Chapter 4

The expressions of the inspection team’s members changed instantly. Signal transmitters? This was no childish prank. If it was true, it pointed to a large-scale, organized exam fraud.

Once exposed, it would become the biggest scandal of this year’s college entrance exam.

The exam supervisor immediately called the police and requested that the special police unit conduct a thorough search of the buildings surrounding the exam site.

Ms. Zane suddenly grabbed my arm. She looked as though she had suffered a devastating blow, swaying as though she could collapse at any moment. Yet she stared at me desperately. I understood the plea in her eyes.

I stepped in front of the inspection team’s supervisor. I did my best to keep my voice steady.

“Sir, we really aren’t using exam substitutes. We’re willing to cooperate with the investigation. However, I do have one request.

“No matter what happens, please let the bus continue to the exam site first. Once we arrive, the school can provide all the necessary records to verify our identities. If this turns out to be a misunderstanding, everyone will still be able to make it into the exam hall before the exam begins.”

The moment the police became involved, some of my classmates finally started to panic.

They immediately nodded in agreement.

“Yeah! Let’s head to the exam site first.”

“Please, if we don’t leave now, we’re really going to be late.”

Whether it was because of my calm reasoning or because everyone’s sudden change in attitude seemed suspicious, the exam supervisor’s expression grew complicated.

After reporting the situation to his superiors, he finally nodded at the driver.

“Drive to the venue immediately!”

The bus started moving again.

Gone were the laughter and chatter from before. The entire bus had fallen into a deathly silence.

Those who had eagerly testified against us earlier did not dare say another word. Some kept checking their watches. Some pressed themselves against the windows to see how far we had gone. Others clasped their hands together, whispering prayers under their breath.

Only Pearl remained completely at ease. She swung her legs casually and hummed a cheerful tune.

Landon took one of her earbuds out. “Pearl, don’t you think things have gotten a little out of hand?”

She tilted her head and blinked at him with wide, doe-like eyes. “Landon, are you blaming me?”

He forced a smile and gently ruffled her hair. “No. I’m just worried this might affect your exam.”

“Oh, stop worrying!” She narrowed her eyes and nuzzled against him playfully. “I promise. Once we get to the exam venue, I’ll tell everyone it was just a joke.”

Then, she rose to her feet and smiled brightly at everyone on the bus. “Come on! Let’s sing something and relax before the exam…”

No one responded. Her singing floated awkwardly through the silent bus for only a few seconds before she stopped. A flash of resentment crossed her eyes as she pouted and sat back down.

The moment the bus came to a stop outside the exam venue, a group of heavily armed special police officers rushed aboard. The sudden development caught everyone completely off guard. Panic instantly spread through the bus.

Pearl calmly smoothed out her skirt and put on a sweet smile. “Oh, officers, there’s no need to be so nervous. Nobody cheated or used exam substitutes. We were just joking around!

“There’s really no need to make such a big deal out of this. Why don’t you escort us into the exam hall instead—”

“Sit down!” Before she could finish speaking, one of the officers roughly shoved her back into her seat.

“Everyone! Put your hands on the seat in front of you. No one leaves their seat. No talking. Hand over your phones immediately and wait for inspection!”

Pearl’s expression changed. “Hey! I already told you it was just a joke! What are you even investigating?”

The officer shot her an annoyed look. His expression was grim. “The inspection team reported that you’re suspected of participating in large-scale organized exam fraud. Cooperate with the investigation. Say one more word and we’ll continue this conversation at the police station.”

Pearl immediately went pale and did not dare utter another word. The bus remained parked outside the exam venue, but not a single student got off.

Parents who had been waiting outside stretched their necks anxiously, trying to see what was happening.

They were blocked by the security personnel. Hence, they could not get any information.

The students’ phones began ringing one after another. The officers expressionlessly held down the power buttons and shut them off.

When the officers finally got off the bus carrying a bag filled with confiscated phones, the sound of the exam bell rang across the campus. The college entrance exam had officially begun.