Chapter 9 : Chicken Soup?

Due to the small number of students and the Mutant status, students at Xavier School are divided into primary, middle, and high schools.

Students of similar ages gather in spacious classrooms where teachers deliver lessons tailored to be easily understandable, rather than overly specialized content, fostering an environment conducive to learning.

Homework and exams are nearly non-existent, reflecting the school's primary goal of providing a safe space for persecuted Mutant children to acquire knowledge.

The notion of becoming a scholar and contributing to the social sciences seldom crosses their minds.

However, for those inclined to pursue personal interests, teachers are available for guidance, and the library offers a wealth of resources, with no barriers to exploration.

Within this relaxed atmosphere, students at Xavier School experience minimal academic pressure and enjoy their daily lives.

Today was no exception. Carl, as usual, sought out a spot by the window to bask in the sunlight.

But something was different. As a faint fragrance filled the air, a young girl, Clarice, walked past him and settled into the seat in front. Carl was taken aback, recalling Clarice's usual seat at the back.

Sensing his gaze, Clarice turned, her emerald eyes flickering with a hint of nervousness.

Carl offered a smile, causing Clarice's heart to flutter at his proximity.

It wasn't surprising; Carl was undeniably handsome, his features accentuated by the sun's gentle caress, giving him a radiant aura.

To the girls in junior high and high school, such a boy was irresistible.

Observing Clarice's slender figure, Carl found her presence somewhat alleviating the monotony of class.

As an adult, Carl had little interest in high school courses, but to avoid standing out, he endured.

For the next two classes, Carl lounged lazily at his desk, occasionally casting glances at Clarice's thick hair, and noting her diligent attention to the teacher.

Surprisingly, she was a studious child.

Amidst his boredom, Carl entertained a childish notion: should he tug on Clarice's hair to disrupt her concentration?

But upon reflection, he dismissed the idea as juvenile.

He felt that if he imitated the behavior of pulling Clarice's hair as seen in those videos, he might not receive a shy glance in return.

It was the sight of the girl, weak and teary-eyed after being bullied.

Time passed, and noon arrived as Carl had anticipated. Suddenly, the classroom became bustling, with the junior high school students enduring the morning.

Just as a college student rose, preparing to head to the cafeteria for lunch, Carl also stood up and extended an invitation to the lovely girl before him.

"Clarice, would you like to go together?"

"Okay."

The black-haired girl whispered, then followed Carl like a well-behaved daughter-in-law.

This sight left Carl slightly perplexed. What was with this demeanor? Rarely did he consider his charm to be so potent that she would fall for him after just a few interactions?

Nonsense.

Carl didn't buy it. This behavior likely stemmed from Clarice's introversion and lack of friends.

Hence, she felt a sense of closeness to her peers with whom she interacted and felt comfortable.

As they stepped out of the teaching building, the students in front had already dispersed, leaving no one in sight. Feeling a bit awkward, Carl searched for a topic.

"By the way, Clarice, I noticed how attentively you listened during the math and physics classes earlier. Do you enjoy those subjects?"

"Uh, not really..."

Carl's words made the girl slightly nervous as she replied.

Eventually, she bowed her head and confessed with a hint of inferiority, "Actually, I don't understand the teacher's lectures at all. I only studied for two years as a child before we moved, and I haven't studied since."

"I just pretended to be attentive in class because I didn't want other students to know. Truthfully, I don't grasp any of those mathematical formulas."

After speaking, the girl halted and lowered her head in shame.

It seemed like she felt unworthy of walking alongside Carl.

Having taken a couple of steps, Carl stopped and glanced back at her with a puzzled expression. "Clarice, why aren't you following?"

The girl raised her head and hesitated, "West, I... I'm so foolish. You must think less of me, right?"

"Why would I think less of you?"

Carl regarded her with confusion. "I engage with you and converse with you because of who you are, Clarice, not because of your knowledge."

"And as Mutants, learning is merely a means to broaden our perspectives, not a measure of our worth or ignorance."

"So why should I judge you based on your academic performance?" 

What a fool. 

With a sigh, Carl reached out and patted her on the head, saying, "Alright, you think too much, girl." 

"Just live your life, be happy. Who knows what might happen tomorrow." 

Carl's words struck a chord with the black-haired girl. 

She had always been anxious, keeping her concerns hidden. Yet, in the eyes of the boy before her, it seemed insignificant, and he didn't mind. 

But when Clarice felt touched, a smug grin formed on Carl's face. "See, my words are like chicken soup for the soul, huh? Almost got you there." 

With that said, Carl gave the bewildered girl a pat on the back. "Come on, let's hurry to the cafeteria before all the good food is gone." 

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