“People do change.” Emily Bennett's unhappy expression quickly turned into a smile. “Just like you, the second young master of the Super Beast Consortium, one of Earth's five major conglomerates. You never had any friends, but now you do, don’t you?”

“Is that so? Just don’t make the food too expensive when you treat us. We never go to fancy restaurants.” John Harris said as he walked, “By the way, there’s no second young master of the Super Beast Consortium here, only a senior high school student named John Harris.”

“Got it.”

Emily Bennett smiled faintly. The two of them walked side by side toward the teaching building, immediately becoming a beautiful sight to behold. The boy was handsome and dashing, the girl stunning and charming—a perfect match in every way. Yet no one knew that these two would never fall for each other, not even if their lives depended on it.

Entering the classroom, Brian Carter immediately threw himself into intense study. Getting into a good university, joining an excellent interstellar transport company, becoming a member of a star-level transport team, and using public funds to increase his chances of finding his brother.

Although humanity had already entered the interstellar era, the pressure of employment hadn’t lessened much, so the pressure to get into a good school was still not to be ignored. At this stage, as the final push for college entrance began, almost everyone was anxiously reviewing various subjects—except for the genius-level John Harris, who still acted nonchalant.

Emily Bennett kept twirling the pen in her hand, occasionally sneaking glances at Brian Carter sitting not far away. Average grades, a somewhat quiet personality, the only thing worth mentioning was his two-star combat strength, which he kept completely hidden—there was never any record of him fighting on campus.

Emily Bennett really didn’t understand. Someone like this would be considered outstanding among ordinary people, but in her eyes—having seen many geniuses—Brian Carter was just average. Why did he have the aura of a master? And this aura was gradually weakening... No! It should be said, it was being restrained!

Restrained! A level even more advanced than blending into nature! Emily Bennett didn’t absorb anything from her classes all day, only thinking about how, at dinner that night, she could find a more subtle way to test Brian Carter and see if he was suppressing his strength.

Time flies when you’re focused, and in the blink of an eye, class was over. Students left the school gates in small groups. John Harris, with his saggy shoulder bag, came up to Brian Carter and said, “Bro, Emily Bennett said she wants to treat you to a meal as an apology.”

“Apology?” Brian Carter was taken aback, then smiled faintly. “No need. If you hadn’t mentioned it, I’d have forgotten. She’s just curious how I could hang out with the two of you.”

John Harris reached out and touched Brian Carter’s forehead, looking concerned. “Bro, are you sure you’re okay? A free feast—why not take it?”

“I...” Brian Carter scratched his head, a bit helpless. “I have to work today...”

On the side, Emily Bennett wondered if she’d heard wrong. So many rich kids had spent lavishly trying to invite her to dinner, all to no avail. Today, she was the one offering to treat someone, and she was actually refused? And the reason for refusing was... to go to work! It made her wonder if her charm was fading.

“If you really want to treat me, can we do it another day?” Brian Carter said softly. “Today, I have to go explain a little misunderstanding to my boss from yesterday.”

Another day? Emily Bennett could barely control her breathing. She’d never seen anyone act so high and mighty!

“How about this.” Emily Bennett couldn’t help stepping forward, smiling. “Brian Carter, how much do you earn for a day’s work? I...”

“Alright! Another day! Old Carter, whenever you’re free, that’s when we’ll treat you.” John Harris suddenly waved his hand, decisively cutting off what Emily Bennett was about to say.

They were all smart people. How could John Harris and Yin Zhaluota not know what Emily Bennett was about to say?

Buy Brian Carter’s time with money? Never mind how Brian Carter would react, or whether Yin Zhaluota would explode on the spot—even John Harris himself couldn’t stand that kind of attitude, using money to pressure people.

That kind of behavior was an insult! John Harris would never allow such a thing to happen to his friend.

Yin Zhaluota shot a satisfied look from the side, patted Brian Carter on the shoulder, then pointed at his own watch and said, “Late.”

Yin Zhaluota, the cool guy, was never stingy with money, but when it came to words, he was the most tight-lipped of the three. A sentence like “If you don’t leave now, you’ll be late,” coming from him, was reduced to just one word: “Late.”

Brian Carter’s eyes lit up. He grabbed his backpack, said “See you tomorrow,” and squeezed into the crowd of students leaving school.

“Sorry... I think I messed up again.” Emily Bennett looked a bit apologetic. The moment she’d tried to make a deal with Brian Carter, she regretted it. For someone respected by the two campus geniuses, trying to buy him with money was truly a foolish thing to do.

Normally, Emily Bennett would never do something so foolish. It was just that Brian Carter’s refusal had sparked her competitive spirit, and she wanted to quickly figure out what was going on with him, so she’d acted a bit rashly.

John Harris smiled helplessly. Emily Bennett, who never apologized, had done so twice in one day. That really was a miracle.

Chapter 11: Insult Does Not Extend to Family!

Brian Carter once again came to the entrance of the alley from yesterday. Looking at the quiet alley, he took a deep breath and finally chose to take a detour.