“Inferiority and arrogance are like twins, but being so sensitive is a burden for one’s emotions.” Emily Sullivan truly lives up to her role as the publicity officer of the student council—she’s got a way with words. “Lin Daiyu’s behavior in the Jia family could be described as spoiled. Why? Because she was an orphan living with relatives, her father Lin Ruhai was no longer by her side, so when she looked at her siblings around her, she couldn’t help but feel a bit inferior and self-pitying. That’s why, on the surface, she appeared especially proud and arrogant, unwilling to accept gifts from others.”

David Foster was quick-witted and immediately understood, chuckling, “Come on, do I seem like that kind of person?”

Emily Sullivan clasped her hands in front of her chest, staring intently into his eyes and said seriously, “No need to pretend. I know you feel sorry for your background, and life hasn’t been easy, but what does that matter in front of me?”

David Foster found it funny in his heart, but looking at the earnest expression and lively eyes of the girl in front of him, he somehow felt a wave of warmth. He smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I’m not the type to put on a fake act.” For some reason, he suddenly felt an impulse, and foolishly took a step forward, pulling Emily Sullivan into his arms.

Emily Sullivan was startled like a little rabbit, immediately burying her blushing face in his chest. Then, as if she suddenly remembered something, she cried out and pushed him away.

“Are you crazy! This is the school playground!”

David Foster was stunned, finally coming to his senses. He scratched his head sheepishly and smiled awkwardly.

“All right then, come over to my place for dinner tonight.” Emily Sullivan turned her back and said softly.

David Foster smiled, “Really, there’s no need.” Seeing her turn around with a puzzled look, he stammered an explanation: “I’m afraid I’ll feel awkward seeing Aunt Fatty and Teacher Zou.” Turns out, this guy was actually nervous about meeting his girlfriend’s family.

Emily Sullivan giggled and waved her hand, “Whatever you want.” Then she remembered something else and decided to give him a heads-up: “The school is organizing a knowledge competition on Saturday. I signed you up, so you’re not allowed to lose.”

She knew just how knowledgeable this seventeen-year-old boy was. As a girl, of course she didn’t want the boy she liked to hide his talents, but she also knew about David Foster’s dislike of being in the spotlight, so she decided to sign him up first and tell him later.

David Foster scratched his head and said, “I really don’t want to go.”

Emily Sullivan looked at him innocently, her bangs swaying gently in the breeze on the playground.

David Foster forced himself to suppress his urge to hug her or get any closer, and said seriously, “I don’t think it’s appropriate. You know I don’t like drawing attention.”

“Mao Sui had to put his own awl into Lord Pingyuan’s bag, but you’re different. You’re too sharp, people will always notice you. Why not let them get used to you, step by step?”

“Hanging out with this bunch is boring.” David Foster thought he sounded pretty cool.

“Oh, so you’re a genius, and being with an ordinary person like me is boring too, huh?” Emily Sullivan said with a hint of grievance.

David Foster always thought Emily Sullivan would make a great actress, because her expression could turn heartbreakingly sorrowful in an instant, eyes brimming with tears. He quickly sighed, “No, no, don’t keep playing the tragic heroine. I’ll do it, okay?”

Then he told her he thought her acting skills were top-notch.

Emily Sullivan snorted through her nose, gritting her teeth, and retorted, “Well, I think you’re a real pervert deep down. Otherwise, why is it that every time I act a little coy, you just…” Suddenly realizing her words were too suggestive and had let slip a bit too much, her face flushed with embarrassment. She quickly turned around and headed for the classroom building.

“What’s wrong, what’s wrong? The pervert is listening to you!” David Foster followed after her, grinning from ear to ear.

※※※

The two of them were in a great mood, but as soon as they returned to the classroom, it felt like they’d gone from the dog days of summer straight into the Antarctic Circle.

“David Foster, Teacher Yuan wants you in the office.” The class monitor called out indifferently.

“What happened?” Emily Sullivan asked with concern.

“What else could it be?” Henry Carter said coldly. “People who pick up trash like him must have some shady connections with the punks outside.”

Emily Sullivan glared at this annoying boy, then turned her gaze to David Foster.

David Foster smiled and said, “It’s nothing, I’ll go take a look.” He glanced at Henry Carter, smiling to himself, thinking that if his iron hands ever got hold of this guy, he’d knead him as soft as dough.

Last Saturday, after tipping off Xue San’s men, Henry Carter left early. After all, he was the son of the police station chief and didn’t want to get involved in anything messy. But today, seeing David Foster acting as if nothing had happened, he couldn’t help but feel puzzled.

He was already feeling a bit guilty, and now, seeing David Foster smiling at him, he shivered for no apparent reason.

Chapter 12: Butterflies Flying in the Sky

“Reporting in.”

“Come in.”

David Foster walked into homeroom teacher Yuan’s office with a smile, only to find that besides Teacher Yuan, who was glaring at him fiercely, several young female teachers were bent over their lesson plans. On the sofa in the office sat a fat man. He immediately stood at attention and called out loudly, “Hello, Principal. Hello, teachers.”

The chubby principal smiled and invited him to sit down, then began to ask questions.

“Student Foster, is there anything troubling you in your life lately?”

“No, thank you for your concern, Principal.”