All Chapters of Love Can Wait, Finals Can't: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

Before being reborn, I gave up on my future to pursue the affections of the most popular young man in high school. I ended up working as a corporate slave for him, and his humiliation of me led to my death.After my rebirth, I wanted to make that scumbag apologize to me a hundred times in Clock Square.I used to be a lovesick fool who would even forsake my future for the sake of love.In my sophomore year of high school, I gave up on getting guaranteed high scores in literature and history. Instead, I chose to study physics and calculus to win the affections of Jack Montgomery, my high school's heartthrob.In the end, attending physics class felt like listening to a foreign language to me. While the teacher spoke passionately from the podium, I felt like I was sitting on pins and needles. The laws of motion? Quantum theory? Electromagnetic field theory? I had no idea what any of those were.It only took one semester for me to go from being in the top 50 in my grade to below 30

I took three weeks of sick leave and locked myself in my room. Mom assumed that something had set me off, and knocked on my door after some time."How about we just call off the transfer, honey?"I didn't even lift my head. "Give me three days' time, Mom. In three days, I'm going to shut everyone up."I'd long forgotten all the knowledge I'd learned in high school, but fortunately, my foundations were still solid.I spread out texts on Amerasian and Borisian literature, as well as some writing guides. Then, I used the Lakernel note-taking method to reorganize the key points. The study methods I'd picked up while preparing for my GMATs were now coming in handy.Literary analysis was the simplest—I created an outline for theme, symbolism, and character development in one night.Essay-writing, on the other hand, was a little troublesome. I read up on the structure of argumentative essays and rhetorical devices while practicing my writing.Critical reading skills were practically at

I felt chilled to my core.I enunciated each word slowly as I said, "I didn't cheat. It's the teacher who slandered me."Mom was even more furious. "Are you still trying to make excuses? Would the school slander you for no reason?"I sneered. "Yes, I know. In your eyes, the teachers are all saints, and I'm the only one who's trash.""You—"I roared back, "Enough! I'm not staying another day under this roof!"I promptly turned and ran, turning a deaf ear to Mom's shouts from behind me.Tears blurred my vision. I didn't know how long I ran, but I eventually stopped in the doorway of an internet cafe.I walked in and turned on a computer, but I didn't know what to do once I was seated.In the end, I took a math exercise book out of my school bag.I couldn't slack off. Even if the whole world didn't believe in me, I would still believe in myself. This was my life and nobody else's!Several people nearby looked dumbfounded. "Did you come to an internet cafe to do your homework, p

I didn't go anywhere during the two months of summer vacation. Instead, I only concentrated on studying Ethan's notes.Mom couldn't stand seeing me like that anymore and asked worriedly, "You don't have to study so hard, do you, honey?"I didn't even look up as I answered, "I want to get into Hareford University, so yes!""Hareford?" Mom asked in shock."Yes! I have to get in!"…Just after the start of my senior year, I heard an even more exciting piece of news—Ethan had won first prize in the international math competition and had been admitted into MIT in advance.This time, the whole school wasn't just shocked but completely floored."Holy cow! Ethan turned out to be an actual genius!""I used to mock him before, but looking back on that now, I was the real idiot!""He's gone to MIT while we're still struggling out here. Comparing ourselves to others really is a recipe for misery!"I sent Ethan a message as soon as I heard the news."Congratulations, Mr. Genius!""Meet

Ethan sent me a video call invitation.When I picked up, he said, "Congratulations, future Hareford student.""Thank you, MIT genius," I replied cheerily."Is there any gift you want?" he asked."You."The words slipped out of my mouth without thought.He was stunned for a moment, after which he smiled and said, "Sure."It was my turn to be dazed. "Huh?"He looked seriously at me. "I said, 'Sure.' Will you be my girlfriend, Emma?"I instantly flushed red. "W-Why are you suddenly—"He cut me off. "It's not sudden. I've been waiting for this day since the first time you asked me to tutor you.""Then why didn't you say anything before?"He raised an eyebrow at me. "Didn't you say you'd discuss it after getting into Hareford? Well, you've now made it. Do you not want to be my girlfriend?""I do! Of course, I do!" I replied loudly.He smiled. "My mother has cooked a feast and is waiting for your arrival."I was stupefied. "Your mother?""Yes. She's been wanting to meet you."