Chapter 2When the System Backfires

During the mock exams, I picked up the question sheets that the invigilator distributed, looking just like an encyclopedia with the dense pages of texts.

Picking up my pencil, I picked 'C' for everything, and flipped to the blank page behind to sketch the Mona Lisa from memory.

The invigilator was gliding past me, pursing her lips after a glance at my answer sheet but said nothing.

After all, it was all too common for arts students to give up on taking their college entrance exam completely.

And yet, I heard that Coco was way worse, sleeping through the entire exam and handing in blank sheets.

When the invigilator woke her, she rolled her eyes. "What the heck? I didn't even want to be here."

In the afternoon, the school public address system boomed with an announcement, "I'm Shaun Grant, a third year and Coco Jenkins' boyfriend! I'm here to congratulate her for getting first place in the city soon! Coco, you're the best!"

The whole school cheered with roars and whistles, and everyone down the hallway was talking about the perfect couple.

I felt amused even as I washed the paint off my hands, at the genius who submitted blank sheets for her mock exams, and the simp who spent money on an insipid announcement.

Guess they are the perfect couple in a way.

In three days, the mock exam results were announced on an electronic board.

[Coco Jenkins sets the highest college entrance exam score in the city!]

The school was buzzing as I walked through the front hall.

"Gosh, Coco really is a genius! Scoring above 700, just like that!"

"I was always wondering why she's always busy doing her nails instead of studying, but she's just too good!"

Coco squeezed her way through the crowd just then, unable to hide the delight on her face.

After all, she knew what that meant—her System worked!

However, she remained oblivious of the truth, as she presumed that college entrance exam score was stolen from me.

Excitedly hugging Shaun, she cried, "I knew it! I knew I could do it!"

Shaun was holding her and spinning, laughing in delight.

In the afternoon, the school arranged for Coco to speak on stage about how she succeeded, where she spoke ever so eloquently.

"It's just studying," she said with a smile. "There's no need to try so hard—and I myself maintain a good balance between study and recreation. Yes, you heard right! I nap in classes to rest my mind, and as I work hard for exams, my relaxed mind scores easily!"

Numerous worshipful looks were cast her way as thunderous applause echoed, while I was busy in the art room, adding the final touches to my submission.

That was when the class teacher Bob Simpson stormed inside, his face ashen.

"Jojo Jenkins! Get over here!"

He was bellowing as he slammed the mock exam ranking on a desk, pointing at the bottom row. "4 points?! Do you even know what this means?! You're rock-bottom in your year! Dragging the art class's average score to historical lows!"

I looked at the answer sheet where I picked C for everything and somehow still got a couple right, before turning back to the class teacher. "I'm just an art student, Mr. Simpson. Civics aren't that important."

Bob was shaking with rage. "Don't you understand?! My whole month's commission is gone because of you!"

Bang!

The door was kicked open even before Bob could keep ranting.

Mom's heels were clicking in her wake while she strode in, rage contorting her face.

Right behind her was Dad, his necktie loosened and lopsided.

"4? You scored 4?!"

Mom's slap had zero hesitation as it landed across my face, knocking me sideways.

The art room was silent as I slowly turned my face back to her, while feeling the burn on my left cheek.

"You're such an embarrassment!"

Dad was scowling as he pulled out a document from his briefcase. "From now on, you will never mention to anyone that you're a member of our family. Sign this to agree that we disowned you. Go walk your own path all you want, but don't drag Coco down with you."

Every student and teacher in the room simply looked on, none of them trying to defend me at all.

I myself stared at the paper for a moment, and briskly picked up the pen to sign it.

Mom looked surprised, clearly not expecting me to give in that easily, but I simply put down the pen and left the art room.

As I did, I heard Mom telling Dad behind me, "Just look at her. Adopting a dog is still more worthwhile than that."