"I want to tell you something..."
Yulia clung to Barron's side, resting her head on his sturdy arm, and whispered softly.
"What is it?"
Barron could hear a note of caution in her tone, a rarity after their close relationship, and so he couldn't help but take it more seriously.
"It's about Rami. He..."
As Yulia Moore spoke, Barron's interest in the boy grew.
Rami was one of the orphans Barron had adopted through the Devonshire Charity Foundation at the International School in Kolo.
He also had a sister, Ravi. Both siblings were born in Palestine and adopted in Lebanon.
Because Rami was extremely intelligent and had excellent academic performance, he and five others were among the first group selected by Barron to study in London. What made Rami special was that Barron had promised him that if he maintained his top grades, he and his sister Ravi would be allowed to come to England together, and Rami did so.
Perhaps because she couldn't have children due to health reasons, Yulia Moore paid close attention to the orphans who arrived in England, often visiting them on Barron's behalf. She was particularly attentive to the siblings, Rami and Ravi, because they were exceptionally well-behaved, and Ravi was incredibly adorable. Yulia Moore treated them with special care, acting like an elder.
Yulia told Barron that Rami had already self-studied university courses and hoped to do more for Barron—
something that surprised him greatly.
"Is he really that gifted?"
"Yes, I've spoken to his teachers, and they say Rami is the smartest and most hardworking child they've ever met. With his current knowledge, he's on par with university students and might even be able to earn a university diploma."
Remember, Rami is only sixteen now...
In his previous life, Barron had heard of so-called "junior classes" at certain Chinese universities, filled with talented students, many of whom began university courses at the age of fifteen or sixteen.
But those children all received a systematic education from
a young age. Rami, on the other hand, had a difficult childhood, having only three or four years of elementary school while his parents were still alive. After being orphaned, he naturally couldn't attend school anymore.
So, from the time he was adopted at the age of twelve and enrolled in Kolo's International School, he'd completed middle school, high school, and even university in just four years...
This clearly demonstrates not only his diligence, but also his intelligence and learning ability far surpassing the average person!
"If that's the case, then I'll definitely sponsor his continued education. There's no need to rush into working for me. After all, he's only sixteen..."
"I told him that, but he didn't tell me much. He just kept asking me to share this idea with you..."
It seemed there was something else going on that Rami didn't want to share. Barron pondered for a moment, then said to Yulia,
"How about this? Have him come see me tomorrow and I'll have a good talk with him."
"Okay..."
Yulia smiled, then turned to Barron and instructed him. "Although Rami is a very bright child, perhaps even a genius, he's only sixteen. I still hope he can stay in school. I'll continue to try to persuade him, but I'll also respect his wishes." It
seemed that Yulia truly cared deeply for these children.
...
"Hello, Your Highness."
The next day, Baron took the time to meet with Rami. If one didn't know his academic performance, he'd have looked quite introverted.
"Don't be nervous, Rami..."
Baron said gently.
"I've been following you closely, and I'm very happy to know that you're excelling academically."
"Thank you, Your Highness, for providing all these conditions for us. I'm deeply grateful."
Although he appeared somewhat reserved and shy, when Baron met the boy's gaze, he could sense his own clarity.
"I heard that you have mastered the university courses and hope to work for me? Is that right?"
"Yes, Your Highness, I hope to work for you."
Hearing the boy's firm words, Barron smiled:
"Why?"
"Because you helped me and my sister, so I hope to repay you."
Barron patted the boy's shoulder and said softly:
"I'm glad that you think so, Rami, but you are only 16 years old now. I don't want to hire child labor, and I think you should continue to study. If you really want to help me, then you should understand that if you are eager to work for me now, then it will only be equivalent to the ability of an ordinary university graduate. In fact, there are many such people, but with your intelligence and potential, if you can continue to study, then you can provide me with greater help in the future. This is what I hope for, do you understand?"
"I... I understand, Your Highness..."
Rami lowered his head slightly, finished this sentence, bit his lip lightly, looked up and said to Barron:
"But I can continue studying and help you with some things. I don't think studying is that difficult for me. I mean, besides studying, I still have some time to do other things..."
"I talked to your teachers earlier today, Rami. I know your grades are generally good, and you're particularly good in math, physics, and chemistry. But you seem a bit withdrawn and don't interact with other students."
"That's because... those people don't welcome me very much."
Barron understood this. Many people say that America has racism, but in fact, America is a country of immigrants. If you talk about racism, it certainly exists, but Europe is more stubborn in this regard—especially with the increase in immigration.
This kind of thing is not uncommon in school. Because Rami's academic ability is very strong, he is younger than his classmates, which makes him more vulnerable to exclusion and bullying.
Because of Barron's connections—he's been particularly supportive of those schools and will take care of the children he sponsors—bullying definitely won't be directed at these children, at least not overtly. However, alienation or verbal hostility are unavoidable.