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!

more participants and causing Milly a

the phone back to Allison and

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

“Don’t worry, I believe you. You can tackle those complex math problems;

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

shocked, asking, “Huh? But then

replied, “I scored 600 points by choice, not because I couldn’t

rumors…

Minute of Restraint

are released, the

words silenced the mocking whispers in the classroom,

+5 Pearl:

at Milly as if she were an ido.

class remained skeptical, and many

only bookworms like Allison would buy

gripped

better to do? Didn’t they have enough homework or a final exam to occupy their

papers. Failure to complete it

words prompted the whispering gossipers to hastily focus

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,

couldn’t help but smile when he noticed everyone had stopped

Milly; he was simply collecting homework. If Milly were to thank him later and

I shouldn’t be

for ten minutes. No, three minutes… hmm…

one minute

casually glanced at the

was the sound