In the Granger home in Ealing District, West London, The Grangers were planning to have a few drinks to calm their nerves. After all, the riot in Chinatown earlier today had truly frightened them—both were honest and law-abiding dentists who had lived in exceptionally safe, traditional districts since childhood; it was their first time encountering such a situation.
Just as Mrs. Granger was pouring the red wine into the glasses, their precious daughter came downstairs and sat on the sofa beside them with a solemn expression, intending to have a serious talk with them.
"Dad, Mum, I have something very important to discuss with you. I hope you'll agree to it; it can even serve as my Christmas gift this year."
Hermione's tone was serious and earnest, causing The Grangers to exchange a look, their hearts filled with curiosity.
Mr. Granger asked gently, "Dear Hermione, we've already chosen this year's Christmas gift for you. However, as a reward for being a good girl, we'll allow you one more request. What is it you want?"
Hermione took a deep breath and said firmly, "Dad, Mum, regarding the choice of secondary school, I don't want to go straight to Notting Hill High School for Girls. I want to visit various secondary schools in London—I want to see every single school personally until I find one I'm satisfied with."
Hearing this, The Grangers were first stunned, and then confused and surprised expressions appeared on their faces.
After all, Hermione's idea was a bit too unusual—even if she didn't plan to continue her studies in Notting Hill, she should have had a target in mind. Why did she need to visit every secondary school in person?
"Hermione, if you want to change schools, your mother and I aren't against it. But you must realize there are hundreds of secondary schools in London, and most state schools are of very poor quality; you don't even need to consider those. With your current grades, you only need to pick a few targets from the top twenty schools, and we'll take you to visit them."
Hermione bit her lip. She didn't dare tell her parents directly that her goal was actually to find the secondary school Adelaide attended.
Although Adelaide had told her they could meet in the summer holidays, the application period for secondary schools would be over by then. If she didn't prepare in advance, she would certainly miss the chance to attend the same school as her, which was something she couldn't accept.
Moreover, Adelaide, that big liar, had a history of tricking her; Hermione wasn't sure if she could trust her again.
Thinking of this made Hermione feel a bit despondent. What exactly was she persisting for? Perhaps Adelaide didn't study in London at all, or even in Britain, and had only come back to London for a visit during Christmas.
But she wasn't willing to give up!
Having displayed maturity and wisdom beyond her years since childhood, Hermione had already sketched a clear and definite blueprint for her future in her heart at a young age.
For this precocious girl, studying hard at school wasn't about increasing her attraction or competitiveness in the marriage market later in life; it stemmed from a deep-seated pursuit of excellence and a firm belief in strengthening herself through vast knowledge and shaping a perfect character.
It was precisely this competitive and stubborn personality that made Hermione seem so different and out of place among her peers, existing like a helpless "outlier."
Only Adelaide could truly read and understand her fervent heart. This equally outstanding companion became Hermione's only close friend in school life; the two cherished each other and were inseparable.
Looking back, the days Hermione experienced before the fifth grade of primary school could be described as absolutely wonderful.
Those times spent with Adelaide, full of laughter and carefree moments, were like brilliant pearls embedded in the long river of Hermione's memory, shining brightly.
But all of this came to a grinding halt that summer holiday—Adelaide left her world without any warning, causing her world to fall into eternal night like the setting sun.
Since then, a long six months had slowly flowed by, and every minute and second was an unbearable torture for Hermione.
During these difficult times where every day felt like a year, Hermione struggled every day, immersed in endless loneliness and solitude.
Although the teachers were never stingy with their praise, hailing her as a rare genius girl, and her classmates were envious or even jealous of her frequent brilliance, these superficial accolades couldn't fill the huge void in the depths of her soul caused by the loss of her best friend.
No one could truly enter her inner world again to feel the pain and helplessness of being misunderstood.
Whenever she recalled those sunny days from before, Hermione's originally bright and sparkling eyes would involuntarily dim.
If I had never seen the light, I could have borne the darkness of being misunderstood!
Adelaide had to take responsibility for her; she shouldn't even think about shaking her off!
Thinking of this, Hermione's gaze became firm again, and she spoke: "I can check them one by one, following the rankings of the secondary schools."
If she couldn't find her in London, she would keep looking in other regions!
The Grangers were a bit panicked, but thinking of the cleverness and independent thinking Hermione had shown since childhood, they quickly regained their composure.
Mr. Granger asked Hermione again, "Sweetheart, that's a very unique idea. But why did you suddenly make such a decision?"
Hermione blinked and explained, "Because I feel that choosing a secondary school is a very important matter that concerns my future development. I hope to find the environment most suitable for my learning and growth. Only by personally experiencing the atmosphere and teaching quality of each school can I make the best decision."
The Grangers exchanged a look, a hint of complexity appearing in their eyes. As parents, they naturally hoped to guide and protect their daughter, but they also knew that children would eventually need to face life's choices independently.
After a brief and silent exchange, they already understood each other's thoughts—they were never the kind of unreasonable or stubborn parents.
For Hermione, this clever and independent daughter, they had always respected and supported her growth and development; now, Hermione had clearly given it deep thought and made a decision about her future.
Although there might still be some worries in their hearts, as long as the decision wasn't too outrageous or risky, they were willing to follow her wishes.
After all, children always experience various trials and explorations on the path to growing up, and all parents can do is provide appropriate space and trust.
"Well then, since you've thought it through so clearly, your father and I support your decision. But this isn't an easy task; it will take a lot of time and energy. I hope you're mentally prepared for it."
Seeing her parents agree, Hermione replied excitedly, "I know! Thank you, Dad and Mum! I'll definitely prepare well and won't let down your trust."
And so, on this warm night near Christmas, Hermione received a special "gift"—the chance to find her sun ahead of time and attend the same secondary school as her.
Of course, Hermione wasn't stupid; she knew Adelaide was currently in trouble. So, before finding Adelaide, she would never reveal her true purpose and would use the explanations Adelaide had taught her to deal with any suspicious individuals.
And after finding Adelaide, she would persuade her and face the difficulties together.
In the following days, Hermione began to carefully plan her secondary school tour, looking forward with all her heart to exploring those unknown campuses and searching for Adelaide's figure.
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