From cannon fodder villain to beloved heroine

"Next... we're probably facing even greater challenges." Xu Lin'an gazed into the distance, the crimson sunset casting a shadow of solemnity on his handsome face.

Yan Ruyu nodded slightly, about to speak, when she heard a whisper coming from behind the artificial hill.

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing shock in each other's eyes. They quietly moved closer, holding their breath.

"I've already taken care of Dean Zhou. The detailed rules for the new system will be drafted by our people." Master Zhao's sinister voice came through, tinged with smugness. "As long as we make the assessment standards a little stricter, those students who support the reforms... hmph..."

"Brilliant! Master Zhao is indeed a shrewd and calculating man. This 'cutting off the fuel supply' move is absolutely brilliant!" another voice flattered.

Yan Ruyu and Xu Lin'an hid behind the artificial hill, their faces terribly gloomy.

This move is practically a "stab in the back"!

The two quietly left the artificial hill and returned to the study, where the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed to drip water.

“It seems that Master Zhao and his group are planning a comeback,” Yan Ruyu broke the silence, her tone tinged with coldness.

A few days later, the atmosphere in the academy's lecture hall was tense.

Master Zhao stood on the podium, passionately criticizing the details of the new system, his spittle flying everywhere, as if he were about to "spit fire" at any moment.

"This new system is nothing but a castle in the air! It's completely impractical!" He pointed to the details of the new system and said sternly, "Such harsh assessment standards will only stifle students' enthusiasm for learning!"

Xu Lin'an stood opposite Master Zhao, his expression calm and unhurried, and retorted: "Master Zhao is mistaken. The details of the new system are designed to better motivate students. Only through the survival of the fittest can we cultivate truly talented individuals."

Below the stage, some students were worried, while others were expectant, their eyes fixed on the two people arguing fiercely on stage, afraid of missing any detail.

"Hmph, that sounds nice! I think you're just trying to gain fame!" Master Zhao glared angrily and pointed at Xu Lin'an's nose, cursing him.

Xu Lin'an smiled slightly, unmoved, and calmly took out a stack of papers from his sleeve, saying, "Master Zhao, these are what I've collected..." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below, "Everyone's suggestions and opinions on the details of the new system..."

As soon as Xu Lin'an finished speaking, Yan Ruyu gracefully walked onto the stage, exuding confidence, poise, and a commanding presence.

She took the papers from Xu Lin'an, glanced at the crowd below the stage, and said softly, "These suggestions and opinions come from every teacher and student in the academy. They represent everyone's voice and the direction of the academy's reform."

She spoke eloquently and clearly, explaining the advantages of the new system and answering Zhao Fuzi's questions one by one with rigorous logic that left no room for rebuttal.

She even cited some successful historical reform cases to explain the necessity and importance of reform in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

Yan Ruyu's voice was clear and melodious, yet it carried an undeniable power, as if it possessed a magic that drew people in irresistibly.

Every smile, every gesture, exudes confidence and wisdom, captivating all who behold her.

Master Zhao's face grew increasingly grim. He had originally thought he could completely stifle the academy's reforms with his "cutting off the fuel supply" strategy, but he hadn't expected Yan Ruyu to be so formidable, easily defusing his offensive.

As more and more people below the stage expressed their support for the new system details, Master Zhao's face turned from green to white, then from white to purple. Finally, he snorted heavily, turned away, and left in a disheveled state.

"Ruyu, you are amazing!" Mr. Sun walked up to Yan Ruyu excitedly and gave her a thumbs up.

"Miss Yan, you are truly a woman who is just as capable as any man!" Miss Li also walked up to Yan Ruyu's side, her eyes full of admiration.

Yan Ruyu smiled slightly and said modestly, "I just did what I should do."

As night fell, Yan Ruyu and Xu Lin'an were searching for information together in the academy's library.

The soft light shone on the two of them, creating a particularly warm atmosphere.

Xu Lin'an gently brushed a strand of hair from Yan Ruyu's forehead, his movements tender and considerate.

Yan Ruyu looked up at Xu Lin'an, her eyes filled with love.

The surrounding books seemed to be imbued with a sweet fragrance, and the air was filled with a faint scent of books and the aroma of love.

"Lin'an," Yan Ruyu said softly, "thank you for always being by my side."

"Silly girl," Xu Lin'an affectionately ruffled Yan Ruyu's hair, "we're together."

Suddenly, the library door was pushed open...

The library door was pushed open, and Young Master Qian walked in with a serious expression. He went straight to Yan Ruyu and Xu Lin'an and bowed deeply: "Miss Yan, Young Master Xu, I was wrong!"

This sudden action stunned both Yan Ruyu and Xu Lin'an.

Master Zhao arranged for Young Master Qian to cause trouble, so why did he "turn against" him?

Master Zhao, hiding behind the bookshelf, nearly popped his eyes out, as if he were witnessing a wonder of the world.

Young Master Qian raised his head, his gaze resolute: "I was blinded by Master Zhao. Now I understand, the new detailed rules and regulations are truly a good system that cares about us students!" He turned to the students around him and said loudly, "Students, we can no longer be used by conservative forces. We must support the reform, and support Miss Yan and Young Master Xu!"

Qian Gongzi's "miraculous reversal" caused a stir among his classmates, who all cast admiring glances at him.

This is practically a massive "it's actually so good!" moment!

The next day, at the academy assembly, Dean Zhou walked solemnly to the center of the podium, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and slowly said, "After careful consideration, I have decided to formally support the new detailed rules and regulations!"

As soon as this statement came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

The people from Master Zhao's faction turned deathly pale, as if they had been paralyzed by acupuncture points, and remained motionless.

Mr. Sun and Ms. Li embraced each other excitedly, their eyes welling up with tears. The reform had finally been approved by the dean!

However, the crisis has not been resolved.

Late at night, in a secluded corner behind the academy, Master Zhao and others sat together, their faces grim.

"Hmph, that old fox Dean Zhou has actually switched sides!" Master Zhao said through gritted teeth. "But don't think that will stop us! On the very first day of the new system's implementation, we'll..." He smiled sinisterly.

Yan Ruyu and Xu Lin'an stood on the academy's playground, the setting sun casting long shadows of the two.

The playground was deserted, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind adding to the silence.

“Be careful,” Xu Lin’an gripped Yan Ruyu’s hand tightly. “I have a feeling… something is about to happen.”

Yan Ruyu nodded, her gaze fixed on the darkening sky in the distance. Suddenly, she felt a chill in her palm; Xu Lin'an's hand was trembling slightly.

"Lin'an..." Yan Ruyu was about to speak when she saw Xu Lin'an suddenly raise his head, his gaze fixed on the direction of the academy gate, his expression becoming extremely solemn.

“Here I am…” His deep voice was particularly clear in the silent playground.