Chapter 2

To catch up quickly, I made a strict study plan.

The last month of senior year was mostly for review anyway. But since I was a bit rusty, I started with the basics, going through junior year practice exams, picking the hardest problems, mastering them, and then moving on.

During recess, Ethan strolled over, hands in his pockets, whistling. He had a mocking smirk on his face.

"Hey, little bro, studying hard?" Ethan sneered. "Why bother? Come on, let's go hang out!"

I looked up, my expression completely flat. "The finals are coming up. Shouldn't you be studying?"

The betrayal of our past life was still fresh in my mind.

The moment he dragged me off that roof, any brotherly love I had for him died. Now, I felt nothing but cold indifference.

"I'm already on the early-admission track with a full scholarship. Why would I waste my time studying? Did you forget?" Ethan grinned.

Hearing this, I remembered. Back in senior year, the school had nominated me for an early-admission scholarship, but I turned it down because I wanted to test my limits and get into an Ivy League.

But on the day of the finals, I had severe food poisoning and diarrhea. I completely messed up the exams and ended up going to the safety school that had offered me the early admission anyway.

It didn't matter.

This time, I would do even better!

I had always relied on my own brain and hard work. That was my ultimate confidence.

"Oh. Congrats, then," I said, entirely unfazed.

Ethan was disappointed not to see any anger or regret on my face. Feeling bored, he rolled his eyes and walked away.

I put my head down and went back to my practice problems.

I had to admit, Lucas’s body was incredibly healthy.

He had always been athletic and strong. He was great in fights and never got sick, unlike my old body, which was frail and constantly needed medicine.

In my past life, because of constant business drinking and stress, I ended up with liver cancer. I kept it a secret so my family wouldn't worry. No one knew.

In this life, I would take care of this body. Health is the ultimate wealth.

While I was studying, Hazel nudged my arm with her elbow. "Are you sick? Since when do you study?"

She paused, then added, "And you didn't even pick a fight with Ethan. Usually, you two would be screaming at each other by now... What's going on? You feel like a totally different person."

I smiled but didn't explain.

I had always felt bad for Hazel. She was a kind girl who supported her family, and she never complained after marrying Lucas.

In my past life, I always thought she deserved someone way better.

"What are your plans after graduation?" I asked.

Hazel lowered her eyes. "My dad said if I don't get into college, I have to get married and start working."

No wonder she worked so hard.

And no wonder they ended up together right after graduation.

"How about I tutor you?" I offered.

Hazel stared at me. "You?"

"You don't believe me?"

"I do! Your practice test scores today were higher than almost anyone in class!" Hazel sighed. "But even with a tutor, I don't have time to sleep."

"That's easy. Move into the school dorms. I'll pay for it," I said.

"Where would you get that kind of money?" Hazel looked suspicious. "Wait, why are you suddenly being so nice to me? Are you possessed?"

"Just tell me, do you want to pass or not?" I asked directly.

This was Hazel's only chance to change her life. There was no way she would refuse. She agreed immediately, saying she would tell her parents she saved up enough money to stay at school.

I wasn't sure how much I could raise her scores in just one month.

But I had to try.

As for the money, that was easy.

In my past life, my friend and I had bought lottery tickets for each other at a convenience store after school. I didn't win, but he won fifty thousand dollars. The winning numbers happened to be my birthday and lucky numbers. The store even hung up a banner celebrating it for a month.

I remembered it vividly. I used to wish I had been the one to buy that ticket.

Now, I just needed to buy it myself.