The next morning, Mei Lin's phone buzzed incessantly. She groaned and checked her messages.
"Did you see what Chen said in class yesterday?"
"She's the teacher's pet, right?"
"I can't believe she's so lucky…"
Mei Lin's stomach twisted. So that's how fast the gossip spreads.
She shoved her phone into her bag and walked to her literature seminar, trying to ignore the whispers that followed her through the hallways. Students glanced at her with a mix of curiosity, envy, and judgment. Even the quiet ones who usually kept to themselves couldn't resist sneaking looks.
Daniel Zhao was already there, leaning casually against a desk with that infuriating smirk. "Morning, Teacher's Pet," he said, loud enough for a few nearby students to hear.
Mei Lin's jaw tightened. "Morning," she replied coolly, refusing to rise to the bait.
Professor Chen entered just then, carrying a stack of papers. The room fell silent, as always. But this time, his eyes lingered on Mei Lin a fraction longer, as if he had noticed the tension in the room.
"Today," he began, "I want to discuss the essay submissions. I've reviewed them thoroughly, and one submission in particular caught my attention." He paused, scanning the room. "Exceptional insight, depth, and clarity. Well done."
Mei Lin's heart skipped. He was praising her. Quietly, methodically, in front of the class—but not boastfully.
Daniel's jaw tightened, and he sat straighter, clearly displeased. Mei Lin noticed a few students whispering again, and this time she didn't mind. Let them talk.
After class, Mei Lin lingered to ask a question about her essay. Chen was already packing his things, but when she approached, he looked up.
"You've improved since the last assignment," he said, not a hint of flattery in his voice—just observation. "Your analysis shows thoughtfulness most students can't manage at this stage. Keep it up."
Mei Lin felt a warmth she hadn't expected. It wasn't admiration in the playful sense—it was recognition. Respect. Something deeper, quieter.
"Thank you, Professor Chen," she said softly.
He nodded once, eyes flicking briefly to Daniel across the room. Then he gathered his papers and left without another word.
Walking back through the courtyard, Mei Lin could hear the whispers again: "Teacher's Pet… she's amazing…"
She smiled faintly. She couldn't stop them from talking. But she could control herself, her work, and her determination.
And somehow, she thought, that made her feel… powerful.