The Wall Of Popularity - Chapter 1: Zhan's Entry into Ravensworth Elite Academy - Wattpad

The Wall Of Popularity

Ravensworth Academy for the Elite isn't just a school-it's a battlefield of power, prestige, and perfectly crafted reputations. And at the center of...

Chapter 1: Zhan's Entry into Ravensworth Elite Academy

Xiao Zhan stepped out of the sleek black car, his fingers clenching the strap of his backpack. The morning sun gleamed over the towering gates of Ravensworth Elite Academy, the golden crest shimmering against the intricate ironwork. Students in neatly pressed uniforms moved through the entrance, laughter and chatter filling the air. The campus was alive—a world of crisp navy blazers, polished shoes, and confident strides. But Zhan felt none of that energy. He felt lost.

His eyes swept over the vast courtyard where groups of students clustered, engaged in animated conversations. Some gathered under the grand oak tree that stood like a silent guardian, its sprawling branches casting shadows over the stone benches. Others were at the marble fountain, tossing coins into the water, making wishes he could only guess. The Academy, with its historical architecture and modern prestige, exuded an air of belonging—something Zhan didn't feel.

His fingers twitched at his side. The moment he had stepped onto this campus, a weight had settled on his chest. He had never imagined himself here. Not until everything had changed.

A month ago, he had been in California, surrounded by the familiar warmth of his home, his parents' voices filling the house. Now, they were gone. A tragic accident had torn them away, leaving him with nothing but his aunt—his only living relative—who had swiftly taken him under her care and brought him back to London. It had all happened so fast. One moment, he was the son of an esteemed scientist and an international beauty pageant owner; the next, he was an orphan with a new life scripted for him.

His aunt, a board member of Ravensworth, had ensured he got a place at the Academy—one of the most prestigious schools in London. For most students, admission into Ravensworth was a dream. For Zhan, it felt like a forced reality.

"Excuse me," a voice cut through his thoughts.

Zhan turned to see a girl with sharp green eyes and auburn hair neatly tied into a ponytail. Her uniform was impeccable—crisp blazer, polished shoes, and a golden prefect badge pinned onto her chest. She glanced at the paper in her hand before looking up at him.

"Xiao Zhan?"

He nodded.

"I'm Amelia Rosewood, the student body vice president. I've been assigned to help you get settled," she said, her tone polite but businesslike.

Zhan managed a small nod, shifting on his feet.

"I assume you've gone through the handbook?" she continued. "The dorm arrangements, the house divisions, the schedule—"

Zhan let out a small breath. "Not really."

Her eyebrows lifted slightly, but she said nothing. Instead, she turned on her heel. "Come on, I'll show you around."

Zhan followed, his sneakers almost silent against the stone pavement. As they walked, Amelia gave him a practiced introduction to the Academy—the dormitory halls, the grand library with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, the sports complex, and the towering main building where most classes were held. Students moved past them, some barely sparing him a glance, others giving him the kind of once-over that told him they were evaluating him.

He could hear whispers. New student? Who is he? Wait, is he the orphan?

Zhan swallowed hard. He had been prepared for this. Or at least, he thought he had. But hearing it stung in a way he hadn't expected.

They finally stopped in front of a glass-walled building labeled Ravensworth Hall. Amelia gestured inside. "This is the student lounge and cafeteria. If you ever need to relax, this is the place."

Zhan peered in, catching sight of students lounging on plush couches, some absorbed in their laptops, others chatting over cups of coffee. It looked inviting—too inviting. As if everyone here had a place except for him.

"So," Amelia said, turning back to him. "How are you finding Ravensworth so far?"

Zhan hesitated. What was he supposed to say? That the school was impressive? That the students all seemed to fit in perfectly while he felt like an outsider? That despite the grand halls, the pristine classrooms, and the perfectly structured order, he felt nothing but emptiness?

"It's... a lot," he admitted.

Amelia studied him for a moment before nodding. "You'll get used to it."

Would he? He wasn't so sure.

As she continued leading him toward the administration office, Zhan caught sight of a tall figure leaning against a pillar near the entrance—broad-shouldered, arms crossed, with an unreadable expression. His uniform was just as polished as the rest, but there was something different about him. Something intense.

Their eyes met.

For a brief moment, the world seemed to still.

The boy's gaze was piercing, filled with something that Zhan couldn't quite place—curiosity, amusement, or maybe even disdain. But before Zhan could react, the boy pushed off the pillar and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.

Amelia didn't notice. She was already a few steps ahead. "Come on, we need to meet with the headmaster."

Zhan let out a slow breath before following.

He had only been here for a few minutes, but something told him that Ravensworth was going to be far more complicated than he had expected.

***

Thanks for reading.

to be continued.