The teacher deliberately paused mid-sentence—tension instantly crackled through the room.

Curiosity gripped the students below. Top performers, especially, sat rigid with nerves.

Palms slick with sweat, faces etched with a hint of panic, eyes locked unblinkingly on the podium—ready to catch the name the moment it dropped.

Among the crowd, Eileen and George waited too.

Fina, distracted by hopes of reconciling with her ex, had barely focused in class. Even after cramming hard for days, realizing she couldn’t answer half the exam sealed it: top ten was out of reach.

Unlike dejected Fina, George was certain—he’d claim first place!

After all, only *he* had poured himself into studying, never slacking a single day.

True, comparing answers with Eileen earlier revealed her near-perfect accuracy…

That flicker of unease gnawed at him. He’d barely endured the wait till noon. *Her answers weren’t flawless—there’s still a chance!*

He wouldn’t surrender until the final second.

As for Yifia—the one who’d boldly declared she’d take first? George saw zero brilliance in her these past days. Probably just lucky on the entrance exam.

Just hot air. A joke.

Not even worthy of rivalry.

Only Eileen mattered.

While George’s nerves coiled tight, Eileen stayed calm.

She’d nailed most questions. The obscure ones? Even *she*, who prepped thoroughly, couldn’t solve them—others stood no chance.

No need to panic. Just wait.

And as the teacher dragged out the suspense, watching classmates’ anxious, eager faces? A quiet thrill bloomed in her chest.

*Look at them. However much they hope… first place is still mine.*

*They’re just my backdrop.*

Eileen maintained silent composure—but Lucy stomped impatiently as the teacher stalled. Jesina beside her seethed, practically vibrating.

Had Lucy not grabbed her arm, Jesina would’ve charged the podium already.

Losing a few academic points? Worth it to know first!

She truly didn’t care!!!

Sensing the students’ restlessness, the teacher—holding the results sheet—cut the suspense short.

“Congratulations to Yifia of Class One! Top rank in the year… with a perfect score of 480!”

Silence.

Then—*boom*—chaos erupted in under three seconds.

“No way! A perfect 480?!”

“Yep! Our year’s got a genius! Last time someone scored full marks? Baron Amalia!”

“Who’s Yifia? Is she even in Class One?!”

“Heard she enrolled just days ago! How is she *this* smart?!”

“Where is she? I wanna see!”

Disappointed top students faded into the background. Others buzzed with curiosity—*perfect score* plus *brand-new student*? Pure mystery.

But packed tightly without class order, spotting her was near impossible.

Yifia secretly exhaled. *Good.* She hated being gawked at like a zoo exhibit.

*If I’d known this’d happen, I’d have skipped two questions.*

*It’s just a perfect score… why so shocked?*

*So narrow-minded!*

If only she could suppress her rising grin. But meeting Jesina’s dumbfounded stare? Yifia nearly burst.

*Hehehe… This feels amazing~*

“Yifia! You’re really first place? Did I hear right?!” Lucy gasped.

“Everyone heard it. Definitely correct,” Yifia replied cheerfully.

Jesina’s amber eyes shrank with shock. She raked frustrated hands through her hair. Seeing Yifia’s smug smile, she felt dreamlike disbelief.

*The unreliable Yifia… was actually this capable?*

So her boasts weren’t arrogance—they were confidence backed by skill.

*I… wronged her.*

Remembering her earlier confrontations, Jesina wished the floor would swallow her whole. *Now. Immediately.*

*Let no one find this embarrassed mess!*

“Yifia, you’re incredible! I adore you~ Jesina, you think she’s amazing too, right?” Lucy chirped.

Just as Jesina considered faking a faint, Lucy’s words saved her.

Jesina forced nonchalance, gave a stiff nod, and muttered with tsundere pride: “Fine. Yifia’s impressive… but she’s still nowhere near Lady Barron.”

Yifia just grinned. *I’ve got the System—a cheat. But Amelia earned her rank through pure talent.*

*That’s real brilliance.*

*And soon… she’ll be my friend.*

*Hehehe… Can’t wait to brag!*

“Actually,” Yifia added lightly, “Lady Barron’s my idol too. Who *wouldn’t* admire a lady so beautiful and wise?”

Jesina’s head snapped up.

Her expression screamed *Why didn’t you say so sooner?!*—like finding a kindred spirit. But flushed with lingering awkwardness, she offered only a flustered, demure nod.

“You’ve got great taste,” Jesina said, unhooking a coin purse from her waist. “I lost the bet. Ten gold coins.”

True to her word—and oddly charmed by Yifia’s words—she handed it over without hesitation. Zero regret!

Yifia’s heart soared. *Ten gold coins!* The most money she’d ever held in this world!

*Thank you, Jesina, my adorable little cash cow~*

She tucked the purse away, relieved. No need to exchange the gold commemorative coin reward now.

*Perfect. I’ll wrap it beautifully… and gift it to Amelia.*

*A sentimental treasure belongs with your best friend!*

“I DON’T BELIEVE IT! YIFIA CHEATED!!!”

An enraged shout shattered the moment. All eyes snapped toward the source.

George stood trembling, glasses hurled to the floor, face twisted in wild fury—like an escapee from an asylum.

Yifia arched a brow.

And before she could look away…

She caught Eileen staring straight at her.