Percy was surprised.
He hadn’t anticipated that Scarlett would be able to tell he had purposely answered the test questions incorrectly just from glancing at the paper.
Narrowing his eyes, he studied Scarlett closely.
“So, you’re not just any ordinary person!
Are you also trying to catch your parents’ attention?” Scarlett chuckled once more.
“So, you’re aiming to grab your parents’ attention.
But generally, don’t parents appreciate kids who achieve excellent grades?
How would they feel about your behavior now?” Percy held back his words, realizing he’d been coaxed into confessing the truth.
Scarlett ventured another guess, “Or maybe your siblings all excel academically, and you want to stand out by being different?” “Damn it!” Percy exclaimed in surprise.
“Did you put a surveillance camera on me?” “No need for a camera.
I only needed my brain.” Percy pressed his lips together.
Since Scarlett had figured it out, there was no point in denying it.
“My parents live with my sister, and they hardly ever come to Yendale, not even once a year.
“My sister was a top student, so they assume I’m just like her.
That’s why they rarely pay attention to me.
Only when my grades drop significantly will they make a special trip to Yendale to check on me.” Scarlett was somewhat confused.
“Why aren’t you living with your parents?” Percy instantly narrowed his eyes, adopting a defensive expression.
“I’ve shared all my secrets with you, and yet you still want to know more.
Why are you so intrigued?” Scarlett fell silent.
Did he actually believe she was keen to know?
They were just discussing this, and she found it odd, so she asked offhandedly.
If he wasn’t willing to share, she wasn’t interested in hearing it either!
“Alright, if you don’t want to tell me, then don’t,” Scarlett said, her expression turning frosty as she returned to her book.
“Class is starting.
Don’t talk to me.” “Hey, what’s going on with you?” Percy pressed, determined to have a conversation.
He pulled his chair closer and sat beside her.
“I’ve confided in you about my secret.
You need to tell me why you’re also trying to get your parents’ attention.” Scarlett replied coolly, “I don’t have parents.
I only have an adoptive mother.” Percy was speechless, his eyes brimming with empathy.
“So you’re seeking your adoptive mother’s attention?” “No.
She’s a mental patient and can’t comprehend that.” The conversation was simply too difficult to carry on!
Percy was at a loss for how to console Scarlett.
He started to speak but then stopped himself.
He hadn’t anticipated meeting someone in a worse situation than his own.
Yet, his curiosity grew.
Given that Scarlett wasn’t seeking anyone’s attention, why did she, like him, intentionally score poorly?
At that moment, Mike Sawyer entered the classroom and announced loudly, “Settle down, everyone.
We have a new student joining us.
I’m sure you all know her already, right?” A few daring students immediately started creating a commotion.
“Scarlett, the one who got expelled from Class A, the helper of the Quinn family, Lily’s study buddy.
Everyone knows that!” “She’s also a country bumpkin, not like the rest of us.” “Exactly, Mr.
Sawyer.
Why do you accept just anyone?” “You might want to be careful, Mr.
Sawyer; it could affect your performance.” Percy casually rested his head and gave Scarlett an assessing look from the side.
Observing the conversation about her, he couldn’t resist remarking, “Impressive.
You manage to maintain a calm demeanor even now.
Your mental toughness is remarkable!” Upon hearing this, Scarlett merely offered a slight smile.
The memory of facing the entire school’s disdain in her previous life had effectively immunized her against such minor barbs.
Mike frowned and said sternly, “Be quiet, everyone!
Scarlett is now part of Class F, and she belongs to our big family!
Would you speak to your family like this at home?
“Where someone is born is beyond their control.
Scarlett’s placement in this classroom proves that her abilities match yours.
If basic respect among classmates is beyond you, how can you hope to navigate the complexities of an evolving society?
“Now, get up and apologize to Scarlett immediately.” The group reluctantly pursed their lips and rolled their eyes.
“Do we really have to, Mr.
Sawyer?
I don’t want to apologize to someone from the countryside.” “Neither do I.
It would be mortifying if people found out.” A chorus of protest erupted, one voice joining another.