Ate''s face was a whirlwind of emotions after hearing Mirabe''s plea, "You''re not feeling guilty, are you? It seems more like you just don''t want to tackle those assignments, huh?"


    She knew that look all too well-the look of utter despair Mirabe wore every time a new set of worksheetsnded on her desk.


    Rubbing her temples, Ate sighed, "Alright, kiddo, I get it. But you still have to do the assignments and prep your speech. It''s just one more month of hard work in your senior year. You''ve got to push through; I''m doing this for your own good."


    Mirabe felt a pang of difort at Ate''s words.


    Seeing the girl''s face fall, Ate couldn''t help but soften. After a moment, she proposed, "How about this... bring me three of them back."


    Mirabe''s eyes sparkled, "How about five?"


    Ate''s lips twitched, "You''re the first student to ever haggle with me." Shaking her head but considering Mirabe''s recent progress, she waved her hand dismissively, "Fine, have it your way."


    Mirabe straightened up instantly, saluting Ate with respect, "Ms. Ate, you''re the best. I''ll get those papers to you and make sure my speech is top- notch. I won''t let you down."


    With that, she turned and exited the office at a brisk pace.


    Ate was left speechless.


    On her way back to the ssroom, Mirabe unexpectedly ran into Mr. Hammond and was summoned to his office.


    "I''ve heard from your homeroom teacher that you''ve made significant improvements in English," Mr. Hammond said as he poured a ss of water for Mirabe, his stern expression giving way to a warm smile.


    Mirabe nodded in thanks, "It''s all thanks to the extra materials Ms. Ate provided."


    Sitting down, Mr. Hammond nodded, "Ms. Ate is indeed outstanding. After this year''s seniors graduate, she''s likely to earn the title of the school''s top educator."


    Mirabe responded calmly, "It''s only a matter of time with her abilities."


    Mr. Hammond chuckled, "Did Ms. Ate mention to you about the alumni from Prestige Collegeing to give a lecture?"


    Mirabe nodded, "She just mentioned it."


    "Good, make sure you prepare well. These alumni were once top students at Parkside High, just like you. Take the chance to talk to them, add them on Messenger or something. It''ll be good to have connections when you get to Prestige College," Mr. Hammond advised gently.


    Mirabe, understanding the good intent, politely responded, "I understand."


    Knowing Mirabe was smart and got the message, Mr. Hammond didn''t bbor the point about the Prestige College alumni. After a few more words on academic topics, he let her return to ss.


    The speech event was scheduled for Friday afternoon, aimed at all the senior students, numbering over a thousand.


    At lunchtime on Friday, Mirabe and her friend Jenna were heading to the cafeteria when they bumped into Vincent. He was apanied by a casually dressed guy.


    Thanks to her excellent memory, she recognized him instantly, "Matthew."


    Vincent''s cousin, Matthew.


    She had met him during a trip to Prestige College for apetition, where he had shown her and Vincent around the Physics Department.


    Seeing Mirabe, Matthew''s eyes lit up, "Mirabe, you remember me."


    Mirabe nodded, pondering why he was here, then asked, "Are you here to give us seniors a lecture?"


    Matthew nodded earnestly, "Yeah, Mr. Hammond invited me back."