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In the History Department Office, the room was filled with the warm light of the afternoon sun. Slender rays filtered through the gaps between the heavy wooden bookshelves, casting a golden glow over the aged desks and chairs. Outside, the rustling leaves seemed to echo the bustling atmosphere within the office. The walls were adorned with various academic awards and photographs from important past meetings, showcasing the remarkable achievements of the Department of History. At this moment, it felt as if all this glory was converging on one person—William.
William stood beside his desk, clearly the center of attention in the room. He was tall and upright, his face radiating a confident smile, his eyes sparkling with undeniable excitement and pride. The folder in his hand was gripped tightly, symbolizing the research project he was leading—a significant initiative aimed at reexamining the origins of human civilization. His voice was loud and magnetic, resonating throughout the small space.
“Everyone, this project has received full support from the government!” William's tone was filled with pride, each word seeming to vibrate in the air, bringing an intangible authority. “This is not only recognition for our Department of History but also an affirmation of our years of hard work! We are about to collaborate with the nation’s top experts and scholars to embark on an unprecedented exploration into the birth of human civilization!”
His fingers lightly tapped on the project proposal on the desk, emphasizing the weight of what it contained. “This expedition marks a turning point for our Department of History and represents a pinnacle moment in our academic careers!” William's tone rose passionately, as if he could already envision himself standing at the peak of academia, revered by all.
The other professors listened with expressions of surprise on their faces. Some couldn’t help but applaud, and soon a wave of admiration and congratulations filled the office. “Fantastic job, William!” “This is truly an incredible achievement!” “The opportunity we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived!” Professors approached him to offer their congratulations; some patted him on the shoulder while others shook his hand with admiration, each person immersed in the joy of success.
At that moment, William undoubtedly stood at the pinnacle of power within the Department of History; his name was now closely linked to this national-level project. His confident smile and composed demeanor inspired respect and awe from those around him. His status felt immensely elevated, as if every move he made could determine the future direction of academia.
However, contrasting sharply with this lively atmosphere was James in the corner. His presence felt particularly isolated, as if all the commotion in the room had nothing to do with him. He sat quietly at his own desk, gracefully and slowly preparing a cup of drip coffee. Hot water poured steadily from the kettle spout, steam curling up before him, carrying a faint aroma of coffee. His movements were precise and steady, seemingly oblivious to any sounds from outside.
James wore a faint smile; although he did not directly participate in this celebration, he was not entirely unresponsive. Occasionally he lifted his gaze from his steaming coffee cup to glance at William, a slight smile playing on his lips that seemed to share in William's success. Yet this smile carried an undercurrent of sarcasm and indifference, as if all this revelry was merely a fleeting spectacle to him.
James quietly observed this gathering, complex emotions swirling silently within him. Once renowned in academia himself, time had dimmed his own brilliance. Now he was just an unnoticed researcher while William had become the focal point in this office.
He leisurely sipped his coffee; the warm liquid slid down his throat while his heart felt like a cold abyss. James's gaze swept across the enthusiastic professors once more as if pondering something profound. That smile still lingered at his lips but concealed deeper intentions that starkly contrasted with the current jubilation.
Amidst all this excitement, William stood before everyone with an even brighter smile, arms slightly outstretched as if painting a grand vision for the future. “Everyone, we are at a historic crossroads,” his voice rang out powerfully as if each word struck through the air, stirring everyone’s spirits. “This project is not just an ordinary academic discussion; it is a groundbreaking discovery that will fundamentally change our understanding of human civilization's origins! And you—all my colleagues—will be at the core of this magnificent journey!”
William’s gaze swept over each face filled with anticipation and encouragement. “I need your support; I believe we will climb together to academic heights and witness this century's greatest archaeological discovery. This is not only a glory for our Department of History but also a milestone for academia as a whole!”
The professors were all excited to hear William's vision. Some nodded enthusiastically in agreement, while others couldn't contain themselves and whispered excitedly to those nearby, discussing the possibilities of the future. The room was filled with joyful laughter and applause, as if William's passion had ignited the entire office, and everyone was immersed in anticipation of future discoveries.
However, James remained alone in the corner. The aroma of the freshly brewed drip coffee wafted through the air as he leisurely removed the coffee bag from his cup. In stark contrast to the jubilant atmosphere around him, his movements were calm and almost indifferent, carrying a sense of detached ritual.
As he gently tossed the coffee bag into the nearby trash can, a slight twitch appeared at the corner of James's mouth, followed by a barely audible cold laugh. "What nonsense..." he muttered to himself, his words dissipating in the air like the fading scent of coffee, quickly drowned out by the excited chatter of other professors.
His voice was so soft it seemed meant only for his own ears, yet it was laced with sarcasm and disdain that could not be concealed. He watched his colleagues reveling in their future glory, his gaze revealing a hint of contempt and annoyance. Although he feigned calmness on the surface, deep down he was already weary of this farce, as if he had seen through it all.
As William finished speaking, the atmosphere in the department reached a climax. Professors flocked around this radiant Department Chair, each wearing genuine smiles and continuously offering congratulations and praise: "William, this is amazing!" "This plan is sure to succeed!" "We finally have a chance to be part of such a great discovery!" Applause, laughter, and exclamations filled the room, creating an atmosphere of joy that seemed to lighten even the air itself.
William stood at the center, basking in it all with a beaming smile, as if he were a monarch in this academic kingdom. The professors' praises poured in; he nodded graciously, his smile unwavering, exuding an aura of confidence that made him appear larger than life.
Meanwhile, James quietly observed everything from his corner. He brought the coffee cup to his lips for a sip but found that the coffee lacked its usual bitterness. What once held a hint of sharpness now tasted bland and unremarkable. James furrowed his brow slightly, feeling an indescribable sense of unease rising within him.
He set down the coffee cup and glanced over at his colleagues surrounding William, each one wearing a joyful expression. These familiar faces had once fought alongside him, debated with him; now they were all focused on William, directing their praise and hopes toward that man.
Suddenly, a deep bitterness spread within him, more intense than the coffee in his cup. James recalled his past vigor when he too had been the center of attention among this group and had stood in such glory. That time was not far behind him; yet now everything felt so distant and unattainable. The confidence and brilliance he once possessed seemed like dust lost to history, scattered by the winds.
The hatred deep within him intensified at that moment. Every congratulatory remark and every smile felt like daggers carving into his heart. Everything he once had was now replaced by William. The more brilliant William shone, the deeper and more painful James's internal wounds became.
He clenched his fists tightly; this pent-up anger and jealousy burned silently like flames in darkness. Lowering his head with a stern expression and maintaining that cold smile at the corner of his mouth, he concealed a hatred that had already taken root behind that facade—waiting for just the right moment to unleash these long-suppressed emotions completely.
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