Anna tugged lightly at Ethan's sleeve, her voice barely above a whisper, timid as a frightened kitten.
"Ethan… there are so many people staring. I feel a little dizzy. Can we go?"
Ethan glanced around. Sure enough, more and more students were gathering, whispering among themselves. Crowded air wasn't good for Anna's fragile health either.
He sighed, brushing his hand gently over her hair. His voice softened.
"Alright. Let's get you upstairs. I'll walk you to your classroom."
Carrying her pink backpack, he turned—intending to check on Autumn.
But she was already gone, walking away on her own without a second glance.
A tightness built in his chest. His little sister, the one he had raised himself… how had she become so defiant?
Then his gaze landed back on Anna. Obedient, gentle Anna. Relief warmed him.
Yes. At least Anna was sensible.
When they reached her classroom, he ruffled her hair again.
"If anything comes up, tell me right away. And don't worry—you'll come home with me this afternoon. Your room is already ready."
Anna's lips curled with joy, though she hid it beneath a mask of concern.
"Is that really okay? Won't Autumn mind? It's fine, Ethan. I don't want to cause trouble. I can keep living alone…"
She deliberately emphasized alone, reminding him of her circumstances—reminding him why her father had died.
As expected, Ethan immediately reassured her.
"You don't need to worry. Autumn is happy to welcome you."
Anna lowered her gaze, lips curving with just the right hint of gratitude.
"Thank you, Ethan. I don't know what I'd do without you." Ethan smiled faintly, though his eyes drifted to where Autumn sat at her desk with a book in hand.
He sighed inwardly. Autumn had always been difficult. Expecting her to suddenly change was unrealistic.
But it didn't matter. As her older brother, it was his duty to guide her. He had time.
Autumn James, oblivious to Ethan's thoughts, sat staring at her politics textbook with a pounding headache.
Memorize all this? She'd rather die.
She was never suited for liberal arts in the first place. Back in sophomore year, during subject selection, Ethan had told her:
"Girls don't have the sharp thinking for science. Stick to humanities—there's a future in that. Government jobs, civil service—safe and stable."
Hoping to be the "good sister" he wanted, she had listened.
Maybe then, just maybe, he'd give her some of the attention he showered on Anna.
But later, she overheard him saying in a doting voice:
"Anna can choose whatever she wants. She doesn't need to worry about making money—her happiness is what matters."
That day, Autumn realized even her ever-rational brother could be absurdly biased.
She gave a dry laugh at the memory and rested her chin in her hand, staring at the useless textbook.
No. This wasn't for her.
She loved science. She wanted to design surgical machines, precision tools that could save lives. That was her true dream.
Her first mission now was simple: transfer out of humanities and into the science track.
Lost in thought, she was jolted back by the teacher's sharp call.
"Autumn James!" She shot to her feet on instinct.
"Here!"
The whole class burst into laughter.
"Teacher, don't bother calling on her. She never knows the answer!""Yeah, look at her. She probably just woke up."
The geography teacher rapped his ruler against the desk.
"Quiet!"
Turning back to Autumn, he pointed at the board.
"Answer this: Why isn't the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge built in a straight line?"
Autumn stared at the question, fighting a grimace. She trusted her gut and picked the strangest answer.
"B. To reduce driver fatigue and prevent accidents."
The teacher paused, then nodded.
"Sit down. Next time, focus in class."
Autumn smirked faintly and sat. At least she'd dodged that bullet.
The moment the bell rang, she darted after the teacher into the office.
Anna watched Autumn's retreating figure thoughtfully.
"Anna, your brother drove you again today?" a classmate asked, eyes gleaming with gossip.
Anna ducked her head shyly.
"Yes. I told him not to bring the car into the campus—it's too flashy. But Ethan worries about me walking too much with my health, so…"
"Wow, I'm so jealous!" another girl exclaimed. "They only allow board members' cars inside. Not even teachers can drive in now! Anna, don't tell me… you're the daughter of a board member?"
Anna pressed her lips together in a secretive smile.
"I'll be right back," she said, excusing herself to the restroom.
Her classmates watched her leave with envy.
Same school, same uniforms… yet such different lives.
In the faculty office, Mr. Lin, the geography teacher, was busy grading papers when Autumn approached.
She stood stiffly at his side until he finally glanced up.
"Well? What is it?" Autumn licked her lips, nerves tightening her chest.
"Teacher, I want to switch tracks." He set his pen down, surprised.
"Switch? You mean transfer to a B-class?"
At St. Claire's, after sophomore year, students chose between humanities and science. A-classes were the advanced track; B-classes were regular.
Autumn had scraped into an A-class thanks to her father's hefty donations—and her own decent grades.
She remembered how Ethan had once urged her to transfer down, warning she'd never keep up. And when she refused, he had smugly told her not to come crying later.
Yet when Anna wanted in, Ethan had moved heaven and earth—calling in their father's influence—to push her straight into the A-class.
The memory still churned Autumn's stomach.
"No, Teacher," she said firmly, shaking her head.
"I want to transfer into the science track."