Eric Bennett understood that if this wasn’t a dream, then the inexplicable fact that he had returned to eleven years ago was absolutely unchangeable. Everything before his eyes, whether in sensation or sight, was so vivid and real. If something like rebirth had truly happened to him, then to prevent the tragedies of his future from repeating themselves, Eric Bennett knew the first BOSS he had to face was the upcoming junior high graduation exam. Otherwise, he would just be someone reliving a life of suffering all over again.

　　Among the group, the first to cast their bored gazes on Eric Bennett were the twin sisters, William Clark and Linda Clark. He had been standing there, staring blankly at this set of test papers for nearly five minutes. What, could it be that you, Eric Bennett, are actually fascinated by these internal practice questions? Have you even looked at your own grades? Can you compare to Olivia Harris? Can you even understand the content of these questions?

　　Eric Bennett snapped back to reality and saw everyone looking at him with strange expressions. He couldn’t help but give an apologetic smile. “Well, it’s getting late. Everyone should head home, don’t make your families worry… But, Ethan Foster, could you let me make a copy of this test paper to take home?”

　　Ethan Foster never expected the usually timid Eric Bennett to suddenly become so calm and natural, even calling her by name directly. Hearing her name spoken like that felt odd, as if her older brother was speaking down to her.

　　The people around were stunned. This Eric Bennett really dared to ask! Olivia Harris looked at Eric Bennett at this moment, and couldn’t help but feel a bit of warmth. Just now, she had been sighing about his mediocre future, but now Eric Bennett was showing such motivation, which brought a touch of comfort to Olivia Harris’s otherwise sentimental mood about graduation.

　　But of course, Olivia Harris knew that even if a person’s fate could be reversed by a last-minute effort, with only three days left before the high school entrance exam, it was still a bit too late…

　　“Are you sure you can do it?” The usually icy Olivia Harris actually, for once, voiced a rare note of concern for Eric Bennett.

　　“Sure! I’ll make a copy for you.” Ethan Foster suppressed the flicker of anger that surfaced and then sank back down, outwardly agreeing cheerfully, but already calculating in her mind, “Since Eric Bennett is asking for trouble himself, don’t blame me!” The internal test papers were only given to them because only students of their current caliber and thinking could use them to break through to the highest level and reach the peak of junior high.

　　For people like Eric Bennett, these test papers were nothing but dangerous manuals that would only scramble their brains and lead to failure in the end.

　　Ethan Foster might as well let him have his way.

Chapter Four: The Allure of That Bowl of Mushroom Stewed Chicken

　　Eric Bennett had forgotten how expensive it was to print or copy A4 paper at typing and copy shops in 1998—one sheet cost a whole one yuan and fifty cents. If a student lost a book and had to copy the whole thing, it was practically a fortune. Even within the school, there might only be one or two precious copiers. To save on paper costs, some test papers were printed with ink, like these internal practice questions from Ethan Foster.

　　Compared to eleven years later, when copy shops were everywhere and the price index and average income had risen, with copies generally costing twenty cents a page and discounts for bulk copying, it really showed the dramatic changes brought by the market economy reforms—truly remarkable progress.

　　But one yuan and fifty cents was still one yuan and fifty cents. For someone like him, whose personal finances were strictly controlled in this era, Eric Bennett realized he was completely broke—not even a dime in his pocket.

　　In the end, Olivia Harris paid for his copies. Eric Bennett was naturally very grateful. It seemed his class monitor wasn’t as cold and intimidating as he remembered. At least, from her deliberately indifferent gaze, he could see her kind heart and character.

　　Perhaps her coldness was just a way to protect herself, and maybe it was a necessary factor for her future success.

　　Success… Hmm… That’s right!

　　Eric Bennett suddenly remembered what important thing about Olivia Harris he had been trying to recall!

　　The sudden memory made Eric Bennett break out in a cold sweat. He looked again at Olivia Harris, who was taking out ten yuan to pay for him, the shopkeeper making change for her.

　　A beautiful girl, perfect proportions, slender fingers, and those blinking, captivating eyes—already the budding image of a future beauty. Eric Bennett etched this moment into his heart, but suddenly felt a sharp pang of heartache.