Chapter 2

I thought Zoey would be happy. Of course, she was. She just wanted everyone to know that she wasn't someone who would take advantage of this special treatment. She wanted everyone to beg her not to be stubborn.

She wanted them to tell her to accept the opportunity for the sake of the school, her teachers, and her parents. She wanted them to convince her to reluctantly take an opportunity that countless others would give anything for.

As expected, Ms. Williams tried to persuade her. "Zoey, don't be rash. This isn't about avoiding the college entrance exam. You earned this opportunity through your own efforts."

Zoey looked down and said sadly, "Ms. Williams, I know you mean well, but this just doesn't sit right with me."

Ms. Collins also chimed in, "Not everyone can have this spot. If you give it up, the school will have to contact Austin University."

Zoey bit her lip sadly. "If my decision causes trouble for the school, I'll take responsibility for it."

The moment she said that, silence filled the assembly room once more.

I saw her fingers beneath the table, quietly gripping the hem of her clothes.

She was waiting. She wanted Mr. Manson to tell her the spot belonged only to her. No one else could have it. She wanted Ms. Williams to tell her she was truly exceptional and that the school couldn't afford to lose her.

She wanted everyone to look at her with admiration and sympathy and urge her to accept the special admission spot.

However, Mr. Manson said nothing. He pinched the bridge of his nose and then flipped through the documents on the desk.

He explained, "According to the terms Austin University had set, if the first candidate declines their offer, the offer can go to the student ranked second in the assessment."

My heart skipped a beat. The student ranked second in the assessment was none other than me. Many people in the room also caught on, and they immediately looked over at me.

Zoey's expression shifted. She turned to look at me, the shock in her eyes almost impossible to hide.

Mr. Manson looked at me. "Nina, your competition results, academic performance, and interview score also meet the requirements. If Zoey chooses to give up the spot, the school can contact Austin University and have it offered to you instead. But whether you want it is up to you."

I heard Zoey suck in a quiet breath. She looked at me with a hint of warning in her eyes.

I remained in a daze for a few seconds. Then, I raised my hand. "Okay, I'll take the spot."

The assembly room fell completely silent.

Zoey finally lost her composure. She looked at me in disbelief. "Nina?"

I stood up, my voice steadier than I had expected. "If Zoey truly believes that there's no point in taking this spot, I'll take it instead. I want to go to Austin University. I want to join a research lab.

"I don't think this is a shortcut, and I don't think there's anything shameful about accepting an opportunity I've earned through my own hard work."

Mr. Manson looked at me. There was a hint of surprise in his eyes.

Ms. Williams paused for a moment. Then, she nodded. "Your grades are also good enough."

Ms. Collins flipped through her documents and said, "She has strong mathematical modeling skills, and the interviewers from Austin University were also quite impressed with her."

Zoey finally couldn't help but speak up. "But Mr. Manson, aren't you being a bit too hasty?"