The Almighty Diva: Reborn to be Worshipped

Almost simultaneously, at the laboratory building of Nan Cheng Middle School, Senior Chemistry Instructor Fangying Wu burst into the principal's office like a man possessed, clutching a small test tube.

"Principal! I've done it! It's a success!"

Dark circles shadowed his eyes after days without sleep. The principal shot up from his seat, incredulous. "Success?"

His face betrayed uncontainable excitement as he struggled to believe it. Fangying Wu held up the test tube containing a vivid blue liquid.

"The most critical stage of the experiment has succeeded. There shouldn't be any major obstacles left. I plan to submit the results to the International Research Institute next week. This will undoubtedly be an astonishing discovery."

With this breakthrough, more resources would flow to Nan Cheng No. 1 High School, giving students greater opportunities to participate in international competitions and nurturing future talent. Elevating teaching and research standards had long been the principal's goal.

The principal's cheeks flushed with exhilaration. "But Teacher Wu, you've been working on this for so long. Why did it suddenly succeed today?"

He didn't mean anything by the question; it was simply curiosity. Teacher Wu, equally bewildered, replied, "I should thank my upset stomach this morning."

The principal raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Teacher Wu continued, "I was stuck halfway through the experiment when a sudden stomachache forced me to rush to the restroom. At that crucial moment, I hastily added one of the prepared materials and noted it down. When I returned fifteen minutes later, the experiment had miraculously succeeded!"

The principal's expression turned grave. "Are you certain there were no mistakes? Did anyone enter the lab during that time?"

It wasn't distrust but caution. Without internal surveillance in the lab, they needed to ensure no external interference might have gone unnoticed, which could undermine Teacher Wu's credibility before the International Research Institute.

However, Teacher Wu noticed something unusual: the quantities of some materials had changed—not just those he'd prepared, but also two others not originally part of his setup. Moreover, it seemed someone had neatly placed the used materials aside, though he'd been too excited to notice at the time. This meant someone had entered the lab and completed the experiment during his absence.

A serious issue arose. "Principal, we must find this person. Their name deserves credit for this achievement."

"Agreed," the principal immediately convened the school's chemistry teachers and class advisors to discuss the matter. Surveillance footage revealed several students passing by the lab around that time.

Among them were students from the Qihang Class, including Xinyue Wen, who consistently ranked first in her grade, and Chuxing Ji.

Seeing Xinyue Wen, Teacher Liu felt a swell of pride. "It must be Xinyue. She represented our school in a chemistry competition last semester. Her academic abilities are exceptional, and even professors from Sal University praised her work."

Sal University, renowned globally as a top-tier institution for science and engineering, was a dream destination for countless researchers.

Teacher Wu nodded knowingly. He pointed to a girl wearing a black cap in the footage. "Who is she?"

Teacher Liu sneered dismissively. "Her? Chuxing Ji? Impossible. She comes from a rural area, fails every exam, and doesn't even understand what a chemistry experiment entails. How could she possibly contribute?"

Teacher Huang interjected, visibly displeased. "Teacher Liu, there's no need to speak so harshly. She attended middle school and excelled academically in her hometown."

Having quickly familiarized himself with his new students, Teacher Huang knew Liu's arrogance well. Such comments about a student were both unprofessional and unacceptable.

Teacher Liu scoffed, disregarding Huang entirely. "A poor rural school? Do you think it compares to Nan Cheng No. 1 High School?"

"You—"

Before tensions escalated further, the principal intervened. "Enough. Let's call Xinyue Wen to the office and ask her directly."

Xinyue Wen arrived promptly and listened to the situation. The principal and Teacher Wu refrained from disclosing all details, merely mentioning an ongoing experiment and asking if she had entered the lab.

Sharp-witted as ever, Xinyue understood the implications from Teacher Liu's encouraging glance.

She appeared contrite. "I passed by the lab this morning and noticed the experiment was partially completed. Remembering a similar phenomenon I discussed with a professor from Sal University last year, I took the liberty of using the materials."

Her voice trembled with guilt. "Principal, Teacher Wu, I'm truly sorry. Did I cause any trouble?"

"Not at all!" Teacher Liu proudly declared before anyone else could respond. "Xinyue, you've helped Teacher Wu immensely! He was at a pivotal point in his experiment and hit a roadblock, which you resolved!"

Xinyue remained composed. "I… I didn't expect this outcome. Fortunately, nothing was damaged. I hurried back to class and nearly forgot about it."

Teacher Liu feigned mild reproach but was secretly thrilled. "Well, since you've assisted Teacher Wu, he'll surely express his gratitude."

Teacher Wu nodded. "Indeed. I intend to finalize the results and submit them to the International Research Institute within two weeks. Your name, Xinyue Wen, will be included in the report."

A surge of excitement coursed through Xinyue. "Thank you, Teacher Wu."

Teacher Wu studied her thoughtfully. "My lab needs an assistant. Would you be willing to help me in your spare time?"

As a distinguished graduate of Beicheng University with extensive connections, Teacher Wu chose to teach at Nan Cheng No. 1 High School due to its environment and the principal's generous offer. His wife hailed from Nan Cheng.

Working alongside Teacher Wu meant a potential pathway to Beicheng University—a coveted opportunity for many Chinese students seeking entry into elite circles.

Confident in her abilities, Xinyue preferred being recommended rather than relying solely on exams. Without hesitation, she agreed. "It would be an honor, Teacher Wu."

Meanwhile, Chuxing Ji remained oblivious to these developments. She settled comfortably into Class 16, earning the admiration of her peers. By lunchtime, news of her acceptance spread to the Qihang Class.

Initially, this wouldn't have raised eyebrows. But given her earlier prominence in the Qihang Class, the revelation sparked mixed reactions. Students consoled themselves with thoughts like, "People tend to gravitate toward their own kind."

"Hmph, only someone like her would fit in with the underachievers in Class 16. It's embarrassing. If Lu Xing were here, she'd be crying. Oh, Xinyue, does your mother know about this?"

Mo Xueer trailed behind Xinyue, indignant.

Aware of Chuxing Ji's reputation, Xinyue sighed. "My sister and mom had an argument. She didn't come home last night."

"Of course!" Mo Xueer remarked mockingly. "I saw her stepping out of a luxury car this morning. Didn't you say she didn't know anyone wealthy in Nan Cheng?"

Mo Xueer trailed off, but her expression conveyed volumes.

Unhappy, Xinyue cautioned, "Don't jump to conclusions. She might have stayed at a friend's place."

Mo Xueer, usually obedient around Xinyue, smiled faintly. "Perhaps I'm overthinking it."

Still uneasy, Xinyue reminded her, "My sister values integrity. Don't spread rumors that could tarnish her reputation. And don't mention this to anyone else."

Mo Xueer linked arms with Xinyue reassuringly. "Of course, Xinyue. You can trust me."

Satisfied, Xinyue nodded. After she left, Mo Xueer opened her phone's photo album, revealing Chuxing Ji in a black cap, stepping out of a luxury car, seemingly trying to avoid attention.

Recalling her earlier confidence, Mo Xueer smirked.

After lunch, Xinyue overheard two Class 16 students animatedly discussing Chuxing Ji.

"I declare, Chuxing Ji is my idol! She's our class's—and our school's—goddess!"

"What about your goddess, Xinyue Wen from the Qihang Class?"

"Tsk, is she as cool as Chuxing Ji? Can she play games? Is she as beautiful? What's wrong with your taste?"

Xinyue clenched her fists, surprised that Chuxing Ji had won over such a challenging group so swiftly.

Retreating to a quiet corner, she called her mother, Zhou Ru.

"Yes, Mom, my sister transferred to Class 16… She arrived late this morning, and I'm not sure of the details, but she argued with some Qihang Class students. Dr. Sun, the renowned doctor treating our family, had his son, Sun Han, injured. They might summon her parents. I think my sister didn't want to worry you, but this is significant enough to share."