The End of High School Life

After Link left, Sheldon and Dr. Sturgis's argument continued, while Little George happily took Link's investment, preparing for his grand entrepreneurial plan.

When Robert returned home for lunch, Link asked him about the case. Robert said, "The autopsy results indicate it was likely a homicide. I met Mira's boyfriend, and he is somewhat connected to Mira's death.

That night, he stole his father's alcohol, and they both drank a lot. But when he sobered up, he found Mira was already dead. As a result, that idiot quietly moved Mira out of the room."

Link listened and said, "That does sound like something an idiot would do. Based on what I know about him, he shouldn't have the guts to kill someone."

"His suspicion cannot be completely ruled out yet. The investigation into him needs to continue," Robert said.

"Many people have acted stupid in front of the police, just wanting to struggle in vain and evade responsibility. However, if it wasn't him, then someone entered the room while they were drunk and killed Mira."

Listening to Robert, Link suddenly remembered something he had seen earlier and said, "Robert, something I saw from the attic might be helpful."

Robert's spirits immediately lifted. "Tell me about it."

Link said, "That day, Lena and I were on the third floor, facing the pool through a window. When I heard the shouting below and looked down, I noticed someone by the small pool who didn't go over to watch the commotion. Instead, she quietly left, and she wasn't on the list of people Lena told me were attending the party."

Robert understood instantly and questioned, "Who is this person?"

"Jesse. She should be in eleventh grade this year and is also a cheerleader, like Mira."

Robert thought for a moment and asked, "What was her relationship with Mira and her boyfriend like? Were there any grudges?"

"I don't know much about that," Link said. "After all, I was away for a year, and I only know these people because I had contact with them before. But Lena probably knows more, I can ask her."

"That's not necessary. You don't need to be too involved with these kinds of things. I can ask her later."

Knowing that Robert was protecting him, Link nodded and didn't try to prove himself like most young people.

Link stayed at home for six days. Because of Mira's incident, there hadn't been any parties at the high school recently. However, Link also received good news from Robert: Mira's case was finally solved.

Jesse was the murderer. Robert didn't reveal the details, but Link had already learned from Lena that it was essentially caused by messy romantic relationships.

After returning to school and waiting for about another month, Link received his ACT results first.

Link's results came neither early nor late. This system was like a lottery machine; when the scores were released depended on luck. Sometimes, all the students in the same testing room would know their scores, while some people would still foolishly wait for another week or two.

The maximum score for ACT college admissions is 36. Link scored 36. High school questions were truly no challenge for him now. With this score, not only could he attend California Institute of Technology, but a scholarship was also guaranteed.

Flora was also very happy and said that with Link's scores, Wilmott Academy for Gifted Children would also provide an additional scholarship. Furthermore, after Peggy declined, she asked him to be the representative and give a speech at the school's graduation ceremony.

Of course, prestigious universities also value social activities, teacher evaluations, and family background. Link had no problems with social activities and teacher evaluations. His family background might not significantly add points, but at least it wouldn't deduct any.

Soon after, the SAT scores were also released. Perhaps there was a slight error, as he didn't get a perfect score, but 2396 was still an absolutely high score.

Now, all Link needed to do was prepare his application materials and submit them when the admissions season arrived.

As for Peggy, California Institute of Technology had even invited her and Linda to visit. Caltech even agreed to arrange for Peggy to stay with a math professor at the school.

Even if Linda was still worried, the school could even offer Linda a job. Linda was still considering this point.

Considering Peggy's age and her achievements, it was clear that she was a super genius, and such students were highly sought after even by top universities like California Institute of Technology. It was understandable that they were willing to provide various conveniences.

This was not an exaggeration. Top public universities like the University of Texas at Austin were willing to offer Coach George, Sheldon's father, a job to get Sheldon to attend their school. When Sheldon wanted to go to California Institute of Technology to listen to Professor Hawking's lecture, they even provided all the travel expenses and arranged accommodation.

In reality, prestigious universities like Harvard and Caltech would also be willing to offer Sheldon the same conditions. The reason Sheldon chose the University of Texas at Austin was more due to his family's practical situation; it was closer to home.

Besides Link and Peggy, Sheldon and Dan were also leaving high school for college this year.

When the few of them sat together and heard the news that Link and Peggy were going to California Institute of Technology, Sheldon didn't seem very happy:

"I was originally planning to go to California Institute of Technology too. The level of physics there is the best in the world. It's a shame my mom said our family situation wouldn't allow me to go."

"Sheldon, the University of Texas at Austin is also good," Link could only say at this moment.

"It's close enough to home, and considering your age, it's the most suitable choice. Besides, if you want to come to California Institute of Technology, you can definitely come for your master's or doctorate. That's not difficult for you, is it?"

"But Peggy is the same age as me, eleven. Why can she go to California Institute of Technology?"

Link didn't know how to answer. Instead, Peggy, who already knew Sheldon lacked emotional intelligence and would keep asking questions if he didn't get an answer, simply said impatiently:

"That's because my parents are divorced. My mom thinks it's great that she'll never see my dad again, so she's considering staying in California with me. Do you want your parents to get divorced?!"

"...Okay, you've convinced me."

Not wanting to continue talking about Peggy, Link turned to Dan and said, "Congratulations, Dan. Being able to go to the University of Texas at Austin is a rare opportunity."

"Yeah." Dan was clearly much happier than Sheldon. He also received a scholarship. Given his family's financial situation, being able to attend such a top public university with such a generous scholarship was definitely satisfying.

Speaking of this, Dan said to Link again, "Speaking of which, I didn't expect you to choose to finish high school so quickly. After all, high school life should have been colorful for you!"

"What's so colorful? I'm even a little glad I got out of high school early," Sheldon said with a puzzled look.

"Although Link isn't as smart as me, finishing high school in three years is more than enough for him. There's no need to waste precious time."

"I just have my own plans," Link said with a smile. "For me, even after going to college, life can still be very exciting. And you know, California Institute of Technology is only a few hours' drive from Hollywood."

Dan instantly understood and couldn't help but feel envious. Recalling his high school life, the closest he got to a girl was that incident where he 'rejected' Libby. He couldn't help but sigh, "I'd be satisfied if I had even a tenth of your luck with women."

"Believe me, you'll meet a girl who likes you in the future." Thinking about Dan dating a girlfriend in college and eventually choosing to stay in Texas, and his future son having the opportunity to attend California Institute of Technology, Link knew he would have the life he dreamed of.

"Thanks."