Chapter 9: Within the Walls of Dan Vu

The sun had just crested the horizon, its rays filtering through the leaves, casting a warm golden glow across the schoolyard. Dan Vu Academy – an institution reserved for the elite and exceptionally talented – was bustling with its usual frenetic energy.

Minh Hoang stepped through the school gates, his mind still replaying the events of the previous night. Try as he might to push them aside, images of Lieu, her cryptic gaze, and her veiled words kept resurfacing in his thoughts.

"Hey, what's got you so spaced out?" a familiar voice called out.

Diep Lac Duat Van – scion of a powerful financial clan and Minh Hoang's closest confidant – materialized, clad in a perfectly tailored uniform, his slightly tousled hair adding to his undeniable charisma. His eyes twinkled with mischief, yet they also held a hint of concern.

Minh Hoang startled, offering a lighthearted chuckle. "Nothing much. You're here early, aren't you?"

Duat Van shrugged. "We've got a new transfer student in our class today, and I heard his family name carries a lot of weight."

Ngoc Han came running over from a distance, her face alight with excitement. "Have you guys heard? The school's holding an important board meeting today. Apparently, it's about changing the curriculum. I heard they're considering adjusting the program because of the new student."

"Probably just another rich kid," Minh Hoang sighed, already weary of the inevitable campus rivalries.

"But here's the thing," Ngoc Han hesitated, lowering her voice. "This one's not so simple. I heard he's the heir to one of the biggest financial conglomerates in Asia. If that's true, his influence here could rival Duat Van's."

Duat Van raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Oh? Now that's interesting. I wonder who this mystery person is."

Class 10A – The Gathering of the Exceptional

The lesson began with the arrival of their homeroom teacher – Mr. Tran Lam, a middle-aged man with a stern demeanor. He tapped lightly on the blackboard, and the class instantly fell silent.

"Today, we have a new student joining our ranks. Let's all give him a warm welcome."

The door swung open, and a young man strode in.

He was around 6 feet tall, with dark hair that fell just past his ears, and sharp eyes that held a calm intensity. His uniform was impeccably tailored, exuding an understated elegance. He stood at the front of the class, his gaze sweeping over each student before pausing briefly on Duat Van.

"I'm Le Hao Thien," he announced, his voice steady but carrying a hint of aloofness.

Minh Hoang felt an invisible force emanating from this newcomer. Unlike Duat Van, who exuded an air of effortless charm, Hao Thien possessed a natural authority, as if he were born to command respect.

Mr. Tran Lam nodded. "Hao Thien, you can choose a seat. There's an empty spot next to Minh Hoang."

Without a word, he smoothly made his way over and sat down. Minh Hoang felt a momentary stiffness but politely nodded in greeting. Hao Thien gave him a cursory glance, his expression unreadable.

Ngoc Han nudged Minh Hoang playfully, whispering, "This guy's something else. Nothing like your typical rich brat."

Minh Hoang shared the sentiment. There was something about Hao Thien that made him uneasy.

Recess – The Rooftop Garden

Duat Van leaned against the railing, arms crossed, his eyes never leaving Hao Thien, who stood a short distance away.

"So, you're the infamous Le Hao Thien," Duat Van began, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I've heard quite a bit about you."

Hao Thien turned, his expression remaining placid. "And I've heard even more about Diep Lac Duat Van."

Minh Hoang stood between them, sensing an unspoken battle unfolding.

Ngoc Han whispered to Minh Hoang, "These two are heavy hitters. Who do you think will come out on top?"

Minh Hoang shook his head, a feeling that things were about to get a whole lot more interesting washing over him.