Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Everyone in the room was puzzled.

Even the student who was presenting paused, taking a moment to stare at the vice principal's odd behavior.

"Cough, cough!" The deputy principal beside him coughed loudly twice, signaling him to keep it together in front of everyone.

What could possibly be so exciting?

To the point of forgetting one's own dignity?

But then, the excited vice principal grabbed the microphone, took several deep breaths before he could calm himself enough to speak-

"I've just received official news. A student from our Life Sciences department is the lead author on a paper published in 'Science"!"

'Science' magazine consists of three main sections: Science News, Science's Compass, and Research.

As soon as the vice principal finished, a collective gasp swept through the crowd.

"Did I hear that right?"

"Are we talking about the 'Science' I think we're talking about? This is... unbelievable!"

"From our department? Who?"

"It's gotta be Carlson. He's already published once before; it's not surprising he's done it again."

"My hero, Carlson-always on top!"

Nearly everyone assumed the vice principal was talking about Carlson.

Even Edna couldn't help but lift her chin in pride—this was her student, her most accomplished protege!

But as his mentor, she'd forgotten Carlson hadn't planned on publishing in 'Science' this year.

If he had, she would've been a co-author.

So, it was impossible for a student to publish in 'Science' without her knowing.

Sybil bit her lip, shooting Carlson a glare.This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org - ©.

He had delayed her paper for weeks, only to secretly publish in 'Science'!

Unbelievable.

If... if it was her own work in 'Science'...

Just the thought had Sybil floating on air.

Grace and Hertha also showed varying degrees of envy.

Arkle caught on, excitedly turning to Carlson, "Bro! It's you, isn't it?! I knew it!"

With a sly grin, he added, "Talking about not publishing anymore, but aiming for the top, huh? Man, you're brilliant! Dad always says that's how big moves are made quietly.'ve got so much to learn from yout

Carlson was about to respond when suddenly—

Slater stood up, leading a round of applause "Fantastic! This is not just a personal achievement but a triumph for the whole department and the university! Congratulations to Chen-"

"Yes, indeed!" agreed Mr. Hiram, the vice principal, his face beaming as he continued Slater's sentiment, "Let's give our congratulations to- Roseanne!"

Silence fell over the room like a thick blanket.

Slater's hands froze mid-air, unsure whether to complete the clap, leaving him awkwardly suspended in motion.

In the deafening quiet, someone whispered—

"Isn't it supposed to be Carlson?"

It was as if a single drop of water had hit a hot oil pan, causing an uproar.

"Who's Roseanne?"

"What's her background? Never heard of her before, and she debuts with 'Science'? Seriously?"

"She's a first-year, Ms. Payne's student."

"In this year's freshman class, I only knew about the prodigy Sybil. Who is this Roseanne popping out of nowhere?"

"Pfft-Sybil, a prodigy? Our Life

Sciences department's true original prodigy is the real deal! Dominated international Olympiads in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science in high school, secured direct Ph.D. track upon admission, a peak debut..."

"I've heard about her! Also a student of Ms. Payne, surname also Cole... but then, she gave it all up..."

"Cole? Could it actually be Roseanne Cole?"