Chapter 81

Elena silenced the arguing group, clearing her throat. "I have someone in mind."

All eyes turned to her. "Who is Elena suggesting?"

"Elysia," Elena said coolly. The name elicited no immediate response. Everyone exchanged glances until someone finally spoke. "Even though the rumors about Elysia have quieted down, her past reputation wasn't good, so she might not be suitable."

Others quickly agreed. "I also don't think she's suitable. She's from Class 6. What kind of message does that send?"

Ben offered a different perspective. "Although there were many rumors about Elysia before, that's all in the past. Besides, she topped the last monthly exam in both arts and sciences—unprecedented at our school. Plus, she has a great appearance. If she leads the parade, she'll make a big impact on campus!"

"Yes, but we can't ignore her past," someone countered. "I still believe the person we choose should be perfect."

Ben started to reply, but Elena calmly interrupted, "Then who do you all think is suitable for this position?"

Silence fell. After a moment, someone suggested, "What about Bianca?"

Another agreed, "That's a good choice. She's got good grades, and her appearance is decent, too."

The group expressed agreement, and Elena ultimately selected Bianca to lead the parade at the Winter Sports Event.

News of Bianca's selection reached Class 1, filling the students with envy. Bianca smiled broadly; leading the parade was a great honor, a school-wide spotlight. This was a major opportunity to stand out. She recalled Emma holding this role last year, and now it was her turn. The shift in fortunes was clear. Emma's recent negative rumors likely disqualified her. Bianca's desk was immediately surrounded by envious classmates.

"Bianca, that's the top spot in the parade; you're incredible!"

"The student union finally showed some sense. If you ask me, this spot should have been given to Bianca last year."

"Exactly! Look at last time, when they chose Emma; she's not as academically strong as Bianca, and her character is questionable!"

"Speaking of which, I heard a rumor. Before settling on Bianca, they considered someone else, but that person was rejected."

Intrigue filled the room. Bianca was curious too. 'Except for Emma,' she thought, 'could anyone else at school be more suitable than me?'

"Who is it? Tell us!" an impatient student demanded.

"Elysia," the person revealed. The name shocked everyone; it hadn't been heard in a long time.

Bianca's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected Elysia. Luckily, Elysia was rejected. Bianca knew she was the better choice.

The others were secretly relieved. This relief morphed into a quiet pride; their class, not Class 6, had been chosen. It meant their class held the true talent.

Of course, if Elysia were still in their class, it wouldn't have mattered who they chose. Either way, it would have been someone from Class 1. But Elysia being in Class 6 raised the stakes considerably.

To be honest, Bianca wasn't as academically gifted or as beautiful as Elysia. But Bianca represented their class, so they supported her.

"Looks like Bianca truly is the best!"

"Exactly, so Elysia isn't better than Bianca."

Amidst the flattery, Bianca glanced at Justin, sitting diagonally across from her. 'Now he knows I'm much better than Elysia,' she thought.

She approached his desk. "Justin, I didn't expect to join the parade team. I'm really happy."

Justin merely nodded. "Congratulations."

His simple words filled Bianca with contentment. His congratulations meant more than anything. "Don't worry, I'll perform well and won't embarrass our class."

"That's your concern, as long as you're true to yourself," Justin replied.

Bianca found a deeper meaning in his seemingly ordinary words. She saw his concern for her. Perhaps their relationship had grown closer.

Vincent's arrival in Sivro drew nearer. Elysia worked in the art studio with Ava, painting. Since Vincent would personally select his final apprentice, many students applied. The school created a submission channel for artwork.

Ava painted a landscape; Elysia, bored, began sketching. Her color choices seemed unplanned, yet harmonized beautifully.

After some time, Elysia set down her brush. She had created a stunning landscape: grand mountains, lush trees, moss-covered cliffs, and dripping bamboo groves. Each brushstroke was perfect. Within the mountains, she'd painted letters, seamlessly blending them into the scene. Upon closer inspection, the letters formed a name—Elysia's signature touch.

Ava, noticing Elysia put down her brush, approached. She gasped at the painting. The skill was exceptional. Ava felt embarrassed for previously underestimating Elysia. "Elysia, with your skills, if you submitted this, you'd be Vincent's top student!"

"I'm not interested," Elysia replied, carefully storing her painting in a tube.