Chapter 3 — My adopted sister stole the direct admission, I flew directly to Harvard

My fingers flew across the keyboard so fast that I almost didn't stop. All those emotions, along with every word typed, were forced by me into cold rationality and absolute determination. This rotten, stuffy house... I don't want to stay even a second longer. My future must be in my own hands. My laughter made all three of them freeze. I looked at them, clearly saying that one word. The faces of Co Chi Vien and Lam Uyen Nhu immediately showed relief as if they had just lifted a rock from their hearts. Co Nguyet Anh also stopped crying, her eyes flared with crazy joy.

“I will consider it.”

I continued, my voice calm as if I were discussing the weather. They thought I had compromised. Thinking that in this war, they won again. Co Chi Vien immediately changed his expression to that of a gentle father:

"That's right. Tinh Than, you really are a sensible child."

Lam Uyen Nhu also wiped her tears and stood up to go to the kitchen to warm up food for me. I didn't pay attention to them, turned around and went straight to my room and locked the door. This time I didn't open the book like usual. I sat down in front of my desk and turned on my old laptop. The light from the screen reflected on my pale, bloodless face. I did not find information about domestic universities. But proficiently typed a few words into the search box: Harvard University, Application. Harvard University, application file. Immediately after that, I opened my email and found a contact with the name "Dr. Li". He is the professor who guided me to participate in the international Olympic exam, and is also a famous scholar in the international academic community. I took a deep breath and started typing on the keyboard.

"Professor Ly, I'm sorry to bother you. I have decided to give up the direct domestic admission and prepare to apply to foreign universities. I wonder if you would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation?"

My fingers flew across the keyboard so fast that I almost didn't stop. All those emotions, along with every word typed, were forced by me into cold rationality and absolute determination. This rotten, stuffy house... I don't want to stay even a second longer. My future must be in my own hands. The next morning, when I stepped out of the room, the living room was again a fake peaceful atmosphere. Co Chi Vien is watching the financial news. Lam Uyen Nhu prepares breakfast. Co Nguyet Anh hummed and sang while walking around the living room, joy almost clearly visible on her face. As soon as they saw me, the smiles of all three people immediately became more enthusiastic.

"Spirit, are you awake? Hurry up and eat breakfast, I'll fry your favorite egg for you."

Lam Uyen Nhu warmly called me. I pulled up a chair and sat down at the dining table, calmly declaring my "decision".

“I agree to give the direct selection spot to Nguyet Anh.”

“Clack” sound.

The chopsticks in Co Nguyet Anh's hands fell straight to the ground. She raised her head, her eyes filled with undisguised joy. Co Chi Vien and Lam Uyen Nhu were also visibly happy.

"Really? Tinh Than, have you really thought it through?"

Co Chi Vien asked excitedly.

“I know right away that my family's Spirit understands the most!”

Lam Uyen Nhu spoke with red eyes. This time it was tears of joy. I didn't pay attention to the reaction of them, continues to give conditions:

"But I have one request. You two must go to the school to handle all the procedures properly, making sure this does not affect my participation in the university entrance exam."

I deliberately emphasize the four words "deal with it well". They immediately nodded like pounding garlic.

"No problem! No problem! Just let your parents worry!"

They thought I was doing it to save face and still be able to take the university entrance exam in peace. But they don't know... My real goal is for them to make this big enough for everyone to know. So that all procedures are clearly "stamped with confirmation". Breakfast ended in the cheerful laughter of the three of them and my silence. Co Nguyet Anh couldn't wait any longer. She rushed into my room, took my uniform, put it on, then stood in front of the mirror and turned it back and forth. It is a tailor-made uniform for me to participate in important events. The cut fits well, and my name is embroidered on the chest. Her clothes are a bit loose. But she didn't care at all. He even started imitating my voice and my gait, completely immersed in the dream of becoming a student at a prestigious school. As for my parents, they immediately started "handling the consequences". They brought along Co Nguyet Anh, bought expensive gifts and then went to meet the school leaders one by one. While crying, she told the touching story of her family's "deeply loved sisters". They were so busy paving the way for Co Nguyet Anh's "bright future" that they completely forgot about my existence. Which is exactly what I want. I took advantage of this time when no one bothered me to race every minute to prepare my study abroad application. Previously, I had high enough TOEFL and SAT scores. At that time, I took the exam just to prepare for the international exchange program. Unexpectedly now... It became my only life-saver. Professor Ly quickly responded to my email. In every word, there was undisguised appreciation and support for me, and without hesitation he agreed to write a letter of recommendation. He even helped me contact several Harvard admissions officers, taking advantage of an extremely valuable online interview opportunity for me. Those days, I was like a machine working at full capacity. During the day, he still goes to school as usual, maintaining a calm appearance. When I got home at night, I locked the door and locked myself in another world. Letter of introduction. Competency profile... For each item, I try to do it to the utmost perfection. During that time, principal Chu Minh Vien came to talk to me again. After hearing the news that I decided to "give up" the direct recruitment position, the atmosphere in the office almost froze. On his face were shock, regret and anger that could not be hidden.

“Co Tinh Than, what are you thinking about?”

He almost growled.

“Do you know what you're giving up?”

I looked at the elder who sincerely wanted the best for me in front of me, and I felt a little guilty in my heart. But I can't say. I just smiled faintly, my eyes were surprisingly steady.