As soon as Byron Yang finished speaking, many students in the class began whispering and discussing, the heavy pre-exam atmosphere palpable.
Many students secretly glanced at Evan Lin sitting in the back row. Lately, Evan had become so prominent that he was now the undisputed number one figure at Capitalview First High.
Even top fighters like Mason He, the former head of the Sanda Club, and Liam Liu, the Class 1 sports commissar, were no match for Evan.
Later, on the soccer field, Evan had knocked Ethan Yi to the ground and scored a long-range goal that went straight in—those feats alone made him famous throughout the school.
But school is still school. No matter how sensational Evan’s exploits were, in the end, it was grades that determined his true worth.
If Evan, who everyone had pinned their hopes on, ended up scoring just average in the exams, he’d instantly fall from his pedestal.
Meanwhile, in Grade 12 Class 2.
Lynn Chen was buried in her textbook, reviewing seriously. On the podium, math teacher Henry Wang was encouraging the students. Just then, Principal Damon Deng personally escorted a boy to the classroom door.
The boy had a sunny look, wore a hip-hop cap and a black hoodie, slung a limited-edition Nike shoulder bag over one arm, and sported a pair of bright red sneakers.
The moment he appeared at the classroom door, nearly every girl in Class 2 couldn’t help but look up at him.
"He’s so handsome," one of the girls sighed.
"Why does he look so familiar? I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before," another girl frowned at the boy outside the classroom, then her face suddenly changed as if she remembered something.
"I remember now! Isn’t that Eric Yu, the new rising star?"
Unable to hold back, the girl suddenly shouted out loud.
The moment her voice rang out, the whole Class 2 instantly erupted in excitement.
Lynn Chen, who had been focused on her book, finally looked up in confusion and glanced toward the classroom door.
"Who’s Eric Yu?"
Lynn Chen asked instinctively.
A girl sitting in front of her turned around, her face full of excitement. "He played Detective Summer Mingwei in 'Mysterious Detective,' the movie that came out last month!"
"'Mysterious Detective' was Huahai Pictures’ box office dark horse this year. He acted alongside the popular actress Zixuan Tong. In just three months, the movie made one billion at the box office!"
"He might win Best Newcomer this year!"
"I saw in the news that he was going back to school to prep for the college entrance exam, and after graduation he’d apply to the film academy. I never thought he’d end up at our school!"
The girls were all chattering away, full of excitement and joy.
He was a real, bona fide celebrity! And it was obvious that Eric Yu’s acting career would only get smoother from here—after all, he’d starred opposite Zixuan Tong, the top trending actress!
"Oh my god, he’s even more handsome in person! I have to snap a photo for my cousin—she’ll be so jealous!"
"His autograph! If he really joins our class, all the hard work this year will be totally worth it!"
All the girls nearby had stars in their eyes, gazing eagerly toward the classroom door.
Lynn Chen hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit curious herself. But remembering how she’d been outclassed by Evan Lin in math recently, she quickly refocused, burying herself in her book and determined to do well in the upcoming exam.
Outside the classroom, Principal Damon Deng turned to Henry Wang and said, "Mr. Wang, let me introduce you. This is Eric Yu. His father is Quentin Yu, president of the Capitalview Chamber of Commerce—and an old friend of mine."
"Of course, of course—Eric, right? I’ve seen your movies. My family loves them," Henry Wang said with a big smile, glancing at Eric Yu with clear satisfaction.
"Hello, Mr. Wang," Eric Yu greeted. Henry Wang’s smile grew even wider.
Being the teacher of a celebrity—just imagine how much bragging rights that gives you at dinners and parties.
In teaching, it’s all about having successful students. If you’ve taught a famous person, you’re instantly more respected everywhere you go.
"Here’s the deal—Eric is taking the college entrance exam this year. I’ve decided to place him in your class, so please keep a special eye on him. His goal is the film academy, and he’s already a top student. Since he’s here, let’s start class right away."
Principal Damon Deng spoke quickly, making the decision on the spot.
Henry Wang nodded, "Of course, thank you for your trust, Principal. I promise Eric will have a great senior year and get excellent results in the entrance exam!"
"With your guarantee, I’m reassured. When you arrange his seat, put him next to one of the best students."
After a few more words, Principal Damon Deng left, humming a tune with his hands behind his back.
Henry Wang led Eric Yu into the classroom.
Inside, the girls all had stars in their eyes and couldn’t help giggling among themselves.
"Everyone, quiet down! We have a new student joining our class today. Let’s have him introduce himself—after all, we’ll be classmates from now on." Henry Wang coughed lightly, then smiled at Eric Yu. "Eric, why don’t you come up and introduce yourself?"
Eric Yu nodded and stepped up to the podium, smiling.
That smile instantly charmed the whole class.
He was used to this kind of attention. He began, "Hi everyone, I’m Eric Yu. I used to act in movies, and I love singing and dancing. My dream is to become an actor everyone likes."
"I hope in the coming year, we can all become friends!"
With a smile in his eyes, Eric Yu’s words sent a wave of excitement through the class—the students were visibly thrilled.
Henry Wang didn’t try to stop the commotion; if anything, he looked rather proud.
After all, the principal had said Eric’s father, Quentin Yu, was the president of the Capitalview Chamber of Commerce, and Eric himself was a celebrity. Placing him in Henry Wang’s class was a clear sign of trust.
Eric Yu glanced around, unsurprised by the girls’ reactions. Then his gaze shifted and landed on a girl who was still buried in her book and exercises. At first glance, she had a fresh, lively vibe.
"Alright, Eric, you can pick your own seat," Henry Wang announced.
Eric Yu stepped down from the podium and walked straight to the seat beside Lynn Chen.
Lynn Chen’s seatmate was absent today, leaving the spot conveniently empty.
Everyone saw this and couldn’t help but murmur in surprise.