Mike was at a loss for words. He was absolutely furious. Thankfully, he had an exceptional level of self-control. He was barely managing to suppress his anger and continue teaching. Surprisingly, Percy actually paid attention during the lesson, which somewhat soothed Mike’s frayed nerves. Before school ended, Mike pulled Percy aside and said sternly, “Make sure you write your reflection properly for the flag-raising ceremony on Monday. I don’t want to see you scribble a few lines just to get it over with.” Scarlett thought for a moment before stepping forward to stop Mike. “Mr. Sawyer,” she said, “could Percy’s punishment be put on hold for observation?” She continued, “I know the school has a rule that allows disciplinary actions to be suspended for a month. If the student contributes positively to the school during that time, the punishment can be canceled.” She added, “Percy is sitting for the SATs in three months. A disciplinary record could seriously impact his final grades.” “I’m hoping you could make an exception,” she requested. Mike had actually been considering the same thing. Though he didn’t have much faith that Percy could redeem himself by making a meaningful contribution to the school, he wanted to buy the boy some time and prevent an immediate mark on his record. Mike nodded. “Alright. I’ll speak with Mr. Riggs.” He later found Herbert and explained the situation. Herbert merely sneered and said coldly, “It’s only a month. What’s the point of trying? That demerit is going to end up on his record eventually.” Mike pleaded, “Please, Mr. Riggs. Just give him one month. I promise he won’t cause any more trouble during that time.” Herbert’s eyes gleamed cunningly as he said, “Fine. I’ll agree to a suspended punishment. But if your class doesn’t place at the Elite Math Tournament by the end of the month, you’ll tender your resignation.” That way, Herbert could bypass the tedious firing procedures and get rid of this stubborn, idealistic young teacher. In an elite academy like this, anyone unable to play politics was destined to be eliminated. Mike clenched his fists at his sides. It seemed his career might very well end here. But even so, he couldn’t stand by and watch his student be permanently marked for a mistake made in anger. With nothing more to say, Mike had no choice but to take a gamble. He nodded in agreement and said, “Alright. Thank you, Mr. Riggs.” … Meanwhile, Scarlett had just descended the stairs of the academic building when she spotted Jonah and Lily standing by the flower beds. Lily was carefully supporting Jonah’s left side. Jonah’s right arm was in a cast, and his face was marred with small scratches and bruises. They seemed to be waiting for her. Scarlett didn’t even spare them a glance as she walked right past. Jonah’s eyes widened in disbelief as Scarlett walked past him without a glance. He had assumed that Scarlett would rush over, fussing and doting on him just like she used to. Back when he accidentally got hit in the head during P.E., she had massaged his scalp for ages, terrified he’d suffer a concussion. He had grown used to that tenderness, that care. But he had been beaten up badly today, and yet even until school ended, he never once saw Scarlett. He thought she simply didn’t know what had happened to him. He had purposely waited here after school, expecting her to come running. Yet she just walked by like he didn’t exist. A surge of inexplicable irritation boiled inside him. Unable to hold it back, he shouted, “Scarlett! Stop right there!” Scarlett halted, turned slowly, and shot him a cold, impatient look. “Mr. Quinn,” she said icily, “do you ever know when to quit?” Jonah’s disbelief only deepened. Scarlett’s tone was sharper, ruder than ever before. Fighting back his anger, he asked through gritted teeth, “Didn’t you see that I’m hurt?” Scarlett let out a cold laugh, already guessing what he was aiming at. “Yeah, I saw. So what?” Then her lips curled into a mocking smirk. “You’re not seriously expecting me to care, are you?”