s Department of Mathematics by Professor Gordon Gu!
That statement was earth-shattering, instantly setting off a wave of astonished exclamations.
Even the students who’d had doubts about Evan Lin now stared wide-eyed in disbelief.
At that moment, Lynn Chen’s heart was pounding as she gazed at Evan Lin on the rostrum, her eyes shining.
Although Lynn Chen already knew Evan might be recommended to Clearwater, that had depended on his Hundred-School Joint Exam results. Now that Elder Su had said it publicly, it was final!
Ivy Liang’s expression grew complicated, her gaze especially conflicted.
Stella Huang was stunned for a moment, then broke into a genuine smile, truly happy for Evan Lin.
Standing in front of Evan Lin, Wendy Wen’s eyes were red as she shook her head—she’d known about this for a while, so it didn’t surprise her much.
"He... he’s being recommended to Clearwater?"
Director Zhao’s face stiffened, his mind still blank.
"Not only is he being recommended to Clearwater, he did it with first place in the Hundred-School Joint Exam—top of the entire field."
Principal Deng spoke quietly, full of emotion: "Chinese, 137; English, 148; Math, a perfect 150; Science, a perfect 300."
"Total possible: 750. His score: 735."
"That’s an unprecedented record!"
Number one out of all the schools!
A total score of 735!
Like a stone dropped in a lake, the shockwaves rippled through the crowd—the students, already buzzing, completely exploded.
"God! Is he a study god or what!" someone shouted.
"Damn! Even if I cheated and looked up the answers, I couldn’t get a score like that!"
"Holy crap, bow down! Isn’t this the first time he’s ever finished all the exams? And he gets first place? Is he even human?"
Even the self-proclaimed study gods at Capitalview First High felt an urge to worship; they stared dumbly at the boy standing on the rostrum, a strange excitement surging inside them.
"Seven hundred... thirty-five..."
Director Zhao swallowed hard.
The Hundred-School Joint Exam results didn’t go through the Education Bureau, but as director, Zhao should have checked them. He’d planned to ask after the assembly, but now the news had exploded in his face.
He turned to look at Evan Lin, whose expression had remained calm and silent throughout—and suddenly realized something.
Evan Lin hadn’t kept quiet out of fear or uncertainty—he simply hadn’t cared about Director Zhao at all!
Someone who could make Victor Su personally bring Colonel Su to stand by his side...
Just thinking about it made Director Zhao want to slap himself.
"Director Zhao."
Standing beside Victor Su, Colonel Su spoke coldly.
"Y-yes, I’m here, I’m here!"
Director Zhao broke out in a cold sweat as he looked at Colonel Su, deeply anxious.
After all, word was he was about to be promoted to general!
"There’s nothing more for you to do here. You and the deputy director can either go home now, or do I have to make a call and have someone escort you out?"