Celia had arrived.
That day, a long scar had been painted across her right cheek, so the moment she appeared, whispers broke out around her.
"Look at that scar on her face! It's so hideous.""Do you know her? Isn't she supposed to be a student from Tsinghua University?""Hey, step aside—you're blocking our view of the star student..."
Celia glanced at the crowd, speechless.
At that moment, Vice President Li approached."Young lady, what are you doing here?"
Her clear, bright eyes met his. "I'm here for Tsinghua University."
"Tsinghua University?" Vice President Li slapped his forehead in realization. "Ah, that's right! I almost forgot—we do have a transfer student joining us today." He turned and called out, "Teacher Peng Li, this new student will be assigned to your class."
Peng Li gave Celia a slow once-over, his expression filled with disdain."Vice President, I'm in charge of the Rocket Class here at Tsinghua. I already have top students like Yara Lu under my guidance. A transfer like her isn't qualified to join us. What if she lowers the class standard?"
At his words, Yara Lu and Ning Xiner stepped forward. Ning Xiner's eyes widened as she recognized the distinctive car parked outside."That's the Shen family's vehicle! So you're the Shen family's adopted daughter—no wonder. You really are that ugly freak!"
The room buzzed. Rumors about the Shen family's adopted daughter had been circulating in Beijing's elite circles for weeks, and everyone said she was disfigured. Seeing the scar across Celia's face, the gossip suddenly seemed confirmed.
"The Shen family's adopted daughter? Why would she be here at Tsinghua University?""Do you really need to ask? Of course it's because of Old Madam Shen. She must have pulled strings to force her into this school. Don't forget, the library right behind us was funded by the Shen family. Now it all makes sense."
Eyes filled with judgment turned toward Celia.
Yara Lu folded her arms and looked Celia up and down. So this was the famous adopted daughter of the Shen family? How... ordinary. She quickly turned to Peng Li."Homeroom Teacher, everyone in our Rocket Class earned their place through talent and hard work. Letting a transfer like her in isn't fair to us."
Yara was the campus belle of Tsinghua. Dozens admired her in secret, and within the Rocket Class she was treated like royalty—her words carried weight.
As soon as she spoke, the other students quickly followed."Vice President, Teacher Peng, we won't accept her! She doesn't belong here!"
Peng Li sneered, clearly pleased that the students supported him. "Vice President, do as you wish, but our class will not take this transfer student."
Just then, a calm yet authoritative voice cut through the tension."Cici, what are you doing here?"
Celia turned—and her face lit up. It was her third uncle, Su Mo.
Her third aunt, Jiang Meiling, was the daughter of the renowned Elder Jiang, and Su Mo himself was one of Tsinghua University's most respected academicians.
"Third Uncle," Celia greeted with a soft smile.
A collective gasp spread across the courtyard.The Shen family's adopted daughter just called Academician Su "Third Uncle"?Academician Su—who was also the university president's son-in-law?
Could this girl really be connected to such a powerful family?
Even Yara Lu and Ning Xiner froze, their earlier arrogance faltering as they realized this girl wasn't as simple as she looked.
"Third Uncle, I've come to Tsinghua University," Celia explained.
"You've transferred here?" Su Mo asked, surprised.
Before Celia could reply, Peng Li interjected quickly,"Academician Su, this transfer student is insisting on joining our Rocket Class, but our class cannot accept her."
Su Mo frowned, immediately stepping protectively in front of Celia."Cici, if Professor Peng doesn't want you, then forget it. I'll speak with Professor Li Guoxiang personally and have you placed in his class instead."
Celia fell silent, pressing her lips together.
She hadn't come here to enroll as a student. She had only come to attend classes.
But seeing her uncle's protective stance, she could only nod.
"Come, Cici," Su Mo said warmly. "I'll take you into Tsinghua myself."