The Smile of Death

Henry took the entire class of children on a tour of the school.

"This is the dining hall. Every day, first-rate chefs prepare elegant dishes for you all. Farther inside is a special dining room reserved for Imperial Scholars.

As long as you achieve elegant results and earn eight stars, anyone can become an Imperial Scholar. I expect you all to work hard."

The children answered in unison, "Yes."

Dignified and elegant, yet with a distinct personality of his own, the elderly Henry continued, "Conversely, underperforming students will receive Tonitrus Bolts and be punished. Serious offenses will result in expulsion."

As Henry spoke, his piercing gaze shot straight toward Anya. That stern look jolted her to attention and sent a chill through her.

Anya grumbled inwardly, Why are you looking at Anya?

Standing behind Becky, Richie heard Anya's thoughts and could not help chuckling.

Anya and Richie heard Henry mutter to himself, The only one I approve of is your father, Loid Forger. As for you...

Not far from Anya, Chestnut Head and Corn Head clustered around Damian.

With flattery written all over his face, Chestnut Head fawned over Damian. "Young Master Damian will definitely become an Imperial Scholar in no time."

Damian gave a faint chuckle and replied haughtily, "Of course."

"Exactly!" Corn Head chimed in.

"I'm the son of the National Unity Party's chairman, after all," Damian declared proudly.

At that, the classmates around him crowded closer. "Really?"

One long-haired girl clasped her hands in front of her chest. "My papa always says the Desmond Group does so much for him."

The children formed a little circle around Damian and murmured among themselves.

"Quiet. No talking among yourselves." Henry's commanding presence suddenly bore down on them.

Becky and Anya stood to one side, watching everything unfold.

Becky could not help voicing her disgust. "What a bunch of idiots."

No sooner had Becky spoken than Damian, the second son, turned his attention toward Anya. Looking thoroughly pleased with himself and a little haughty, he asked her, "What about your family? What do your parents do?"

"If you're good enough, I might be friends with you too," Damian continued, the mockery in his eyes practically leaping out and stabbing straight into Anya.

Anya warned herself inwardly, For the mission, Anya has to be patient.

At the sight of this, Richie clenched his fists and quietly edged over to Anya's side.

Damian's words reminded Richie of an essay from real life titled "My District Chief Father."

Just as Richie was about to lose his temper, Anya stammered, "Anya's... papa is a sp... mind doctor."

Damian lifted his little face, his nostrils pointing downward and his contemptuous smirk nearly reaching the sky. Brimming with superiority, he sneered, "What? That's nothing special! Your family probably doesn't have any money! Country bumpkin."

Richie's little brows knitted together. He was on the verge of flying into a rage, but he knew he could not hit Damian yet. The time had not come.

Henry was still standing right there. Richie did not want to make a scene; he had to make sure neither he nor Anya got expelled.

Once the second son had finished digging his own grave, Anya summoned the courage to carry out her mission. She pointed her little hand at Damian. "Anya wants to come play at your house."

Before Damian could reply, Corn Head beside Anya spoke up, oblivious to his own limits. "Ridiculous! Who do you think you are, you ugly freak?"

"Commoners really have no shame. We'll catch your commoner germs. Get lost." Chestnut Head piled on, then shoved Anya when she was not looking.

Caught off guard by the shove, Anya's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot.

Richie hovered on the brink of hitting someone, his fists clenched tight.

One little boy took in every bit of Richie's agitation. He was Sian Evan, the eldest son of the chairman of the People's Assembly.

He watched Richie's reactions with interest, as though enjoying a show.

Anya was just about to unleash her finishing punch, but before she could, she suddenly remembered what her mother had said:

"Listen carefully, Richie and Anya. Someone who uses force because of their emotions can't be called truly strong. Unless people go too far, just smile and let it go.

That's how you become cool big brothers and sisters!

Besides, as long as you keep smiling, a fight won't break out."

Even Becky was starting to look down on Anya, frustrated that she would not stand up for herself. "You're such a pushover. At least talk back!"

Anya's face grew darker and darker before she slowly rose from the ground. "Anya doesn't mind at all."

Then Anya revealed her signature sinister smile, driving it straight into Damian's heart.

Damian's face flushed bright red. His fists clenched, and he was utterly mortified. Wh-what's with that condescending smile?!

The second son, Damian, could not get a single word out. He bared his gleaming white teeth, furious beyond measure.

Becky instantly became Anya's fan. That composure! That's an adult's composure! Amazing! I shouldn't have called her childish. Who knew she was so mature? I'm starting to see you differently.

Hearing Becky's thoughts, Anya felt pink bubbles welling up inside her. "Mature-ah-"

First, she smiled at Becky. Then she turned back and gave Damian another smile of death.

The second son, Damian, shouted furiously, "Don't get full of yourself, you ugly freak-"

Before Damian could finish venting his anger, Richie finally lost his patience. He rushed out and planted himself between Anya and Damian.

"Anya might not mind, but I won't forgive you-"