Chapter 7

This score was unprecedented. No one in Seaton High School's history had ever scored that high. Seeing Albert's stunned expression, Jack felt a pang of guilty pleasure. But Jack didn't want to lie, so he gently said, "It's probably higher." With Albert still in shock, Jack packed up his things. "See you," he said softly, then waved and walked out. After Jack left, Marcus walked into the classroom with a glass of water. He found Albert standing at the back of the room, just staring blankly, in a daze. "Albert, what's wrong? You look a bit out of it," Marcus said. "M-Marcus, that new student in your class… Do you know what he thinks he's scored?" he asked, his voice shaky. "How much?" Marcus asked, curious. "He said… it's at least 680 points!" Albert exclaimed, gesturing dramatically. Hearing that score, Marcus's hand trembled, making his glass slip out of his hand and crash to the floor. "That's… That's not funny," he stammered, his voice wavering. Albert shook his head firmly, looking completely serious. Marcus thought Albert had to be joking, but his serious expression told him otherwise. Besides, Albert was about to retire, so he wouldn't joke about something like this. Jack walked out of the school into the blazing sun, where waves of heat hit him like a furnace. But his mood was as bright as the sun. He hopped onto the bus with light steps and a heart full of delight and anticipation. When he got home, he spotted three figures walking toward him. It was Wesley, Eddie, and Feena, who'd clearly just finished comparing answers and were heading back together. "Jack, what do you think you scored?" Wesley asked, curious. Jack gave a small smile. "A little better than usual," he said casually. Jack wasn't about to reveal his score. It was best to keep things to himself for now, as there were too many unknowns. Eddie gently patted Jack on the shoulder. "Keep your head up. You've got a good chance of getting into a decent college," he said. Feena shot Jack a sideways glance, a faint smile playing on her lips. "You all carry on. I've got a music lesson with Mr. Cannon tonight," she said. Recently, the song "Time" had gained immense popularity online, especially among students. The beautiful melody and brilliant lyrics had earned rave reviews. Even Donald was impressed, predicting that the songwriter would become well-known across the country. Feena had been learning this song from Donald lately. The lyrics and composition were amazing, and there was so much to learn. The only thing holding it back was the recording quality. It sounded like they hadn't had access to professional equipment. But it would have been incredible if they'd recorded it in a studio. After speaking, Feena waved casually and walked away gracefully. Once she was gone, Jack said goodbye to Wesley and Eddie before heading home. Jeffrey and Helena had been anxiously waiting. As soon as he walked in, Helena quickly handed him a drink, while Joanne pulled over a chair to sit beside him. Jeffrey puffed on his cigarette and tried to keep his voice calm. "So, how do you think you did?" he asked. Helena stood tense, her eyes fixed intently on Jack. "Not bad, I think," Jack answered calmly. Jeffrey's face brightened with relief. "If you can get into a decent college, I'll consider that a blessing," he said. Helena let out a sigh of relief, a small smile playing on her lips. She didn't expect Jack to get into a prestigious university; any college would make her happy. The next morning, Wesley talked to Jack and reminded him about the graduation celebration that afternoon. The plan for the day included a karaoke session at a private venue, followed by a barbecue by the riverbank in the evening, where everyone would share their hopes and wishes around a bonfire. Jack's arrival at the graduation celebration didn't surprise anyone. Even though he'd been expelled, the students in Class Three still considered him one of their own. They had rented out ten private rooms to hold more than a hundred students from both classes. To foster relationships between the two classes, students were randomly assigned to different rooms. Wesley and Jack found themselves in the same room as Phoebe and Feena. As the undisputed beauties of their classes and indeed the entire school, Phoebe and Feena were not only stunning but also incredibly talented. They were known as the most outstanding duo in Crestfield High School's history. When they entered the room, it was as if they brought their own sunshine, illuminating every corner. Even in simple clothes, their natural beauty couldn't be hidden. With a captivating radiance that drew everyone's attention, they seemed destined for success. Phoebe and Feena quickly became the stars of the room, with the guys gravitating toward them, eager to act as their loyal protectors. In contrast to Phoebe's aloof elegance, the sociable Feena was clearly more popular. Feena loved to showcase her charm wherever she went. Phoebe, on the other hand, was more like a swan flying high in the sky—graceful, self-contained, and untouchable. She exuded a sacred aura, evoking both admiration and a sense of detachment. The girls envied her, and the guys respected her, but no one dared to approach too closely. Phoebe, with her naturally cool demeanor, didn't mind it at all. She scanned the room and noticed that the corner where Jack was sitting was the quietest. She walked over and sat beside him. Jack smiled and shifted over, making more room for her. The excitement reached a peak as Feena stepped forward and began to sing, her clear voice instantly quieting the noisy room. Her performance of "Time Like a River" left many classmates feeling nostalgic. They reflected on how their high school days were slipping away and how soon they'd all be pursuing their own paths. After Feena finished, others eagerly took turns singing. Jack and Phoebe stayed quietly in a corner, listening and clapping occasionally. Jack's silence went unnoticed since he rarely sang, but the crowd wasn't about to let Phoebe off the hook. The guys cheered and kept urging her to sing, since they'd never heard her sing before. A rare blush spread across Phoebe's stunning face as she shook her head firmly, trying to refuse. But her classmates weren't about to give up that easily. Then a freckle-faced girl spoke up, "Phoebe's got a great voice! But she only knows one song—'Blue Sky.' Guys, who wants to sing a duet with Phoebe?" "Blue Sky" was a sweet love duet, perfect for a guy and a girl to sing together. Her question set off a flurry of excitement, especially among the guys. Phoebe, flustered by all the attention, struggled to find a way to say no. The guys burst into cheers and shouts, all of them eager for the chance to sing a love song with Phoebe just before graduation. It was sure to be a memory they'd all treasure. However, with so many volunteers, it was impossible for Phoebe to sing with everyone. Finally, Wesley suggested, "How about we draw a name out of a hat? Whoever's name that gets picked will get to sing with Phoebe. Fair enough?"