Helen Carter proactively grabbed the hand of the blushing William Thompson, and the two of them walked toward a secluded spot. This was the first time Helen Carter had ever taken the initiative to hold a boy’s hand, and also the first time William Thompson had experienced such intimate contact with a girl. Although they had always gotten along well and liked each other, it had only ever gone as far as walking to and from school together, often sitting next to each other during study sessions, and even the occasional accidental touch of skin would leave both of them blushing for half a day. Yet, the thrill of those moments lingered in their memories for a long time.

Perhaps they had walked for quite a while, as they could no longer hear the noisy voices of other students. At last, they found a flat spot by the edge of a cliff, with the beautiful scenery of Yandang Mountain spread out before them. Finally, they had a space that belonged just to the two of them.

As expected of a girl’s attentiveness, Helen Carter cleared a clean spot on the ground, spread out a plastic sheet, and took out all the snacks and drinks from both her own and William Thompson’s bags.

Unconsciously, the two sat closer and closer, until finally they were leaning against each other, gazing at the view. William Thompson’s body was stiff, but inside he was so happy he wanted to cry. Breathing in the gentle, pure scent of Helen Carter, feeling her delicate body trembling slightly, William Thompson was completely intoxicated. How could it be that someone like him, usually shunned by others, could have such a fairy-like girl by his side? It must be the accumulated virtue of his ancestors, their graves surely emitting auspicious smoke. William Thompson felt that even if he were to die right now, it would all be worth it.

But the good times didn’t last long—a malicious voice shattered the tranquility before them.

“Well, well, the two of you sneaking around here like a pair of dogs in heat!” It was the arrogant voice of Brian Clark. As soon as the teacher announced the end of the group activity, he had set his sights on Helen Carter. But with so many people and so much chaos, it took him a long time to finally spot William Thompson so intimately close to the girl of his dreams. Jealousy flared in his heart, and he ground his teeth in hatred for William Thompson.

“How intimate you two are!”

“Shameless! Caught you in the act, you adulterous pair!”

“Who would’ve thought a toad could actually get a taste of swan meat?!”

“Hey, beauty, after we deal with that fat loser, you should come play with us.” The tone was dripping with malice—some of them had been eyeing Helen Carter for a long time.

“Little sister, don’t bother with that fatso. What’s so great about a body full of flab? Come over here to your big brother, check out these muscles.” One student, wearing a disgusting grin, flexed his underdeveloped, scrawny arms.

It was obvious these were the school’s notorious troublemakers, always hanging around with Brian Clark and causing trouble.

Helen Carter and William Thompson were startled—none of these guys were any good, and now that they’d run into them, nothing good could come of it.

“What do you want?” Helen Carter’s face went pale with fear as she quickly stood up and backed away several steps. William Thompson also panicked, his face turning white as he pulled Helen Carter behind him, shielding her with his body.

Brian Clark saw this and bared his white teeth in a cold sneer. “What do we want? We want you to have some fun with us. You two really are close, aren’t you?” He stepped forward, trying to pull William Thompson away, but William Thompson stood his ground. Brian Clark was momentarily stunned—this guy actually dared to resist? Looks like he’s got a death wish.

Finally getting this rare opportunity, Brian Clark was determined to make the most of it. He was set on having his way with the school beauty that every boy—and even some teachers—secretly desired. He had already looked into Helen Carter’s background and was confident his own connections would protect him.

Brian Clark yanked William Thompson away with all his strength and kicked him hard in the stomach, sending William Thompson stumbling back, clutching his belly.

“Don’t touch her! Come at me instead, this has nothing to do with her. Xiuying, run!” William Thompson tried desperately to get up from the ground, but several hands grabbed him and slammed him back down, pinning him. All William Thompson could see were a flurry of fists and feel waves of searing pain.

“Fuck you, you dare to fight back? Tired of living, huh?” One of the thugs raised his foot and kicked him viciously.

“Damn it, you’re asking for it! Beat that fat loser to death!”

“Your mother’s a—kick this bastard to death!”

William Thompson’s unexpected resistance infuriated Brian Clark and the others. The guy who always just took a beating without fighting back actually had the guts to stand up to them—this was a direct challenge to their authority, and only made them angrier.

“Please, I’m begging you, stop hitting him! Please, don’t! You’ll kill him, I’m begging you!” Helen Carter was terrified by the scene, her face ashen and her expression so pitiful it would move anyone’s heart.

“Hmph!” Brian Clark didn’t join in the beating, but watched coldly as William Thompson was pummeled, then turned to look at Helen Carter. Her tear-streaked, frightened face, delicate skin, and sorrowful voice sent waves of wicked desire surging through him.

“You… what are you doing?” Helen Carter saw the sinister, twisted smile on Brian Clark’s face as he slowly approached her.

“Heh heh, beautiful, forget about that fat loser. Come play with your big brother, heh heh.” Brian Clark looked like he was possessed, leering as he advanced on Helen Carter.

“No, don’t come any closer, don’t!” Helen Carter’s face was drained of color. Realizing the danger, she backed away step by step, not knowing that behind her was a cliff dropping more than ten meters straight down.