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?"

He's already published once before; it's not surprising he's done it

Carlson-always

everyone assumed the vice principal

but lift her chin in pride-this was her student, her most

mentor, she'd forgotten Carlson hadn't planned on publishing in 'Science'

he had, she would've been a

for a student to publish in 'Science' without

her lip, shooting Carlson a

had delayed her paper for weeks, only to secretly

her own

had

showed varying degrees of

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

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. I've got so much to learn from

was about to respond

leading a round of applause "Fantastic! This is not just a personal achievement but a triumph for

he continued Slater's sentiment, "Let's give our congratulations

complete the clap,

deafening quiet,