Chapter 14 - 14: Should She Tutor Elizabeth?
Chapter 14: Should She Tutor Elizabeth?
Jack suddenly thought of something and asked, "Didn't Mom and Dad say anything?"
Linda helplessly replied, "It's Elizabeth who doesn't want to go out... Elizabeth probably had limited exposure to computers when she lived in the countryside. It's natural for her to be curious and lack willpower."
Hearing this, Jack's expression grew darker, his brows deeply furrowed.
Just being curious about computers for now—what if she starts to get curious about all sorts of other nonsense?
She's already so addicted to gaming. If she's not disciplined now, what's to prevent her from skipping school, fighting, and being held back in the future?
After pondering for a moment, Jack asked Linda, "I have a favor to ask. School starts in just over 20 days, and I'd like you to tutor Elizabeth."
"Although I'm not entirely sure about Elizabeth's academic performance, I'm confident it's not as good as yours. I'd feel more comfortable if you tutored her."
Linda pulled at her lips, slightly irritated by Jack's concern for Elizabeth. She suppressed her feelings and nodded, "No problem. What about Elizabeth?"
"I'll discuss it with her," Jack said, heading upstairs.
Watching him ascend, Linda's smile completely faded.
Jack asked her to be Elizabeth's tutor!
If Elizabeth couldn't grasp what she taught, there would certainly be a joke to be had.
...
Elizabeth watched the data run on the screen with a focused expression, with a faint smile in her eyes. Only at this time did she feel most comfortable and happy.
No one was disturbing her.
No need to learn how to be someone she's not used to being.
Just then, a knock on the door interrupted her.
Annoyance flickered in Elizabeth's eyes. She pushed back her chair and stood up to open the door.
It was Jack.
Elizabeth was somewhat surprised in her heart. Since her return, she had only met Jack twice.
Still, she could sense that Jack had some preconceived notions about her, but Elizabeth didn't mind it.
Elizabeth looked up, silently staring at him.
Jack was captivated by her small and beautiful face. The corner of his lips subconsciously started to curl up but quickly settled back down. He said solemnly, "Shall we talk?"
Elizabeth didn't move.
Jack was speechless.
Seeing the girl in front of him, guarding her territory like a little cat, Jack abandoned the thought of entering her room for a conversation. He lightened his tone, "Have you been playing your computer all this time?"
Elizabeth lifted her eyelids to glance at him, uttering a few words, "I am not playing."
Her tone was so calm that it seemed like she didn't consider the matter important. A thought sprang up in Jack's mind. Was Elizabeth's good behavior just for show? Was she inherently rebellious?
"Alright, let's say you're not playing. But Elizabeth…"
Jack thought Elizabeth was just arguing for the sake of saving face. He chose his words carefully, speaking neither too quickly nor too slowly, "You've lived in the countryside since you were little, and you've mainly been around simple and honest folks. It's understandable that you'd find all these new experiences in the big city appealing. However, don't get too carried away. Your primary focus should still be on your studies."
Elizabeth slightly moved her head, slowly blinking her eyes as she realized the misunderstanding. Just as she was about to say something, Jack continued speaking.
"I understand you want to make a good impression upon returning home, which is why you mentioned wanting to apply to Sunny Heights High School. But since you've voiced that intention, even if you can't achieve it, I hope you'll take this matter seriously and try your best, instead of just going through the motions."