It didn't take long for the Class Seven students to piece things together.
Riley had been the hottest topic on the campus forum these past few days—the so-called "fool" who got in through connections, yet scored perfect marks in front of the entire school.
A walking headline.
So now—
The "fool" had been assigned to their class.
And as a bonus, they got Rylie too.
A buy-one-get-one deal.
The room exploded with noise.
"Damn it, Vice President York is abusing his power! He got humiliated here, so now he dumps the fool on us to make a point? This is bullshit!"
"We can't just take this lying down! We need to get back at him!"
"Yeah, let's think of a way to hit back!"
Rylie stood there awkwardly, watching the heated discussion unfold.
It didn't feel like they were very welcome.
But before she could spiral too far, someone waved them over enthusiastically.
Howard cleared out the best row of seats in the middle and beckoned them over.
"Come sit here!"
Rylie blinked, caught off guard, then quickly smiled. "Thank you!"
Her impression of the students in Class Seven immediately improved.
Way better than those snobs in Class One.
She leaned toward Riley, whispering excitedly, "Riley, I think I'm starting to like these people in Class Seven. What do you think?"
Even though it was all guys, having Riley beside her made her feel secure.
Riley shook her head. "No difference."
To her, a class was just a place. It didn't matter which one.
While Rylie was still buzzing with excitement over the transfer, Riley had already pulled out a physics book and started reading.
Then—
Laughter broke out around them.
The Class Seven students had come up with a plan.
Their way of getting back at Vice President York was simple—
They were going to rally together and vote for Riley in the freshman representative selection, pushing her straight to the top.
If the administration wanted to humiliate them—
They'd shove their own person right into the spotlight.
Go on. Let's see who embarrasses who.
Riley's lips twitched.
So I'm collateral damage now?
Did I just become the main character of my own gossip?
She shook her head and went back to her book.
But just then, her phone buzzed.
Riley glanced at the screen.
A message from Adrian.
[Adrian:Have your entrance exam results come out? How did you do?]
Riley thought for a moment, then replied.
[Riley:Full marks. I want a reward.]
***
Far away in Malacca, a faint smile flickered across Adrian's face.
He picked up his phone to reply.
Derek, who had been reporting to him, froze slightly—unsure whether to continue.
Meanwhile, Eamon stood beside them, completely oblivious, still rambling on.
When Adrian didn't respond, Eamon leaned in, waving a hand in front of him.
"Boss! Why aren't you listening to me?"
How rude!
Adrian looked up, his gaze cool and sharp.
Eamon instantly snapped to attention.
"B-Boss… don't look at me like that. It's scary…"
Unmoved, Adrian said calmly, "I remember assigning you to deliver flowers to Imperial University when you got back. You failed, didn't you?"
Eamon blinked, then nodded honestly. "Yeah… that girl was too dumb. I practically spelled it out for her, and she still didn't realize it was from you."
Derek shot him a look of pure pity.
Please… just stop talking already.
Adrian's lips curved slightly.
"There's a new project launching in Johor. You'll leave tomorrow."
Eamon froze.
"Huh?"