Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted

Joe's transformation was so evident that even Grace found it unbelievable.

He attended a college nearby, so he didn't live on campus. However, he rarely stayed at home either, as his parents constantly nagged him whenever they saw him playing games or driving around. Instead, he often hid out at his eldest brother's apartment.

His eldest brother, being nine years older and busy with work, spoiled him even more than their parents did, often covering for him. Grace had repeatedly urged Joe to move back to the family home, reasoning that his brother had a fiancée and that Joe, as an obvious third wheel, should show some consideration. But in truth, she wanted him close so she could keep an eye on him.

Joe was well aware of this, so whenever Grace brought it up, he pretended not to hear. But this time, without any prompting, Joe voluntarily moved back home.

Grace initially thought he must have quarreled with his brother, but a quick phone call dispelled that notion. Suspicious, she wondered if Joe had done something wrong-maybe he had damaged someone's car, or perhaps wrecked his own racing car and needed money to replace it. Could it be that he had injured someone?

The more Joe buried himself in his studies at home, the more convinced Grace became that something was amiss. Each night, she would find some excuse to walk past his room, hoping he would come clean so she wouldn't have to be too harsh on him. But three days passed, and Joe still hadn't confessed anything.

How strange! Was this about something even more serious than a car accident? How much would it cost them?

After a week, Grace couldn't take it any longer and barged into Joe's room. She found him staring at his college's academic system with a bittersweet expression on his face.

Joe had just received the results of his make-up exams. He had scored 89 in linear algebra and 83 in college physics. Although both were high marks, because they were make-up exams, his GPA would only reflect a pass. For the first time, Joe regretted not having studied harder-he could have aced those exams.

When Grace entered, she saw her son's conflicted expression. Steeling herself, she knocked on the door, though she was already inside. Joe snapped out of his thoughts, greeted her, and then dejectedly moved his

mouse.

Grace sat down on the bed, folded her hands, and asked cautiously, "Son, is there something you need to tell me?"

Joe, still downcast, replied, "Mom, my make-up exam results are out."

Grace acknowledged this absentmindedly. "How did you do?"

"Eighty-nine and eighty-three. Both passed," Joe said.

Grace nodded but couldn't shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong. Could it be that he had caused some disaster? Was he preparing to confess to a financial burden so great that it would drain their savings?

"Anything else?" Grace asked, bracing herself. "Just tell me. I can handle it, even if it means spending all our savings! If it's just money, we can earn it back. If your father objects, I'll make him leave with nothing!" For the first time, Joe felt guilty looking at his mother. Despite Grace's well-maintained appearance, her graying temples betrayed her age. Unlike his well-behaved elder brother, Joe had always been the troublemaker, the one who worried Grace from the moment he could walk.

His college entrance exam scores hadn't been great, and his parents had spent a lot of money to get him into a good school with a suitable major. But because he hadn't chosen his preferred field of study, he slacked off as a form of rebellion.

He often felt that his parents were too controlling. But compared to his friends, who had to report every detail of their lives to their families, Joe realized how indulgent his parents actually were. They disapproved of his racing but never went so far as to destroy his equipment. Even when they threatened to stop funding his hobby, a few well-placed "Mom"s and some playful begging always softened their stance.

He couldn't keep disappointing her, could he? Could he finally make her proud?

"Mom," Joe began, "I want to pursue a double degree. I still love racing, and I know I'm not that great at it, but I want to study something related to cars. I promise I won't fail in my current major anymore. Can you let me pursue it?"

Grace was taken aback. "That's it? Nothing more?"

Joe blinked. "Uh, yes? What did you think it was?"Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"Didn't hit anyone? Or crash a car?" Grace asked, still skeptical.

Joe shook his head, bewildered.

After confirming that Joe hadn't caused any trouble, Grace felt relieved but then studied him closely. "Son, are you feeling okay?"

Why was he suddenly so serious about studying? This was completely out of character. She reached out to feel his forehead.

Joe, clearly annoyed, pushed her

hand away and said earnestly, "Mom, I'm serious. I know you and Dad

chose this major for me because it's good for my future. future. Xwas immature

before and always rebelled against you. But someone recently told me that the skills I learn are for myself, not just to please you. If I don't like something, I can change it or add to it. No one's stopping me. I was being childish, but now I realize how foolish I was."

For the first time, Grace seriously reconsidered Joe. Although the family had indulged him, Joe was not a bad person. Apart from his love for ehad

cars, he had never been a source of major concern. At most, he spent a little too much money, but the family could afford it. Her real worry was that Joe would never grow up, that he would remain a child forever.

Now, Joe was speaking about his future with a maturity she hadn't expected. Grace's eyes filled with

ve

tears. After years of praying to the gods for Joe to find his way, it

seemed her prayers had finally been answered.