Chapter <b>264 </b>


    Before Alvin could feel proud of himself, Bowen startedying the most outrageous ttery on Aubree.


    Bowen said, “Now that’s our Bree! These scores are practically valedictorian–level–just a hair’s breadth away! And to think you’ve only been studying for a <b>year</b>. Honestly, this year’s valedictorian should be thanking their lucky stars you didn’t go all out sooner!”


    Alvin was speechless for a moment. ‘No wonder they say love works miracles–how could it not? It can turn a perfectly normal person into a total lovesick fool, he thought.


    Aubree’s phone buzzed with a <b>text </b>from her homeroom teacher, summoning her back to Rithol High School.


    Aubree figured it was probably for some publicity interviews or something like that. Normally, only the valedictorian at Rithol High School would get this kind of treatment–but then again, she was no ordinary person.


    “My homeroom teacher just texted me. She wants me back at Rithol High School,” Aubree said.


    “Okay, I’ll give you guys a ride there,” Bowen said.


    When the trio arrived <i>at </i>Rithol High School, they found the school gates swarmed by a massive crowd–mostly reporters who had raced there at the news<b>, </b>with clusters of students‘ parents mixed in.


    Although there were plenty of reports about Aubree’s SAT results, not a single interview with her had been published yet. Every media outlet was moring tond the first exclusive.


    No matter whatbel the newspapers assigned, it inevitably ignited a frenzy among readers, making the story a widespread sensation.


    As Aubree got closer, she noticed a crimson banner already hanging above the entrance of Rithol High School. This was nothing out of the ordinary—every year, after the SAT results were released the school would proudly disy the achievements of their top–scoring student. But this time, it waspletely different.


    Matilda nudged Aubree with her elbow. “Well, well, look at you, Aubree! For the first time ever, Rithol High School is hanging a banner for third ce instead of the valedictorian!”


    Hanging high at the school entrance was arge banner that could not be missed: “Congrattions to our student Aubree Miller for her sessful entrepreneurship and achieving third ce in the state after just one year of academic study.” The banner was hung conspicuously high, as if Rithol High School wanted to make absolutely sure no one could miss it.


    With the front gate crowded, Aubree and Alvin exchanged a quick nce and, without hesitation, slipped in through the back entrance. Behind them, the shouts of reporters echoed as they made their way inside.


    “Aubree<b>!</b><b>” </b>


    “Aubree, you legend!”


    “Just one year of prep, and you’re only two points behind the valedictorian!”


    Alvin headed to his ssroom while Aubree and Matilda headed to theirs. The moment Aubree and Matilda walked in, the ss instantly erupted into a boisterous uproar, with cheers and excited chatter filling the air.


    Aubree became the center of every envious nce<b>, </b>each oneced with silent resentment. Aubree had studied for merely a year and already achieved third ce in the state. To those who had spent years burning the midnight oil, their efforts suddenly felt meaningless–nothing more than proof that they had endurance.


    Aubree gave them a friendly smile. Her homeroom teacher beamed with pride as she looked at Aubree and said, “Switching back from art to academics was the best decision you ever made.”


    When Aubree first decided to pursue art, her homeroom teacher was so distraught she nearly burst into tears on the spot.


    “You should’ve seen the teachers‘ lounge,” the homeroom teacher said. “The moment your results hit, jaws dropped. ss One’s homeroom teacher -who’s always so smug about their star pupil–was speechless. That student only scored two points more than you. The look on that teacher’s face? Absolutely priceless.


    “Not only did you excel academically, but you also built a sessful startup this year! Now, the school leadership and education bureau officials all want to meet you. Oh, and did you see all those reporters swarming outside the school gates when you came in? The school wants to gather them in the auditorium for a formal press conference with you.


    “When the timees, be sure to highlight how you managed to achieve both academic excellence and entrepreneurial sess in just one year. I read your essay, too, Aubree. My goodness! Who would’ve thought someone your age could write with such depth and insight?”


    Aubree smiled inwardly. <b>That </b><b>essay </b>distilled the wisdom of her two lifetimes.


    Aubree thought to herself, They want to interview me?‘


    Aubree had a pensive expression on her face, wondering how Alice and the others were reacting. Carmen had made a point of bragging to her during exams–iming she had done exceptionally well this time. Now, Aubree was genuinely looking forward to seeing their reactions.


    How well could she have possibly done? Aubree thought. She shed a sardonic smile. I’m suddenly curious to see the look on Carmen’s face when she finds out I’ve stolen the spotlight.


    “Alright, I’ll do the interview,” Aubree said.