David Thompson didn’t argue either. The two of them walked toward the classroom with their arms around each other’s shoulders, but soon there was another commotion—a stretched Mercedes maglev car, the latest KLR5 model with radiation shielding, stopped at the school gate. Such a display was certainly not something an ordinary small family could afford.

Chapter 9: The GAD Princess’s Suspicion

Mark patted his buddy’s shoulder sympathetically. “Stop looking. I told you before, this woman isn’t right for you. There are plenty of pretty girls out there—don’t tire yourself out over this.”

David Thompson showed no sign of disappointment. “Relax, it’s fine. I’m not asking for anything, so there’s no pressure. I just enjoy the feeling.”

“Jeez, there you go pretending to be a philosopher again. Enough with the Platonic stuff—real girls are everywhere. You’re giving up a whole forest for a single tree!”

But when the target stepped out of the car, even Mark fell silent. All those girls he’d been talking about were instantly forgotten—this girl in front of them was truly stunning!

Grace Harris—the Tang family of USE might not be a household name, but mention GAD Corporation and everyone knows it. GAD is one of the main mobile suit manufacturers and developers for the USE Human Alliance, a true financial giant with political influence. In today’s society, what’s more profitable or influential than making mobile suits?

And eighteen-year-old Grace Harris was the only daughter of John Harris, the GAD president who owned 73.5% of the company’s shares. Her importance was self-evident. Setting aside her family background, Grace Harris’s looks were flawless: 1.75 meters tall, perfectly proportioned, with long golden hair that made her look incredibly noble—like a princess from a fairy tale. Her snow-white skin was clearly inherited from her mother. Marriages between Ivant and humans were common, and the second generation often produced geniuses—those who combined beauty and intelligence.

Grace Harris didn’t have an overbearing presence, nor did she need one. Her beauty, intelligence, and family background were enough to intimidate most people. Many, like David Thompson, admired her silently.

Of course, David Thompson was an outlier among outliers. He wasn’t interested in her family background—though he couldn’t deny he was first attracted by her looks. As someone once said, most people in this world are ordinary, and he considered himself one of them. What truly impressed him was Grace Harris’s personal ability. The new mobile suit system she helped research was already in use, and her grades topped every subject—the exact opposite of David Thompson’s own dismal report card.

But that was secondary. Once, David Thompson had accidentally seen Grace Harris quietly thinking on the rooftop. In that moment, he was struck by an incomparable scene that left a lasting impression on his heart. But David Thompson was very self-aware—first love doesn’t have to have a result; as long as it’s meaningful, that’s enough.

So he didn’t feel as burdened or exhausted as Mark imagined.

“Ahem, stop staring. What did someone just say a moment ago?” David Thompson had to snap Mark out of his daze at the sight of a beautiful girl. This guy’s words and actions were always at odds.

Mark couldn’t help but sigh. “She really is a knockout. No wonder even you, love-blind as you are, like her. But she’s way out of our league. Come on, let’s go.”

Mark’s family was in business too—wealthy by ordinary standards—but compared to GAD, they were nothing. At that level, relationships weren’t just about feelings anymore. Besides, Grace Harris was so outstanding, it was hard to find anyone who could match her.

As the two turned to leave, they didn’t notice that Grace Harris’s gaze had also, seemingly unintentionally, fallen on them. This had been going on for months. Grace Harris was very perceptive; she could easily sense people with strong mental power. She had investigated that person called David Thompson: an ordinary family, kept a low profile, seemed obsessed with space battle games, terrible grades, but a decent person. The one beside him, Mark, was his best friend, and his family had some assets, but overall, they were as ordinary as could be.

But ever since that chance encounter on the rooftop, every time David Thompson looked at her, Grace Harris would get a strange feeling. This kind of feeling was innate—only those who were strong and potentially threatening could catch her attention. That strength could come in many forms. For example, her father, though not a fighter himself, wielded immense power and had a strong presence. But this David Thompson didn’t seem capable at all, so how could he draw her attention?

Today, that feeling was even stronger. In that instant, she even felt suffocated. It was the first time in her life—not even her father or the Federation’s senators had ever put her under such pressure.

Girls always trust their feelings, especially Grace Harris. Born into such a family, she could never be a naïve little girl. Anyone who posed a threat had to be thoroughly investigated.

Meanwhile, as David Thompson left, he also felt as if someone was watching him. But he didn’t pay much attention, and, laughing and joking with Mark, rushed into the classroom. Small people have their own small lives.