Chapter 86

The commotion from the young boy was hard to miss, and everyone instinctively turned their gaze toward him. He was clutching his notebook, eyes gleaming with excitement.

That’s when it hit everyone–the moment to announce the top scorers arrived!

Hobson pushed through the crowd, eager to ask how the young knew Winnie’s student ID, but as soon as he caught sight of the display, the words lodged in his throat slid back down unspoken.

The name and score of the highest achiever in the state’s exams were directly published on the platform. No need for student IDs.

And there it was, on the platform’s page, the news about Emerald Bay–the announcement that Winnie had scored perfect score, securing the title of valedictorian in Emerald Bay.

This piece of news was second only to the national valedictorian, trailing by just a single point.

Hobson felt like his heart had sunk to the pit of his stomach. He didn’t even have the inclination to check his own score. After all, he wasn’t the valedictorian!

Turning to Winnie, he saw her face still composed, seemingly indifferent to her exam score or the prestigious honor of being the state’s top student.

Hobson’s fists, hanging by his sides, clenched in secret.

He didn’t believe for a second that she truly didn’t care.

She was just playing it cool.

Disappointed deep down by the outcome, he could put on a facade as well. In a moment, his face regained its usual indifferent expression as if the results meant nothing to him.

Suddenly, a gentle hand reached out, soft as If boneless, and gave a light pat on the back of his hand–a silent gesture of comfort.

Hobson looked up to meet Amber’s encouraging eyes, Alert! Hobson’s affection points have decreased by 1, now standing at 87.

Amber was surprised. What did she do? Wasn’t her comforting supposed to earn her affection points rather than lose them?

Amber looked momentarily awkward. But she knew Hobson was a tough nut to crack; even the initial conquest had been fraught with obstacles.

It seemed she still didn’t understand him well enough.

With that realization, Amber withdrew her hand as if she hadn’t done anything.

If he didn’t appreciate the comfort, then so be it.

1/4 12:36 Hobson watched the retreating hand, and this time, it wasn’t awkwardness he felt but a sense of her pulling away.

Just because he hadn’t become the valedictorian?

Alert! Hobson’s affection points have decreased by another 1, now at 86.

Amber’s pupils constricted involuntarily. A two–point drop out of nowhere was enough to make want to scream in frustration.

What was she supposed to do? Nothing was working!

And today, of all days, Amber dared not show her feelings, maintaining a gracious and sincere. smile of congratulations instead.

While Hobson had no interest in checking his score, Yates had no such reservations. After initially marveling at Winnie’s brilliance, he eagerly squeezed through to check his own results. Yates scored a decent score nationally, but it paled in comparison to Winnie’s score. Yet Yates dan’t seem disappointed and chuckled, “I’m set.”

Hearing of her son’s strong performance, Kate allowed herself a rare smile of approval.

She disliked comparing her children to others; that only served to undermine their confidence.

Seeing Yates‘ results, Leonie hurried to check Hobson’s score as well.

Though Hobson had been uninterested in his results after missing out on the top spot, he couldn’t help but glance over when his scores appeared He had to know the number. If he was just a point or two behind Winnie…

With that thought, he saw his exam results flash on the screen.

He was more than a point or two behind. Hobson’s expression darkened once again.

While the excitement buzzed on one side, teachers from Silverpine University, Capital University, and Emerald University were already pitching to Winnie, each more eager than the last.

The recruitment officer from the Supernatural Department, seeing the sudden competition, spoke up without yielding an inch.

“Ms. Bryant, specialization is key, and I’ve heard you haven’t systematically studied our Mystical Sects content. This is an excellent opportunity. Our faculty excels not only in talent but also in teaching resources. The Caretaker of Breeze Monastery is our honorary lecturer, and our tuition is affordable, just $500 a …”

The other recruiters couldn’t help but smirk at the middle–aged man in the white robe. especially when they heard his pitch. They interjected with their own tempting offers.

Ms. Henderson from Capital University said, “If you choose Capital University, tuition and accommodation are on us, plus you’ll get a scholarship. This is a special offer for Ms. Bryant from Capital University.”

A representative from Emerald University chimed in, “Ms. Bryant, you’re an Emerald Bay local. Emerald University is where you belong. If you come to us, not only will you have free tuition and a scholarship, but we’ll also offer you the chance to study abroad at prestigious institutions at no extra cost…”

The Silverpine University teacher added, “Free tuition is a given. Silverpine University can offer you a private dorm room, and we promise any exceptional achievements during your time with us will be rewarded with a million–dollar bonus The Bryant family was overwhelmed. They weren’t short on money, but offers like these, where institutions were practically begging you to attend for free, were not an everyday occurrence.

The last time they’d seen anything like this was when Horace took his exams?

Clifford, though still composed, couldn’t hide the joyful pride that twinkled in his eyes.

That’s his daughter, she was exceptional–so exceptional that the top universities were practically falling over themselves to recruit her.

Bacchus, standing to the side with a gentle smile in his eyes, watched as the school representatives threw their best offers on the table. After a moment, he spoke up. “Each of your represents a prestigious institution, and we’re honored by your personal visits to invite Winnie. However, where she chooses to go to college is ultimately up to her.”

In his mind, whether it was Silverpine University, Capital University, or Emerald University, any would be a fine choice.

But that Supernatural Department? He subconsciously chose to forget about it.

Horace chimed in, turning to , who was still undecided, “Winnie, pick whichever feels right to you. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks.”

Though the words were the same, unlike Bacchus, Horace meant that even if Winnie chose that Supernatural Department, he would stand by her decision.

Feeling everyone’s eyes on her, Winnie finally snapped out of her deep thoughts.

She had already made up her mind about which school she wanted to attend.

Her gaze drifted from the teachers of the four schools and finally settled on a teacher wearing a robe that seemed out of place.

In her eyes, a faint blue glow emanated from the teacher.

That hue of blue signified a presence of spiritual energy.

It was clear that this was no ordinary school teacher.

Bringing her gaze back from the teacher Winnie to the other three university admissions officers, “Thank you all for coming to see personally. I’ve decided to attend the Supernatural Department at Emerald .”

—

Winnie’s declaration landed like a thunderbolt. Not only were the admissions officers from the top universities left agape, but even the Bryant family members were in utter disbelief.

Was the girl out of her mind?!