The fire source stone seemed unresponsive, at least it didn’t have the warmth it did earlier when Grace Howard was angry. It appeared that Andrew Sullivan’s anger value wasn’t strong enough yet.

Andrew Sullivan shouted angrily, “What did you say? She wrote you a love letter? You’re just a toad…” Andrew Sullivan almost blurted out the saying about a toad wanting to eat swan meat, but as the words reached his lips, he remembered the many students around him. As a teacher of the people, he should set an example and be cautious with his words and actions.

Andrew Sullivan turned to the students behind him and said, “Classmates, does anyone believe this?” Mobilizing the power of the students and stirring up their emotions, this young educator’s basic skills were very solid, and his words were highly persuasive.

The surrounding students all shook their heads; no one believed it. Of course, no one would believe it—only a fool would think that the pride of Beichen High School, Grace Howard, would fall for this silly, chubby guy.

David Bolton said, “Facts are facts. The other students don’t dare to speak up because they’re intimidated by your oppressive authority. Who doesn’t know you like her too? You’re jealous of me!”

Andrew Sullivan’s mouth dropped open in astonishment, and then his square face flushed red. His anger value shot up from 500 to 1000 in an instant—he was completely enraged. This brazen kid actually said such outrageous things in public. Not only that, he used three extremely provocative and insulting words: oppressive authority, jealousy, and also likes.

David Bolton felt a bit of warmth in his chest and was greatly pleased. It worked, it really worked! As Andrew Sullivan’s anger value climbed, his own fire source stone finally reacted.

“You’re talking nonsense!” Andrew Sullivan had no idea this foolish kid was deliberately trying to provoke him. He was so furious that he even blurted out a crude remark, and his anger value continued to rise. After saying it, he realized he’d misspoken and quickly added, “That fart just now was clearly yours!”

David Bolton was unfazed, like a dead pig unafraid of boiling water: “Mr. Sullivan, as a teacher, how can you distort the truth? You say I farted—do you have any evidence? You can’t judge people by their appearance. Is it because you think she’s pretty that you’re especially partial to her? Everyone eats grains, who doesn’t fart? You can’t just pin that fart on me because you’re biased against me, can you?”

At first, the students in the gym were surprised, then they gathered around to watch the commotion. No one expected things to unfold like this. The usually silent and reserved David Bolton was acting completely out of character, which they found highly entertaining—especially the boys. In fact, most of the boys didn’t like Andrew Sullivan; they always felt this outstanding PE teacher was more enthusiastic toward the girls, which was, in a way, the inevitable price of being a so-called male idol.

Seeing Andrew Sullivan being fiercely retorted by David Bolton, some boys who usually disliked the “male idol” teacher felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Unless you’re a fanboy, what boy likes a male idol?

Like repels like, opposites attract—toppling the male idol is only natural.

Andrew Sullivan was so angry his face turned ashen, his anger value had already climbed to 2000. He clenched his teeth and fists, like an enraged lion, as if he might pounce and tear David Bolton apart at any moment.

Facing a powerhouse with both attack and defense at 80, the current David Bolton had no ability to fight back. But he was fearless—this was a school, and Andrew Sullivan was his teacher. No matter how furious he got, he wouldn’t dare use violence in public. Of course, David Bolton’s real intention in provoking Andrew Sullivan was to use the fire source stone to absorb his anger value—this guy was up to no good.

Andrew Sullivan’s anger value stalled at 2500, because at that moment, the bell signaling the end of class rang.

David Bolton turned and walked away. Behind him, Andrew Sullivan roared, “Stop right there!”

David Bolton ignored him, held his head high, puffed out his chest, and slowly shuffled his bulky body away, leaving everyone with a broad but not tall back. At that moment, in the eyes of dozens of classmates, he was nothing short of a proud warrior. The instant David Bolton turned, his charisma value changed rapidly from -10000, increasing by an astonishing 100.

-9900! This was the peak of his charisma since coming to the mortal world. Challenging authority, unyielding in the face of power—courage itself is a kind of charisma.

Walking out of the gym, David Bolton suddenly felt he should say goodbye to his past once and for all. All those ghosts, gods, immortality—none of it mattered anymore. My fate is mine, not heaven’s. From today on, I’ll start over. Look up—the sun is shining. If you want to succeed, don’t worry about saving face…

Chapter 9: Taking Advantage of the Fire

Talking back to teachers wasn’t uncommon among students about to take the college entrance exam. After all, on the verge of a major life decision, every student’s heart was restless and confused.

The school’s usual response to such situations was to call in the parents and resolve things through discussion.

David Bolton was a special case. His parents had both passed away, most of his relatives were gone, and the guardian listed was his uncle, Richard Bolton. So they could only ask Richard Bolton to come. In fact, the school was very familiar with David Bolton’s situation. They had tried to contact his guardian before, but Richard Bolton always had endless excuses and had never once shown up at the school.

If it weren’t for Andrew Sullivan’s insistence, the dean wouldn’t have called Richard Bolton.

But this time, Richard Bolton actually came. As it happened, when the dean called, he was waiting at the school gate for David Bolton to finish class. This was a first for both him and David Bolton.