By midday, the student council posted the official announcement about the wager.
During next Friday’s monthly exam, if Serena scored higher than Jeremy, the two athletic scholarship consideration spots would go to Building B. If she lost, they would belong to Building A.
Additionally, per Serena’s “strong request,” every Building A student who scored lower than her would have to wear a turtle shell and run ten laps around the track.
And if Serena lost to Jeremy, every single Building B student would wear turtle shells and run ten laps around the entire school.
What kind of “strong request” was that? Who the hell needed to strongly request carrying a turtle shell?
And why did Building A only have to run around the track, while Building B had to run the whole damn school? Talk about double standards. Was the student council serious with this crap?
Taylor read the announcement Joshua sent him. His brows furrowed slightly, but he didn’t comment.
Once the post went live, the crowd outside the student council office finally dispersed—but the blame fell squarely on Serena.
“Why the hell should we be punished if she loses?” Natalie grumbled loudly in Class 19.
Solstice passed by her and said calmly, “I’ve already filed a request with the student council. Everyone’s free to choose whether to stand with Building A or Building B. If you’re unhappy, you can switch sides.”
Building B’s grades may have been lower, but they didn’t need traitors.
What Solstice really had in mind was that, if Serena did lose and Building B got punished, then those who chose to stay with her would at least have less to complain about afterward.
Natalie and Sophia opened their phones. Sure enough, the student council had opened a forum channel for students to choose their allegiance.
They exchanged a glance. “You switching to Building A?” Natalie asked.
“Of course,” Natalie answered without hesitation. She turned to Sophia. “You?”
Sophia looked at Serena, then at the friends around her. Sure, none of them really liked Serena, but this time she was fighting for Building B. Jumping ship now just didn’t sit right.
“I’m staying with Building B,” Sophia said.
Natalie rolled her eyes. “If you all want to go down with her, I won’t stop you. Just don’t come crying to me when your turtle shell’s too heavy to carry.”
And with that, Natalie resolutely chose Building A.
Joshua watched as Building B students trickled into Building A’s camp. His mood improved with every one.
He had expected half of Building B to defect. But to his surprise, only a handful did. Not even ten people.
What shocked him even more—there were tons of posts cheering Serena on.
Cheering? For a cheater? Was everyone losing their minds?
Kelly nodded.
Elsewhere, Shiloh sought out Serena. “I admire your courage for challenging Building A. I can’t help much, but here—take a few sets of Kaplan’s SAT Prep Plus.”
Serena glanced at the materials and her expression cooled. “No need. I’m going to win.”
Shiloh’s face filled with concern. “Building B’s reputation and fate are all riding on you. Don’t feel too pressured.”
Serena was speechless. I wasn’t feeling pressured before, but now you’ve made me feel guilty if I’m not.
After school, Serena got a text from Sebastian.
Come to the school nurse’s office.
She checked the message, grabbed her backpack, and headed over.
The nurse’s office was located beneath the stadium, a surprisingly spacious facility. As she arrived, several large trucks were unloading goods nearby.
Sebastian spotted her from a window and texted her the room number.
She stepped inside—and saw Zayden in a white lab coat, organizing medical supplies.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: When the GF9 Test Subject Became His Obsession