Queen of the Campus

25

Although I didn't intend to pursue her, in front of so many people, they said I was inferior to other guys. Guys care about their image, okay? That's one offense! I painstakingly drew this for you, and you say you've already forgotten it? You asked me to draw it for you! Now it's like I'm trying to flatter you—that's another offense!

Ultimately, she has so many friends; she doesn't take me seriously at all. Ultimately, I only consider her a friend because I have no friends.

Hope followed by disappointment, and disappointment followed by a cold heart!

I was too lazy to explain, and a surge of anger welled up inside me. "Damn it, little one, you're overthinking it. This is a gift from Daddy to my good daughter." I patted her head casually, grabbed Molly's hand, and pulled her away. This time, I chose the right-hand staircase; I didn't want to see those blond-haired guys again.

I made up my mind to pretend I didn't know Lillian from now on. Don't think that just because you're pretty, every boy will fawn over you. Do you really think you're a national treasure?

Strangely, Molly didn't criticize me at this moment. In fact, I felt incredibly good about her.

Back then, I was so naive and ridiculous!

But even now, I'm still so naive.

Youth has passed, leaving only a faint imprint in my heart!

I'll write it down, otherwise, I'll really forget…

"Am I such an i***t? I worked so hard, and they didn't even care." Back in my seat, I still felt a little down, a feeling I couldn't quite explain.

"If you think it is, then it is; if you think it isn't, then it isn't," Molly said, seemingly playing coy.

"Can't you at least comfort me a little?" I asked, a little annoyed.

"I do want to comfort you, but I can't think of a way to do it. Maybe you could give me some suggestions?"

The slight goodwill I had just felt for Molly vanished without a trace.

For the remaining two classes, I decided to concentrate. It had been so long since I'd studied seriously. Wasn't this the high school I'd always dreamed of attending? Why did I suddenly have no motivation, and all sorts of troubles were starting to pile up? Watching the teacher speak fluently, and most of the students listening intently, I actually started to feel envious. When did I escape the ranks of the majority? Molly next to me was typing away, her fingers flying across the keyboard. Without a doubt, it was another boy who had a crush on her. Although Molly had told me she wouldn't date in high school, she had never openly rejected a boy's advances. This ability to navigate relationships with so many boys with such ease was something not every girl could do!

"Come on, come on, stop being so sentimental." The phone rang, and Molly dragged me outside.

"What are you doing?" I was still bewildered.

"Seriously?" Molly gave me a disdainful look. "You said you'd treat us! Don't be so ungrateful!"

"I didn't say I wouldn't treat you." Molly and I waited at the classroom door for her friends. Thankfully, there were only three. If I were rich, I wouldn't mind spending my parents' money and being generous, but the real world made me realistic; I simply didn't have the means to be extravagant! "Mengmeng, when did you become so close to your deskmate? You always said she was a toad..." I knew this girl; we were in the same group during the big clean-up. Overall, she was alright, just a little gossipy.

No doubt, a toad.

Molly glared at the girl, then said to me as if nothing had happened, "Don't listen to her nonsense." The girl realized she'd said the wrong thing and fell silent, creating an awkward atmosphere.

"It's nothing, let's go eat."

I used to think that even if Molly and I were somewhat at odds, she wouldn't gossip behind my back. Now I realize I was wrong again. As long as someone is even a little kind to me, I can forget the hurt they caused me. I forget the pain once the wound heals, and I never learn. I pulled my hand away from Molly's. This meal was a meal of parting ways!

Don't call me petty, don't call me fickle, I just want to express my true self.

"Luke," Sophie smiled at me.

I nodded to her, but Molly's words were still echoing in my mind—she was using me.

I couldn't tell what was real anymore.

Sophie greeted Molly and the others, but was completely ignored. After Sophie left, I overheard Molly muttering, "What's with the 'goddess' act!"

The four girls and one boy headed to the cafeteria. While eating, everyone joked without restraint, and I acted as if nothing was wrong. I couldn't have a long face; people would think I was petty. But I was really upset! Honestly, I hadn't offended Molly, and I hadn't planned to pursue her, yet she had hurt me so badly.

After this awful lunch, I headed straight back.

"Hey, aren't you going to take us home?" Molly asked, looking at me.

"Are you four afraid of getting lost?" I forced a smile, wanting to yell, "Get the hell out of here! Who the hell are you trying to fool?!" Molly left, but I didn't go back to the dorm. I ran straight to the playground. I decided not to go back to the dorm for lunch today. Let them check the dorms if they want; the teachers check the dorms at lunchtime anyway, it's crazy. On the other hand, it also shows how tired the teachers are—of course, I'm speaking from a student's perspective.

I felt sad, really sad.

Sometimes I think my personality is too sentimental. If it weren't for the extra leg, I'd practically have a girl's personality—always overthinking, always feeling melancholic. But that's who I am, and I've never thought about changing anything.

I got to the lawn again, didn't even look around, and just lay down.