Deviant: No Longer Human

At Green Oasis Academy, the buzz of excitement and nervous energy filled the air as the second year was drawing to a close.

Students gathered around, awaiting the announcement of their preliminary test scores, a precursor to the much-anticipated final examinations.

"Zhou Fan — 98!" the homeroom teacher called out, prompting a ripple of applause and a few envious glances toward Zhou Fan.

"Ming Zi — 99!" The number was met with impressed murmurs, as Ming Zi nodded in acknowledgment, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Wang Mei — 100! A perfect score!" The announcement brought a wave of cheers and claps, as all eyes turned to Wang Mei, who stood with a modest yet calm expression.

The homeroom teacher, looking over the class with a mix of pride and satisfaction, continued, "Good work, everyone, and a special congratulations to Wang Mei. Your performance has consistently improved. Let's keep this momentum going until the final examinations!"

The students buzzed with a mix of congratulations, determination, and the inevitable stress that came with the looming finals. For now, the mood was celebratory, but everyone knew that the real challenge was just around the corner.

As the scores continued to be announced, the room was filled with a chorus of mixed reactions — sighs of relief, gasps of surprise, and whispers of anticipation.

"Did you hear that? Wang Mei got a perfect score!" one student whispered to another, their voice tinged with admiration and a hint of envy.

"Yeah, she's really setting the standard high for all of us," the other student replied, biting their lip nervously.

Zhou Fan, his score an impressive 98, couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. 'Just two points away,' he thought, clenching his fists slightly. 'Next time, I'll aim even higher.'

Ming Zi, with her score of 99, offered a gracious smile to her classmates congratulating her, but inwardly, she was already strategizing. 'One point short of perfection. I need to review my study methods,' she mused, her determination quietly burning.

Wang Mei, on the other hand, glanced outside of window, her thoughts unreadable.

The homeroom teacher, observing the class, knew well the variety of emotions playing out among the students. "Remember, these scores are just indicators of where you are right now. They're not the end-all of your capabilities. Whether you scored high or lower than expected, use this as motivation to push yourself. You all have the potential to excel," she encouraged, her voice firm yet supportive.

The classroom, still abuzz with post-announcement chatter, suddenly hushed as Zhou Fan boldly approached Wang Mei's desk. His challenge caught everyone's attention.

"Hey, Wang Mei! How about a bet?" he declared, his voice confident and a bit louder than necessary.

Wang Mei, known for her composure, simply looked up at him, her expression one of mild curiosity mixed with disinterest. "Not interested," she hummed succinctly, her voice calm and even.

Around them, a collective sigh rippled through the class. Zhou Fan's face fell momentarily, a flicker of disappointment passing through his eyes. Ming Zi, watching the scene unfold, arched an eyebrow. 'Has Zhou Fan completely lost his mind?' she wondered silently, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.

Yet, despite the setback, Zhou Fan didn't lose his stride. The whole class's attention now firmly on the unfolding drama, he pressed on, his determination clear. "In the finals, I bet I'll get a perfect score! If I do, will you go out with me?"

!!

The room fell into a stunned silence, every pair of eyes darting between Zhou Fan and Wang Mei, awaiting her response.

The audacity of the bet was unlike anything they'd seen before, and the stakes were unexpectedly personal.

A murmur ran through the class as Zhou Fan's challenge was announced, students exchanged looks, some smirking, others wide-eyed with disbelief.

Wang Mei regarded Zhou Fan with a level gaze. "You're confident," she noted, her voice betraying neither irritation nor interest. "But why should I accept a bet on your grades? What's in it for me?"

Zhou Fan's face flushed slightly, a mixture of excitement and nerves. "Well, if I don't get a perfect score, I'll... I'll do all your assignments for a month!" he declared, the words tumbling out in his eagerness.

Ming Zi, unable to contain her curiosity, leaned in closer. 'This is getting interesting,' she thought, a sly smile creeping onto her face.

The class buzzed with renewed whispers, the audacity of the wager sparking a flurry of conversations.

"Is he serious?"

"He's really putting it all on the line!"

Wang Mei paused, her analytical mind calculating the implications of Zhou Fan's impromptu bet. The stakes were uneven, heavily skewed in his favor since he controlled the outcome. All she really wanted was for him to stop pestering her. With a sigh, she opened her notebook and extracted a sheet of paper, her other hand deftly dialing a phone call.

"Hm? What are you doing?" Zhou Fan's surprise was evident, his brow furrowing in confusion.

Wang Mei responded without looking up, her voice calm and matter-of-fact. "Calling my mother. Let's draft a proper agreement before we proceed." Her demeanor was all business, a sharp contrast to the casual air of the wager.

Zhou Fan's face paled as the call connected. "Mei, what's going on? Aren't you at school? Is someone causing trouble?" The voice of Xinyue Zhilan, sharp and commanding, resonated from the phone, sending an involuntary shiver down Zhou Fan's spine.

Wang Mei muted the phone, her gaze fixed on Zhou Fan. "Still want to bet? Last year, someone was forced to run naked around the field for 10 laps over a similar bet."

!!

The reminder sent a wave of unease through the room. Everyone remembered the incident; it had been a harsh lesson in the consequences of reckless wagers.

"Gulp..." Zhou Fan swallowed hard. The realization that Xinyue Zhilan, now an active lawyer and fiercely protective of her children, was on the other end of the line, was enough to make him reconsider. Her reputation for ruthlessness, especially when it came to her children, was well-known and respected.

The room remained silent, the weight of the situation dawning on everyone.

______

Back at the Wang Family manor, Xinyue Zhilan, clad in her professional attire, hung up the phone, her brow furrowed in mild confusion. "What's gotten into that girl?" she muttered to herself.

She turned to Wang Zhihao, who was seated at the dining table. "Zhihao, could you pick up Mei from school today? I'm swamped with work," she requested, her tone reflecting both authority and concern.

Wang Zhihao's expression darkened, a frown creasing his brow.

"Is there a problem?" Xinyue Zhilan inquired, noting his hesitation. "Do you have clients or meetings today?"

"None," Wang Zhihao replied curtly, setting down his spoon and standing up.

"Then it's settled. Pick her up and check on her. She called me just now; something must be up," Xinyue Zhilan instructed, rising from her seat and preparing to leave.