Chapter 7 Choosing A School

Meredith’s eyes were cold, devoid of warmth, as if she were looking at a statue rather than a person. This made Old Mrs. Kane hot in the blood. “Yes!” she snapped. “If you can rank in the top ten of your grade and bring glory to the family, then you get to choose your own room.” “I see,” Meredith said, turning to Beulah, “Let’s go.” Beulah, momentarily confused, quickly grasped that Meredith was suggesting they proceed to the guest room. This realization only deepened her sympathy for the daughter. Old Mrs. Kane watched their retreating backs, a disdainful smirk curling her lips, “A country bumpkin who’s never even been to school, how could she know anything about junior high? And to rank in the top ten of her grade? What a foolish aspiration!” At night, the dinner was meant to be a warm homecoming celebration for Meredith. However, two seats at the dining table remained empty. James, still sporting a bump on his head, had opted to skip dinner, while the other empty seat belonged to the Kane family’s eldest son, Gary, whom Meredith hadn’t met. To break the awkward silence, Beulah pulled out a list of schools and handed it to Meredith as the dinner ended. “Merry, school starts in a few days. I’ve shortlisted some schools for you to transfer to. Take a look and see if any of them catch your eye.” Meredith picked up a spare rib and scanned the list, her eyes narrowing as she recognized the names of middle and high schools in Northerndale. “Dad, I heard that Meredith’s grades at her mountain school were pretty impressive. Why don’t we arrange for her to attend Quantum Academy? I’d be happy to look out for her there.” Myra’s face radiated feigned innocence. Everyone present knew, however, that the educational standards of a mountain school couldn’t even begin to compare to those of an international school like Quantum Academy. “Quantum Academy is a top-tier school and competitive. Do you think you’ll be able to keep up?” Tom asked Meredith, his gaze fixed on her. Clad in a black knee-length dress that accentuated her fair skin and complemented her elegant dining etiquette, Meredith exuded an aura that defied the stereotypical image of a girl raised in the mountains. This good appearance slightly eased Tom’s previous disdain for her. Meredith’s beauty undeniably surpassed Myra’s. Tom couldn’t help but think that as she matured, her striking features and flawless complexion would undoubtedly pave the way for an advantageous marriage and secure a prestigious alliance for the Kane family… “I’ll attend Quantum Academy,” Meredith announced firmly, her voice devoid of any uncertainty, as she finished another spare rib. Her unexpected declaration sent shockwaves through the room, drawing surprised stares from everyone present. Unfazed by the attention, Meredith calmly picked up another spare rib and resumed eating, as if her decision to attend Quantum Academy was as casual as expressing her appreciation for the delicious ribs. “What’s gotten into you? Trying to act all high and mighty? Your mountain school doesn’t even have a decent teacher. How do you expect to cope with Quantum’s intense academic rigor? Do you want to disgrace the Kane family by bombing the college entrance exam?” Fuming with disapproval, Tom slammed his fist on the table, his voice echoing with authority. Before making final decisions about Meredith’s education, the Kanes had meticulously reviewed her academic records. While she had consistently excelled in her class, the school she attended was primarily focused on providing educational support and poverty alleviation. Due to the remote location and challenging conditions, the school was constantly struggling to attract and retain teachers. Most would only stay for a few months before moving on, leaving behind a revolving door of educators. In such an unstable environment, even if a student excelled academically, it was questionable how much real-world knowledge and skills they had acquired. “With your grades, don’t embarrass yourself by applying to Quantum! If you’ve got the potential, attend Northerndale First High School and aim for a top-ten ranking… I may even let you use James’s study room,” Old Mrs. Kane, seated at the head of the table, sneered as she unilaterally decided Meredith’s fate. Northerndale First High School, a public school in the city, had a respectable track record of sending students to top universities. However, its academic credentials still fell short compared to Quantum Academy’s stellar reputation. The Quantum Academy was established by the Creed family, held a long-standing track record of excellence spanning over a century. It was renowned for its rigorous curriculum, preparing students for prestigious international universities. Even if you didn’t enter a top-tier international university through the entrance exam, directly entering Quantum Academy’s specialized department would still open doors to high-paying job opportunities after graduation. “So, Merry, what do you think?” Beulah asked Meredith with a hopeful grin.