Youthful Bliss

First Meet

The willow tree outside Riverview High School's window rustled audibly in the wind, casting flickering shadows across the chilly teacher's office. Inside, tension hung thick as Diana Harrington stood near a desk, clutching her bag strap nervously, staring blankly out the window at the willow tree.

"This girl's scores are extraordinary, especially from a small-town high school like hers. The achievement in that competition alone could secure her a spot at any top university!" Jasmine Carter exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement.

"Mrs Jasmine, you know very well this is a critical period. Who knows what happened at her previous school that forced her to transfer? Adding her to our class could disrupt everything. Besides, who's to say these scores aren't achieved through... questionable means," James Anderson, a stout man, retorted, eyeing Diana with suspicion.

"Mr. James, watch your words! The student is right here," William Thompson, the principal of Riverview High School, interjected firmly.

"Come on, Mr. William. Even if she joins us, don't place her in my class. I can't afford that headache," Mr. James scoffed dismissively.

"Ah, but she's such a promising talent," William Carter sighed in frustration. He had hoped to place Diana in the top senior class, renowned for its progress and teaching quality. Yet, James’ stubbornness worried him. Diana might face unwelcome treatment there; those students were notoriously difficult.

Suddenly, an idea struck William Thompson’s mind. His gaze fixed on Diana, "What if I had the teachers here set the test questions right now? That way, she can prove her scores to everyone."

It was at this awkward juncture that Ethan Whitmore passed by the teachers' office building. Hearing the familiar sounds of the two arguing, Ethan’s gossipy nature forced him to stop and sneakily catcall aside to eavesdrop.

Diana felt William Thompsom’s eyes on her and the argument between two teachers, but she chose to keep her head lowered and standing motionless. Thick bangs covered her eyes, and the black-rimmed glasses also covered most of her face, making it difficult for people to detect her emotions. Diana did not feel any frustration, just thinking about when she could go home quickly, she still had to go to do part-time work. So when she heard William's words, she only nodded gently in agreement.

"What an uneducated person, Mr. William spared her talent to give her a chance, and she still thinks highly of herself, not even saying a word of thanks, what a waste of time." James was dissatisfied and didn't understand why the principal was so persistent.

"Alright then, the English paper will be given by Mr James, and the Math paper will be given by Ms Jasmine for the rest of the subjects. Please bother the two of you to go and find the relevant teachers to help out with the questions. Just ten questions for each subject will suffice." William Thompson made the decision quickly. In a few moments, the test questions for all six subjects were placed neatly on the desk.

"Diana, what do you think? We can start the test now," Mr William suggested, patting Diana’s shoulder gently for encouragement.

In a flash, Diana flinched away, her movement causing her to bump into the edge of the desk with a thud. The sudden commotion startled everyone. Diana looked frail, and they feared for her well-being. Even Ethan was taken back, wondering if the test would proceed at all.

"Diana, are you alright? Should we take you to the medical room?" Ms Jasmine rushed forward with concern, but Diana kept her head down, hands clenched into fists.

"She must be unwell. What if she's hiding an illness? If that's the case, we can't admit her into our school. Not only would it affect other students and teachers, but it could tarnish our school's reputation," James Anderson remarked, unrelenting in his skepticism. Seeing Diana’s reaction, William Thompson also couldn't help but look at her with a skeptical gaze.

Hearing this, Diana slowly raised her head to meet the principal’s gaze and spoke in a soft yet resolute voice, "I'm fine. Let's begin."

Although she didn't care about their opinions, Diana had to get into this high school and secure that scholarship to defy those contemptible people. Ethan heard Diana's voice for the first time, finding it oddly endearing. Yet, he frowned slightly, noticing bruises on her lower back. This girl was tougher than she looked.

"Diana, please don't push yourself. We can reschedule the test," the Principal urged earnestly, while Diana had already begun fast on the paper.

The afternoon sunlight poured down on the girl's serious face, and Diana was quickly deducing the math problem on the checking paper. Only at times like this would the girl's eyes be filled with a confident look, as if her entire being had come to life. Jasmine Carter’s gaze couldn't help but fall on Diana. She cherished the talent of this girl, and though her behavior looked weird, she still wanted to help the girl. Simply because she saw in Diana herself who was once poor but did not give up.

In less than fifteen minutes, Diana looked up at the principal and said in a cold tone, "I'm done."

“Hahahaha, are you kidding me, just fifteen minutes to finish sixty questions, is that a give up sign? I think there's no need for checking. What a waste of time." James loudly chided Diana. At the same time, Jasmine Carter took the lead in finding out the math paper she had prepared and carefully checking it out.

“Em, Diana, are you sure you don't need more time? I hope you take this opportunity seriously. " William Thompson painstakingly persuaded Diana.

"Wait a moment! Diana, how did you solve this math problem so quickly? I've never seen anything like it!" Jasmine Carter, unable to contain her excitement, eagerly examined Diana’s test paper.

"What are you implying, Ms. Jasmine? Don't shelter a student!" James snapped back, convinced that the plain-looking girl couldn't possibly finish the test in such a short time.

"I see now. Ms. Jasmine, are you trying to make it easier for her to get into our school by setting up simpler questions? Although I know you might sympathize with her rural background, you can't compromise your professional integrity. There are so many other students waiting to join our high school," James said, his accusatory tone.

"You! James, you're making baseless accusations!" Ms. Jasmine trembled, glaring at James Anderson.

“Mr James is just looking for trouble. What's the point of exposing other people's old secrets for no reason? I'll turn around and expose his receding hairline on the school's social network," Ethan muttered angrily as he observed the scene unfold.

At that moment, another teacher passing by spotted Ethan Whitmore. “Ethan, what are you up to? Sneaking around like this, up to no good?"

The sudden distraction caused everyone inside to turn and glance out the window. It was Diana's first encounter with Ethan, and she stared into his bright eyes. For a brief moment, her eyes are only left with Ethan’s figure, not because of his striking appearance but because of his exuberant and carefree nature, akin to a warm June sun. Diana sighed inwardly; she couldn't help but admire his personality, yet she knew they belonged to different worlds because she was so downtrodden.