Chapter 17: Chapter 17

Chapter 17 One Minute of Restraint

The following day, upon entering the classroom, Milly noticed that everyone was casting strange glances in her direction.

Taking her seat, she was approached by the student in front of her. She asked in a low voice, “Milly, have you checked the blog?”

Furrowing her brow, Milly adjusted her thick glasses and honestly replied, “No, I haven’t.”

She had been engrossed in studying ancient poetry for the past few days and neglected even basic necessities like water, leaving her no time to check her phone.

She asked, “What’s going on? Has something happened?”

The classmate that sat in front of her was Allison Walters, a charming girl with glasses and a doll–like face.

Allison hesitated. She pursed her lips and eventually handed her phone to Milly and said, “You should see for yourself.”

The article had gained significant attention since being posted last night. There were hundreds of comments by morning.

Unbelievable! New student Milly Burnett, with only 600 points, placed in Class A. Are Crestwood High’s strict score standards being ignored in favor of privilege? Has wealth overshadowed merit? Is this fair to those of us who have worked hard? We demand a formal explanation!”

sis

How is it fair that someone with just 600 points is in Class A? I got 670 points, and I’m in Class C! It’s not right!”

You have to wonder if she really earned 600 points. It’s suspicious that her score matches the admission. cutoff exactly.

Stop arguing. Did you notice her last name? It’s Burnett. She comes from a wealthy family!

Rich? If she’s well–off, she should go to Bullard High nearby, where money matters more than grades!

The argument escalated, attracting more participants and causing Milly a headache.

Milly slid the phone back to Allison and whispered. Thank you. I understand now.

Allison was bewildered. She blinked and asked, “Why don’t you clarify? They’re saying harsh things about you.

She whispered again, “Don’t worry, I believe you. You can tackle those complex math problems; they must be mistaken.

Milly stowed her backpack in the desk compartment. Then, she retrieved her text book for morning self- study. Milly smiled and said, “There’s no mistake; I did score 600 points.”

Allison was shocked, asking, “Huh? But then you…

Milly calmly replied, “I scored 600 points by choice, not because I couldn’t score higher. As for those

rumors…

Minute of Restraint

“When the exam results are released, the truth will speak for itself.

Her resolute words silenced the mocking whispers in the classroom, leaving them shocked.

+5 Pearl:

Particularly, Milly earned admiration from Allison, who gazed at Milly as if she were an ido. She said. “Milly, I’ll always support and believe in you!”

Nevertheless, half of the class remained skeptical, and many of them sneered.

To them, Milly was bragging; only bookworms like Allison would buy it.

On the sidelines, Anthony overheard the murmur. He gripped the pen tightly until his fingertips turned white.

Don’t these people have something better to do? Didn’t they have enough homework or a final exam to occupy their time? Why did they have so much energy for gossip?

“In five minutes, I’ll collect your chemistry test papers. Failure to complete it will be marked as incomplete homework, Anthony declared coldly.

His words prompted the whispering gossipers to hastily focus on completing their assignments.

The chemistry teacher, who also serves as the grade director, has a reputation for being strict. Skipping his assignments could result in a reprimand, but for more serious offenses, you might find yourself giving a speech at the Monday flag–raising ceremony, which was a truly humiliating experience.

Anthony couldn’t help but smile when he noticed everyone had stopped discussing.

However, a thought crossed his mind, causing him to retract his smile. He wasn’t helping Milly; he was simply collecting homework. If Milly were to thank him later and apologize for forgiveness, he wouldn’t mind forgiving her.

In any case, we are seeing each other daily, and I’m her brother. I shouldn’t be too petty. But given how hurtful her words were yesterday. I’ll maintain my

composure for ten minutes. No, three minutes… hmm… one minute will do

That’s right, I’ll keep my cool for one minute before forgive her and help her understand her mistake!

Taking a deep breath, he prepared himself and suppressed his smile. He casually glanced at the girl sitting by the window, who seemed indifferent to everything, engrossed in her books.

“Chittering!” It was the sound of Anthony’s teeth clashing.

His chest heaved due to his anger. I just helped her, but she completely ignored me.

Fine! I won’t care about her anymore in the future. Let’s see how she handles it. Even if she ends up crying because of being bullied, I won’t intervene!

At this moment, the familiar sound of someone kicking the door echoed.

“Bang!”

William walked into the classroom. His bag was lazily slung over his shoulder. He surveyed the classroom arrogantly, as if a lion were scanning his territory. Then he saw something, and his eyes sparkled with excitement.

To everyone’s surprise, the lion transformed into a puppy. William trotted to Milly’s desk and sat down eagerly.

“Wow, boss, I brought you red bean milk tea. Do you want some? It’s super delicious!”

The sweet scent filled Milly’s nostrils. She politely declined, “Thank you, but I don’t like things too sweet. You should have it.”

Undeterred by the rejection, William handed the milk tea to a boy at the table before him. After that, he approached Milly eagerly. He asked, “Boss, are you studying? Do you want me to check it for you?”

“Boss, are you doing the exercises? Do you want me to teach you? I’m really good at chemistry.

“Boss, do you want some water? I’ll go get it for you! Do you want it hot or cold?”

“Boss….

Unable to take it anymore, Milly stuffed the test paper in his mouth and said, “Shut up! Stop calling me boss. We’re not that close. Stay away from me!”

In recent days, she’s been struggling with her studying, while this guy has been incessantly chattering away. I just don’t get it. Are all the girls in this school blind? How can someone so clueless be seen as the school’s heartthrob?

William pulled the exam paper out of his mouth and said solemnly, “Yesterday, we agreed to be a united front. You’re my comrade now; you can’t abandon me!”