Eric confidently described his "innate talent," and although Michael and Mary Parker had their doubts, they could only choose to believe in their son for the time being.
After accepting what Eric said, the couple initially felt happy, but soon their emotions turned somber, even guilty. They began to regret not providing better opportunities for Eric earlier. If only they had been wealthier, perhaps Eric could have shown his potential sooner, without being limited by the hardships of life.
Though they smiled on the outside, the sadness in their eyes was hard to conceal.
...
After dinner, Mary began clearing the dishes and headed to the kitchen. Michael followed her.
Amy, meanwhile, rubbed her full stomach with a look of satisfaction. These past few days, Eric had stopped stealing her food, making her meals especially enjoyable. However, without the usual "competition," she felt something was missing, a little less fun.
Even though dinner had ended, the conversation continued. As soon as their parents left the room, Amy leaned over curiously and asked, "Eric, can you really get into Knight Academy?"
"Of course!" Eric replied with full confidence.
"I don't know… I still feel like you're just bragging."
"Can't you have a little more faith in people?" Eric sighed, rolling his eyes.
Amy reluctantly nodded to give her brother a little credit but quickly added, "So, if you don't get into Knight Academy, does that mean you'll stop pinching my cheeks forever?"
At that, Eric's face darkened a little. He glared at her and said, "Are you stupid? Once I get into Knight Academy and become a knight, I'll have anything I want! I'll take you to eat KFC, buy you new clothes, take you to the movies, and maybe even deal with those boys who make fun of you. Now, tell me, which is more important—pinching your cheeks or all of that?"
Amy frowned, clearly conflicted. Her brother made some sense, but she still didn't like the idea of losing her bargaining chip.
But Eric was already tired of the conversation. Standing up, he headed for the backyard. Amy, seeing him sneaking off, quickly asked, "Where are you sneaking off to?"
"Mom and Dad are probably discussing buying supplements for me. I'm going to eavesdrop."
Eric knew exactly what his parents were talking about—how to prepare for his upcoming physical exam by buying supplements. His parents would likely go all out, even considering buying the most expensive products, like the costly Blood Vitality Elixir.
With that thought, Eric grew worried. He didn't want his parents to spend so much on expensive supplements, especially those like the Blood Vitality Elixir that could cost tens of thousands of dollars. If they went ahead and bought it, there would be no turning back.
So, Eric decided to act first, planning to "convince" his parents to give him the money for something he actually needed. While he felt a little guilty for manipulating them, he knew it was the best way to prepare for the upcoming exam.
...
Sure enough, his parents were in the backyard kitchen, deep in conversation.
Michael Parker was smoking, his brow furrowed, as he asked in a low voice, "How much savings do we have left?"
Mary sighed. "Less than $50,000. The kids have been expensive, and we haven't been able to save much over the years."
"Take it out tomorrow. We can't let Eric miss this opportunity because of us," Michael said, guilt weighing heavily on his face. "It's my fault. Years ago, when the factory manager's kid went for testing, I didn't think much of it. If I had taken Eric earlier, maybe things would be different now."
With the high school entrance exams fast approaching, Michael felt a deep sense of regret and anxiety. He had never intended for Eric to apply to Knight Academy, thinking their family circumstances wouldn't allow it and assuming Eric didn't have the necessary talent. Now that Eric was determined to try, Michael realized he might have misjudged his son's potential.
"For the next two months, we'll buy him whatever supplements we can. I've heard from other parents that it helps a lot. If we don't have enough money, I'll borrow what we need. After Eric's exams, we should also get Amy checked out. We can't let her potential go to waste either," Michael said firmly.
Mary was quiet for a moment before nodding. "Alright. I'll go to the bank tomorrow."
...
Just as they were making these plans, Eric decided he had heard enough and walked into the kitchen.
Seeing their son enter, Michael and Mary immediately stopped talking, changing the subject. Eric pretended not to notice and, with a troubled look on his face, said, "Dad, Mom, I need to talk to you."
Michael put out his cigarette and calmly said, "Go ahead."
"Well, I did a blood vitality test at my friend's house today. His family's pretty well-off, and he's got a good shot at getting into Knight Academy this year. He said I've got a real chance too, but I need to make some preparations."
Michael's face lit up with concern. "What kind of preparations? Just tell us what you need, and I'll make sure you have it."
"My friend suggested that I take some supplements to boost my blood vitality," Eric continued, seeing his father was hooked. "But they're really expensive. He said I should buy a Blood Vitality Elixir, but if I buy it at a pharmacy, it'll cost $30,000!"
"However, his dad knows some store owners, and if he helps me out, I can get it for $20,000." Eric was testing the waters with his story.
Michael frowned, not because he was reluctant to spend the money, but because he was worried about whether it was a reliable deal. Twenty thousand dollars was a huge sum for their family, and if they got scammed, the loss would be devastating.
Sensing his father's hesitation, Eric quickly added, "Dad, don't worry. My friend's family is well-off—they wouldn't scam me. Plus, there's a strict background check for Knight Academy applicants. If he did cheat me, I could report him, and the school would cancel his application. It's not worth the risk for him."
Hearing this, Michael finally made up his mind. He nodded and said, "Alright, I'll take the day off tomorrow and go to your friend's house to check things out."
"Dad!" Eric quickly interrupted. "He's busy with his own preparations. It would seem like we don't trust him if you show up. Besides, he's doing us a favor. It's better if I handle it."
Mary agreed with Eric, saying, "He's right. It's Eric's favor to ask. It wouldn't be appropriate for us to go. Let him handle it."
Seeing his wife agree, Michael thought it over for a moment before nodding. "Okay, I'll leave it to you. Tomorrow, your mom will go to the bank and get the money. Just make sure to thank your friend properly. We'll owe him a favor."
Michael gave Eric plenty of instructions. Even though the family didn't have much money, he was willing to do whatever it took to give his son the best chance.
Eric nodded quickly, but inside, he felt a pang of guilt. Though he was "tricking" his parents, he knew this money would give him a much better shot at success. If he could get into Knight Academy, everything would be worth it.
...
His parents didn't doubt him for a second. After sorting everything out, Eric was about to head back to his room when he noticed Amy standing at the door, grinning like she'd caught him in a lie.
"Eric, confess now! What are you up to?" she asked.
Eric sighed and rolled his eyes. He reached out to pinch her cheeks, but she quickly dodged, grinning triumphantly. "You won't get me that easily!"
"Come on, spill it. Was what you told Mom and Dad the truth?" Amy pressed.
Eric didn't bother explaining, instead brushing her off with, "Kids shouldn't worry about grown-up matters. When I get into Knight Academy, you'll find out everything."
Amy pouted, still not fully convinced, but she huffed, "Fine, but don't you dare lie! If you trick me… you'll never pinch my cheeks again!"
Eric chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Don't worry. I wouldn't joke about Mom and Dad's hard-earned money."
With that, he returned to his room, knowing that everything he was doing was for a bigger goal. He had to seize this chance for the future he wanted.
---