Chapter 8 Prediction
Neil was flustered. He demanded to know the reasons.
The person on the other end informed him coldly it was because he had a bad reputation due to his drinking habit and incessant gambling that the community leaders decided to let Harvey Wood enter the competition instead. They didn’t want Neil to embarrass Cloubury.
Neil hung up the call dejectedly. He knew they had a point.
Neil had a bad reputation in Cloubury. The winner of the competition in Barlowe would have to do an interview.
Who knows what the reporters will write if they catch wind of my ‘sh*tty‘ reputation?
Neil’s heart grew heavy. He decided to go on a stroll to ease his emotions. Neil came to a food alley and decided to get pasta as he was hungry.
He sat down and happened to hear the two women at the next table discussing him. They were whispering, but Neil had good hearing and could hear everything.
“Look at that alcoholic. I guess he’s changed. I heard he didn’t come out for five days and was doing chores at home.”
“So what? I heard someone else is taking his place in the competition in Barlowe.”
“How? Isn’t he the winner?”
“He is, but the guy replacing him has connections!”
“Didn’t the judge say…“.
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“He only won because of Mr. Pash! Otherwise, first place wouldn’t be his.”
“That’s so sad…”
Neil did not listen to whatever else they said. His blood was boiling within him.
So, they threw me away because Harvey had connections! It wasn’t because of my drinking habits!
Neil swallowed a few mouths of pasta. His emotions gradually calmed.
There’s always something shifty in whatever circle and whatever city! How can I be so stupid? I’ve been in this industry for so long. Of course, Harvey would have connections here. He was scouted by a big company, after all. Whatever! I need to defend my position!
If this were a technology–developed era, he could create a forum and start a debate. However, this
was the year 1997. The Internet was a new concept that hadn’t been developed. It was impossible. for this little town to have it. Less to say, applications to make viral videos.
Neil needed to think of another method.
He eavesdropped on another conversation between two middle–aged men discussing the university entrance exam.
“Can you believe it’s the sixth already? Exams will start tomorrow. I wonder how Abby’s revision is going.”
“My child said they’ll be fine. Should I cook something healthy for them? My produce…”
A thought flashed through Neil.
Right! The high school exams!
He remembered he stopped drinking after the incident with Aneira and his child. Back then, he had focused on the news. He remembered the essay question for that year’s exam!
People during this time think the university entrance exams are the only way to be successful! They need to get into a good university and get a good job, which will mean success in life.
A bold thought crossed Neil’s mind.
Neil finished up his food, paid, and left the restaurant. He hurried home and called Aneira, who was cleaning the mayor’s house.
Aneira picked up.
“Aneira, listen to me. It’s really important! I know what the essay question is for the university entrance exam. Let me talk to the mayor’s wife.”
“Neil, stop creating trouble. I’m trying to make a living,” Aneira whispered.
“You have to trust me. I am confident!”
He sounded so sure, making Aneira contemplate his words.
“Who is it, Aneira?” The mayor’s wife’s gentle voice sounded.
“Oh… It’s… It’s…”
The mayor’s wife, Lisa Lynton, walked over. Seeing Aneira’s hesitation, she exclaimed, “Is it your rubbish husband? Did he steal again? Is he asking you for money? Don’t give it to him!”
Lisa cared about Aneira and had advised her to divorce many times before.
Ancira stayed in her marriage and tolerated Neil because of their child.
“No, that’s not it… He said he knows the essay question for this year’s university entrance exam…”
Lisa was stunned. She recalled something she heard during one of her card games. She heard Neil had changed over a new leaf and wasn’t gambling anymore. The last time he went to pay his debt at the gambling center, he had advised one of the workers. Because of that, the worker escaped an accident.
The incident had spread across the rumor mill. People were amazed and thought Neil was at prophet.
The university entrance exams were a big event, so Lisa did not hesitate.
“Pass me the phone,” she quickly told Aneira.
Neil spilled the information without hesitation once he heard Lisa’s voice.
“Ms. Lynton, this is Neil Grant. I’ll tell you the exam question, but I have one request.”
“What is it?”
“Ms. Lynton, I was the winner in the singing competition, yet Harvey Wood is replacing me in the next round! I want my rightful place back! If you help me, I’ll tell Tyler the question. I can even discuss the other questions with him. Of course, if the questions don’t come up tomorrow, you can ignore all this,” Neil said.
Tyler was Lisa and Shawn’s son.
Lisa contemplated the pros and cons. She disagreed with Harvey stealing Neil’s spot by using his connections. Shawn was unhappy about it as well. All she had to do was coerce him a bit, and her son would score a few more marks. She was more than happy to do it!
The university entrance exams are the only way to success. One point more meant a lot on the spectrum! Neil knowing the essay questions is a stroke of luck! Writing essays has always been Tyler’s weak point. He averaged thirty to forty marks. He could get at least five marks more if he prepared beforehand!
Lisa didn’t care where Neil got the questions. She agreed without hesitation.
“Okay. Hurry up and come. Tyler will be back from school soon!”
Neil hung up and rushed to Shawn’s house.
Lisa was waiting at the door.
Neil changed into clean slippers and stepped into the luxurious mansion. He felt a little nervous. He did not know if the essay and reading questions were the same in this parallel universe. He
could only write down what he remembered from the newspaper he had read before. Neil wrote two model answers and the reading answers to ensure Tyler got marks.
He passed the paper to Lisa.
“As long as he memorizes the answers, he will excel in tomorrow’s exam!”
Lisa felt a chill when she saw the paper. She was educated and was not a country bumpkin. Neil wrote neatly so that it would be easier for Tyler to read. His handwriting was beautiful. He wrote in neat penmanship.
I can’t believe a loser and alcoholic like him can write so beautifully! It’s shocking!
Neil returned home once he was done. He had drafts to finish.
Aneira put their child to bed, and once again, Neil spent the night on the couch. They did not speak a word.
A curious thought floated around in Aneira’s mind.
Does he really know the exam questions?
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