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?"Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

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.

"I'm almost a junior now, and it feels too late to change my major," Joe said, feeling a bit defeated.

Stella chimed in, "You're only 20, you're still young. It's not too late to do anything. Don't 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 older than you, and he wasn't afraid to start over. So why should you be?"

"I..." Joe 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 life."

Keegan smiled, "Some people can succeed without a 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 you might not have heard before."

"What?" Joe and Stella were both curious.

Keegan explained, "The effort you put into your education affects the level 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 you get along with them. After all, no one does favors for free."

Joe was taken aback by Keegan's bluntness. "Do you have to be useful to make friends? Isn't that kind of relationship not genuine from the start? How can you have a real connection or shared understanding?" Keegan replied, "Life is a marathon. At each stage, you'll have different people running alongside you. Whether you keep going, stop, or change direction, you're choosing your companions. If your goals align, you'll have shared experiences, and that's where the connection comes from."

"I'm not telling you to 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 destination, even if they take different paths."

Joe was silent, impressed by how sharp Keegan's reasoning was. His family always told him to study hard and not waste time, but Keegan broke it down and explained why it was important. His major might have been chosen by others, but his life was his own. As long as he wasn't at the finish line, he could still make changes.

Keegan had a knack for dealing with young people. First Julian, now Joe Keegan easily earned their respect.

The boy who had angrily called Keegan "Uncle" before, now called him "my brother and sister-in-law" when he was dropped off at school.

He said to Keegan, "Even though I know you must have a reason for convincing me to study, I agree with what you said, so I'll follow your advice. Do you need me to help with anything?"

Keegan smiled, "Let's talk after you pass your exams this week."

Joe waved and ran into the crowd.

On the way back, Stella kept glancing at Keegan. He noticed and asked, "Is there something you want to say?"

Stella nodded and whispered, "You won't use this approach when teaching your own kids, will you?"

Keegan asked, "You don't think it's good?"

Stella said, "I know you're right, but teaching kids like this seems a bit too focused on personal gain." The

Keegan smiled, "I won't teach kids like that. Their worldview, values, and outlook on life develop as they grow. I'll have time to guide them and let them make mistakes. But Joe is already an adult. Instead of

persuading him gently, it's better to

be direct and motivate him. His

values and way of thinking are already formed. If he wants to improve, my words will help. If he doesn't want to change, then nothing

I say will make a difference." The

Stella said, "Joe was right about one thing."

Keegan: "What?"

Stella smiled, "You really should start a class for lost causes. You have a way of getting through to people."

Keegan smiled. Back in high school, the leaders often asked him to give motivational speeches. He did it a few times but later got too busy.

He enjoyed those intense days of studying and hoped every student could make the most of their youth.