Chapter 1

Summer was approaching.

"Jack Holland, you're expelled from school! Pack your bag, and get out right now!" Arthur Bratford, the homeroom teacher, shouted angrily as he pointed at Jack in the hallway of Crestfield High School.

Jack clenched his fists, his face a mix of disbelief and anger. "What gives you the right to expel me?"

Arthur looked at him with contempt. "You skipped classes, got into a relationship, and fought with other students. I have every right to expel you. Now, grab your bag and leave!"

With that, he threw Jack's backpack out of the classroom, causing books to scatter all over the floor.

Jack silently picked up his belongings as whispers spread among his classmates behind him.

"How pathetic of him to be expelled right before the college exams."

"He scores poorly on these tests anyway. It doesn't matter if he takes them. He's destined to lead a life of hardships."

"I heard his girlfriend has dumped him too."

Feeling lost and defeated, Jack walked out of the school gates.

Suddenly, a van screeched to a halt nearby, and a guy with bleached hair jumped out.

"That's him! He dared to go after our boss' woman. Let's teach him a lesson!"

A barrage of blows rained down on Jack, leaving him dizzy and on the verge of unconsciousness.

As he lay there, barely conscious, the guy spat on him and sneered. "Do you think you're good enough to chase after my boss' woman?"

Not far away, a young couple leaned against a Ferrari. Shawn Cort turned to his girlfriend and asked casually, "Hey babe, is it okay if I beat up your ex?"

Calista Powell cuddled up to him and replied, "He's a bad person, and he's just a useless brat. I wouldn't mind if you killed him."

"Alright. Then, let's finish him off and dump him in the lake."

The intense pain finally caused Jack to lose consciousness.

When he awoke again, he found himself submerged in the lake. A wave of agony coursed through his body as he struggled to surface, but his arms and legs had been broken.

What should he do? Was he really going to die?

Jack was filled with despair.

Suddenly, he felt a powerful current surge through his body. It was as if the electricity had a life of its own, coursing through him and bringing with it an excruciating pain.

He felt as though he was being torn apart from within, every cell in his body writhing in agony. But just when the pain reached its peak, a warm sensation flooded into his mind.

The warmth felt magical, rapidly sweeping through his thoughts and piecing together fragments of memory.

From the moment Jack was born in the hospital to all the moments he had long forgotten, his life played out like a movie in his mind. Memories that had been tucked away in the corners of his consciousness now surfaced clearly.

The current continued to surge through Jack. It was almost as if it were reshaping every part of him. His veins, blood vessels, and bones all seemed revitalized by the incredible energy.

When Jack regained consciousness once more, he found himself washed up on the shore.

"I'm still alive?"

But it didn't take long for him to realize that something was off. His limbs, which had been broken, were now miraculously healed.

What was happening?

Looking around, Jack noticed that the storm raged on, and no one was there to witness the extraordinary scene.

As he tried to move, he suddenly felt a surge of power within him. He focused on controlling it, and a surge of electricity erupted from his body, striking the water with a force that made it ripple and send fish leaping into the air.

It was astonishing.

At the same time, his mind underwent a transformation. His thoughts became incredibly clear, and his memory seemed to explode with newfound clarity. He could recall everything from his childhood onward with vivid detail and even make connections between past events.

Jack decided to return home since his body was fully healed. He lived in the old shanty town of Perthter City, a place where the city's lower-income residents gathered.

Upon returning home, he found his father, Jeffrey Holland, smoking, while his mother, Helena Flores, was crying. His younger sister, Joanne Holland, sat quietly at the table doing her homework.

The atmosphere in the house felt tense. As Jack stepped inside, Jeffrey glanced at him and asked in a low voice, "Where have you been? You're soaked."

"I accidentally fell into the lake," Jack replied.

Jeffrey frowned and asked, "Mr. Bratford has just called to inform me that you've been expelled. Is that true?"

Jack nodded.

Jeffrey threw his cigarette onto the ground and shouted, "How could you disappoint me like this?"

Helena's sobs grew louder. She couldn't accept the fact that her son had been expelled from school.

Jack was in agony. After all, this was a huge blow to his parents.

"Do you have any idea how much effort we've put into raising you? How could you be so disobedient?" Jeffrey continued angrily.

Jack bore the weight of his parents' disappointment in silence but felt a surge of determination rising within him. He was resolved to turn things around and never let them down again.

After enduring his father's wrath, Jack retreated to his room. As he sat there, he felt a newfound strength coursing through him, and his senses were sharper than ever. He was eager to discover whether everything that had happened was real.

He pulled out various books, musical instruments, and chess pieces to experiment with.

Music, chess, and calligraphy—he mastered them all instantly.

Physics and mathematics? He grasped them effortlessly.

Everything he had once struggled to understand now made perfect sense.

This wasn't a dream.

After a rush of exhilaration, Jack tried to calm his emotions down. He began to consider how to utilize his newfound abilities and what path he should take in the future.

The college entrance exam, a term that instilled fear in countless students, now held a new significance for him. Once terrified by the thought of it, Jack was now filled with confidence and anticipation. He vowed not to let his parents down again.

Just as Jack immersed himself in his studies, the door creaked open.

Joanne tiptoed in. Her bright eyes sparkled with concern and hope as she whispered, "Don't be discouraged. I believe that you still have a chance to get into college."

Joanne was two years younger than Jack, and she was the beloved daughter of Jeffrey and Helena. Not only was she beautiful and well-behaved, but she also consistently excelled in her studies. Jack felt a deep affection for her.

He smiled and replied, "Don't worry. I'll work harder and not disappoint you."

Joanne nodded and blinked rapidly as she blushed. "I feel… I feel like you're a bit different now."

Jack's heart skipped a beat. "Different how?"

"I can't quite put my finger on it. It's just that you seem more handsome, and your eyes are brighter now. It also seems like you've grown taller."

Around noon, Jeffrey returned home carrying two packs of cigarettes and two bottles of alcohol.

He said to Jack, "This afternoon, you're coming to school with me."

Jack nodded. Normally, Jeffrey wouldn't splurge on cheap cigarettes or low-grade liquor, but today, it was clear that he was willing to go all out for his son.

Chapter 2

After lunch, Jack and Jeffrey took the bus to Crestfield High School.

Jeffrey tightened his grip on the cigarettes and liquor as they arrived at Arthur's office door. Inside, a balding man was sipping tea and humming a tune. That could only be Arthur.

"Hey, darling, don't worry. I'll handle the kid's situation. Once the college entrance exam is over, I'll take you on vacation. I'll talk to you later. Love you!" Arthur's chubby face broke into a lewd grin.

Jeffrey gently knocked on the door, startling Arthur into quickly hiding his phone and adopting a serious expression. "Come in."

As they entered, Arthur's demeanor changed instantly upon seeing Jack. "What are you doing here? Get out!"

Jeffrey hurriedly placed the cigarettes and liquor on the table. "Mr. Bratford, I've brought my son here to apologize. Please—"

Arthur glanced disdainfully at the cheap cigarettes and liquor on the table. "What? Do you think you can bribe a respectable teacher?"

Jeffrey pleaded, "Mr. Bratford, I'm begging you. The college entrance exam is coming up. Expelling him now will ruin everything!"

In response, Arthur slammed the bottle of alcohol to the ground, shattering it into pieces.

"Get out! Your child's future is none of my concern. If you don't leave right now, I'll call security."

Upon seeing the shattered bottle of alcohol and Arthur's menacing expression, Jeffrey's face turned pale. Trembling, he picked up the cigarettes and the remaining liquor from the broken bottle.

As they were about to leave, they saw a young girl standing at the door, looking at Jack with a mixture of shock and sadness.

Her name was Phoebe Bailey, and she was the former class monitor of Jack's class.

She was the epitome of a model student. She was academically excellent, gentle in nature, and strikingly beautiful. She was undoubtedly the school's belle.

Phoebe was well aware of Jack's expulsion, and she had witnessed the earlier scene unfold. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she felt a pang of sympathy for him.

Being expelled right before the college entrance exam was a devastating blow for anyone.

To be honest, she had a slight crush on Jack. Despite his poor grades, he had athletic talent and a charming bad-boy appeal. But he was always willing to lend a hand to others.

Sometimes, when Phoebe felt overwhelmed by her studies, she would go to the basketball court just to watch Jack play and cheer for him every time he scored under the sun.

In addition to his athletic skills, Jack had many other talents and hobbies. He played the guitar exceptionally well and was quite good at billiards.

Most importantly, he was loyal. He had once stood up for a classmate who was being bullied by some local thugs outside the school.

Unfortunately, these qualities were seen as rebellious by the school administration that only cared about maintaining high graduation rates. It was clear that his expulsion was inevitable.

In contrast, Phoebe was destined for greatness. Her outstanding performance would surely lead her to one of the top five colleges in the country.

On the other hand, Jack could only rely on a stroke of luck to get into a decent college.

Maybe he would end up at a vocational school or work on a construction site to contribute to the country's real estate industry. However, the quality of the college he attended wouldn't determine his future.

Phoebe firmly believed that gold would shine no matter where it was found. Yet, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. At this crossroads in their lives, she and Jack were about to go their separate ways, likely never to meet again.

After Jeffrey and Jack left, Arthur's mood seemed to improve significantly. He waved Phoebe in with a beaming smile. She was undoubtedly his source of pride.

According to the rules of Crestfield High School, if a student managed to enter one of the top five colleges in the country, the homeroom teacher would receive a bonus of up to 50 thousand dollars. Hence, Phoebe was a golden opportunity for Arthur.

…

On the way home, Jeffrey furrowed his brows and sighed repeatedly. Jack remained silent, but inside, he was feeling a storm of emotions.

After dinner, Jeffrey encouraged Jack to focus on his studies and told him that he had to participate in the college entrance exam no matter what. Meanwhile, Helena had noticed that Jack's clothes had become noticeably shorter, so she decided to go out to buy him a couple of new outfits.

Once his parents left, Jack seized the opportunity to return to his room and study. The events of the day had given him a tremendous jolt, but what hurt him most was the sight of his father picking up the scattered cigarettes and liquor, which was an image of humility, as well as Arthur's malicious demeanor.

And what pained him most was Phoebe's sympathetic gaze as she had looked at him. Jack admitted that he had fantasies about girls like her, but he understood the gap between them both all too well.

However, things were different now, and he felt empowered to change his fate.

The afternoon passed as Jack immersed himself in his studies. Every difficult problem transformed into something manageable.

The next morning, Jeffrey once again brought cigarettes and liquor as they set out together. Their destination was a private high school called Seaton High School. It was located diagonally across from Crestfield High School.

Compared to the top students at Crestfield High School, Seaton High School was known as a gathering place for underachievers.

Jeffrey and Jack soon arrived at the school's office, where they were greeted by a young teacher.

Jeffrey placed the cigarettes and liquor on the table and exchanged a few words before introducing Jack to Marcus Hampton.

After Jack politely greeted Marcus, the latter quickly opened a pack of the cigarettes that Jeffrey had brought and leisurely lit one.

"So, you're Jack, huh? I'll accept you for your father's sake. But let me be clear. You'd better behave yourself this month. Don't cause me any trouble, or I won't hesitate to kick you out!"

Marcus had already looked over Jack's records. He didn't expect much from him, given his usual low scores. As long as Jack didn't create chaos, that would be enough.

Once Jeffrey left, Marcus led Jack to the classroom for his first official lesson.

Inside, the classroom was chaotic. Some students were playing cards, others were gaming, and a few were napping with their shirts off. A small group had even skipped class.

When Jack entered as a transfer student, it stirred up some commotion among the students, but he paid little attention to it.

The month in Seaton High School was merely a stepping stone toward the college entrance exam. He needed this opportunity to launch himself toward success.

The day passed quickly, and as the bell rang to signal the end of class, Jack packed his bag and headed outside.

The sky was a brilliant blue, reflecting his upbeat mood. After two days of intensive review and self-testing, his grades were steadily improving.

Once, he was someone who couldn't even dream of attending a third-tier college, but now, he felt like he was on the cusp of reaching for a top-tier school.

His confidence soared.

The future was uncertain, but he felt like an underdog, ready to surprise everyone.

Meanwhile, at Crestfield High School across the street, the school bell rang like a refreshing breeze, lifting the fatigue from the students' shoulders.

In contrast to the proud students of Crestfield High School, those from Seaton High School paled in comparison.

Students from Crestfield High School were like shining stars in Perthter City. Both their academic achievements and family backgrounds illuminated their futures.

Even the most notable figures in Seaton High School paled in comparison to the ordinary students at Crestfield.

For Jack, the once-glorious school had become just a fleeting chapter in his life.

"Jack!"

A voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.

Chapter 3

Inside a printing shop, Jack spotted two familiar figures waving at him. It was his childhood friends, Wesley Landry and Eddie Parker.

Seeing his buddies brought a long-lost smile to Jack's face.

Eddie walked up to Jack and playfully punched him in the chest. He said with concern, "I heard you got expelled by that bald jerk. What a scumbag!"

Wesley was also visibly upset. "What are you going to do about the college entrance exams? You can't just skip it."

Jack beamed with optimism. "There's no need to worry. I'm already attending Seaton High School."

Both his friends let out a sigh of relief.

Wesley clapped Jack on the shoulder. "That's great! You've got to work hard and show that bald jerk what you're capable of at Seaton High School."

No matter what Jack's past grades were, at this moment, all they could offer was encouragement to help Jack step out of the shadows.

Just then, a light set of footsteps approached, accompanied by a sweet floral scent. A beautiful girl walked in, her long hair flowing and her smile radiant. It was Phoebe.

She spotted Jack, and her eyes widened in surprise before quickly brightening with a warm smile. "Jack! It's great to see you!"

Her voice was like a gentle breeze, bringing warmth to those who heard it.

Jack felt a flutter in his heart as he smiled back. "You too."

Jack's gaze fell on the stack of test papers in Phoebe's hands. "Could I get a copy of those?" he asked.

Phoebe looked slightly surprised, unsure of why Jack wanted the test papers. Had he realized that he needed to study harder?

She quickly handed the papers over and sighed inwardly. A month was too short, and she could only hope that Jack could create a miracle.

After bidding farewell to Phoebe, Jack headed home with Eddie and Wesley. With only a month left until the crucial college entrance exams, Jack didn't feel rushed or panicked despite the ticking clock.

The first thing he did upon returning home was dive into his studies. Jack was like a sponge, soaking up knowledge from the high school syllabus and even college-level materials.

Jeffrey and Helena felt a wave of relief when they saw Jack diligently studying in his room.

Jeffrey took a slow drag from his cigarette and said, "As long as Jack is willing to put in the effort, I can accept any outcome. Even if he only gets into a third-tier college, it would still be an honor for our family. If it doesn't work out this year, he can always try again next year."

The morning sunlight streamed across the campus paths as Eddie and Wesley knocked on Jack's door, ready to head to school together.

The three had grown up together, and they wouldn't hold Jack's past setbacks against him. They had always stood by him during tough times and faced challenges as a team.

When Jack arrived in class, the morning session was lackluster. Many students were eating breakfast, reading novels, or dozing off, while the teacher was absent.

In contrast, Jack immersed himself in his books, feeling like an outsider in the chaotic environment.

After the morning's study period ended, their homeroom teacher, Marcus, walked into the classroom carrying a stack of test papers and announced that they would have a diagnostic exam that day.

As the college entrance exams approached, mock exams had become a regular occurrence.

For most students, this was a perfect opportunity to catch up on sleep, but for Jack, it was the best chance for him to assess his learning progress. He looked forward to this exam as a way to gauge his improvements and identify areas for growth.

During the exam, Jack was fully focused, treating each question with care and making sure not to miss any scoring opportunities. His pen danced across the paper as if he were composing a youthful anthem.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the office window and illuminated Marcus' desk.

As he stepped into this familiar space, he was greeted by the enthusiastic voice of the physics teacher, Albert Morton.

"Mr. Hampton, is there a new student named Jack Holland in your class?" Albert asked as he adjusted his glasses, excitement evident on his face.

Marcus nodded. "What's up? Did he break any school rules?"

Albert eagerly pulled a paper from a stack of tests and handed it to Marcus. "Look at this! He scored 100 out of 108 points in physics. That's incredible!"

Marcus glanced at the paper, his eyes widening in disbelief. At Seaton High School, a score of 80 in physics was already considered excellent, so Jack's score was astonishing.

Just then, Albert leaned closer and continued, "Jack also took the science test and scored 103 out of 120 points. It seems like he's quite good at science."

Marcus felt a surge of excitement. After all, such scores were rare at Seaton High School.

Unable to resist himself, he rushed over to the language teacher, Owen Keating, and asked, "Have you finished grading yesterday's tests?"

Owen looked up and smiled as he handed over a paper. "All done! Is there a student named Jack Holland in your class? His writing is quite impressive. I gave him 58 out of 60 on his essay. I only deducted two points because I didn't want him to get too cocky."

Marcus took the paper and was shocked to see that Jack had scored 142 points on the language test.

He quickly made his way to the math teacher's office. To his surprise, the math teacher, Avery Duxton, greeted him first.

"Your class has a student named Jack Holland who scored 145 in math. He's really impressive!"

Marcus couldn't believe what he was hearing. With test scores of 142 in language, 145 in math, 133 in foreign language, and 268 in the science exams, Jack's total score had reached an astonishing 688 points.

The clarity and consistency of Jack's handwriting across the four test papers left Marcus in awe.

While the exams weren't particularly difficult, achieving a score of 688 was undeniably remarkable. Such a score could potentially secure him a spot in a second-tier elite college. This was an unprecedented achievement in Seaton High School.

Just two years ago, the school had invested heavily to bring in an outstanding student, yet the student had only managed to get into Nashton University. Even that achievement had been a significant milestone for Seaton High School, earning the school considerable recognition and attracting more quality students.

Now, however, a student who had been expelled from Crestfield High School had scored 688 points. He even had a chance to break school records and aim for a second-tier elite college. It sounded almost too good to be true.

Marcus calmed himself down and began to analyze the situation rationally. There were very few fools in this world, especially among the experienced teachers at Crestfield High School.

If Jack was truly as exceptional as his scores suggested, how could they have let him go so easily?

Moreover, Jack's usual scores at Crestfield hovered around three or four hundred points. How could he have made such a dramatic improvement in such a short time?

Every year, Crestfield produced several students who went on to attend top-tier colleges. They treated such students like treasures, fearing that they might be poached by other schools. Expelling a student with the potential to enter a top college simply didn't make sense.

The only plausible explanation was that Jack had cheated on the exams.

Chapter 4

It was plausible, considering that many of the test papers at Seaton High School were obtained from Crestfield High School's confidential materials. It was likely that Jack had already worked on these papers before transferring and had received guidance from his teachers.

Marcus felt a strong disdain for Jack's potential cheating, viewing it as shameful.

While one could cheat in the mock tests, it was almost impossible to do so on the college entrance exam.

Marcus decided to have a conversation with Jack about his attitude. After the morning study session, he called Jack into his office. He noticed that Jack appeared calm, showing no signs of panic or embarrassment about being caught cheating.

Marcus' contempt deepened as he asked, "What do you think about your exam results?"

He hoped that Jack would confess to any wrongdoings.

Jack was taken aback by the question. He didn't fully grasp how well he had performed and was confused by Marcus' suspicions. He responded honestly, "I think I did pretty well."

Jack's innocent expression only fueled Marcus' anger. He interpreted it as Jack deliberately playing dumb and insulting his intelligence.

Exasperated, Marcus slammed his hand on the desk and said bluntly, "I don't tolerate cheating. That will never get you into a good college. It's just deceiving yourself and your parents; it won't change the reality of your situation."

After hearing Marcus' accusation, Jack finally understood what was going on. Marcus had mistakenly believed that he had cheated to achieve such high scores.

Although Jack felt somewhat helpless about the misunderstanding, he firmly replied, "I think you're mistaken."

Marcus didn't believe Jack's words at all; he thought Jack couldn't achieve such high scores on his own. He pressed further, "You didn't cheat? Then, how do you explain scoring nearly 700 points?"

Jack took a deep breath and calmly responded, "I did the test myself."

While he did feel that luck played a part in his unexpected results, he knew he hadn't cheated.

Hearing Jack's resolute and confident answer made Marcus hesitate for a moment. He considered that if Jack had indeed worked on these papers at Crestfield High School and received guidance from his teachers, then achieving high scores wouldn't necessarily mean he had cheated. It could indicate that he had been attentive in class and grasped the relevant knowledge.

Finally, Marcus sighed and said, "I hope you can maintain this level of performance during the college entrance exams. But remember, whatever you do, you must be true to your conscience and honor your parents' expectations."

After Jack left the office, Avery adjusted his glasses and remarked, "Mr. Hampton, did this kid really score 688 points? He might even get into Fullerton University. If that happens, you'll break school records and be set for life!"

Marcus chuckled and shook his head. It was wishful thinking that Jack could get into Fullerton University.

As the college entrance exam drew closer, every student was undergoing a mental and physical trial. Some chose to skip classes to avoid the pressure, while others, like Jack, dedicated themselves to relentless studying, hoping for a final breakthrough.

Despite his intelligence, Jack felt he had fallen behind too much over the past three years. Even though he had scored high marks, his grasp of the material was still shaky. He knew he needed to put in ten times the effort this month to achieve great results.

Jack was no longer content with merely aiming for a second-tier college or an average first-tier school. He aspired to face the exams with excellence and become an underdog who would make history.

His parents watched Jack's intense dedication with pride but couldn't shake off their concerns. They knew that despite his hard work, his past grades had not been promising, and a sense of unease lingered in their hearts.

Throughout the month, Jack immersed himself in a sea of books and practice questions. The frequency of tests increased from small assessments every three days and larger ones every five days to exams every two days.

To avoid raising suspicion, Jack cleverly kept his scores around three or four hundred. Once he returned to what was considered "normal levels", Marcus relaxed his vigilance, further believing that Jack's earlier high scores were the results of cheating.

In addition to studying, Jack understood the importance of relaxation. He knew that relentless studying without breaks would be counterproductive. So, he made sure to relieve stress by playing basketball, practicing martial arts, playing billiards, strumming his guitar, and writing lyrics and music.

Since his transformation, Jack discovered that he excelled in strength, perception, agility, and logical analysis compared to others.

Where he once struggled to run a few miles without getting winded, he could now easily complete a full marathon. Dunking from a 360-degree basketball net had become effortless.

Previously, he had difficulty mastering melodies on the guitar. Now, after just one listen to a song, he could play it almost perfectly the next day—often surpassing the original version.

Jack even wrote and composed a campus song expressing nostalgia for graduating students and hope for the future, which he shared online. He believed that the melody was beautiful and the lyrics were artistically rich.

As the school bell rang, Jack walked out of campus feeling lighthearted. Despite Marcus' earlier doubts weighing on him that morning, those doubts had transformed into motivation for him to push forward.

Eddie and Wesley were already waiting for Jack outside the school gate. They hopped on their bikes and began chatting about their futures, discussing which schools they hoped to attend and where they wanted to study.

The conversation soon shifted to their upcoming graduation party and the various farewell messages they would write.

Wesley said jokingly, "Jack, a lot of classmates want you to write their farewell messages, so don't slack off!"

"Okay," Jack replied with a smile. Despite being expelled from Crestfield High School, he understood that the friendships formed during high school were genuine.

The three years they had spent together wouldn't lose their significance because of his situation. In fact, the encouragement and well-wishes from his classmates only strengthened his resolve to succeed at Seaton High School.

"Oh, by the way, after the college entrance exam, Class Two and Class Three are organizing a graduation party. Don't forget," Wesley reminded.

Classes Two and Three had always shared a close bond, often collaborating on various activities throughout their school years.

As they rode their bikes back to the old town, they spotted a sleek black Mercedes parked at the corner. A stunning girl stepped out of the car.

"It's Feena Barrett!" Eddie exclaimed, and both Jack and Wesley turned their attention to her.

Feena was tall and beautiful, with flowing hair that seemed to shimmer in the light. Her presence made everything around her fade into the background. She was from Class Two next door and also a good friend of Eddie's, having grown up alongside Jack and his friends.

Although Feena shared a childhood friendship with them, an invisible gap had formed between them over time due to fate's circumstances.

Her father had seized opportunities during times of progress and became a leading figure in real estate. As his business flourished, Feena moved away from the suburbs to live in one of the city's most upscale neighborhoods.

Feena was not only beautiful and well-off, but she was also exceptionally talented. Having studied music since childhood, she was now under the tutelage of a renowned music master, Donald Cannon, and she had a bright future ahead of her.

Chapter 5

Feena was Eddie's, Jack's, and Wesley's dream girl during their childhood. However, they only dared to keep these feelings hidden, as the gap between them and Feena felt insurmountable.

When Feena saw Eddie and Wesley, she greeted them warmly. However, upon noticing Jack, she paused, clearly aware of the news about his expulsion.

A slight sigh escaped her as she felt a pang of sympathy for him. Being expelled meant that he had a bleak future.

Not wanting Jack to feel neglected, Feena hesitated for a moment before flashing him a perfect smile. "Hello, Jack!"

Jack sensed the fleeting pity in her expression. Such looks were reserved for the weak.

His chest tightened slightly, but soon, he gave her a bright smile. "Are you back to visit your grandfather?"

Jack was now strong enough not to be swayed by external circumstances. He believed he would eventually surprise those who doubted him, and that day was not far off.

Feena nodded and replied, "Yes. I'm here to see my grandfather and also to meet Mr. Cannon, who came all the way here to interview me."

Wesley exclaimed, "Is that the person who sang 'The Sleeping Guys?' He's going to be your mentor?"

Feena nodded again, a hint of pride evident on her face.

Wesley and the others looked at her in admiration. Donald Cannon was a towering figure in the music industry, both past and present.

Some of his iconic songs, like "The Sleeping Guys", had become classics, and they were celebrated and sung by many across the country. Television stations even featured Donald in special segments, recognizing him as one of the most influential figures in music over the past two decades.

Having such a musical legend as her mentor undoubtedly elevated Feena's status. Wesley and the others felt she was destined for a great future—far brighter than theirs. As a result, Eddie and Wesley found themselves trying a bit too hard to impress her during their conversation.

Feena was like a graceful swan soaring high above, while they felt like toads at the bottom of a well.

Wesley cautiously said, "Feena, our classes are holding a joint graduation party. Will you be coming?"

Given Feena's beauty, her absence would be a significant loss for the graduation ceremony. "I'll definitely be there," she replied with a warm smile.

Wesley and the others let out a collective sigh of relief. Soon after, Feena tossed her hair back and followed her father into the alley, a gentle breeze trailing behind her.

With the college entrance exams approaching, many graduation activities started taking place.

Jack received numerous farewell messages from his classmates at Crestfield High School. They were mostly from male friends he was close with. Their kind words warmed his heart.

However, what surprised him most was finding a message book scented with grass among them. It was a farewell gift from Phoebe.

"A man should be ambitious. Don't waste your youth. I believe in your talent. There are many paths in life, regardless of whether or not you get into college. When we meet again years from now, may we both be extraordinary."

Jack was overjoyed by her note. He couldn't help but picture Phoebe's stunning figure with long hair flowing down her back. He knew she sometimes came to watch boys play basketball, and whenever she did, the players seemed to give it their all.

Every boy dreamed of catching a glimpse of a goddess like Phoebe; a fleeting glance from her was enough to brighten their day.

Phoebe probably never imagined that Jack would one day undergo such a transformation. Her words, "There are many paths in life," were meant to encourage him not to give up hope.

Jack found himself curious about which school Phoebe planned to enroll in for college. He envisioned a scenario where they both ended up at the same school or even in the same class. The thought of her surprise when she saw him standing in front of her was a delightful fantasy.

On the last day before the college entrance exams, a massive book-tearing event swept through both Crestfield and Seaton High School.

This was the final burst of excitement for many students preparing for the exams. They chose to lighten their load as they prepared for what they believed was the most important battle of their lives.

Jack quietly awaited his moment, anticipating the day he would shine.

Finally, it was the day of the college entrance exams. The weather forecast indicated that temperatures in Perther City would soar to 38 degrees Celsius. Even early in the morning, the air was thick with heat.

When Jack awoke, Helena prepared his usual breakfast of milk and bread. Watching him enjoy his meal, she said, "Relax and take the exam without any pressure."

Jeffrey peeled an egg for Jack and said, "Just do your best. Your mom and I will support you no matter what."

Jack understood that his parents were trying to ease his stress. He smiled faintly and replied, "I'll do my best to achieve great results!"

Seeing their son so mature made Helena and Jeffrey beam with happiness. "It doesn't matter if you can't get into college this year, as long as you put in the effort. There's always next year."

After finishing breakfast, Jack gathered all the necessary documents and stepped toward his future. His exam location was at Crestfield High School.

Since Eddie and Wesley were at a different exam site, Jack took the bus alone to the testing center.

On the day of the college entrance exams, many kind-hearted vehicles offered free rides to students. Despite the number of cars on the road, traffic remained orderly.

Jack boarded a familiar bus filled with other students heading for the same destination, all of whom were busily reviewing their notes.

As the bus moved steadily along, Jack closed his eyes to relax. Suddenly, chaos erupted inside the bus, accompanied by screams and cries.

Jack opened his eyes to see a large man brandishing a knife and shouting, "I don't want to live anymore! I want to take revenge on society, and everyone will die with me!"

He lunged at an elderly man, who managed to dodge a fatal blow, but he was still stabbed in the thigh. Blood began to pour out.

Panic spread through the bus as people screamed and cried out in fear. After injuring the old man, the attacker ran wildly through the aisle, injuring several passengers who couldn't escape in time, leaving them bleeding on the floor.

The bus descended into chaos as it began to lose control. Faced with the crazed attacker, Jack felt an unexpected surge of courage and suddenly stood up to confront him.

Although he was still some distance away, the assailant noticed Jack's movement and roared, "How dare you oppose me? You must be tired of living!"

He lunged at Jack with his knife aimed at his chest. The elderly man shouted in terror, "Be careful!"

However, Jack seemed to have an uncanny intuition as he effortlessly dodged the attacker's strike. His reflexes were remarkably quick, as if he could anticipate the assailant's movements before they even happened.

Chapter 6

The passengers gasped as Jack snatched the knife straight out of the assailant's hand in one smooth motion.

The assailant froze, clearly stunned. "D-Don't come any closer!" he stammered. "I'm telling you, I'm crazy. Take one more step, and I swear I'll cut myself!"

His panicked words momentarily eased the tension on the bus. Jack chuckled mockingly. "Oh, yeah? Now, you're threatening to hurt yourself?"

"Stay back! I-I've got more knives on me!" the assailant shouted, fumbling through his pockets.

Seeing his opening, Jack lunged and grabbed the assailant's arm. But the assailant was stronger than he looked, and his violent thrashing nearly caused Jack to lose his grip.

But Jack wasn't the same as before. He tightened his hold and gathered all his strength, locking the assailant in an intense struggle. Finally, Jack overpowered and subdued him completely.

The passengers on the bus finally snapped out of their shock. They rushed forward to tie up the assailant and called the police.

Within minutes, police cars and ambulances arrived at the scene. Paramedics quickly moved the injured onto stretchers and into ambulances for treatment. Meanwhile, officers began their investigation, taking statements from witnesses.

When the officer asked who had subdued the assailant, all the passengers pointed to Jack. Just as the officer was about to take his statement, Jack suddenly exclaimed, "Oh no! My exam is about to start!"

Realizing the urgency, the officer didn't hesitate and immediately arranged for a police car to escort Jack to the testing center. As the police car sped through the streets, Jack sat inside, anxiously checking his watch every few seconds.

It was a close call, but Jack made it into the testing center at the last minute.

The first exam was language, and the atmosphere in the testing center was thick with tension. But Jack remained calm and composed. His pen moved confidently across the pages as he answered each question without hesitation.

The morning's events clearly hadn't fazed him.

In the afternoon, the math exam felt like a breeze for Jack. He swiftly solved each question, tackling even the trickiest ones with ease.

After finishing, Jack meticulously reviewed his answers. When the bell rang, he walked out of the testing center with a confident smile on his face.

After a full day of exams, Jack felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He was confident that he had done well.

That evening, Wesley and Eddie came over to hang out. They hopped on their bikes and cruised down the winding paths until they reached the riverbank in Perthter.

As they tossed stones into the water, the frogs' croaking created a gentle ambiance for the peaceful evening. The beauty of the scene filled them with a sense of calm and joy.

Eddie, who was curious about the exams, asked Jack and Wesley how they had gone. Both were pleased with their performances.

When the topic shifted to their college plans, Jack and Wesley expressed their desire to study in a major city. Eddie, meanwhile, revealed his inclination to apply to a military academy.

The river breeze brought a peaceful, natural calm. In high spirits, Wesley hummed a beautiful tune, filled with nostalgia and hope. Eddie listened intently, captivated by its charm and curious about the song's name.

Wesley felt a sense of pride, knowing that "Time", the song that he was humming, had recently gained popularity online. Though he rarely sang, the song's beauty had inspired him to learn it.

Eddie became deeply interested in the song and wanted to learn more about it. Seeing this, Jack jokingly claimed that he could sing the song too, and quite well at that.

Wesley teased him, calling him a braggart, but Jack just smiled and began to sing. Wesley's eyes widened in disbelief as he listened.

"Whoa, no way!" he exclaimed. "Jack, I didn't know you could sing that well! If I didn't know you, I'd think you were the original singer."

Jack smiled without saying a word, his bright eyes looking into the distance, filled with hope.

The next day, the exams continued, and Jack tackled the science and foreign language tests with confidence. After finishing all four subjects, he felt like he'd performed exceptionally well. When he left the room, Jack let out a sigh of relief, his steps feeling lighter as he headed home.

Then came the day the answer keys were released. For college entrance exam candidates, this day was just as nerve-wracking as results day itself.

Jack arrived early at Seaton High School to check his answers. There weren't many people in the classroom; the few who were there looked tense, their brows furrowed as if they weren't feeling very optimistic.

Marcus paced the room, observing the students' faces for signs of good news, but their expressions weren't encouraging.

Jack was unaffected by the tense atmosphere around him.

After picking up an answer key, he sat alone in a corner. He diligently compared it to his own answers, completely focused. His pen moved steadily across the page, a faint smile on his lips, as if he were already certain of his success.

Marcus circled behind the students he believed had a chance of getting into a second-tier university. He returned to the front of the classroom, feeling dejected. Was this going to be a complete wipeout?

He glanced at Jack, who was still engrossed in checking his answers. After a moment of hesitation, Marcus sighed and resignedly headed back to his office.

Just then, Albert entered through the backdoor of the classroom. After making a quick round of the room, he finally stopped next to Jack.

As a transfer student who'd only arrived shortly before graduation, Albert was quite impressed by Jack. After all, Jack's initial score of nearly 700 points had genuinely shocked him.

Although Jack never scored that high again, with his years of teaching experience, Albert always suspected Jack was intentionally hiding his abilities. He believed Jack's real academic potential was much higher than it seemed.

Albert stood quietly behind Jack, observing as he meticulously compared his answers. Jack remained focused on the answer key, as if time had stopped.

Minutes ticked by, and with each answer Jack marked, Albert's expression shifted—from calm, to surprise, to shock, and finally to utter disbelief.

After finishing, Jack stretched, a relieved smile spreading across his face. The score he calculated even surprised him.

"H-How much… How much do you think you scored?" Albert stammered. He'd been watching Jack check his answers without blinking. Seeing that Jack had marked almost all the answers correctly, Albert couldn't imagine what his final score would be.

"Around 680, I guess," Jack calmly replied.

Jack had already calculated the scores in his head: Language, 142; Math, 143; Science, 290; and Foreign Language, 145—adding up to a total of 720. But that score was so unbelievable that he had decided to give a lower estimate.

Even this relatively conservative estimate was enough to leave Albert stunned. His eyes widened in disbelief, and he stammered, "680?"

Chapter 7

This score was unprecedented. No one in Seaton High School's history had ever scored that high. Seeing Albert's stunned expression, Jack felt a pang of guilty pleasure.

But Jack didn't want to lie, so he gently said, "It's probably higher."

With Albert still in shock, Jack packed up his things.

"See you," he said softly, then waved and walked out.

After Jack left, Marcus walked into the classroom with a glass of water. He found Albert standing at the back of the room, just staring blankly, in a daze.

"Albert, what's wrong? You look a bit out of it," Marcus said.

"M-Marcus, that new student in your class… Do you know what he thinks he's scored?" he asked, his voice shaky.

"How much?" Marcus asked, curious.

"He said… it's at least 680 points!" Albert exclaimed, gesturing dramatically.

Hearing that score, Marcus's hand trembled, making his glass slip out of his hand and crash to the floor.

"That's… That's not funny," he stammered, his voice wavering.

Albert shook his head firmly, looking completely serious.

Marcus thought Albert had to be joking, but his serious expression told him otherwise. Besides, Albert was about to retire, so he wouldn't joke about something like this.

Jack walked out of the school into the blazing sun, where waves of heat hit him like a furnace. But his mood was as bright as the sun. He hopped onto the bus with light steps and a heart full of delight and anticipation.

When he got home, he spotted three figures walking toward him. It was Wesley, Eddie, and Feena, who'd clearly just finished comparing answers and were heading back together.

"Jack, what do you think you scored?" Wesley asked, curious.

Jack gave a small smile. "A little better than usual," he said casually.

Jack wasn't about to reveal his score. It was best to keep things to himself for now, as there were too many unknowns.

Eddie gently patted Jack on the shoulder. "Keep your head up. You've got a good chance of getting into a decent college," he said.

Feena shot Jack a sideways glance, a faint smile playing on her lips. "You all carry on. I've got a music lesson with Mr. Cannon tonight," she said.

Recently, the song "Time" had gained immense popularity online, especially among students. The beautiful melody and brilliant lyrics had earned rave reviews. Even Donald was impressed, predicting that the songwriter would become well-known across the country.

Feena had been learning this song from Donald lately. The lyrics and composition were amazing, and there was so much to learn.

The only thing holding it back was the recording quality. It sounded like they hadn't had access to professional equipment. But it would have been incredible if they'd recorded it in a studio.

After speaking, Feena waved casually and walked away gracefully. Once she was gone, Jack said goodbye to Wesley and Eddie before heading home.

Jeffrey and Helena had been anxiously waiting. As soon as he walked in, Helena quickly handed him a drink, while Joanne pulled over a chair to sit beside him.

Jeffrey puffed on his cigarette and tried to keep his voice calm. "So, how do you think you did?" he asked.

Helena stood tense, her eyes fixed intently on Jack.

"Not bad, I think," Jack answered calmly.

Jeffrey's face brightened with relief. "If you can get into a decent college, I'll consider that a blessing," he said.

Helena let out a sigh of relief, a small smile playing on her lips. She didn't expect Jack to get into a prestigious university; any college would make her happy.

The next morning, Wesley talked to Jack and reminded him about the graduation celebration that afternoon. The plan for the day included a karaoke session at a private venue, followed by a barbecue by the riverbank in the evening, where everyone would share their hopes and wishes around a bonfire.

Jack's arrival at the graduation celebration didn't surprise anyone. Even though he'd been expelled, the students in Class Three still considered him one of their own.

They had rented out ten private rooms to hold more than a hundred students from both classes. To foster relationships between the two classes, students were randomly assigned to different rooms. Wesley and Jack found themselves in the same room as Phoebe and Feena.

As the undisputed beauties of their classes and indeed the entire school, Phoebe and Feena were not only stunning but also incredibly talented. They were known as the most outstanding duo in Crestfield High School's history.

When they entered the room, it was as if they brought their own sunshine, illuminating every corner. Even in simple clothes, their natural beauty couldn't be hidden. With a captivating radiance that drew everyone's attention, they seemed destined for success.

Phoebe and Feena quickly became the stars of the room, with the guys gravitating toward them, eager to act as their loyal protectors.

In contrast to Phoebe's aloof elegance, the sociable Feena was clearly more popular. Feena loved to showcase her charm wherever she went.

Phoebe, on the other hand, was more like a swan flying high in the sky—graceful, self-contained, and untouchable. She exuded a sacred aura, evoking both admiration and a sense of detachment. The girls envied her, and the guys respected her, but no one dared to approach too closely.

Phoebe, with her naturally cool demeanor, didn't mind it at all. She scanned the room and noticed that the corner where Jack was sitting was the quietest. She walked over and sat beside him. Jack smiled and shifted over, making more room for her.

The excitement reached a peak as Feena stepped forward and began to sing, her clear voice instantly quieting the noisy room. Her performance of "Time Like a River" left many classmates feeling nostalgic. They reflected on how their high school days were slipping away and how soon they'd all be pursuing their own paths.

After Feena finished, others eagerly took turns singing. Jack and Phoebe stayed quietly in a corner, listening and clapping occasionally. Jack's silence went unnoticed since he rarely sang, but the crowd wasn't about to let Phoebe off the hook.

The guys cheered and kept urging her to sing, since they'd never heard her sing before. A rare blush spread across Phoebe's stunning face as she shook her head firmly, trying to refuse. But her classmates weren't about to give up that easily.

Then a freckle-faced girl spoke up, "Phoebe's got a great voice! But she only knows one song—'Blue Sky.' Guys, who wants to sing a duet with Phoebe?"

"Blue Sky" was a sweet love duet, perfect for a guy and a girl to sing together. Her question set off a flurry of excitement, especially among the guys. Phoebe, flustered by all the attention, struggled to find a way to say no.

The guys burst into cheers and shouts, all of them eager for the chance to sing a love song with Phoebe just before graduation. It was sure to be a memory they'd all treasure.

However, with so many volunteers, it was impossible for Phoebe to sing with everyone. Finally, Wesley suggested, "How about we draw a name out of a hat? Whoever's name that gets picked will get to sing with Phoebe. Fair enough?"