Translator: Inschain     Editor: Inschain
Emily started her homework, chatting as she wrote, âSunny Heightsâ course progression is so fast, and their teaching methods are downright crazy. If youâre struggling with grades, youâd better study till 3 or 4 in the morning if you hope to pass. Especially since the materials are created by the school and are super challenging. It gives me such a headache.â
Elizabeth paused, pursing her lips, âIt seems pretty simple to me, like elementary-level stuff.â
âI guess Iâm only at kindergarten level then.â
Emily muttered in complaint, âWhoever designed these teaching materials must be a creepy, old man, trying to gain satisfaction by torturing students.â Elizabeth looked at her with a complicated expression, âItâs not an old man.â
Emily nodded dismissively, âOkay, then itâs some wrinkled-faced old lady.â
Elizabeth was speechless.
She thought to herself, âMaking friends is so hard.â
âBy the way,â Emily continued, âif you canât keep up with the pace once school starts, you can apply to be held back to solidify your basics. Otherwise, ending up last in grades would be embarrassing.â
Emily was genuinely concerned for her innocent new friend.
Elizabeth replied, âDonât worry. Iâll be fine. Itâs easy.â
Emily pinched her nose, feeling that her new triend might be a bit overconfident and would be in for a shock once school began.
Sigh. She hadnât consoled someone before.
On the first day of school, Jack made a point to finish his work early so he could drive Elizabeth to school, telling his parents they didnât need to worry about it.
Sophia teased Jack, suggesting it was about time he acted responsibly, which left him confused. He thought to himself, âWas I really that disappointing in her eyes?â
Sunny Heights High School was nothing like the schools in the countrysideâit was vast. Jack worried Elizabeth might be overwhelmed.
He also hoped this could be an opportunity to mend their strained relationship, given his prior poor attitude.
Just as Jack pulled up, both Elizabeth and Linda came out.
Before Jack could say a word, Linda, eyes brightening, rushed over, clinging to his arm.
âJack, you really came to take me to school!â
Jack glanced at Elizabeth, who seemed disinterested, and began, âI came toâ¦â
Linda interrupted, âI casually mentioned it yesterday, not expecting you would really come. Iâm so happy.â
Then it dawned on Jack and he felt a bit awkward.
Last night, in his drowsy state, he had absentmindedly agreed to something over the phone with Linda.
This was it.
Seeing no response, Lindaâs face fell, releasing his arm, âJack, werenât you here to take me to school?â
Seeing the downcast and enduring look on Lindaâs face, and recalling what his father had said the projectâs success was thanks to Linda. Jack stopped.
He realized that he had been neglecting Linda recently, which might have caused her emotional imbalance.
Finally, he sighed and said, âLetâs go. Iâll walk you out.â
Internally, he thought heâd make it up to Elizabeth later.
Linda beamed, a hint of boastfulness in her voice, âJack, youâre so good to me.â Elizabeth shot them a glance, indifferent.
As Jack watched the aloof Elizabeth, he said, âElizabeth, Iâll take you to school.â
She looked at Linda and shook her head, âNo need.â
Someone else would.
Misinterpreting Elizabethâs refusal as resentment toward him, Jack gave a wry smile, âAre you still upset about my not trusting you earlier?â
âNo,â Elizabeth replied calmly.
Jack sensed she wasnât being truthful, presuming she was sulking and frowned. Before he could speak again, another car pulled up in front of the house..