Clutching the trophy in her arms, Mirabella listened silently to Mr. Hammond's words, not uttering a sound.
"International competitions are brimming with talent. Today's questions would just be a warm-up compared to the ones on the world stage. Our students who've gone abroad may have been national champions here but had not even made the top ten there."
Mr. Hammond shook his head with a wry smile, then glanced sideways at Mirabella and added, "Mirabella, among all the competitors over the years, you've consistently scored perfectly. I believe you have a shot at breaking into the top ten."
Before, he had thought that any international ranking would do, even if it were the twentieth or thirtieth. However, after today's national competition results, he felt that Mirabella's abilities far surpassed his expectations.
He didn't dare dream of the number one spot internationally, but the top ten... that seemed within the realm of possibility. What if miracles happened?
Standing at the curb, with the traffic light still red, Mirabella tilted her head towards Mr. Hammond and said quite seriously, "I think you could set a more precise goal."
Mr. Hammond blinked in confusion, not quite understanding her.
As the light turned green, Mirabella stepped onto the crosswalk and floated out the words, "Like, first place."
Mr. Hammond's eyes widened, stunned by her seemingly preposterous assertion for a good five seconds before he caught up with her stride.
First place was such a daunting goal. Watching Mirabella's slender figure walk ahead, her back straight and exuding an innate air of arrogant confidence, a bubbling excitement ignited within him.
Perhaps... it was worth anticipating.
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