“Teacher Sophie, I treat Scarlett like my own daughter. With her grades, she definitely needs to continue studying.”
William thought the teacher underestimated him. Forget just one year; if Whitaker Scarlett wanted to take the exam, he could support her indefinitely! William was still overjoyed. When Whitaker Scarlett said she wanted to take the college entrance examination next year, the family had planned to let her start from the first year of high school, otherwise William wouldn’t have rushed to transfer Whitaker Scarlett and Elizabeth’s household registration from Larkspur Village.
But Whitaker Scarlett gave William a huge surprise.
No need to start from the first year of high school!
The teachers at County East High School said Scarlett’s academic progress allowed her to take the college entrance examination next year!
She might even get into a key university!
A key university would be best, but even an ordinary undergraduate program would make her a real university student. William was so excited he didn’t know what to say. The two teachers rushed to Wellwater village and then all the way to HarborfieldCity; they certainly weren’t idle; it was out of concern for Scarlett.
Whitaker Scarlett went to the oil mill to load the goods, and William and the three waited outside the factory.
George also felt this girl was quite resilient: “She runs to Harborfieldevery day by herself?”
A self-employed individual.
In the current mindset, workers were the most glorious, cadres the most respectable, and self-employed individuals were the least respected. How embarrassing it is to be a small vendor!
If Whitaker Scarlett had a choice, why would she be self-employed? Look at her small business, dealing with smelly eels and dirty oil residue. This child is pitiful. What’s even more remarkable is that under these circumstances, Whitaker Scarlett persisted in self-study after graduating from junior high school… George and Teacher Sophie were moved by the image they had conjured up in their minds.
When Whitaker Scarlett came out with the oil residue, George encouraged her:
“You should report to the school tomorrow. The third-year high school doesn’t have a holiday; enrolling early will allow for more efficient review.”
Such a promising candidate couldn’t be delayed any longer.
George thought for a moment and added:
“Don’t worry about tuition fees; I’ll take care of it.”
Whitaker Scarlett felt George’s concern. Passing the County East High School’s transfer exam was within her expectations, but becoming a well-behaved student at County East High School? That wasn’t in her plans.
“Teacher George, Teacher Sophie, I originally planned to talk about this at school. Since you two care so much about me, I’ll tell you my thoughts in advance. You’ve seen my family situation. I will take the college entrance examination, but I may not attend classes at school in the near future.”
George was alarmed, and William’s eyebrows could kill a fly:
“What nonsense are you talking about? Go to school obediently. I’ll take care of everything else as your uncle. What are you worried about?”
How much does high school cost?
Last year, William would certainly have felt the pressure. This year, he found a way to make money. The money hasn’t been withdrawn yet; it’s not for anything else, but supporting Whitaker Scarlett and Elizabeth is nothing. With money comes confidence, and William truly hoped for a better future for Whitaker Scarlett. Before, it was impossible; now that Whitaker Scarlett has the chance to go to university, even if he didn’t have money, he would sell blood to support her!
Whitaker Scarlett lowered her head, “Uncle, I said I would buy a house in the provincial city for my mother. This is my life, and I’m eighteen. The money you earn should be saved for my cousin.”
Whitaker Scarlett would be mortified if she had to rely on William.
William knew Whitaker Scarlett was proud and strong-willed, even before her suicide attempt. He didn’t expect her to mature, but this aspect remained unchanged.
George thought, this child has had it so tough, living with her divorced mother in her uncle’s house, desperately wanting to escape her predicament. Teacher Sophie’s heart softened too. Self-employment wasn’t very respectable, but Whitaker Scarlett’s desire to buy a house for her mother was truly filial:
“Whitaker Scarlett, studying and settling down don’t conflict. After you graduate from university, the state will assign you a job, and the unit will provide you with housing.”
It’s just a matter of a few years.
Self-employment doesn’t guarantee you can buy a house. Business isn’t always profitable. Nothing compares to the prospects of a university graduate. Teacher Sophie didn’t want Whitaker Scarlett to make a rash decision, and sincerely advised her: “After you get a job, you’ll have a monthly salary. You can just repay your uncle the money he spent on your education, right?”
