Chapter 27
Tianna spent two classes mulling it over and grilling Phoebe for details, then slipped out during the third. By the time she returned before the next class, every trace of gloom had vanished from her face.
Phoebe observed her calmly, saying nothing.
The fourth class was physics with Adrian. He approached the podium, scanned the class, and paused before speaking.
“Before we start, let me announce something.”
A boy in the front row raised his hand immediately. “Adrian, I know, you’re gonna talk about the Olympiad Program.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” Adrian shot back, rolling his eyes.
The boy lifted his chin proudly. “Obviously.”
“Cut the chatter and listen up.” Adrian curled his index finger to tap the desk. “The competition is officially named the National High School Five- Subject Olympiad. As its title suggests, it covers math, physics, chemistry, informatics, and biology.
“This competition will impact your SAT prep, but finalists gain college admission eligibility. Anyone interested in the competition pathway or eager to gauge the prelims‘ difficulty can collect registration forms from me. The deadline is September 15th. Don’t miss it.”
A sparse “Got it” rippled through the classroom.
Adrian spent another five minutes fielding student questions, then took out the prepared registration forms and placed them on several desks.
No one batted an eye.
Those students had undergone professional training since childhood, pursued the competition pathway, and were renowned in academic competition circles.
Neil, among them, was Hodgeson High’s most promising candidate for reaching the finals.
Adrian had contacted them as soon as he took over the Advanced Class.
But when he placed the last registration form on Rosalie’s desk, the room erupted.
“Adrian, are you out of your mind?”
“Adrian, wake up. Class isn’t over yet!”
“Oh my goodness, someone call 911, Adrian’s lost it!”
The class descended into chaos.
Some even wondered if the Spencer family’s adopted girl had slipped Adrian a drug, making him act so recklessly.
Science competitions and Savenese were entirely different.
Mastering Savenese required a language environment, tutors, and some talent, but it could be improved rapidly.
But scientific knowledge demanded not just accumulation, but talent. Otherwise, the world wouldn’t be filled with unsolved scientific mysteries.
Phoebe sat rigidly in her seat, her fingers so stiff she could barely grip her pen.
Tianna whirled around again, her voice shrill. “What’s wrong with Adrian? Doesn’t he know Rosalie’s from the countryside? He’s actually letting her sign up for the competition?”
“I don’t know,” Phoebe replied flatly. “Mr. Wade must have his reasons. We should just focus on studying.”
Tianna scoffed at the evasion. “Bet Karen faked that country bumpkin’s CV to save face, so tricked Adrian into this whole thing. What’s she gonna get, like ten points?”
Phoebe kept her eyes downcast, pretending to pore over her book. But her fingertips, white–knuckled against the page, gave her away.
In only two days, Rosalie had displayed sparks of brilliance in the Advanced Class–moments that starkly contradicted the limitations imposed by her background.
It was as if… she were the true Spencer heiress, effortlessly blending wisdom and poise.
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Chapter 27
This thought sent Phoebe into a panic, and she frantically shook it off.
She told herself, ‘No. Rosalie can’t possibly have that kind of pedigree. She’s only slightly clever at best!
Phoebe pursed her lips. After a moment, she released the crumpled corner of her book and looked up, smiling at Tianna. “I’m signing up for the competition too.”
Tianna’s tirade halted mid–sentence. She gaped at Phoebe, stunned.
“Phoebe, your grades are amazing, especially in math. You should go for it. Show that country bumpkin what the real talent is. Otherwise, she’ll think she can walk all over everyone.”
Phoebe arched an eyebrow, voice even. “Tianna, what nonsense are you talking about? I’m doing this to test my own abilities.”
Elsewhere, the epicenter of the commotion became a stage for a silent showdown.
Rosalie’s eyes, ‘I won’t participate!
Adrian’s gaze, ‘Hear me out.
Rosalie, I refuse.’
Adrian, “That’s the best arrangement for you.
Their stares clashed, creating an invisible tug–of–war in the classroom.
At last, Adrian looked away as if nothing had happened. He said, “Forms must be submitted before afternoon class.”
As he turned to leave, his eyes snagged on the thick learning materials piled on Rosalie’s desk.
Who the hell bought her this junk?‘ he frowned.
“The Physics Olympiad paper I gave her last time was a compilation of past years‘ real questions. Her ability to solve all of them effortlessly is enough to prove her strength. Doing too many basic questions will only dull her brain.
Then he recalled Rosalie’s mother’s performance that day, so he didn’t press further, only warning, “This kind of basic material won’t help improve your skills. You don’t need to waste time on it.”
Rosalie ignored him.
“Rosalie, if you don’t submit the form, I’ll have to discuss this with you again.”
After that, Adrian turned back to the podium.
Rosalie seemed tempted to slap the registration form in Adrian’s face, but restrained herself, perhaps out of respect for teachers.
Krista, who’d overheard their conversation, looked at Rosalie with admiration, “So you’re a prodigy! No wonder someone sends you those materials. That’s amazing, Rosalie.”
Rosalie pressed her temples, looking exhausted.
The class chatter was forcibly silenced as Adrian started the lesson.
After class, Rosalie reluctantly filled out the registration form.
Just as she rose to hand it in, the corridor outside was suddenly blocked by someone. “Rosalie, you can’t be serious about signing up, can you?”
The girl speaking was familiar to Rosalie. It was Annabel, who’d defended Phoebe yesterday.
Rosalie just said, “Excuse me, please let me through.”
Annabel rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Come on, have some decency. You’re just an adopted girl. Can’t you stay in your place? Don’t you realize you’re causing Phoebe so much trouble?”
“Have I done anything wrong?” Rosalie asked coolly.
“You…”
Krista looked up. “Annabel, don’t you have anything better to do than harass Rosalie? Go away. It’s noisy
Annabel went pale, choking on her words.
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Chapter 27
She didn’t dare offend Krista, but she was reluctant to back down.
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