As I read, there were many hints that Lily wasn't exactly hard-working and that she would rather kiss up to someone. (be nice just to use them) A) doesn't make sense as when we say "desperate measure," we usually mean something bad, but we're desperate enough to do it. B) doesn't make sense at all because we have to work hard to be inteligent. And C) doesn't make sense, it's saying if we wait and don't give care at all, we'll be rewarded.
