Chapter 294

My heart felt frozen like nothing could ever warm it again. At the airport, I went through the usual motions, checking in and preparing for what was supposed to be the start of my new life. The thought of leaving all these familiar faces behind filled me with an odd sense of relief. Just then, Mr. Watty arrived with two other students, ready to complete their check-in. "Ms. Wiley, I hope you make the most of this opportunity. You know how high my expectations are for you," Mr. Watty said, with a tone that carried both encouragement and pressure. He wasn't wrong—he had great hopes for me. He wanted me to participate in the student exchange program in Maville and win first place in an international design competition. Once our boarding was complete, we gathered together to discuss the upcoming trip. It was then that I learned this student exchange program wasn't just about academic networking—it involved a major international competition, one of the biggest in the field. "I've al