Chapter 4

Despite my efforts to keep my distance, Quincy seemed determined to follow me around, irritate me, and make me her target.

Nevertheless, due to her hospitalization and my excellent academic performance, the school - having received no updates from the Shaw Family - placed me in the advanced class.

The Shaw Family had been at the hospital with Quincy during that time.

For several evenings, I ate supper by myself at home.

I was relieved to have some peace and quiet during those days.

Yet, the advanced class in Junior High was filled with gifted students, all competing openly or subtly. I constantly worried about falling behind.

When Quincy returned, accompanied by the Shaw Family, I was at home working on my assignments.

Students in the advanced class had already covered the entire three-year curriculum and studied almost daily to secure spots in prestigious universities.

I had no time to pay attention to them. Hank barged into my room and shredded the paper I was holding.

"Quincy was hospitalized because of you, and you didn't visit her even once?"

Hank's accusation was identical to my previous life, so it didn't catch me off guard.

However, I was upset about the ruined paper, which was nearly complete and contained last year's exam questions.

"Didn't she prefer not to see me? So why would I go? To create problems for you all, or to let you create problems for me?"

Hank was enraged and about to speak when George entered.

"Enough, Quincy is fine, why are you causing a scene in Ruby's room?"

I noticed the emotions in George's eyes, which seemed to include a hint of remorse.

Indeed, before they went to the hospital, he had slapped me.

The memory of it still stung.

That was my biological father. He wasn't as kind as Hannah, who had raised me.

If Hannah hadn't passed away, I would never have come back to this house.

"Dad, but Quincy hasn't had an asthma attack in years. Since she arrived, Quincy is always miserable. She shouldn't have returned!"

As I listened to my biological brother, it felt like a harsh wind had blown through my heart, leaving it completely chilled by his words.

"You think I wanted to come back?"

I gathered the torn pieces of my paper from the floor. I felt like crying too.

When I lived with Hannah, even though we didn't have luxuries, she cherished me.

But in this house, I had to do everything possible to avoid Quincy just to have a moment of tranquility.

"Hank, leave!"

George pushed Hank out of my room. I couldn't quite grasp his intentions.

"Ruby, don't say such things anymore. Your place in the advanced class is secure. And your sister won't trouble you anymore."

George left my room after saying that. The door to my room had been damaged by Hank's kick.

I looked at the broken door and suddenly had an idea.

I never wanted to live under the same roof as Quincy. Now that she was back, even though Hannah was gone, I could still live at school.

If I lived at school, it would be more convenient for my studies. And I wouldn't have to commute every day.

I discussed this with Maria the next day.

To live at Junior High, I needed parental consent. Then the school would assign me a dormitory.

The Junior High had always allowed boarding, so the school wouldn't object if the parents agreed.

"Why do you want to live at school? Will you get proper nutrition there?"

In truth, I had regained a lot of health with the Shaw Family, and I was no longer the pale, thin person I was initially.

As I had put on some weight, my features were becoming increasingly similar to Maria's.

Maria looked at my face, which closely resembled hers, and her demeanor softened considerably.

"The food at school is good, and we have many classes and homework in the advanced class. My teacher also supports me boarding."

Maria gazed at me sympathetically and reached out to stroke my head.

"Ruby, are you living at school because of me?"

I had originally thought that the boarding arrangement would be settled smoothly, but I didn't anticipate Quincy's interference.

"If that's what you want to believe, fine."

I truly didn't understand, wasn't it beneficial for her if I lived at school?

She clung to me like a leech all the time.

After I said this, I saw that she was on the verge of tears again.

Maria stepped forward, took Quincy away, and comforted her for a while.

Quincy loved to enact this kind of mother-daughter bonding scene in front of me.

But I had no interest in watching it, so after informing the teacher, I brought my belongings to school the next day.

My roommates were all from the advanced class. Apart from taking turns cleaning the dorm daily, we rarely interacted.

This saved me considerable time, allowing me to concentrate on preparing for the university entrance examination.