Principal Tom held the answer key in his hand and, after several careful comparisons, finally wrote an A on Mike's test paper.
This was a sample graduation exam paper for twelfth grade high school students, which included:
Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry)
Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Humanities (World History, American History)
Mike scored almost perfectly on such a complex test paper. Now, he only needed to make up his credits in physical education and social practice to be 100% guaranteed admission to a prestigious university.
It could be said that he was a definite potential stock.
"Have you considered skipping grades and going directly to the twelfth grade graduating class?" Principal Tom's gaze towards Mike grew more eager, and he said directly, "With your grades, you will definitely be able to go to a satisfactory university next year."
The reason Tom said this was simply because the teaching funds of public high schools were linked to the school's teaching quality.
If Mike could graduate from Medford High with excellent grades, Medford High's teaching funds would increase accordingly next year.
Originally, Medford was already set to increase its education funds with the little genius Sheldon. Now, with Mike added, it was naturally a double joy.
"Sorry, I want to complete my high school career fully and have not considered skipping grades," Mike said seriously.
According to what Mike knew, Sheldon, this 'fat sheep,' would attend high school for two years.
Mike was currently in the eleventh grade, and under normal circumstances, he could also stay at Medford for two years. This was a good opportunity to 'shear Sheldon's wool' during these two years.
As for after two years, Mike would graduate from high school at exactly eighteen, gaining the right to inherit his family's farm.
By then, with money in hand, he could decide whether to stay or leave.
Seeing that Mike did not want to skip grades, Principal Tom was not too disappointed. Anyway, the other party was in his school, and graduating a year earlier or later would not make much difference.
After thinking it through, Principal Tom showed a kind face and said, "I respect your choice, Mike. Enjoy your high school life! Medford High welcomes you!"
With that, Principal Tom stood up, ready to high-five Mike as a welcome.
However, Mike's reaction was flat, and Principal Tom could only awkwardly retract his hand under the strange gazes of the others.
Next, after Principal Tom signed a few documents, he said to Mike, "The enrollment process is complete. I will find someone to take you to your class now so you can get familiar with our school sooner."
It had already been two weeks since high school started, and a transfer student like Mike was considered late.
Mike had originally planned to have a good "farewell meal" with Dennis this afternoon. Seeing that the principal had arranged his time so tightly, he was about to ask for leave.
However, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Dennis subtly shaking his head at him, so Mike had to swallow his request for leave.
On the other side, Principal Tom had already picked up the landline phone: "Ms. Victoria, please come to my office. There is a student here who needs you to take him to class."
After hanging up the phone, Tom explained, "Ms. Victoria is the homeroom teacher for the eleventh grade. Oh, and the little genius Sheldon is in her class. You 'geniuses' will definitely have common topics."
Principal Tom explained to Mike while glancing at Connie, implying something.
Public high schools in America advocate free teaching, and courses are divided into electives and compulsory courses. Most children who come here to study are severely biased in their subjects, just to get a high school diploma.
People like Sheldon and Mike, who can get full marks in all subjects, are rare here.
Such students often receive special care from the school, thereby gaining some special privileges.
...
Soon after, a tall, slender middle-aged woman pushed open the principal's office door.
"Is he the new student?" Victoria was wearing an old-fashioned women's suit and looked rigid.
She frowned slightly after seeing Mike's handsome face, appearing somewhat impatient.
Principal Tom knew Victoria had an eccentric personality and smoothed things over, saying, "He is Mike. His academic performance is excellent, and he will be your student from now on." Then, he introduced, "This is Ms. Victoria, the homeroom teacher for the eleventh grade."
Victoria glanced at the principal, then said to Mike, "Come with me. You can still make it to the last class."
After speaking, she walked out of the door on her own.
The three in the office, Mike, Dennis, and Connie, said goodbye to Principal Tom, who looked a bit helpless, and then walked out of the office together.
In the hallway, Ms. Victoria stood with her arms crossed, her head turned, looking at the ground not far away, as if waiting for Mike, or perhaps lost in thought.
"Ms. Victoria, can I say a few words to Mike?" Dennis asked the woman not far away.
Now that Mike had successfully enrolled, Dennis's task was complete, and it seemed he was ready to leave.
Victoria seemed not to have heard Dennis's question. She stood rooted to the spot, maintaining the same posture, not moving at all.
Dennis was a bit awkward at not getting a response.
Finally, he just assumed she had tacitly agreed to his request and pulled Mike aside.
On the other side, Connie glanced at Victoria, then caught up with Dennis and whispered, "I heard Sheldon mention that his homeroom teacher, Ms. Victoria, is a feminist. Perhaps they inherently dislike men..."
Connie seemed to be gossiping, but in reality, she was helping Dennis relieve his awkwardness and also giving Mike a heads-up.
After finishing the gossip, Connie raised her voice and said, "I'll wait outside. Dennis, if you want a ride, you'd better hurry!"
Then, she waved, leaving Dennis with a dashing figure.
Dennis watched her leave before saying, "Connie will be a good guardian, and the Cooper family is also very kind... I can rest assured with you staying here."
"Are you going back?" Mike asked.
"Yes, I plan to leave at noon," Dennis explained. "You know, I rarely have time off work. This time, while I have some free time, I can go back and spend more time with your Aunt Kelly."
The work at the Minnesota Orphanage was semi-charitable, meaning low pay and a lot of work.
And Dennis had worked at the orphanage for many years, which was enough to show that he was a kind and loving person.
"Have a safe trip. Remember to say hello to Aunt Kelly for me when you get back..." Mike saw that their farewell was imminent and thought of Dennis's care for him over the past month, so he said, "Also, thank you, Dennis!"
"You brat!" Dennis stepped forward and hugged Mike, saying, "You take care too. If you have any problems, remember to call me."
Listening to Dennis's caring words, Mike knew that he now had a simple affection in this world.
After their farewell, Dennis waited until Mike was by Victoria's side before turning and walking away.