Chapter 8 – Sparks and Shadows

The morning air was crisp, but it didn't soothe Su Jie's tense nerves as he stepped into the school gates. The usual idle chatter had shifted—sharper now, barbed and cold. He didn't need to eavesdrop to know what they were whispering.

"He definitely cheated, no way he improved that fast.""Somebody found a nearly identical essay from last year.""He even started selling notes, acting like he's some kind of genius."

Su Jie kept walking, head high, but every step felt heavier. His desk, usually ignored by the class, now seemed like a spotlight stage. Even the homeroom bell didn't silence the side glances.

When Ms. Lin entered with a tight expression and a printed sheet in her hand, his stomach twisted.

"Before we begin," she said, placing the papers on her desk, "we need to address an issue."

She held up the printed essay—the one Su Jie had worked on for hours.

"This was submitted by Su Jie. Several students have raised concerns that it matches an essay from last year's top student."

Tang Rui, seated beside him, turned her head slightly but didn't speak. Her face remained composed.

Ms. Lin continued, "I've reviewed both essays. While the themes are similar, the phrasing, tone, and perspective are clearly different. I do not believe Su Jie plagiarized. However—"

A pause. Then she looked directly at him.

"To clear all doubt, you will write another essay. Same topic. In front of me. Tomorrow after school."

Su Jie stood and nodded, calm on the outside.

"Yes, ma'am."

The class was quiet. No applause. No support. Just silence. Even that felt like a weight.

During lunch, Su Jie slipped away from the main building, seeking solitude behind the gymnasium, his usual quiet spot.

But this time, someone followed.

"Hey," said a familiar voice, crisp and elegant.

He turned—Tang Rui stood there, arms crossed, holding two bread buns and a can of iced tea.

Su Jie blinked. "Uh… you're not lost, are you?"

She raised a brow. "I asked the same thing when you sat beside me on the first day. Fair's fair."

A ghost of a smile flickered on his lips.

She handed him one bun. "You didn't bring lunch."

He hesitated. "How'd you know?"

"You didn't eat yesterday either. You always leave before the cafeteria opens."

"…Observant."

"Maybe," she shrugged, sitting beside him on the low step. "Or maybe I just notice people who don't fake their smiles."

Su Jie took the bun. It was warm. Simple. Comforting.

"I didn't copy," he said quietly.

"I know," she replied, sipping her tea. "If you had, you wouldn't have panicked when Ms. Lin asked to see your draft. A cheater would have played dumb."

He chuckled softly. "Thanks. That's... oddly specific, but appreciated."

There was a pause.

"I think it's brave," she said. "Everyone's quick to throw stones, but you just keep showing up."

Su Jie looked at her. "Why are you being nice to me?"

She shrugged. "Because I know what it's like to be surrounded by people and still feel like you're standing alone."

For a moment, the world faded. The gossip, the judgment—it all shrank away.

"Want to help me with the essay later?" Su Jie asked. "You're probably way better at words than I am."

Tang Rui tilted her head. "Only if you promise to proofread my math homework next time."

"Deal."

Later that day, in the computer lab, Su Jie was called over by Mr. Li, the computer science teacher.

"I heard about your situation," he said without preamble. "I also saw the essay. You've got potential. Sloppy formatting, but genuine thought."

Su Jie raised an eyebrow. "Thanks… I think?"

Mr. Li handed him a USB. "Exercises. HTML, CSS, beginner JavaScript. If you're serious about the tech fest next month, this is your first step."

Su Jie blinked. "You want me to enter?"

"You asked about credit for electives. Here's your chance to earn it."

"I'm still learning," Su Jie said honestly.

Mr. Li grinned. "Then it's a good time to start failing fast."

Before leaving, Mr. Li glanced toward the hallway. "Oh—and bring your new lunch buddy. Heard she's not too bad with visuals. Maybe she'll design your front-end."

That night, at home, Su Jie sat on his bed, laptop humming beside him. His mother had gone to bed early. The room was dimly lit, but his mind burned bright.

The cursor blinked on the blank document.

He began to write—not to defend himself, but to express himself. This time, the essay wasn't just a school task. It was a response to the world trying to put him back into the shadows.

Halfway through, a message popped up on his phone.

Tang Rui: "Hey. I came up with a cool layout idea if you build that school website project. Want to see?"

Su Jie: "Only if you help me title this masterpiece essay."

Tang Rui: "Deal. Again."

System 007: Progress Report

✔ Accusation Encountered: Responded with Calm✔ Redemption Essay: In Progress★ New Bond Strengthened: Tang Rui - Emotional Alignment (↑)★ Mentor Unlocked: Mr. Li - Technical Path Activated★ Hidden Opportunity: Interschool Tech Fest

Mission Completion: 63%

For the first time, Su Jie didn't feel like he was fighting alone. The system missions still loomed large—but now, he had allies. People who saw him not as a ghost from the past—but a player rewriting his fate.