Serena was thrilled to find out her total score was 722.
That score was even higher than last yearâs top score at Summerfield.
âWow, your scores are off the charts!â
âThe top scores in other cities usually hover around 702, 708, 711. No oneâs hit 722 yet!â
âSo, does that mean Serena is the national champion?â
âSerena is the national champion?â
Everyone was stunned. Even Serena herself couldnât believe it and was ecstatic.
Martha excitedly said, âSerena, snap out of it and call your parents with the good news!â
âSuch great news needs to be shared!â Martha quickly handed her a cell phone, âCall them now!â
i Serena couldnât believe her scores were even higher than she had anticipated.
She was feeling pretty smug, knowing she was about to become famous.
Her name would be in the headlines, trending topics, and all major platforms!
She was undeniably the national champion!
She was about to become the centre of attention!
Seeing her dialling the number, Martha couldnât help but boast, âBlood relations are no big deal. Itâs you who are bringing glory to your parents! Everyone else can just bow down to you!â
Everyone knew she was mocking Ms. Bella, but no one dared to speak up for fear of offending her.
After a while /Kenneth Collins answered the phone, âSerena, are the scores out?â
âTheyâre out.â Serena tried to control her excitement and calmly said, âI scored 722.
â722? Thatâs the highest score nationally, isnât it?â Kenneth happily said, âWhat about your sister? Are her scores out?â
Serena was a bit annoyed that her father brought up her sister so soon, but she quickly laughed, âMy sister is in her room by herself right now. She might be sleeping or feeling down. Dad, when are you coming home? You should spend some time with her when you get back, give her some courage and confidence, okay?â
âWeâll be home in five minutes.â
âAlright, my sister and I will be waiting for you at home.â Serena gracefully ended the call. Then she couldnât resist sharing the good news in all her group chats. Her class group chat had already announced her score. Many classmates were guessing that she was the national champion. Serena denied it modestly while smirking.
After receiving many compliments, she turned to Edith, âEdith, itâs getting late. Can you wake my sister up? If sheâs the national champion and the teachers from prestigious schools are at our doorstep, and she hasnât even washed up. Thatâd be quite embarrassing.â
Before Edith could respond, Martha laughed coldly, âIf she could be the national champion, I would kneel down and polish her shoes! Serena, you must be confident. You are definitely the national champion!â
1 Since Serena had already shared the news in the group chat, many people guessed she would be the national champion. The news spread quickly, and soon, many mothers and ladies of high society were calling Louisa.
When Louisa walked in, she was still dealing with them, âNo, we didnât really push her to study. She did it all by herself. Itâs too early to say sheâs the national champion, haha. Alright, if our family does have the national champion, weâll definitely throw a party.â
Kenneth was also busy with phone calls, âThrow a party? Of course! If the champion is from our family, not only a party, everyone is welcome to our vacation villa anytime. Weâll cover all the costs.â
Meanwhile, Serena was basking in the glory of being the national champion, feeling proud and also texted Hans Collins on WhatsApp to announce the good news.
âDid Arabellaâs scores come out?â.
Of course, everyone at home was concerned about Arabella!!
Serena whispered, âSheâs locked herself in her room, probably not feeling great.â
As for why she wasnât feeling great, Serena didnât need to spell it out. Anyone with half a brain could guess she didnât do well.
At this point, Hans didnât reply but instead sent a message to Arabella.
Arabella was still asleep, her phone on silent, unaware of the messages piling up on her screen.
[Did your scores come out? Donât worry. Iâm here for you.]
Romeo McMillian had also messaged her that morning.
[How did you do? Donât stress. Iâve got your back.]
And there were many more unread messages.
[Bella, my guys couldnât find you, then I remembered youâre not living with the Murphy family anymore.
Youâre at Reflections Villa, right? My guy is on his way. You better apply to my school!]
Seeing Louisa end her call, Martha quickly complimented her, âYouâre so lucky to have such a smart and beautiful daughter like Serena. Now youâre the mother of the national champion, youâre going to get a lot of media attention!â
Louisa laughed, âYouâve spent the most time with Serena since she was a little girl. If Serena really is the national champion. Youâre the unsung hero! No matter if Serena is the champion or not, everyoneâs salary will be doubled this month. Martha, your salary will be multiplied by five.â
âThank you!â Everyone thanked her in unison, very excited.
Martha, being pleased, added, âMs. Balla might not have done well or doesnât have the courage to check her scores. You guys should go comfort her. If her scores arenât good and she wants to retake the exam next year, Serena can help her out. Letâs not let her feel down.â
Just as Louisa was about to go upstairs, a maid rushed in to report.
âDozens of teachers from famous universities are at our doorstep. What should we do? should we invite them in?â
âIâll go invite them in myself.â Louisa quickly left the hall.
Kenneth was hot on her heels, with Serena confidently strutting alongside. All the household servants followed out to catch the show.
âHello, weâre here looking for the national top scorer.â
Before the speaker, a professor from Summerfield College could finish, Martha hurriedly pulled Serena in front of him, âThe top scorer is right here. This is Serena. She scored 722 points this year!â
Serena held her head high, waiting for them to fight over her, this outstanding student.
âShe really is impressive. The young people these days are really something, hahaha.â The professor laughed in a friendly manner, with other teachers nodding in agreement, their eyes filled with admiration for Serena.
722 points, that truly was a skyâhigh score!