"There's one more thing?"
Principal Damon Deng was momentarily taken aback by Autumn Zheng's words.
Capitalview First High and Pearl Academy had barely interacted before this. The fact that Autumn Zheng came in person this time had already surpassed Deng's expectations. Now, hearing what she said, Deng was even more at a loss.
"Yes. One reason I came to Capitalview First High is for the Hundred-School Joint Exam. The other reason is because of my mentor."
Autumn Zheng nodded, looking at Deng with a serious expression.
"Who's your mentor?"
Deng hesitated for a moment before asking.
"Professor Gordon Gu from the Department of Mathematics at Clearwater University."
When Autumn Zheng said the name, Deng needed a moment to process it.
"That's Professor Gu, the one who helped write the math exam this time!"
Deng's eyes lit up, a little excited.
Gordon Gu's name was well-known both in China and abroad, especially in math circles.
Gu had been famous for years. Even as the principal of Capitalview First High, Deng usually had no way to meet him.
"Yes, I did my undergrad in Clearwater University's math department. Professor Gu was my mentor." Autumn Zheng nodded. "Yesterday, he called me and said there's a student at Capitalview First High he wants to recommend for direct admission to Clearwater. But he wasn't sure if that student was actually taking the exam."
As soon as Autumn Zheng finished, Deng immediately understood.
There had indeed been rumors that Professor Gu had his eye on a student from Capitalview First High. Back then, Deng had even talked to Yang Bai, asking him to encourage Evan Lin to take the exam seriously and try for a good score to win the spot.
At first, Professor Gu had just casually named a few candidates, since Evan Lin had previously taken the Seacrest Math Olympiad test—which Gu himself had written.
But now, hearing Autumn Zheng bring it up again, Deng's heart skipped a beat. He realized Professor Gu really valued Evan Lin, and understood why Pearl Academy sent Autumn Zheng in person.
All of this was for Evan Lin.
"The student you're talking about must be Evan Lin."
Deng pondered for a moment, then continued, "As for whether he's actually taking the exam, I'm not completely sure right now."
"Hold on, let me check which exam room he's in."
As Deng spoke, he started flipping through the exam room assignment chart beside him.
Hearing Deng's words, Autumn Zheng grew even more curious about this Evan Lin.
A student personally named by Professor Gu might not be taking the exam normally?
For Evan Lin, the Hundred-School Joint Exam was basically a springboard. If he couldn't get a top ranking here, it would be hard for him to be recommended for direct admission to Clearwater University—even with Professor Gu's backing, it wouldn't be easy.
While Deng was searching for Evan Lin's name, someone knocked on the office door.
"Come in."
Deng called out.
Someone pushed the door open from outside.
"Principal Deng! I want to file a complaint!"
Jack Yuan barged in, face full of anger, his voice loud and clearly annoyed.
He stopped short as soon as he entered, finally noticing Autumn Zheng sitting inside. His expression changed slightly.
"Mr. Yuan, this is Capitalview First High. Please watch your tone!"
Autumn Zheng glanced at him, her tone noticeably cold.
"Uh... Autumn—no, Director Zheng, I didn't realize you were here." Jack Yuan swallowed nervously, startled by Autumn Zheng's look.
"Mr. Yuan, what's the matter? What do you want to complain about? Don't tell me one of our students was cheating?" Deng chuckled as he looked at Jack Yuan.
"Principal Deng, your students are completely out of line! One of them called me a dog in front of everyone during the exam! I'm a proctor, you know! And your Director Lu from Academic Affairs—he doesn't do his job at all. I just went to report this to him, and he didn't even bother with me!"
Jack Yuan was fuming, getting more confident as he spoke.
As long as he had reason on his side, he wasn't afraid.
"Oh? Director Lu won't handle it? Tell me, which student called you names." Deng already had a good idea who it was.
But his face quickly tightened, looking like he was ready to deal with the issue seriously.
"Exam Room 11, Senior Year Class 32, Evan Lin! This student is out of control! If he goes out into society, he'll be a menace! He should be banned from the exam right now and sent home to reflect!"
Jack Yuan was practically shaking with excitement.
"Evan Lin?" Autumn Zheng was taken aback by the name, her brows knitting together.
Deng also stopped flipping through the exam chart and sat back in his chair, smiling at Jack Yuan. "Mr. Yuan, I'd like to handle it now, but I might not be able to."
"What, Principal, are you trying to cover for him? Surely Capitalview First High wouldn't toss out all its discipline just for one student!"
Jack Yuan's face turned ugly at Deng's words, and he no longer cared that Autumn Zheng was present.
"Mr. Yuan, don't be hasty. For this student, you should ask Director Zheng's opinion." Deng shook his head, then looked at Autumn Zheng. "The Evan Lin Mr. Yuan is talking about is exactly the student you're looking for."
"How about this, Director Zheng—why don't you decide? Should we ban him from the exam? How to handle it, the decision is yours!"
Deng looked perfectly agreeable.
"Autumn!" Jack Yuan turned to Autumn Zheng, a look of hope on his face.
But Autumn Zheng merely glanced at him, her tone chilly. "Mr. Yuan, you should watch your words and actions while proctoring."
"As a teacher, you shouldn't be so petty. Students are students—they're not as rational as adults. I hope you drop this matter and go eat lunch. You still need to proctor this afternoon."
With just a few words, Autumn Zheng left Jack Yuan speechless and red-faced. In the end, he could only leave the principal's office, unwilling but defeated.
Autumn Zheng knew Jack Yuan well—back at Pearl Academy, he was always saying inappropriate things.
"Sorry for the trouble, Principal Deng." Autumn Zheng stood up and apologized. "Also, I'd like to personally proctor Exam Room 11 for the math test this afternoon. Would that be alright?"
"Of course, Director Zheng, feel free." Deng smiled, feeling especially pleased inside.