Queen of the Campus

19

"Who else? Besides the skinny guy, the sleazy guy, it's Chase, and oh yeah, there's one more..." I glanced at Sophie, hesitating.

"Who else?"

"You."

Sophie was genuinely angry this time. "You suspect I hired someone?"

"Yeah, you might too, right? Besides, you weren't there when they beat me up, you came back after they finished." Actually, I didn't doubt Sophie at all. I knew that even if we lost contact, she wouldn't bother with me. How to put it? Sophie wouldn't stoop to the level of a nobody like me.

Sophie stared intently at me. "Luke, if that's what you really think, I have nothing to say." I grabbed her as she tried to get up. I had a premonition that if I let her go, I'd regret it for the rest of my life. Because I was so strong, Sophie was pulled into my arms.

This was the first time in my life I'd ever embraced such a beautiful young woman. I completely forgot to let go, and Sophie's face turned red.

Bang!

The sound of a slam on the table—undoubtedly Tyler's—made us realize what had happened. Sophie and I snapped out of our daze, and I quickly released her.

Silence. Very silence. Sophie remained calm, quickly regaining her composure. "It's actually quite simple. Shawn definitely sent Ricky; they're very close." Sophie paused, then continued, "You and Shawn are fine now, so why is he bothering you again?" I explained the whole situation to her in detail.

Sophie listened, then stared at me. I couldn't bear her gaze. "Sister, what's wrong?"

"I should have noticed sooner. You're so cunning."

At that moment, my face flushed.

"I'll talk to Tyler right now and ask him to help you." I stopped her from turning away.

"Why?"

"Because he likes you."

I didn't know if Sophie understood, but she fell silent.

During the second evening self-study period, I originally intended to stay in that guy's seat, but unexpectedly, he came back from my seat.

Sophie, seeing this, also got up and returned to her seat. I clearly saw that guy's expression change slightly; needless to say, he started to hate me again. I realized that he wanted to get rid of me so he could stay and talk to Sophie, but then Sophie left too. I mentally despised Molly; her taste was terrible. If she liked someone like that, I was utterly impressed. However, I still obediently went back; it wasn't comfortable staying in someone else's seat.

Molly didn't offer to move, so I leaned against her and went to the window seat. Before, even a fleeting touch would have given me a romantic feeling, but now I was numb to it. Mainly, I also looked down on Molly a little, though of course I wouldn't say it out loud.

Molly had already scolded me for throwing her textbook around, so I wouldn't apologize; we were even. I took out my pen and started scribbling in my notebook. In an instant, it became clear who I had offended, and I could also sort out the relationships involved. Clearly, Chase and Skinny Bamboo were connected, but not closely. Chase was alone, making him easier to deal with. Most importantly, Skinny Bamboo was backed by Ricky—no wonder he was so arrogant! Through Sophie's explanation, I learned that there were two well-connected groups in the first year of high school: one led by Ricky, who called himself "rich, handsome, and tall," and the other led by Zhu Tong, who called themselves "losers." They were practically untouchable in the first year, and both groups kept to themselves.

How to deal with Ricky? As for Skinny Bamboo, I had already ignored him; he wasn't coming to school this semester anyway.

Molly was the kind of person who couldn't stand being alone. After reading for a while, she couldn't concentrate anymore. "What are you doing?" she asked, looking at me scribbling on the paper, somewhat puzzled.

I've learned a trick for dealing with these self-important girls now: pretend you don't see them. She'd given me a good scolding that afternoon, but now she acted like nothing happened. I didn't know if she had a strong mentality or just thick skin. I didn't want her to see, so I turned to another page and started sketching. Remembering Sophie's sweet face, I couldn't help but glance at her. As if on cue, she looked back and smiled at me. I turned back to my drawing, patiently sketching. Molly's skin was pressed against me, but I ignored her. Soon, Sophie's sketch appeared on the paper.

I felt a little proud. I thought the drawing was pretty good. In middle school, since no one played with me, I liked to doodle and draw randomly. I never expected to have a talent for it. Now that I'd put my heart into it, this drawing certainly wouldn't be bad. I decided to give it to her after school; I didn't mean anything by it.

"Sophie," Molly called out, her tone a little strange. I ignored her, and Molly looked a little embarrassed. Perhaps it was because I had ignored her several times; this usually arrogant little princess, who thought I liked her, had actually torn Sophie's painting to shreds.

I was furious. This was a painting I had painstakingly completed, and now it lacked any feeling. I really wanted to slap her, but seeing her flawless skin and the trouble she had caused, I held back. Beauty is a curse, and the more beautiful a woman is, the greater the trouble she brings.

"You, now paint me a painting, better than hers," Molly said, still sulking, completely unaware of her mistake.

I was completely enraged. "You've got it wrong! Why did you tear up my painting? Why should I paint for you? Just because you're pretty doesn't mean you can be so great! Sophie is pretty too. Learn from her, okay? You always act like the sun revolves around you."

Molly, not expecting me to talk back, couldn't take it anymore. "You said you like me! You're so arrogant! I asked you to paint a picture, and you have so many complaints? Humph, see if you don't stay single forever!"