“Are you okay?” Braydon leans a little closer. “You look pale.”
I swallow hard, and for a moment I feel like I might actually be sick. But I force a small smile. “I’m… okay. Just nervous, that’s all.”
He brushes his thumb lightly against my chin. “You’ll make it. Your idea was brilliant.”
I want to believe him, I want to let that hope sit there but I already know my name won’t be called. I wish it could still be a surprise to me, like it is for everyone else.
“Without further ado, the students who have qualified for the next stage of the Blackrock Grant are…” The room quiets, as if the walls themselves are holding their breath.
“Zhao Lanhui…”
My chest tightens, and I have to blink rapidly. Of course it’s him. He just had to be the first name to be called. He makes his way to the sta
