Chapter 9

“William Clark, go up to the blackboard and show everyone how to solve this problem.” The middle-aged woman’s voice rang out. William Clark stood up calmly, not even moving his book—truly someone who’s been through big moments... but this guy hadn’t been listening at all!

The others all looked on as if watching a show. There was nothing to be done—William Clark was even less popular than me. He looked a bit cartoonish, his grades were enviably good, and most importantly, it seemed like he wasn’t good at interacting with anyone except me... But why is it that every time he argues with me, he’s so full of energy? Geez, nice people really do get taken advantage of!

William Clark had been tattled on before, but unfortunately, the teacher never believed it, and he never slipped up. I was always the one renting books, so there was no way the teacher could catch him.

In ancient times, Cao Zhi could compose a poem in seven steps; today, our comrade Walter also showed his skills. He walked slowly, but his eyes sparkled. When he reached the podium, he picked up the chalk and started writing with a rustle. The brilliant answer appeared instantly, leaving us all dumbfounded—we had to admit, he was impressive!

Life is inherently unfair!

The middle-aged woman nodded in satisfaction. She was most pleased with this student—he had a shot at becoming the provincial top scorer, and when that happened, her own status would rise as well. She was riding high!

After finishing, William Clark gently brushed off the chalk dust, slowly put down the chalk, and strolled back to his seat at a leisurely pace. The middle-aged woman kept nodding—now that’s a good student! Not only is he good at studying, but he’s also so polite and respectful to his teachers!

If she knew what Walter was really thinking, she’d probably be so angry she’d spit blood. Once, I couldn’t help but ask him why he always acted like this. His answer was, “Don’t you think it’s cool? Even the teacher can’t compare to me!”

After this little episode, the afternoon classes passed by just like that. Dismissal time was the happiest—everyone’s face lit up with the brightest smiles, and Walter was so excited he was about to jump.

“Mr. Henry, let’s go to p6, it’s absolutely awesome—that’s real speed!”

I was just about to walk with my head down... when a beautiful girl’s arm blocked my way—Grace Bennett!

“Henry Bennett, please stay for a moment!” It was Emily Carter speaking. Her tone left no room for doubt. If she were just asking, I think she’d use gentler words. What’s meant to come will come—oh well, to die under a peony, even as a ghost it’s romantic!

“Walter, looks like it’s not happening today. The beauties have invited me, so you’ll have to head back on your own.” I shrugged helplessly.

“Oh, boss, then I’ll go first. Bye-bye.” Without looking back, he grabbed his backpack and dashed off.

Geez, this disloyal guy! If only he’d stuck around, I could’ve used him as an excuse to refuse. The two “she-devils” were looking at me with half-smiles, as if I were a fish on the chopping block.

“Miss Grace Bennett, if you need any help, I think I’d be more suitable than Henry Bennett.” A sunny voice chimed in, and the guy looked even sunnier than he sounded.

It was our school’s second most eligible bachelor—Sunny... Why didn’t his dad just name him “阳痿” (impotence)? Sigh, to be honest, in terms of looks and build, I can only admit defeat. I’m 1.8 meters tall, which is pretty standard, and I look decent, but I’m still a ways off from being the Prince Charming in the minds of fangirls. Sunny, on the other hand, is the second biggest heartthrob after our student council president. Usually, guys like him come from good families, and our “阳痿” is no exception. His dad is the commander of the city garrison—way cooler than the police chief by a mile. Soldiers are always the most badass, no matter the era. His mom is a member of the city’s People’s Congress Standing Committee. Add in good genes and a privileged upbringing, and you get a guy this handsome... I suspect he might’ve had plastic surgery in Korea—how else could he look so perfect?

But besides being handsome and well-connected, he also pays attention to his studies. Unfortunately, he’s always just below me and Walter in the rankings. Not for any other reason—just to annoy him, I can’t give up my eternal second place!

Ever since Emily Carter and Grace Bennett entered the school, Sunny had his eye on them. But unlike the usual brainless guys, he never made a move unless he was sure he’d succeed, so he waited until now. He even made a deal with the student council president Raymond Young: one girl each, everything set.

But after careful observation, he realized things weren’t so simple. These two beauties weren’t swayed by either hard or soft tactics. Once, he even hired some thugs to stir up trouble so he could play the hero, but Henry Bennett the idiot ruined it. Since then, nothing had gone smoothly. But who is he? No woman has ever escaped his grasp!

The handsome guy appeared, and Grace Bennett gave this flirtatious man a dazzling, soul-stirring smile. “Sunny, normally that would be fine, but we’ve already invited Henry Bennett. Unless he refuses...”

Emily Carter also smiled slightly and looked at me—the meaning was obvious.

Damn, of all people, I can’t lose face in front of this guy. Whether they’re fox spirits or female ghosts, I’m going for it today. So what if I’m a newly adult virgin? Who’s afraid of whom!

I gave Sunny my brightest smile. “Sunny, I’m sure the beauties have something important to discuss with me. How could you take my place?”