During homeroom,
the class teacher stood on the podium, scanning the room with a serious expression.
"This school mock exam is extremely important," he said.
"It will affect your recommendation for future studies."
He paused.
Then his tone shifted slightly.
"So I hope everyone attends in their best condition…"
His eyes landed on me.
Stayed there for two seconds.
Then moved away.
"If any students have… special circumstances,"
"such as poor health or excessive psychological pressure,"
"you may consider… not participating."
A wave of whispers spread through the classroom.
"Isn't he talking about Lin Han?"
"Obviously. Who else has been acting weird lately?"
My fists clenched.
My nails dug into my palms.
I forced myself to stay calm.
I had been targeted before.
But I didn't expect even a teacher to join in.
After class, a few guys walked over on purpose.
"So… you going to take the exam or what?"
"Don't drag down the whole class."
"Yeah, someone mentally unstable shouldn't be taking exams with normal people."
I gave them one cold look.
Didn't say a word.
And walked straight out of the classroom.
When I got home,
Ah Li was in the kitchen.
Hearing the door open, she peeked out.
"You're back early today."
I didn't answer.
I threw my bag on the table and sat down heavily.
"Lin Han?"
Her voice softened.
"What happened?"
"The teacher implied I shouldn't take the exam."
My voice was low.
Cold.
"He said I might 'affect the other students mentally.'"
Her brows tightened.
"That's discrimination."
"Fairness?"
I let out a bitter laugh.
"In this place, there's no such thing."
She looked at me seriously.
"So what are you going to do?"
I raised my head.
Met her eyes.
"I'm taking it."
"And I'm taking first place."
The next morning,
I knocked on the office door.
"Come in."
I stepped inside.
"Mr. Lin," I said.
"I'd like to talk about the mock exam."
He looked up, surprised for a second.
Then his expression returned to its usual coldness.
"Go ahead."
"I want to take the exam," I said calmly.
"But firmly."
"If you refuse me based on rumors or prejudice,"
"I will file a complaint directly to the principal."
His expression stiffened.
"Lin Han…
I'm doing this for your own good—"
"For me?"
I cut him off.
"Or for the class reputation?"
"Just because of some rumors,"
"I should be treated differently?"
Silence.
After a moment…
He sighed.
"Fine."
"If you're that determined, you can participate."
"But don't let us down."
When I walked out of the office,
it felt like a weight had finally been lifted off my chest.
Exam day.
The classroom was dead silent.
Only the sound of pens moving across paper.
Everyone lowered their heads, solving problems.
But sometimes—
Someone would sneak a glance at me.
Curious.
Suspicious.
Hostile.
I ignored them.
Focused on the test.
Each question felt like a battlefield.
And I had only one choice.
Win.
Time passed.
Second by second.
When the bell rang,
I put down my pen.
And let out a long breath.
As I handed in my paper,
the invigilator glanced at my answers.
His eyebrows rose slightly.
"Not bad," he murmured.
"Seems the rumors weren't entirely true."
A faint feeling of satisfaction
rose in my chest.
Results day.
The announcement board was packed.
People squeezing, whispering—
"Did you hear? The top student this time is Lin Han!"
"No way! Isn't he that weirdo who keeps a fox?"
"Look at this… Full marks!"
"That score completely crushes everyone!"
I stood outside the crowd.
Listening.
A faint smile curved at my lips.
Ah Li stood beside me
and lightly tapped my shoulder.
"Well done," she whispered,
pride shining in her eyes.
"This is just the beginning,"
I replied quietly.
Back in the classroom,
the atmosphere had changed.
The same classmates who used to mock me
now stayed silent.
Some even came to borrow my notes,
their tone suddenly polite.
I didn't feel grateful.
I knew…
They didn't accept me.
They just feared being wrong again.
But at least—
Their prejudice had been smashed by reality.
That night.
Back home.
Ah Li handed me a cup of hot tea.
"How do you feel?" she asked softly.
"Pretty good."
I took it and smiled slightly.
"But this is only step one."
"There'll be more trouble coming."
She nodded, her eyes steady.
"No matter what happens,"
"I'll stay with you."
But I knew…
The trouble was already on its way.