Deviant: No Longer Human

"Then it's settled. Pick her up and check on her. She called me just now; something must be up," Xinyue Zhilan instructed, rising from her seat and preparing to leave.

Wang Zhihao could only nod, albeit reluctantly. His business had been struggling for the past two years, and to manage their finances, Xinyue Zhilan had decided to return to her career. Her motivations were twofold: to provide for the family and to ensure her children's security.

Ever since the unsettling incident involving Wang Jiarong and the subsequent disappearance of Wang Xiao two years prior — a fact she refused to accept as death — Xinyue Zhilan had been on high alert.

After interrogating her children, she had uncovered numerous conflicts and issues in their lives, many of which Wang Xiao had been quietly resolving.

This discovery struck her deeply; she realized she had been unaware of her children's struggles, and failed them as thier 'Mother'.

Determined to rectify her past oversights, Xinyue Zhilan became more involved in their lives, vowing to protect them and prevent any further incidents from slipping past her watchful gaze.

________

At Oasis Academy Senior Campus, the usual hum of focused activity was accompanied by the soft strains of music coming from the last bench of the classroom.

"♬ ♫ ♪ ♪ ♩"

Wang Xueying, nestled in her secluded corner, hummed along to the melody, her demeanor one of disinterest in the world around her.

Her hair shrouded most of her face, and her glasses gave her the appearance of a nerd.

"♫ ♩"

While her sister Wang Mei diligently improved her grades, Wang Xueying had allowed her academic performance to deteriorate. Outwardly normal, she was often adrift in her own realm of thoughts.

"Isn't that Wang Xueying?" whispered a student to his friend, glancing back at her. "Doesn't she fear teacher would admonish her for not paying attention in the class?"

"Leave her: She is always in her own world," the friend replied, shaking his head slightly.

As Wang Xueying gazed outside, her eyes unfocused and distant, the classroom was suddenly pierced by the school's intercom.

[Everyone! Gather at the school grounds right now! We have an urgent announcement!]

The unexpected announcement created a ripple of confusion and curiosity. It was their last year of senior high school; what could be so urgent?

"What's going on?" someone murmured as chairs scraped against the floor.

"Do you think it's about the University entrance exams?" another speculated, their voice tinged with anxiety.

Reluctantly, the students rose from their seats, the buzz of their conversations growing louder as they filed out of the classroom. Wang Xueying let out a soft sigh, her music and solitude interrupted. She slowly stood up, following the crowd.

"Hey, Xueying, you think it's something serious?" a classmate asked as they walked together toward the grounds.

Wang Xueying shrugged, her expression unreadable behind her hair. "Who knows? With this school, it could be anything," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, as if fed up with this whole social structure.

As the students settled on the school grounds, the Dean of Oasis Academy stepped forward. His presence commanded immediate attention.

"Thank you all for gathering here so promptly," he began, his voice carrying over the assembled crowd. "We have a special announcement today, one that I believe will be a great honor for our school."

He paused, allowing a moment of suspense to build before continuing. "I'd like to introduce a very distinguished guest. Please welcome Dr. Isabella Mercer."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the students. Dr. Isabella Mercer was a name many recognized – a Nobel Prize-winning scientist known for her groundbreaking work in biomedical research, particularly in genetic engineering and regenerative medicine.

Dr. Mercer stepped forward, and a collective gasp went through the crowd. Contrary to expectations of an elderly academic, the woman who stood before them was the picture of youth. Her skin was flawless, her appearance seemingly that of someone in her twenties.

How could this be the renowned scientist whose work spanned decades?

"Dr. Mercer has made significant contributions to medical science, including pioneering techniques in cellular regeneration," the Dean continued, seemingly oblivious to the students' stunned expressions. "Her work has changed the course of modern medicine and brought hope to millions worldwide."

The students exchanged looks of disbelief and awe. Rumors and questions buzzed among them like a swarm of bees.

"Isn't she supposed to be old?" one student whispered.

"How is she so young-looking? Is this another one of her scientific breakthroughs?" another pondered aloud.

Dr. Mercer stood calmly, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips as if she was well accustomed to such reactions.

Her youthful appearance was indeed a mystery, one that added an air of intrigue to her already impressive reputation.

The students of Oasis Academy, on the cusp of their own futures, couldn't help but feel a surge of inspiration and curiosity in the presence of such an mysterious and accomplished figure.

The Dean's voice rose above the murmurs of the crowd. "I have a good news for everyone! Dr. Mercer will be staying in Shanghai for an upcoming experiment. During her time here, she has graciously agreed to mentor our next generation of scientists and thinkers. She will be serving as a temporary Chemistry teacher for our senior students."

This announcement sent another wave of surprise through the student body. The idea of being taught by a Nobel laureate was both exciting and intimidating.

Dr. Isabella Mercer then stepped forward, her presence commanding yet approachable. She scanned the crowd of young faces, her expression one of genuine interest and warmth.

"Thank you, Dean," she began, her voice clear and confident, with fluent mandarin, "It's a pleasure to be here among such bright and promising students. I believe that education is a powerful tool, not just in acquiring knowledge, but in shaping the future. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you and, hopefully, inspiring some of you to pursue your own paths in science."

Her words, simple yet profound, resonated with the students. They listened, captivated by her charisma and the wealth of experience she represented.

After her brief address, Dr. Mercer handed the stage back to the Dean. The students burst into a round of applause, their initial shock giving way to a buzz of excited conversation. The prospect of being taught by someone of Dr. Mercer's caliber was a rare and thrilling opportunity.

The Dean, smiling at the positive reception, continued to outline the plans for Dr. Mercer's integration into the school's curriculum and the unique opportunity it presented for the students.

Wang Xueying couldn't shake off the feeling that Dr. Isabella Mercer had singled her out with her gaze just before exiting the stage. 'Was she really looking at me?' she wondered, her curiosity piqued. The notion seemed far-fetched, yet it lingered in her mind, adding another layer of mystery to the sudden appearance of Isablelle.

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