The parent-teacher conference officially began.

As per tradition, the Principal first delivered a speech, followed by the academic director discussing the results of the monthly exams. Next, the outstanding student representatives took the stage to speak. For the liberal arts class, it was once again Rong Ruoyao.

She wore her school uniform, her slightly wavy hair tied back, with bangs framing her large eyes. The school belle lived up to her reputation—even dressed like everyone else, she stood out effortlessly. As soon as she stepped onto the stage, many boys erupted in cheers and applause.

"Yao Yao is so beautiful."

"She’s not just relying on her looks anymore; it’s all about talent."

"Top grades, thriving in the entertainment industry, and that sweet voice—who is she trying to mesmerize?"

Rong Ruoyao’s saccharine voice rang out: "Good afternoon, teachers and classmates… Today, I’d like to share with you the power of dreams. Since childhood, I’ve loved reading, singing, and dancing…"

Shen Lin sat in the audience, swelling with pride as she watched the daughter she had meticulously raised.

A child is a parent’s second face, and this daughter had brought her nothing but honor, earning her respect wherever she went.

Rong Wangtian felt the same way.

The outstanding student standing on stage, representing the entire school, was his biological daughter. Having such a child filled him with pride.

As Rong Ruoyao’s speech concluded, thunderous applause erupted in the room.

Basking in the admiring gazes of the crowd, she descended the stage, her heart brimming with joy.

She imagined how much greater this euphoria would be if she became a top actress—standing before hundreds of thousands under the spotlight, walking the red carpet.

After returning to her seat, the Principal picked up the microphone and announced, "Next, let’s give a warm round of applause to welcome the outstanding student representative from the science class of Grade 12—Rong Yu from Class 20!"

The entire Class 20 erupted in fervent applause, chanting Rong Yu’s name.

Other classes offered only scattered clapping, especially the elite Class 1 students, who hung their heads in shame. Not having the top student from their class felt like a slap in the face.

Song Huai’s lips pressed into a tight line.

Teacher Yang’s expression was even worse, as if she wished she could hide among the students to avoid embarrassment.

Shen Lin lowered her gaze.

She already knew that her stepdaughter had topped not just the school but the entire city in the monthly exams.

It was hard to believe, yet it had happened.

She had no choice but to accept this reality.

She exhaled slowly to maintain her calm composure…

But Madam Song was far from composed.

Ever since her son Song Huai started kindergarten, he had been the one to represent outstanding students at such events—year after year, without fail.

She loved watching her son shine on stage.

Yet this time, the science class representative wasn’t Song Huai?

How could this be?

"Principal!" Madam Song impulsively stood up.

Song Huai’s scalp prickled with dread.

He quickly grabbed her arm. "What are you doing?"

Madam Song shook him off and declared loudly, "Principal, surely there’s been a mistake? My son Song Huai won gold medals in both the Mathematics and Physics Olympiads and was pre-admitted to Tsinghua University. He should be the one representing the students."

Her words were like a stone thrown into still water. Several parents who were friendly with her immediately chimed in.

"Exactly, shouldn’t a pre-admitted student be the representative?"

"She only got first place by sheer luck this time. Song Huai’s results are more consistent—he’s clearly the better choice."

"Absolutely."

Ji Zhouye nearly laughed in anger and stood up, ready to retort.

But Rong Yu pressed a hand on his head to stop him. "Still as impulsive as ever, aren’t you?"

Ji Jingchuan added, "Zhouye, I know you’re upset, but hold on."

The students buzzed with chatter.

Seeing most people voicing doubts, Madam Song smirked and prepared to speak again—until Song Huai cut in coldly, "Mom, stop making a scene. Do you want me to become a laughingstock?"

Madam Song faltered.

She was doing this for him!

But she had to admit, causing a scene would only humiliate them further.

With a strained smile, she said, "My son Song Huai has spoken at these events every month—he’s grown tired of it. Let Rong Yu have this opportunity."

The Principal’s expression darkened. He raised a hand for silence, then picked up a gilded envelope from the podium.

"Madam Song is mistaken. This opportunity was never Song Huai’s to give up." He opened the envelope and pulled out a document. "Parents, you may not be aware, but Rong Yu has been awarded the Special Contribution Award by the Fourth Aerospace Institute for her exceptional work. Moreover, the director personally recommended her for early admission to Tsinghua—not based on competition results, which is why her acceptance was delayed."

The entire room was stunned.

They knew about the Olympiads, but what was this Special Contribution Award? Could it possibly hold more weight than gold medals?

"I remember this girl was on a TV show. The news reported she entered the aerospace institute."

"Wasn’t that just for show? She actually earned an award?"

"If the Principal says so, it must be true. Her first place wasn’t luck—it was skill!"

Madam Song shot to her feet. "Special Contribution Award? What did she even do for aerospace?"

"That’s classified information," the Principal replied. "Rong Yu, please come up."

Under the gaze of the entire room, Rong Yu stood and walked toward the stage.

She wore the simplest school uniform, her black hair tied into a sleek high ponytail with no embellishments. Yet her long neck and frosty elegance made her stand out.

When she reached the podium, the room fell silent.

Class ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‍20 students instinctively straightened their backs, their eyes burning with admiration. They had seen her frown in thought, explain problems with ease, and shine on stage—now, they watched with pride, some even clenching their fists, hoping to one day be as remarkable as her.

Ji Zhouye shouted, "Rong Yu!"

He led the applause.

Then, the entire room erupted in cheers—a stark contrast to the earlier half-hearted clapping.

Madam Song nearly fainted from sheer frustration.

Song Huai watched Rong Yu, emotions churning inside him, but he forced himself to stay composed.

"She’s incredible, isn’t she?" Zhang Haoyu murmured beside him. "I feel lucky to be attending Tsinghua with her."

Song Huai remained silent.

Lucky?

He wasn’t so sure.