Babel Novel
Chapter 1559
Chapter 1559 Who Said It Was Useless to Study
"Rushed? How is this rushed? The name list came out long ago, and you're already late. There are procedures to follow. You've informed your family, right? If you don't hurry, you might miss out altogether." Gideon spoke of the opportunity as though it were a golden ticket.
He continued, "You were selected because of your excellent grades and outstanding qualifications. However, once you're there, whether you perform well enough to actually earn the scholarship will depend entirely on you."
Upon hearing this, Eliana's skepticism began to wane. She indeed had excellent grades, consistently ranking in the top 100 of her year nationally. Given the school's high reputation and its ties to international institutions, it wasn't surprising that she had been chosen.
What she didn't know was that Gideon had carefully crafted his words to erase her doubts and ensure she followed along without resistance. Once she was calm, she'd be more willing to go with him.
After all, the school was full of surveillance cameras, and if something went wrong, it would come back to him.
Moreover, the higher-ups had only seen Eliana's photo and deemed her suitable for their purpose. Nobody knew for sure whether her destination was truly abroad or if she had another fate awaiting her.
Gideon, however, was eager for Eliana to be chosen. The closer his connections were to the higher-ups, the more chances he had to get a promotion.
He didn't think it was a big deal. After all, these students were benefiting from the opportunities his network provided.
Many students, like Eliana, came from families without local residency, yet clung to the dream of settling in Hawford. They couldn't afford social security or the exorbitant costs of buying property in the school district.
Eliana relied on her elderly grandparents, thinking she could find a place in the city. Did she really think good grades alone could change her fate? Gideon found that idea laughable and foolish.
Gideon's smirk made Eliana feel uneasy. "I'd like to call my grandfather."
"Sure." Gideon took the lead and walked ahead. "You should let him know you're safe. Make the call while we walk-it'll save time."
Eliana nodded, dialing her phone to inform her family that she had been selected for an overseas study opportunity.
Her grandparents, like many elderly people, were unaware of the complexities behind such offers. This was the same reason so many elderly fell victim to scams. To anyone in their
position, it was simply a source of pride that their granddaughter was excelling.NôvelDrama.Org content rights.
Anson Linden and Agnes Mendes adored their granddaughter greatly. Despite their frailty and labored breath when speaking, their pride and joy were unmistakable in their voices.
"Our Eliana is really going places! Listen to your teachers while you're out there, and just tell us if you need money for anything. Your grandma and I have saved a little."
Eliana knew all too well how they had managed to save that money-by waking up early and staying out late, collecting bottles and recyclables to scrape together extra funds. They'd even stationed themselves near trash bins just so she could have a bit more pocket money. Her fingers tightened around her old, second-hand phone that had cost only a few hundred dollars. Compared to some of her classmates, who could spend thousands on a single meal, it indeed made her seem like she was lagging behind the times.
But at least her grandparents knew she hadn't been distracted by material things. She had always kept her head down and focused on her studies.
To them, her being selected for this study abroad program was a direct result of her academic excellence. How could they think otherwise?
Eliana's resolve solidified. She understood that her only real escape from her circumstances was through education. If she accepted this scholarship, it would relieve her family of some of the burden, and her grandparents could finally rest.
Looking down, she spoke softly into the phone, "The expenses are covered by the school and philanthropists, so you won't need to worry. But I might not be able to call you and Grandma as often. I'm just worried about leaving, with no one to take care of you two."