Having studied Bailey, Cooper finally found his flaw and pointed it out before everyone. “Bailey, your education level is too low, so you’re not worthy of becoming my grandson-in-law,” he declared unceremoniously in front of Carmen and the rest of the family when Bailey was at their house for dinner one day.
Indeed, Bailey’s education level was low. He stepped out into society and took over his family business when he was ten years old, so he had no opportunity to return to school anymore thereafter. All he could do was to hire tutors to teach him at home, for it was already arduous for him to survive when he was hard-pressed from all sides. Thus, studying with his peers was practically impossible. While he’d studied systematically and was very capable to the extent that many universities invited him over as a visiting professor, he just didn’t have the academic qualifications. In fact, he didn’t even have a high school diploma!
The moment Cooper’s words were heard, Carmen’s reaction was the most intense. “Grandpa, what do you mean by that? Why are you talking about him being worthy or otherwise? We’re just friends!” Although we… we kissed the other time, neither of us ever brought that day up again. Therefore, they were still at the beautiful stage where things were fuzzy. Hence, Cooper’s proclamation burst the bubble, making the situation exceedingly awkward.
Bailey, who was eating, stilled for a moment, but he said nothing.
Upon seeing this, Cooper was in seventh heaven. Finally, I’ve found his Achilles heel! Putting on his authoritative air as an elder, he loftily asserted, “My granddaughter will never marry a man who doesn’t even have a high school diploma.”
All at once, the atmosphere turned awkward, and Carmen’s face flushed bright red from mortification. At this time, Sophia hurriedly smoothed things over, exclaiming, “What are you saying, Dad? What’s this about marrying and all?” He should at last leave them some dignity! They’re now at the beautiful stage where things are hazy, so isn’t he just ruining everything by uttering such a remark?
Unexpectedly, Bailey put down his cutlery and said to Cooper solemnly, “I almost forgot to tell you that I’ve already enrolled for Self-Taught Higher Education Examinations at Bayside University, so I am studying while working. I’ve already passed two subjects so far, and will soon be receiving my bachelor’s degree from Bayside University.” Then, he continued, “When I’ve gotten my bachelor’s degree, I’ll continue studying for a master’s degree.”
Cooper opened his mouth, but upon realizing that he had nothing to say, he muttered, “Being self-taught isn’t something that’s so easy…”
From then on, Bailey had a new reason to interact with Carmen—having her teach him.
Subsequently, Casper noticed that Bailey was often showing up in the university, so he made discreet inquiries. Only then did he know that Bailey had actually enrolled for Self-Taught Higher Education Examinations (STHEE) in Bayside University! For that reason, he often came to the university to attend lectures. He even applied for a bachelor’s degree in law, which was precisely Carmen’s course, so he seized the opportunity to sit in on her classes.
Cooper had truly shot himself in the foot this time. After all, this was a trick Michael had used previously!
Furthermore, Bailey got a bicycle from somewhere, so he even often used it to commute to and fro while giving Carmen rides. Thus, they went all around Bayside University like a couple.
Casper was so infuriated that he saw red. Bailey is simply a prodigy, an expert in seizing any and all opportunities to advance his intentions!
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