The classroom was unusually quiet when Wei entered, carrying a folder with what everyone assumed were the partial results of the unit.
The students straightened in their seats.
The professor seemed different lately, less rigid, as if an enormous weight had been partially lifted from his shoulders.
He cleared his throat and observed the students, momentarily pausing on Ren, who occupied his now habitual place, his mushrooms pulsing calmly while he reviewed another text.
"Before continuing with today's lesson," Wei began, "I have an important announcement concerning this unit's evaluation."
The students felt a tense anticipation floating in the air.
"After thoroughly reviewing the works presented to date, and considering the exceptional contributions to the correction of course material," he continued, "I have made the decision to assign the first place of the unit to Ren Patinder in advance."
