?Chapter 1692:


    There were two main reasons for that: first, most locals believed girls didn’t need an education; second, the cost was out of reach for many families.


    While Elsa had once toured these struggling viges as part of a military performance group, giving support to rural schools, it was living alongside the students that made her truly appreciate their hunger for knowledge and determination to break free from poverty.


    By Monday morning, the second-year fifth ss had their final period dedicated to music. Elsa pushed herpact electronic keyboard into the room, ready to begin.


    All thirty-five girls in the ss looked up to Elsa—not just for her graceful presence and striking looks, but also because she was a celebrated singer with national fame, a figure they dreamed of bing.


    Elsa made it a point to remember every student’s name, face, and family situation. Whenever a family hit hard times, she quietly stepped in to help, using her own savings if necessary.


    Taking her usual look around as she entered the ssroom, Elsa immediately noticed an empty seat in the second row.


    A trace of sympathy for Debby showed in Mya’s eyes as she replied, “Mrs. Mitchell, they know, but they keep saying that a girl’s education doesn’t matter. To them, she’ll just end up getting married and joining someone else’s family anyway.”


    With a soft sigh, Elsa replied, “You can take your seat. I’ll stop by her houseter to talk with her family myself.”


    Situations like this happened every school year, though this was Elsa’s first time facing one since joining Brindleton.


    Debby was one of the brightest students in ss, and her singing voice stood out from the rest. Elsa often met with her for extra lessons and had even promised to support her financially if she got epted to college.


    But now, things had suddenly taken a turn for the worse.


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    After ss, Elsa took some money and asked Mya to lead her to Debby’s house.


    It took nearly two hours on foot to cover the distance, as Debby’s home was far from the school.


    The stone cottages scattered along the vige bore clear traces of struggle. Outside one gate, a lone cow was tied up, while a few sheep nibbledzily on the sparse grass nearby.


    As they arrived, Mya pointed to the entrance. “Mrs. Mitchell, this is where Debby lives,” she said, guiding Elsa inside.


    The room was simply furnished, with two wooden chairs topped with thin cushions and an old coffee table, beneath whichy scattered colored stones. In one corner stood a small round table holding several stic cups, encircled by short stools, while a wooden bed rested against the far wall.


    Seated on the bed beside a man in his sixties, Debby sat quietly. His hair was silver and one eye clouded with blindness as he reached out to hold her hand.


    When Debby saw Elsa, hope shed in her eyes. She rushed over, tears streaking her cheeks, and clung to Elsa’s arm. “Mrs. Mitchell, please, I don’t want to get married. I want to keep going to school.”


    Everyone in the vige held Elsa in high esteem. Despite their hardships, many households owned televisions and instantly recognized her as the celebrated singer from TV.


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