Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted

Joe was at a loss for words.

Keegan looked at him, “So you don’t like it, but you don’t want to change it?”

Joe remained silent.

Why did it feel like he was getting a lecture from the top student back in high school? Serious, but to the point.

He opened his mouth, wanting to argue, but no words came out. After a while, he finally said, “I didn’t think that far.” He had only been focused on defying his family.

Keegan said, “Your life is your own. Whether you take it seriously or just go through the motions, it’s still your life. Ignoring what you don’t like won’t make it go away. Just getting by won’t solve the problem; it’ll still be there.”

“You go through school half-heartedly, graduate half-heartedly, then maybe you get a job or stay at home. And then what? Is that the life you want?”

Joe stared at Keegan for a long time before admitting, “No.”

He didn’t enjoy his major, so he didn’t put in much effort, just wanting to graduate quickly. But as Keegan pointed out, what happens after graduation? Should he find a job in his field or just work at his family’s company? Neither option appealed to him. He’d spent four years just getting by and gained nothing.

late

limit yourself. Remember that student who retook the college entrance exams this year and scored high enough to pick a new school? He’s two years

hesitated, then sighed, “Why don’t you two start a class for lost causes? The way you talk makes me feel like if I don’t study hard, there’s no hope in

great education, but that’s rare. Most successful people didn’t do poorly in school. Even ordinary people can secure a stable job through hard work in their studies. But what’s really important is something

Joe and Stella

of school you attend and the social circles you’ll enter later. Once you’re in society, your network is your social circle. When you need help or information, people will respond based on the value you bring, not just how well

bluntness. “Do you have to be useful to make friends? Isn’t that kind of relationship not genuine from the

going, stop, or change direction, you’re choosing

pick friends based on their usefulness. I’m saying it’s like running a marathon. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you go, the goal is the same. People with the same goals will reach the

explained why it was important. His major might have been chosen by others,

for dealing with young people. First Julian, now Joe—Keegan easily

called Keegan “Uncle” before, now called him “my

reason for convincing me to study, I agree with what you said, so I’ll

“Let’s talk after you pass your exams

and ran into the