"Never mind, it's not like it has much to do with me anyway. I'd better head back to school," Kevin thought to himself.
Yes, every time the school announces news, it's either about a classmate doing something good or Augustine publishing an article in some newspaper. He was already used to it. So, Kevin went straight back to the classroom.
The atmosphere at the University of Edinburgh is quite liberal, which is also a characteristic of British universities. There are not too many constraints here, and students can also enjoy a lot of freedom. Because of this, Kevin can freely come and go around the school.
But today was also homeroom teacher Collison's class, so he decided to go back to the classroom to listen to the lesson. You see, besides Collison, no teacher was willing to help him.
Kevin had not been sitting for long when Collison walked into the classroom with a big smile on his face. It seemed like there was good news.
"Let me share some good news with everyone. The list of finalists for this year's London Literature Competition is out. There is only one spot for the finals in the whole of Edinburgh, and that spot is right here at our University of Edinburgh. Can anyone guess who it is?" Collison said with a smile.
"Without a doubt, it must be Augustine."
"Yes, I also think it's Augustine, after all, in the whole of Edinburgh, only Augustine would have such power."
"The other day, his father also mentioned that Augustine has shown extraordinary talent since he was a child."
All the classmates deep down believed that this spot would definitely go to Augustine, after all, Augustine had published articles in magazines and newspapers, showing a certain level of ability. However, they forgot that besides Augustine, there was also someone named Kevin participating in this literary competition.
At this moment, Augustine's face also showed a smile. He had never missed any literary competition since he was young, so he believed this time would be no exception. "Augustine, congratulations. Competitions like this are battles of geniuses, and yet you made it to the finals. I believe you will become a great writer."
"Yes, Augustine, don't pretend you don't know us when the time comes."
Linda heard the praise, and a faint smile appeared on her lips. Perhaps she was thinking to herself: I have finally found my happiness.
Collison saw that things were not right and didn't want to keep anyone in suspense. He quickly said, "Everyone, this person is not Augustine, but Kevin. Dear Kevin, I have to admire you. In just half an hour, you managed to write an article that moved the judges. You know, this is something that most people cannot achieve."
As soon as these words were spoken, the classroom fell silent. Augustine's face also darkened instantly, then he gently lowered his head.
Kevin had long anticipated this outcome. It was only now that he realized what the students from other classes were crowding around the notice board for when he passed by earlier. Perhaps, it was about him making it to the finals.
"What? Respected Teacher Collison, you're saying Kevin qualified for the finals?" As Kevin's best friend, Kovani could hardly believe his ears.
"Yes, you heard it right. Kevin is the only one from Edinburgh who can participate in the semi-finals, bringing glory to our University of Edinburgh. Perhaps, we should give him a round of applause." After saying that, Collison led the applause, and then the classroom was filled with warm applause.
"It's simply unbelievable, Kevin, you've exceeded our expectations."
"Yes, we never expected you to have such talent. And your work was completed in the last half hour."
"Kevin, tell me, were you possessed by God at that moment?"
Classmates didn't particularly dislike Kevin, they just didn't think highly of his literary abilities. However, it was unexpected that only he managed to secure a spot in the London Literature Competition, which instantly made everyone admire his talent.
"Yes, Kevin, I'm also curious how you managed to complete an article that impressed the judges in just half an hour," Collison asked curiously.
At that moment, all eyes were on Kevin. Oh, except Augustine. Augustine wished he could find a hole to hide in right now.
"It's nothing, I'm just writing casually. In the future, I believe there will be more works that will touch people's hearts," Kevin said confidently.
"Write casually?" These four words left everyone at a loss. In a competition for geniuses like this, he, who usually couldn't even write a good summary of activities, unexpectedly made it to the next round with just a casual piece. This is simply too miraculous.
Classmates' views on Kevin couldn't help but make a 360-degree turn. Yes, this is the most prestigious literary competition in the UK. Making it to the semi-finals already represents ability and talent. You see, in the whole of Edinburgh, only Kevin made it through.
Especially Kovani, who has been getting close to Kevin, was surprised to discover Kevin's literary talent. Just a few days ago, he even advised Kevin to give up on certain ideas.
"Kevin, you're quite something. Now you're the pride of our University of Edinburgh. I bet those noble princesses are all swooning over you."
Kovani said this on purpose for Augustine and Linda to hear, because Linda had mocked Kevin as a hopeless poor guy in front of so many people.
"Thank you, my best companion," Kevin sighed.
Sure enough, Kevin's name quickly spread throughout the University of Edinburgh. The principal even went as far as to have a banner made, displaying the words "Warm congratulations to Kevin for qualifying for the semi-finals of the London Literary Competition".
This made those who looked down on Kevin couldn't help but be greatly surprised. In their hearts, they were all deeply pondering: "Perhaps our initial views were wrong. Anyone who can qualify for the second round of this literary competition is definitely not a waste."
Kevin heard the news that he made it to the finals, although he didn't show much surprise. But he was still very happy inside.
Of course, the main reason is that he had just been edited by Zela to smile at himself for being able to advance to the finals, which was already considered a miracle.
At this moment, Kevin smiled inwardly without saying a word. Perhaps, being reborn here was Heaven's way of intending for him to create miracles.
After the announcement of the spots for the semi-finals, Kevin had to rush to London to participate in the semi-finals within three days. Although time was tight, it was a deliberate requirement by the organizers. What they needed wasA genius writer who can write good articles at all times. Not the kind of author who takes decades to write a mediocre work.
So, after making some preparations, Kevin had to fly to London and then report to the organizers. Fortunately, this time the round-trip expenses, including food and accommodation, were all covered by the organizers, so the poor Kevin didn't need to worry about the financial issue.
Furthermore, when the principal heard that the only spot in Edinburgh was located at the University of Edinburgh, he was delighted and made a promise that the school would sponsor Kevin for this round of the competition.
Anyway, for a while, Kevin became the talk of the whole University of Edinburgh. Perhaps feeling embarrassed, both Linda and Augustine also took leave during this time.
In the Derwent editing room, Editor Zela wore a pink robe today. Having not met the goals of the previous quarter, she silently encouraged herself to discover more great works this quarter.
She was still the same as usual, picking up a copy of the "Edinburgh Evening News" and reading it, when suddenly a striking headline caught her eye - "The Sixth London Literary Competition Semi-Finalists List Announced".
As a literary editor, she naturally pays close attention to literary matters at all times, especially in large-scale literary competitions. She never misses a beat.
"The results of the semi-finals were announced so quickly? Let me see if any literary genius from Edinburgh made it to the list of semi-finalists. Oh, I'm sure Augustine's son must have made it, after all, like father, like son."
Zela eagerly opened the newspaper and then carefully looked at the list of players for the rematch.
Edinburgh, Kevin Stephen, University of Edinburgh.
"Why does this name sound familiar?"
Zela, upon seeing Kevin's name, suddenly remembered something, and then tossed the newspaper aside.
"Hmph! Even if I make it to the finals, it doesn't guarantee that I'll be the champion. After all, it's during the finals that true strength is revealed," Zela thought to herself with a hmph.
Zela didn't believe in her own judgment. Although she hadn't read Kevin's "Jane Eyre," she already knew from the title that the book lacked originality. It's not easy for a young person without originality to win the championship in the semi-finals.
After calming her mind, Zela continued reviewing her manuscript.
