Babel Novel
Chapter 4
A barely 646 square feet rental place served as their family of three’s modest home.
The room was dimly lit, with worn–out furniture displaying severe signs of peeling paint. The cracked floors exuded dampness, while the air carried a musty scent.
“It’s so damp, so it’s probably going to rain again!” Hilda complained as she carried the groceries into the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Carlisle headed straight to his bedroom to start his revision. Before doing so, he took out a notepad and a pencil to write down two phrases: “Get into a university” and “Earn money“.
For an ordinary person, the goal of taking the college entrance exam was to secure a better future. Then he could get a good job and earn money.
But for Carlisle, it was to make up for regrets from his past life and to lift his parents‘ heads high in front of others.
As for making money, it wasn’t too difficult for a reincarnator like him. There are plenty of opportunities to earn money in the coming years.
After work, Gordon Zahn returned home with a bag of pastries. He was dressed in work clothes and had a slightly plump figure. He also had stubble on his cheek and messy hair.
He stood at the door to watch for a while before heading to the kitchen to help.
“You better get out of here. You’re too clumsy!” Hilda pushed Gordon out of the kitchen as she finished
speaking.
Gordon suddenly said, “Hilda, have you noticed how hardworking our son is?”
Hilda glared at Gordon with a displeased expression and asked, “Is something wrong with you? You have something to say when he’s not working hard. Now that he is hardworking, you still have something to
say?”
“What I mean is, our son is working so hard. He’s bound to get into a better university!”
“Of course, Carl has inherited his mother’s talent and intelligence. It’s hard for him not to excel!”
“Nonsense! He obviously takes after his smart father!”
“You’ve got to be kidding me!”
Hilda quickly prepared dinner, Carlisle was eager to finish his meal quickly so he could continue studying.
Hilda was displeased and remarked, “Take your time to finish. After all, no one is fighting for your food!”
“Time is money. I need to finish eating quickly so I can study. I don’t have much time left!” Carlisle mumbled.
Hilda suddenly felt sorry for him. She then continued, “Carl, don’t stress yourself too much! Your health is more important!”
Carlisle then realized that his abnormal behavior had worried his mother. He paused for a moment and continued smilingly, “Mom, don’t worry, I’m not stressed out!”
Gordon sipped his white wine and asked, “Have you decided which university to apply to?”
“Riverland University,” Carlisle replied.
Gordon coughed and choked on his drink. Even Hilda’s mouth twitched slightly.
As parents, they knew Carlisle’s grades well. With a little more effort this month, he should be able to get into a Tier 3 University.
To say he would get into Riverland University was beyond belief.
“Carl…” Hilda was worried that Carlisle might be losing his mind.
But before she could continue, Gordon interrupted her by pounding on the table and said, “That’s right! Where there is a will, there is a way! I believe in you!”
Hilda ate her dinner in silence. With the SATS looming, she couldn’t bear to discourage her son. Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
After Carlisle finished his meal, he returned to his room to study. He focused on Math and Language, the subjects he struggled with the most.
By 10:00pm, he heard Hilda knocking on his door to remind him it was time to sleep. “Carl, it’s time for
bed now!”
“Alright, Mom,” Carlisle answered while stretching lazily. He had a faint smile as the once–complicated subjects now seemed less daunting. He suddenly felt the joy of learning.
s in
After washing up, he climbed into bed to sleep. He looked at the old, peeling ceiling, feeling like he was
a dream.
The next morning, Hilda got up early to prepare breakfast, while Carlisle went for his morning run. Regular morning runs could improve physical fitness, boost immunity, and improve his mental state.
In his previous life, he died of illness. So, he was determined to have a strong body in this life.
Gordon, still half–asleep, came out of the bathroom. He yawned while asking, “Is breakfast ready? I’ll go
wake our son up for breakfast!”
Hilda rolled her eyes and answered, “He’s up earlier than me, already out for a run! Are pigs flying?”
Gordon was suddenly wide awake. He was surprised. “A morning run? Is this a joke?”
Hilda felt a chill run down her spine. She asked, “Gordon, do you think something happened to our son?”
Carlisle was studying hard and getting up early to ruit was too out of character! It’s like he had become a different person.
Gordon rubbed his stubble with a frown and continued, ‘Is he in love?” As soon as his words were out, Hilda thought of the girl from yesterday afternoon.
“Who’s in love?” Carlisle asked as he walked to the door, sweating profusely.
Gordon quickly went to turn on the fan. Hilda laughed awkwardly and continued, “Nothing! You must have misheard us.”
Carlisle didn’t pursue the question further. After cooling himself down, he finished breakfast and freshened up to get ready. He then put on his schoolwear and rode his bike to school.
As he approached the school gate, Carlisle stopped at the first traffic light intersection since he usually met Sean there. About five minutes later, Sean rushed over with his mountain bike.
“Damn, I thought I was seeing things! Pigs must be flying. You’re here earlier than me?” Sean was surprised.
it
Usually, he was the one waiting for Carlisle. Today, it was the opposite.
Carlisle noticed the heavy dark circles under Sean’s eyes and asked, “Did you stay up all night?”
Sean’s eyes darted around mysteriously as he continued, “I found another underground internet cafe. It’s just two dollars for an all–nighter!”
Carlisle rolled his eyes at Sean and said, “The SATS are around the corner, and you’re still staying up all night?”
Sean shrugged indifferently while saying, “I can always retake it. I don’t think I’ll make it this time anyway.”
Both of them were like two peas in a pod. With their low grades, they ended up as desk mates in the last
r low or
row.
As they chatted while riding their bikes, Sean noticed Sarah and Sienna at the school gate. A tall male classmate was delivering breakfast to them.
Sarah blushed, seeming slightly embarrassed. Meanwhile, Sienna casually accepted the breakfast and
said, “Hey, we’re all classmates. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
Sarah whined, “Sienna, what are you doing? I barely know him!”
Sienna shot Sarah a look, and when Sarah turned her head, she saw Carlisle and Sean.
Sarah then accepted the breakfast from the male classmate as she said sweetly, “Thank you so much for getting breakfast for Sienna and me. It’s so thoughtful of you!”
The male student had long hair and a delicate look. He smiled and said, “Don’t thank me, I’m delivering
this on behalf of someone elsel?
“Someone else?” Both Sarah and Sienna were taken aback. Sienna asked, “Who is that person?”
The long–haired student replied, “I won’t tell you for now, but don’t worry. From now on, you’ll breakfast every day!” With that, he walked into the school.
wou’ll have
Just then, Carlisle and Sean approached the school gate. Sarah looked at Carlisle and explained, ” Carlisle, don’t get me wrong. I don’t know that guy… and I have no idea why he’s getting breakfast for me!”
Act Fast Free Bonus Time is Running Out!