A Film Queen

Chapter 17 One Minute of Restraint

The following day, upon entering the classroom, Milly noticed that everyone was casting strange glances in her direction.

Taking her seat, she was approached by the student in front of her. She asked in a low voice, “Milly, have you checked the blog?”

Furrowing her brow, Milly adjusted her thick glasses and honestly replied, “No, I haven’t.”

She had been engrossed in studying ancient poetry for the past few days and neglected even basic necessities like water, leaving her no time to check her phone.

She asked, “What’s going on? Has something happened?”

The classmate that sat in front of her was Allison Walters, a charming girl with glasses and a doll–like face.

Allison hesitated. She pursed her lips and eventually handed her phone to Milly and said, “You should see for yourself.”

The article had gained significant attention since being posted last night. There were hundreds of comments by morning.

Unbelievable! New student Milly Burnett, with only 600 points, placed in Class A. Are Crestwood High’s strict score standards being ignored in favor of privilege? Has wealth overshadowed merit? Is this fair to those of us who have worked hard? We demand a formal explanation!”

sis

How is it fair that someone with just 600 points is in Class A? I got 670 points, and I’m in Class C! It’s not right!”

You have to wonder if she really earned 600 points. It’s suspicious that her score matches the admission. cutoff exactly.

Stop arguing. Did you notice her last name? It’s Burnett. She comes from a wealthy family!

Rich? If she’s well–off, she should go to Bullard High nearby, where money matters more than grades!

argument escalated, attracting more participants and causing Milly

the phone back to Allison and whispered. Thank you. I

bewildered. She blinked and asked, “Why don’t you clarify? They’re saying harsh

believe you. You can tackle

desk compartment. Then, she retrieved her text book for morning self- study.

shocked, asking, “Huh?

calmly replied, “I scored 600 points by choice, not because

rumors…

Minute of Restraint

are released, the

words silenced the mocking whispers

+5 Pearl:

from Allison, who gazed at Milly as if she were an ido. She said. “Milly, I’ll always support

the class remained skeptical, and many

Milly was bragging; only bookworms like Allison

overheard the murmur. He gripped the pen tightly until

they have enough homework or a final exam to occupy their time? Why did they have

I’ll collect your chemistry test papers. Failure to complete it will be marked as incomplete

prompted the whispering gossipers to

a reputation for being strict. Skipping his assignments could result in a reprimand, but for more serious offenses, you might find yourself giving a speech at the Monday flag–raising ceremony, which was a truly humiliating

but smile when he

thought crossed his mind, causing him to retract his smile. He wasn’t helping Milly; he was simply

case, we are seeing each other daily, and I’m her brother. I shouldn’t be too petty.

for ten minutes. No, three minutes… hmm…

my cool for one minute before

his smile. He casually glanced at the girl sitting by the window, who seemed indifferent

sound of