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Novel Catalog
The rental apartment was a cramped 646 square feet, serving as the modest home for their family of three. The dimly lit space smelled of dampness, with peeling paint on the old furniture and cracked floors that seemed to absorb the musty air. It felt like the walls themselves were holding onto memories of past rains.
“It’s so damp in here. It’s probably going to rain again,” Hilda muttered, unloading groceries into the kitchen.
Carlisle, however, walked straight to his room, his mind already set on studying. He pulled out a notepad and pencil and wrote down two simple phrases: “Get into a university” and “Earn money”.
For most people, the goal of the college entrance exams was simply to secure a better future, a way to land a good job and start earning. But for Carlisle, it was more personal. He needed to make up for the regrets of his past life and elevate his parents’ standing in front of others.
Making money? That would be easy for a reincarnator like him. There would be plenty of opportunities in the years to come.
Later that evening, Gordon Zahn returned home, carrying a bag of pastries. He was dressed in his work clothes, his slightly plump figure a testament to long hours, with stubble on his cheek and messy hair. He stood at the door for a moment, observing the room, before heading straight for the kitchen to help.
“You’re too clumsy in here. Get out of the way,” Hilda said, pushing him out as she continued her work.
Gordon didn’t back down. “Hilda, have you noticed how hardworking our son is?”
Hilda shot him a glare. “Is something wrong with you? First, you complain when he’s not working hard. Now, when he’s trying, you have a problem with that too?”
Gordon smiled proudly. “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 intelligence. It’s hard for him not to excel!” Hilda replied, her pride evident.
“Nonsense! He obviously takes after his smart father!” Gordon retorted.
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Hilda chuckled, shaking her head as she finished preparing dinner.
Carlisle, eager to eat and get back to his revision, quickly sat down at the table. Hilda’s tone softened. “Take your time with dinner. No one’s fighting over your food.”
“Time is money,” Carlisle mumbled. “I need to finish quickly so I can study. I don’t have much time left!”
Hilda’s expression softened with concern. “Carl, don’t push yourself too hard! Your health is more important.”
Carlisle smiled reassuringly. “Mom, don’t worry. I’m not stressed.”
Gordon sipped his wine and casually asked, “Have you decided which university to apply to?”
“Riverland University,” Carlisle answered without hesitation.
Gordon nearly choked on his drink, and even Hilda raised an eyebrow in surprise. They both knew Carlisle’s grades well enough to understand that, with some extra effort, he could manage to get into a Tier 3 university. But Riverland University? That was out of reach.
“Carl…” Hilda’s voice wavered, her worry creeping in.
Before she could voice her concerns, Gordon pounded the table, his face beaming with pride. “That’s right! Where there’s a will, there’s a way! I believe in you!”
Hilda fell silent, unsure whether to encourage him or voice her doubts. The SATs were approaching, and she couldn’t bear to be the one to discourage her son.
After dinner, Carlisle retreated to his room to study, focusing on math and language, the two subjects that had always been his biggest challenges.
By 10:00 PM, Carlisle heard his mother knocking on his door, reminding him it was time to sleep. “Carl, it’s time for bed.”
“Alright, Mom,” Carlisle replied, stretching lazily. There was a faint smile on his face as he realized how much easier the once-daunting subjects now seemed. The joy of learning had finally returned.
After a quick wash-up, Carlisle climbed into bed. As he gazed at the peeling ceiling, it felt almost surreal—like a dream. His life was changing, and he was determined to make the most of it.
The next morning, Hilda got up early to prepare breakfast, while Carlisle went for his morning run. Regular exercise would improve his physical fitness, boost immunity, and help him maintain a sharp mind. After all, in his previous life, illness had claimed him far too early. This time, he was determined to be strong.
Gordon, still half-asleep, shuffled out of the bathroom, yawning as he asked, “Is breakfast ready? I’ll go wake our son up.”
Hilda rolled her eyes. “He’s already up earlier than me. He’s out for a run!”
Gordon’s eyes snapped open, fully awake now. “A morning run? Is this a joke?”
Hilda suddenly felt a chill down her spine. “Do you think something’s wrong with him?”
Carlisle had always been a late riser, so this sudden change in routine was unnerving.
Gordon scratched his stubbled chin, frowning. “Do you think… he’s in love?”
At the mention of love, Hilda immediately thought of the girl from the day before. “Who’s in love?” Carlisle asked, walking into the kitchen, his face flushed from his run.
Gordon quickly moved to turn on the fan, and Hilda awkwardly laughed, brushing it off. “Nothing! You must have misheard us.”
Carlisle didn’t ask any more questions, though he couldn’t help but wonder why his parents were acting so odd. After cooling down, he finished his breakfast, freshened up, and put on his school clothes before grabbing his bike and heading to school.
As he approached the school gate, he paused at the first intersection, waiting for Sean, who usually met him there. Five minutes later, Sean appeared, rushing toward him on his mountain bike.
“Damn, I thought I was seeing things!” Sean said, shaking his head in disbelief. “You’re here earlier than me?”
Carlisle raised an eyebrow. “Did you stay up all night?”
Sean’s eyes darted around, clearly trying to dodge the question. “Found another underground internet café. Two bucks for an all-nighter!”
Carlisle rolled his eyes. “The SATs are almost here, and you’re still staying up all night?”
Sean shrugged, unfazed. “I can always retake it. I don’t think I’ll make it this time anyway.”
As they biked together, Sean’s attention shifted to Sarah and Sienna, who were standing at the school gate. A tall male classmate was delivering breakfast to them. Sarah looked a bit embarrassed, while Sienna casually accepted the food.
Sarah flushed red. “Sienna, what are you doing? I barely know him!”
Sienna shot her a knowing look before turning her gaze to Carlisle and Sean. Sarah hesitated, then smiled sweetly at the male classmate, who had long hair and delicate features.
“Thank you so much for bringing breakfast for Sienna and me. It’s so thoughtful of you!” Sarah said with a soft smile.
The male student smiled back. “Don’t thank me. I’m just delivering it on behalf of someone else.”
“Someone else?” Both Sarah and Sienna asked in unison, surprised.
The long-haired student winked. “I’ll tell you later. But don’t worry—this will be a daily thing from now on.” With that, he walked into the school.
As Carlisle and Sean approached, Sarah quickly turned to explain herself. “Carlisle, don’t get the wrong idea. I don’t know him… and I have no idea why he’s bringing breakfast for me.”
