Chapter 50
And you can divine all the answers for this year’s college entrance exam.“}
Mr. Bass let out a stunned laugh. “What, you’re a fortune teller now?“>
After I nodded, Mr. Bass pointed at me furiously, “Unbelievable! You’re still joking at a time like this? You’re still stuck in a student mindset, completely unaware of how serious your crime is!“}
He was outraged, “Stealing college entrance exam papers constitutes the crime of illegally obtaining state secrets. In severe cases, that’s three to seven years in prison! Jessica, how many seven–year periods do you think a person gets in life? Think carefully before you speak again!“}
Everyone seemed to hold their breath, eyes wide, all stared at me.
But I only pressed my lips into a smile, “I know all that. I already looked up how many years one gets for stealing the national college exam. But the truth is, I really got the answers from fortune–telling. Not only did I predict the right answers, I also predicted that I’ll be starting at Glasgow this September.“}
Mr. Bass was utterly speechless. He shook his head and sighed, “Looks like you’re determined not to tell the truth. Fine then, we’re taking you in for questioning. Let’s go, Jessica. Into the car.”
Inodded, “Good. That’s exactly what I want.“}
Mr. Bass pushed through the crowd and I followed him toward the police car.
Once inside, I noticed every window had been reinforced with metal mesh. I never imagined I’d one day sit in a police car like this, just like some hardened criminal.
Not far away, reporters snapped endless photos of me behind bars, captured the supposed look of despair on my face.
If things kept going like this, my life would really be over.
The policewoman beside me looked at me with pity and shook her head, “Girl, why would you do this to yourself? You had such a bright future, but you chose the shortcut.“}
She was right, I did have a bright future. Though my family was poor, I studied harder than anyone.”
To earn more scholarships to help my parents, I spent countless days and nights grinding away at difficult competition–level problems. The stacks of practice papers could’ve filled our entire tiny house.
With that kind of effort, I finally earned a recommendation to Glasgow. I didn’t even have to take the entrance exam this year.”
“It’s alright. I believe the law will give me justice.” After I said that, the policewoman looked at me with even more pity. Maybe she, like everyone else, thought I’d lost my mind.”
The sirens wailed and the car started moving. I was about to be taken away from the school.
But the car had barely begun to move when the driver suddenly slammed on the brakes.
A loud yell came from the front, “Are you insane? Blocking a police car? Do you have a death wish?“}
I leaned forward to see what was happening and to my shock, Emmet was standing in front of the police car with his arms spread wide. Others in the car clicked their tongues and murmured, “Is that guy in love with you or what? Risking everything to block a cop car for you? You two look like some star–crossed lovers.”
But I didn’t feel moved at all. On the contrary, I clenched my jaw, burning with anger. I shouted to the driver, “Keep going! I don’t believe he’ll actually let himself get run over!”
The principal and homeroom teacher tried to drag Emmet away, but he stood rooted to the spot like his feet were planted in concrete. Then, to everyone’s shock, he dropped to his knees in front of the car and begged, “Please don’t take Jessica away! She would never cheat!*%
The bystanders who had come just to watch the drama were all deeply moved by the scene.”
They said, ‘Jessica’s ruined herself… and dragged others down too.“}
“But Emmet’s heart is really kind. Even now, he’s still pleading for her,” an old lady chimed in.
Another man said, “Emmet comes from a good family and he’s so kind, what’s he thinking, hanging around with someone like Jessica? I feel bad for him.“%
Hearing their whispers, my fury nearly boiled over.
But for the sake of the final victory, I had to suppress every emotion and sat quietly in the car.
Soon, the teachers managed to pull Emmet away.
Even as the car drove off, Emmet chased after it, until he tripped and finally fell behind
