Just the Beginning

On the sports field, Wang Ning walked toward the podium with steady steps, expressionless and surrounded by an aura so strong that strangers dared not approach.

Following her line of sight, one could see a giant banner hanging behind the stage, boldly stating: “Celebrating the Perfect Conclusion of the School-Level Competition and the Commendation Ceremony.”

Colorful flags fluttered grandly in the clear blue sky.

Sunlight bathed the field.

Several livestream drones hovered in the air, being guided and adjusted.

The entire field buzzed with youthful energy and vitality.

Below the podium, the classes had already assembled.

Everyone’s attention was focused on the white-haired girl walking toward the microphone.

Only those in the front row could clearly see her delicate profile.

“Stop pushing! I haven’t even gotten a glimpse of our top student’s face, and you still want to take my spot? Are you asking for a fight?!”

People standing in the front were being shoved left and right by the eager crowd behind them, fuming with rage.

“I’m begging you, Yuanyuan, I’ve never asked anything from you my whole life—please swap spots with me just this once. If I can’t get a photo of our little angel, my virtue and noble soul will vanish!”

A girl pleaded desperately with her friend beside her.

Her friend, however, was cold as steel and let out a mocking laugh.

“Pfft, I’ve always let you take this spot before, but now? Hmph, I absolutely must admire the grace of our hea—of Wang Ning!”

“…Damn it! You actually dared to snatch it?! That’s it, we’re done! Friendship over!”

Incidents like this had already broken out multiple times in the past minute.

[Ahhhh my girl is so beautiful I could cry!]

[I hereby officially join the Angel Cult! Ning Sect, reporting in!]

[Eh? Why does it feel like the new top student is walking a bit… slow today?]

Wang Ning walked on the red carpet.

She wore a white ceremonial gown with a gold-and-crimson sash draped diagonally across her chest.

Tassels and wheat motifs added an air of dignity and sanctity.

Her long snow-white hair flowed down her back, swaying slightly as she moved.

The sunlight outlined a faint golden glow around her, as if she were being crowned by the heavens.

But her steps were slow—so slow it was as if she were walking not toward a podium, but toward a fiery trial of life and death.

Wang Ning’s inner state was far from calm.

In fact, she was drenched in sweat.

Ever since earlier, her mind had been in a frenzy, internally screaming nonstop, wishing she could lift her dress and escape halfway through.

She really, truly, could not understand—

Why had everyone in her class unanimously voted for her to give the victory speech and receive the honorary title of Top Student?!

They said this title was only awarded to one student each year.

The recipient was considered the honorary leader of the entire grade, with unmatched influence and authority.

But she absolutely could not wrap her head around why the entire class would choose her for this honor!

After the competition ended, the point zones were lifted, normal campus life resumed, and everyone was called to gather at the field.

The winning class—Class A—was told to choose a speaker and top representative.

“Huh? Me?” Wang Ning nearly choked on her water.

Xiali quickly patted her back.

She looked up in disbelief and pointed at herself.

“What about the others? I think Glass An, or the class officers… they’re way more deserving!”

“You make a fair point,” the class president replied calmly, “but after voting and discussion, we unanimously agreed you’re the right choice to represent Class A as the Top Student.”

Wang Ning panicked.

She honestly didn’t think she had contributed anything major during the contest.

Even though she’d offered a few strategies, she didn’t believe Class A would’ve lost without her input.

She was weak—not someone who should be carrying such an honor.

But most importantly—

The Top Student had to give a speech!

That was practically a death sentence for her!

Sitting to the side, Glass An leaned on one hand, eyes half-shut as if napping.

Only when she heard Wang Ning’s protest did she open one eye and look her way.

“Since they chose you, just go up,” she said lazily.

Then, she suddenly raised her head, and her voice turned serious.

“Don’t underestimate yourself.”

In Class A, everyone’s abilities were nearly on par—strong, and proud.

No one admitted defeat.

No one wanted to be under anyone else.

In a competition, that would usually lead to infighting and chaos—a powerful but disorganized mess.

Class B was eliminated for exactly that reason.

Just a few teammates stuck together—there was no way they could fend off the attacks of four other classes.

Especially not Class A.

But everything changed because of Wang Ning.

This girl, clearly so weak, who probably couldn’t even bend a steel rod, had an inexplicable charm and magnetism.

People who had once dismissed her were now willingly following her lead.

You couldn’t deny it.

When those pure sky-blue eyes looked at you, it was like being immersed in stillness.

The bloodthirsty chaos in your veins would brush up against a fragile, untainted blossom—and all the turmoil would gradually fade without you noticing.

By the time you realized it, you were already following her words.

Glass An thought of this and smiled faintly.

This kind of influence reminded her of the person who had kidnapped Wang Ning.

Their abilities were oddly similar, but the difference was obvious.

That person used active hypnosis, with major limitations.

On Glass An, it barely caused a flicker of confusion.

But Wang Ning’s influence was passive and powerful—so strong that even she didn’t notice it.

The noisy classroom had fallen quiet.

Everyone either stared straight at the white-haired girl deep in thought, or pretended not to look.

Wang Ning fell silent.

She seriously considered what quality she had that made them treat her differently.

Then… she remembered that forum.

Wang Ning: …

Stop it, brain! Don’t recall those cringey posts!

My toes are curling from the memory!

And so, in a daze, Wang Ning was pushed into the Top Student position and forced to write a speech.

…

Now, she had walked up to the podium.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Wang Ning looked out at the vast sports field.

Everyone’s gaze was locked on her.

She took a deep breath, glanced at her speech, and opened her mouth:

“Hello everyone, I’d like to announce something—!”

Ugh! That was a meme line! My nerves made me almost say the wrong script!

Wang Ning nearly bit her tongue, quickly reining herself in and continuing:

“Congratulations to Alice Academy on the successful conclusion of this year’s military training.”

“Many thanks to our teachers and instructors for their dedication.”

“And thank you to all the students for your perseverance…”

As her speech continued, her voice grew smoother and more confident.

By the end, she stood tall, looking down at the sea of camouflage uniforms.

Sunlight blazed brilliantly.

The sound of cicadas, rustling leaves, and a gentle breeze became the anthem of summer and youth—a grand symphony.

In the crowd, she saw Karine, Glass An, Xiali… and all of Class A.

She even spotted a few girls she had eliminated during the contest.

For some reason, her heart beat faster and faster.

Her eyes lit up like stars.

It was as if she had caught a glimpse of a future far different from the silence and mediocrity of her past life.

“—Just the right time for youth to shine brightly.”

“May we always go forward, with courage by our side.”