By now, Vera Xavier had finished all of her practice tests for the day. This time, she got every question right, except for the essay portion, and she was confident she would get a high score on that too.

She wasn’t too surprised by these results. After all, she had been studying hard for nearly a month now, and she felt completely confident about the upcoming college entrance exams.

If anyone knew she had achieved such results after studying for only one month, they would surely be overcome with envy, jealousy, and hate!

When school let out in the afternoon, Juliana Taylor called her into the office. "I know you’re mentally tough," she said. "I can’t get involved in your family matters, but I can remind you to be careful."

This was the second time Juliana Taylor had discussed this issue with her. Vera knew she meant well, so she nodded and said, "Thank you, Ms. Taylor."

Juliana Taylor said, "The college entrance exams are the day after tomorrow. I’ve looked at your mock exam scores, and they’ve been very consistent. If you just perform as you usually do, you have a real chance of becoming the provincial top scorer. Don’t wear yourself out these next few days. Stay out of family affairs and get some proper rest!"

Vera’s heart warmed. She nodded and said, "I know."

Juliana Taylor went over a few more things, analyzed the likely topics for this year’s language arts essay to help her organize her thoughts, and only then did she let Vera leave.

Because of the delay, all the other students had left by the time Vera came out. Only Nathaniel Nathan was standing at the school gate.

She gave him a small smile and walked over to him. "I was just wondering if you’d come pick me up today," she said, "and here you are!"

"I didn’t come here specially to pick you up. I was just passing by," Nathaniel Nathan said, his face devoid of expression.

By now, Vera was well-acquainted with his prickly pride. She didn’t expose his lie, simply smiling as she said, "Is that so? Well, that’s nice too!"

As they were speaking, a tall, well-built man approached them. "Nathaniel Nathan, the Commander is waiting for you to report back, and here you are, hitting on girls. You’re really doing the Commander proud, aren’t you?"

Nathaniel had noticed Sheldon Caldwell tailing him earlier. He’d paid him no more mind than he would a dog at his heels, too lazy to acknowledge him.

He said coldly, "None of your damn business."

Sheldon Caldwell was stung by the sharp retort. The two of them had been at each other’s throats ever since they met in the military the previous year.

Sheldon Caldwell’s regiment had originally been the ace unit of their army, consistently taking first place in every competition. But ever since the Commander, Seth Maverick, had poached Nathaniel Nathan, Sheldon found himself constantly overshadowed. His regiment lost to Nathaniel’s in competitions, and he even lost to Nathaniel in individual military drills.

He refused to accept it! But his defiance only earned him several beatings from Nathaniel. During the last military exercise, Nathaniel had even blasted him right in the head with a rubber bullet.

Sheldon Caldwell took a deep breath. "You’re a monster, preying on a high school student!"

After speaking, he glanced at Vera. A casual look would have been fine, but this proper look left him stunned. Her skin was fair, her eyes large and bright. A girl this beautiful would stand out even in The National Vanguard Troupe, which was renowned for its bevy of beauties. But what was truly rare was her aura; it was dignified and gentle, yet held a sharp edge. She was like a white plum blossom blooming in the dead of winter—cool, pure, and noble.

Before he could even marvel at the sight, a fist flew at his face. He reacted in a flash, taking a huge step back. Even so, the force of the punch grazed his chin, instantly turning it red.

Sheldon Caldwell pouted. "I was just taking a look. No need to be so petty!"