Chapter 104 - Pizza and Burgers

Philip called for Danny to his office and the counsellor wondered if he was in trouble so soon.

"Hello, Danny. Have a seat."

The counsellor smiled nervously and took a seat, fumbling with the buttons on his shirt as he waited for the principal to talk.

"It's only been the first day but I've already received two reports. How about we have some snacks while we chat? It's been a while since we've spoken like this. What are the kids up to?"

"They are currently in the middle of some kind of test. The whole class is quiet with everyone working very hard. Jasper sent a text. Apparently they are doing a calibration test for E.C. Class while the Special Class worked on their individual projects and preparation materials. Some are studying while others are working on remedial lesson plans."

Philip chuckled when he heard that. It was a shame that he couldn't be there to see the adorable children work hard with his own eyes. However, it was nice to know that they were getting along. These two groups of students always worried him the most. While it was common for children to form cliques of friends and have some drama, the ostracising of those who were different was the one that concerned him most.

"Do you think they would like burgers or pizza more?" he asked the startled counsellor.

Danny was not expecting such a question and the suddenness of it took him by surprise. What kind of question was that? They were children, shouldn't the answer be obvious?

"I think they would like both," he answered honestly.

Philip nodded. "Both it shall be. Monica!"

A lady in short black heels and a tight business dress came knocking at the door. "You called for me?"

Philip smiled. "Please order pizza and burgers for twenty-eight students and have them delivered to the Entrepreneur's Club."

"Any special dietary requirements?" she asked and Philip looked at Danny.

"Halal, Vegetarian and some without beef if possible. No seafood or nuts."

Monica nodded with a smile before leaving the men to continue their discussion.

"Why the sudden treat? It's only the first day."

The principal sighed and sank further into his chair. He felt old. "They've accomplished what I couldn't accomplish in years within a day. I guess it takes one to know one. The children from the Special Class might not be so different from those in the Entrepreneur's Circle. they're more alike than we thought."

Danny didn't speak. The principal was right. It might not be obvious to everyone else who had the stereotype image of a genius being constantly showered with love and attention at every turn. In truth, many of them were shunned or treated coldly for being different. Jealousy was an ugly human emotion that caused even parents to hate their flesh and blood. It wasn't uncommon to find parents of these geniuses trying to push their children towards a future they aren't ready for. Lin Lin's mother was once such a person. Once she discovered that her daughter was musically gifted, she pushed her daughter to an entertainment company who marketing Lin Lin so aggressively and made her go on world tours without concern about the girl's welfare.

After that incident of Lin Lin's hospitalisation, her mother came to realise the cruelty she had forced upon her daughter of only six years back then. the woman repented and annulled the contract signed with the company and homeschooled the girl for a while before enrolling Lin Lin into Joyville hoping that the violinist would make some friends.

Danny knew that not all stories have happy endings like this and Elfie's case was certainly one of them. Unable to make friends and socialise with children of his age, the hacker had turned to ignore everyone else and chose to live in a world of only data and codes. Nathan was the same. Children called him names because of his personality and his unusual knowledge about things so the physicist preferred to be in the company of other scientists instead and actually hated the idea of coming back to school previously without the Special Class.

The same sad story happened with the students in the E.C. Class and Philip allowed the existence of such a meaningless club simply because he wanted to give these unfortunate children a place to belong.

The proposal to have a combined class was a risk that Philip took. If things didn't go well, he would be dealing with two sets of enraged parents from various backgrounds. Joyville might have to close down from the scandal and he might have to retire early. However, like Danny, Philip had faith that these children can get along.

"Have you been guiding them about the syllabus the exams will cover?"

Danny nodded. "However, I didn't teach them anything. They've decided to take on teaching, tutoring, remedial and supplementary lessons all by themselves. These kids are impressive."

Philip nodded. "They may be impressive but you cannot forget that they are still young and immature. Keep a close eye on them."

The counsellor nodded and then suddenly remembered something else he should be apologising for before he handed over the flash drive full of photos.

"Uh... there's one small problem," he said.

Philip raised a brow. "What is it?"

Embarrassed, Danny had a hard time admitting that his adopted son had hacked the school's wifi and distributed the password to the entire class.

Philip guffawed. "That's no problem! We can always change it if it leaks. Besides, Wilmer has requested for special access for his daughter. Having a few more students with that privilege is not an issue as long as they don't abuse the luxury."

Danny smiled. This is why he liked working for Philip. The principal had a good heart and was easy-going, even though he was not a pushover. The man was also kind and wise, often giving Danny encouragement whenever he was in a difficult position. Philip never probed for more or asked about Danny's personal life. He didn't mind the crazy attire and personality Danny had when he was working. There simply was that level of trust between them like old friends.

They sipped on tea and munched on some biscuits while chatting about some lighter topics and looked through the photos together until Monica knocked on the door to inform them a few hours later that the Burgers and Pizzas have arrived.

"I'll see that they are brought to the class," Danny groaned as he got up from the chair.

Philip waved. "Let me know if they prefer burgers or pizza after this."

Danny waved back, not bothering to reply. as much of a nice person Philip was, the man could be quirky at times. This was one of those times. Sometimes, the counsellor couldn't understand how his boss' brain worked.