Chapter 186
“Why are you in such a rush? I haven’t even finished filling in the form yet. I’ll answer it when I’m done!”
There were a lot of people who would call him up. Normally, Gerald would answer the call right away.
But he did not want to do so, seeing how anxious Jacob became.
By the way, Gerald had eaten twice with Mr. Raine before. They knew about each other well.
They did not have to be so civil toward each other.
“Why are you still filling in the form? Go and pick it up! Why is Mr. Raine calling you up? Faster pick it
up!”
The call went dead.
Nobody answered the call for a long time, so it was hung up directly.
Jacob sneered. “Gerald, you’re indeed a dumb person! You deserve it for being…”
The phone rang again.
“Come! Faster pick up the phone!”
This time around, Jacob quickly snatched the pen in Gerald’s hand away directly.
He then helped Gerald to answer the phone and put it near his ear.
However, Gerald did not even stretch his hand out to take the phone from Jacob. He sat there just like that. On the other hand, Jacob leaned toward Gerald and held the phone in his hand, holding it near Gerald’s ear. That scene appeared rather hilarious.
But Jacob could not care less about other stuff for the sake of his future.
He did not care what business Mr. Raine had on his mind, calling Gerald up. He decided to greet Mr. Raine at the end of the call.
“Mr. Raine, hello!”
Gerald smiled slightly.
“Gerald, I called you just now. Why didn’t you pick it up? Are you busy?”
Bernard smiled and said.
Bernard had met Gerald a few times, and he had quite a good impression of Gerald.
The moment Gerald heard about the project of doing charity by establishing Scothow Elementary School, he promised to take the whole project over without any hesitation. He even provided the funds immediately.
Besides, a rich youth like him was such a friendly and humble person. Bernard soon got quite close to him.
“Hmm, I was busy filling in the drop out application from just now. The department director has
prohibited me from studying here from now on! By the way, Mr. Raine, what’s the matter?”
Gerald smiled. He thought that it was a call from Zack, but he never thought that it was Mr. Raine after all.
“You…”
Jacob wanted so badly to cover Gerald’s mouth.
From the way Gerald addressed Mr. Raine, Jacob started to feel quite nervous.
‘Oh my God! They have quite a close relationship.”
Hearing what Gerald said, Jacob became much nervous.
“It’s like this. Our project regarding the Scowthow Elementary School has been delayed before because of insufficient funding. Now it’s almost fully built. We’ll be able to use it after two more months. I called you up just to see if you’re free tomorrow. Please come over because we’ll have a small function here!”
“Fine, no problem!” Gerald nodded.
“No, it seems that something is wrong. Gerald, what did you say just now? A drop out application form?”
Only now did Bernard recover his senses and realize what Gerald had said just a while ago.
“Hmm? That’s right! My department director expelled me from college. I’m now filling in the form before him.”
At first, Gerald planned to fill in the form and tackled Victor after that. Only then he would go and meet Jacob again to see if he could take some senses into him. He just wanted to see if things were still the same.
But now he wondered if he could ask Mr. Raine to say something in his favor.
“Gerald, give him the phone!”
Gerald smiled and nodded. “Here you are! He wants to talk to you!”
“Sure!”
Jacob soon straightened his body up and smoothed his collar slightly. “Mr. Raine, hello. You… Yes! It’s nothing but an absolute misunderstanding! Sure! What? Is he that Mr. Crawford? Oh my God! Of course! I’ll definitely keep it a secret! Sure! No problem! Don’t worry about it!”
Jacob swallowed slightly.
What Bernard said at last shocked Jacob tremendously.
Certainly, everyone knew or had heard about Mr. Crawford of Mayberry.
Besides, Gerald was that Mr. Crawford.
“Are you done?” Gerald smiled and said.
“Mr. Crawford… Yes!”
Jacob’s facial expression became so interesting all of a sudden. He was filled with contempt at first.
Now, he was trying his best to fawn on Gerald.
“Oh, then I’ll continue with signing my name here. I’ve done filling in the form now, except signing my name.”
Gerald took up the pen again.
“No!”
Jacob shouted loudly. He then grabbed Gerald’s hand tightly.
Chapter 187
“Mr. Crawford, it’s a misunderstanding! It’s nothing but a misunderstanding!”
Jacob was deeply anxious.
“What is the misunderstanding? I couldn’t even survive now in Mayberry. Faster let me leave college!”
Gerald wanted to sign the form.
“Mr. Crawford, I was wrong. I was indeed wrong. Actually, I could just give you a light punishment for it.
But I listened to the others and wanted to expel you from the college.”
If the chancellor knew that he wanted to expel that Mr. Crawford of Mayberry from the college, he would certainly be ruined.
Even if the chancellor knew nothing about that, he would certainly be ruined and punished severely given that he wanted to expel Mr. Crawford.
“Fine. Then what to do next regarding this incident? Cassandra asked a student to do such a thing in
public. It certainly hurt that student’s self-esteem greatly!”
Gerald did not even know when he started to have some slight changes.
When he was dealing with things now, he was not the shy and cowardly man he was before.
Now, he would say what he wanted to say directly.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Crawford. I’ll deal with it justly.”
“Besides, donate seventy thousand dollars to Layla under the name of ‘Ordinary Man’. I’ll give you the money later. Thank you!”
“You’re being too courteous!”
Jacob smiled happily.
Gerald then nodded slightly.
He then got up and left.
Outside of the office.
Somebody sighed. “Gerald will certainly be expelled from school. He’s been having a pathetic life here for three years since. Now, he’s unable to graduate too.”
Cassandra crossed her arms in front of her in resignation and smiled bitterly.
“It’s good that he’s been expelled. It would be much better if he couldn’t leave Mayberry intact. How bold of him to beat Victor up!”
They were still angry at Gerald.
At that moment, the door was opened.
All of them wanted to rush toward Gerald and sneered at him vigorously again, including Cassandra.
“Gerald, please be careful. There’s a small staircase here after the refurbishment.”
That scene before them shocked them greatly. They widened their eyes.
They soon saw Jacob helping Gerald down the staircase, supporting him gently.
That staircase was just one or two centimeters high. It was not even a staircase. Why did Jacob appear like he was afraid that it might hurt Gerald?
‘Oh, God! What is happening?’
Cassandra gaped.
“Mr. Reeds, Gerald, he…”
“What about him? I know what happened now. I’ve been meaning to ask you, Cassandra. If Gerald didn’t tell me about it, I wouldn’t even know that you asked a female student to stand in public, holding up a sign. You even took group photographs there, didn’t you?”
“Ah? I clearly told you about it just now…”
“I don’t know about it. By the way, the thing you did was outrageous, humiliating a student like that. At first, our department wanted to award you since you’re the best teacher. But let’s forget about it now!”
“What? Mr. Reeds, I’ve worked so hard for that award for these past three years, earning all the honors
for the department.”
Cassandra was completely stunned.
“It’s still a problem we need to discuss with the college whether we want to keep you as a teacher here
with us given the kind of teacher you are. How dare you talk about that award still?” Jacob sneered.
After that, he turned and looked at Whitney who appeared shocked as well.
“About you, you’ve been the president of the student union for three years now, but you didn’t manage to do anything. If anything bad happened, you would always look for help from the department. What else could you do other than this? Just retain the post as the president of the student union first. If there’s a better candidate, we’ll ask you to resign!”
“Ah?”
“What’s wrong?”
Jacob shouted at Whitney before he returned to his office with his hands behind his back.
Whitney thought, ‘D*mn it! I didn't even say a single word!
‘Why?!’
‘Why is that so?’
As Whitney and Cassandra were thinking about that, they turned to look at Gerald coldly.
Gerald only smiled bitterly. Then, he turned and left. Soon, he would hear some news regarding Victor.
They always condemned him and looked down on him. Now it was time for him to take his revenge on them.
Gerald returned to the classroom, and he realized that Harper and the others had left.
He also returned to his dorm and lied down in bed. He told Harper and the others that it was fine now. He looked at the time and realized that it was six o’clock in the evening. He decided to play with his phone for a while before he turned in.
Chapter 188
At that moment, Cassandra sent a message to his other social media account.
“I’m outraged! Ordinary Man! I want to go and kill myself! What should I do?”
Cassandra said so.
Actually, Gerald became angry when he saw Cassandra’s name.
“If you don’t want to live on, just go and die! What more can you do?”
Gerald made a swift reply.
“Oh! You’re so annoying! I just want to tell you some of the things which upset me.”
Gerald was tongue-tied.
He did use quite a vicious tone.
But how could Cassandra use such a sweet tone on him, behaving like a spoilt child.
Gerald did not know how to reply to his message.
“Humph! I always care about you, but you never care about me. I’m so sad!
“But I still want to tell you about it. You know what, Ordinary Man. I could only pour out my feelings and speak freely with you.
“Something happened today. Do you know about the fundraising campaign for my department? Just because of one pathetic poor b*stard from my class, the campaign was ruined. Layla now has no money to pay for her younger sister’s medical fee. What’s more important is that I was robbed of the chance to gain the award of the best teacher just because of him!”
“I’ve donated money for Layla. I donated seventy thousand dollars to her! And regarding that teacher
award, it serves you right!”
Gerald scolded her directly, disregarding her feelings.
“How annoying! Why did I feel that you like to tease me? Humph!
“Oh gosh!”
Gerald became utterly speechless now.
He wondered if others felt quite happy even though they were scolded by him just because he had become rich now.
It might be so.
At that time, Felicity sent a message to Gerald too. “Are you there? Ordinary Man?”
Gerald had had enough of those women.
“Get lost! I’m unavailable!” Gerald scolded.
“Oh! Ordinary Man has turned quite wild now. You’ve scolded me!”
Gerald was again tongue-tied.
It seemed to be true indeed. After he became rich, the others felt quite happy with it even though he scolded them.
Then he ignored their messages directly.
Gerald logged into his own main account and chatted a short while with Mila.
Then, he turned in.
The next morning, Gerald woke up early in the morning because of the function which Mr. Raine mentioned to him before. It was because no one would notice it if he woke up early and went to get his car.
After all, he needed to stay low-key.
Gerald reached the park.
“Humph! Isn’t that the poor man? Don’t you know how frustrating it was yesterday? He was not even expelled!”
“That’s true! He beat Victor up, and he could still stay alive up until now. It’s such a miracle!”
“Something’s wrong. Look at him! It’s only six o’clock in the morning. Where is he going early in the morning? Does he want to run away?”
“Yes! He clearly wants to run away! Sisters, that b*stard beat our Victor up. We must not allow him to get away with it! Go and stop him!”
The minute Gerald entered the park, he soon found himself face-to-face with four women.
They were none other than the four women who condemned him viciously for Victor the previous day.
It seemed like they came to the park for a morning run.
Unfortunately, they bumped into Gerald.
“Humph! B*stard! Where do you plan to run away to?”
The woman who seemed to be their leader said coldly.
Gerald took out his Lamborghini car key, looked up, and signaled to the Lamborghini car behind them.
“I’m not running anywhere. I just want to drive my car around!”
Gerald said coldly.
After that, he pressed his car key.
A chirping sound was heard.
The lights of the car flashed and the door opened automatically...
Chapter 189
The door of the car was opened.
The four women were stunned.
‘What?
‘Does this luxurious car belong to Gerald?
‘Isn’t he a poor man from our department? How could he afford to drive such a beautiful and luxurious car?’
They turned to look at Gerald, and their facial expressions changed drastically.
That car alone was much more expensive than Victor’s Audi car. They sneered. ‘So what about Victor? It’s so much better than Victor’s!
‘How cool this Lamborghini car is!’
The leader from among the girls became pale. She then rushed toward Gerald and said nervously,
“Gerald, is this car really yours? Is this yours?”
“If not, is it yours?”
Gerald seemed to be used to that kind of woman and their tones. He soon said coldly.
“Ah! This car is so cool! Is it around one to two million dollars?”
That woman soon got near the car. She completely lost herself by then. ‘Look at this luxurious car! If I’m able to even sit in this car for even once, I’ll be so happy that I might die!’
The other three women rushed toward the car too. They looked at Gerald in admiration.
“Around a million and eight hundred thousand dollars!”
Gerald started the engine of the car, and a charming growling sound was heard.
“Wow! It’s so cool! Gerald, where are you going? Can you let us have a ride too?”
The woman smiled seductively and asked Gerald.
“Get lost!”
Gerald scolded them coldly.
In fact, they were quite beautiful. But it was a totally different thing. They condemned Gerald for
Victor’s sake just now, but now they wanted him to give them a ride. A good thing like that would never
happen.
After that, he drove the car and left directly.
“Gerald! You…”
They were being ignored by Gerald. They became so angry that they stamped their feet.
Unexpectedly, Gerald was an extremely wealthy person.
They felt as if they had suffered a great loss. They had offended a truly wealthy man just because of a stupid Victor. It was just not worth it.
How about Gerald?
After he scolded them, he drove his car directly to the outer area of the conference hall.
Although it was still quite early, Bernard and the other leaders were there now.
There were two parts in the function. The first entailed a meeting on the establishment of the school which would be held an hour later. Gerald needed to attend the meeting with a few other leaders in an isolated meeting room.
Gerald funded the establishment of Scothow Elementary School, and he had helped to establish around twenty to thirty such schools. The schools were built specially for the children of the workers who worked outstation, providing an educational platform for them.
It was quite a big contribution.
Certainly, he was rather highly valued and esteemed.
The second part of the function entailed a meeting with the teaching faculty and staff in the main conference hall.
Only two months were left before they started recruiting the students. They needed to arrange for the selection of the teaching staff in advance and provide training for them.
Gerald had to join the first part of the function and was forced to listen to Bernard talking ceaselessly about various things for around two hours.
However, Gerald did not plan to join the second part of the function, holding a meeting with the teaching faculty and staff.
It was because he did not have to raise any opinion there.
Besides, he felt pressurized, being with a bunch of teachers. Their academic levels were certainly not on par with each other. They were quite knowledgeable and it would pressurize Gerald.
Since he was free, he decided to take a look at one of the schools near the venue of the function.
After all, it could be considered a particularly meaningful thing which he had done.
Gerald did not drive his car. He walked to the school instead.
Since that school was almost completely built when they resumed the project, it had now come to the furnishing stage after only two months. The entire school was now planted with trees and plants.
Undeniably, the surrounding of the school was quite good given the large funding he provided.
He snapped two photographs of the school, planning to send and share them with his sister later.
“Stop! Don’t you know that you’re prohibited to snap photographs in school? Didn’t you see the warning on the sign?”
At that moment, he heard a cold and stern female voice.
Gerald was frightened.
He turned around and saw the sign. It claimed that snapping photographs were prohibited there.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t notice that. I’ll delete it right away!”
Although he helped fund the establishment of that school, Gerald did not find anything special in what he had done.
So he complied and deleted the photographs.
“Eh? Are you… Gerald?”
Surprisingly, he found himself being recognized by that woman. He turned around and saw a woman in a black uniform. Did she know him?
“Lilian, do you know him?”
There are two other women and a man beside Lilian. They now asked Lilian curiously.
Chapter 190
“I know him! He’s my classmate from high school. What’s wrong, Gerald? We haven't seen each other
for around three years now. Have you forgotten about me?”
Lilian said in surprise. But other than surprise, she seemed to be filled with a kind of sarcasm at that moment, mocking Gerald.
It was the kind of feeling one had when she finally realized that the person whom she thought had long disappeared appeared in front of her again. After so many years, the b*stard whom she thought had long been dead appeared out of nowhere. She was filled with that kind of surprise.
In fact, looking at Lilian like that, Gerald was stunned too. He was tongue-tied...
Certainly, he knew who Lilian was. They were in the same class since sophomore year. When they were about to go into different courses in junior high, they were put in the same class again.
At that moment, Lilian seemed to be the art committee member. She was good at singing and dancing.
However, there was nothing special in their relationship back then.
A girl like Lilian would certainly like those boys whose families were rich and were esteemed in high school. Gerald did not have those qualities.
Further, their school was located in town, and Lilian was a resident there. So her taste and family background did not allow her to befriend a person like Gerald.
For three years in high school, the things they said to each other were less than what they said to each other when they met each coincidentally there at the school just now.
So they certainly did not keep in touch with each other after they graduated from high school.
Although Gerald noticed Lilian’s disdainful gaze just now, he still cherished things of old.
“Yes, we haven’t met each other for three years now. I almost couldn’t recognize you. You’re so much prettier now!”
Gerald smiled slightly.
“Hey! It’s indeed been a long time. Even you can learn how to praise others. But why did I feel quite awkward about it, listening to your praises?”
Lilian crossed her arms around her chest and smiled coldly.
“Lilian, let’s introduce him to us since he’s your old classmate…”
That woman noticed that Gerald appeared pleasing to the eye, so she smiled and said directly.
“What the hell! Fiona, could you please stop fawning on every man you met all the time? Do you know
what kind of a person Gerald was during my high school?”
‘Oh my god!’ Lilian was tongue-tied.
Her best friend always acted like that. She was obsessed with finding herself a boyfriend every time she met a slightly handsome man.
But she thought that Fiona really needed to keep her eyes open.
Lilian could not help but admit that Gerald was indeed quite handsome, but he was just a...
“What’s wrong?”
“Gerald was an infamous poor person back in high school. Do you know what he usually ate during lunch hour at that time? He ate only plain bread with a few pickled vegetables. Besides, his uniform was so shabby that the pants around his knees were all torn. He even put patches on them. But he did not even want to buy a new uniform!”
“What? How is it possible that there’s such a poor person?”
The beautiful woman——Fiona stuck out her tongue, claiming that she was indeed frightened and shocked.
“I don’t believe you! Lilian, are you exaggerating the facts?”
That man smiled bitterly. “If I was as poor as that, I think it’s better if I kill myself!”
“What? Was I exaggerating the facts? Gerald, tell them whether what I said is true.”
Lilian became anxious.
She just wanted to prove to the others that she was right. Regarding how he condemned Gerald and upset him, Lilian did not even think about it. For her, Gerald was just a gossip topic.
Gerald sneered. “Yes, it’s true!”
Gerald smiled faintly, realizing that Lilian’s temper and characteristics had not changed at all.
Although she annoyed him, he did not appear angry at all.
After all, what Lilian said just now was true. He did not care even if they looked down on him given that it was meaningless if he exposed his real identity and showed off his wealth before them.
“By the way, Lilian, why did you come to this school? From what I see, are you the teacher here? Did you find your job so soon?”
Gerald asked her. When he left the conference hall, he found that all of the teachers there were in that uniform.
“Yes, we completed our internship fast. Besides, I have a teacher qualification certificate. Certainly, I get it all done and settled. From now on, I’ll be leading a life here in this big city——Mayberry. How about you? I heard that you’re studying at Mayberry University. Have you found a job yet?”
After all, Lilian was quite mature now after all those years. Although she looked down on Gerald, she still inquired after him politely.
“Me? Not yet. I’m still wondering what I should do from now on!”
Lilian smiled.
“To be frank, Gerald, I thought that you’ll be much improved after you went to college. Surprisingly… If you couldn’t do it, just return to your hometown. See if you could find a job in the town. If not, you could always return to your village and buy some land. You can start with farming or something else. That’s how university students nowadays start their business!”
Lilian crossed her arms around her chest. Right from the start, she felt that Gerald was a good-for- nothing. After having a casual conversation with him, her opinion of him worsened.
He was about to go for an internship, but he still did not know what kind of thing he wanted to do in the future.
Looking at how Lilian advised him, he only smiled bitterly and nodded repeatedly.
Beside them, that man nodded too. He then said, “What you said is right. It’s difficult for university students to find a job nowadays. Some small companies do not have a promising future. The large companies want only the talented ones. Just look at Mayberry university, only the most exceptional ones will be able to find good jobs. How about the others? They either rely on some connections or their families in order to have a promising future.”
Another girl beside them added, “That’s true. The people who suffer the most are the ones like Gerald. He doesn’t even have the capabilities and eloquence. Besides, he’s quite poor both economically and in the cultural aspect too.”
They were immersed in a heated discussion, and Gerald stood there having nothing to do.
At last, Gerald managed to say something after they were done. “Are the four of you the newly
recruited teachers here? It’s not bad indeed. The salary given is quite good too since the investor has
provided a huge amount of funds. The living arrangement which they prepared is quite good too!”
Gerald just wanted to chat with her as an old school mate.
“What the hell? Gerald, don’t pretend that you know a lot here. You said those things just because you want to show off in front of us. I’m well aware of that. What do you have to be so smug about? I know about your situation clearly. Do you want me to spill everything?”
Lilian said rather helplessly.
Gerald only touched his nose slightly and smiled bitterly.
“By the way, let me tell you something since we bumped into each other here today…”
At that moment, Lilian looked up, as if she had thought about something.
Chapter 191
Gerald looked up. “What’s up?”
“We’ve got a gathering between old friends tonight. It happens every couple of months. I’ve never mentioned it before—but since we’ve bumped into each other, this is me letting you know!
“Also, Sharon will be there.” Lilian stifled a little laugh. “Come to think of it: Back in high school, you’d come first place in grades, and she’d come second. The two of you were close—in fact, you were after her, weren’t you?”
Gerald didn’t reply.
Sharon Leslie, an old friend from high school. It was true that they got along well back then.
It was also true that Gerald had harbored feelings for her, but that had been before… all of this.
Had he pursued her? He hadn’t dared.
Early on, during their first year of high school, they’d chat together often. Later, even on those few
occasions when he’d tried to strike up a conversation, she hadn’t replied. And so, they’d drifted apart.
Three years had passed in a flash.
“Tee-hee! Come on… you know, last month, Sharon’s boyfriend was treating us to some eats, and then the topic of you came up! Sharon wanted to know what Gerald was up to—no one could answer her at the time, but now… you free tonight?”
As she spoke, Lilian stole a peek at Gerald, searching for a hint of despair.
But no such expression was to be found in his features.
“Tonight? Yeah, I can make it!”
“Great, great. You have to come, then—let everyone have a look at you!” Surreptitiously, Lilian snuck
out her handphone and stole a snapshot of Gerald, which she sent to the chat group for the gathering:
“Guess who this bozo is?”
“Who? Looks familiar… I’ve definitely seen him somewhere before!”
“Same here, but… he just doesn’t look like anyone worth remembering! Ring a bell with any of you?”
Sharon Leslie: “Is that Gerald?”
“Oh, yeah!” Lilian gushed. “You two were buddies back in high school, huh? Only took you one look—it’s Gerald!”
It’s exciting to be the one who brings up something that gets everyone excited. That was the main
reason why Lilian had suddenly decided to invite Gerald to the gathering.
They had a lot of former schoolmates in Mayberry—there was a handful in her class alone. Perhaps they
wouldn’t recognize Gerald, but they were guaranteed to have heard his name before.
If he showed up at the gathering, she was certain he’d be the hot topic of the night.
Just look at the uproar in the chat group right now…
Sharon Leslie: “Were we buddies in high school? I don’t recall anything like that! Hehehe…”
Lilian’s fingers flew over the keypad. “Alas! Found yourself a hunk in Sunnydale now, so your ex doesn’t matter anymore?”
Sharon Leslie: “Get out of here! What do you mean ‘ex’… How about you ask him along to our
gathering? We should catch up—we’re all old friends, after all!”
“Alright!”
Lilian turned to Gerald. “Everyone’s eager to see you again—especially Sharon. She even said it herself. Since you’ve got time tonight, just come for the gathering! If you’re worried about whether you can afford it, I’ll cover you for the time being!”
Gerald had just been about to turn her down. Truth be told, he hadn’t made a lot of friends back during those years. He’d have nothing to talk about with everyone there.
But now that Lilian had said all that, he couldn’t very well say no anymore.
“Alright, tonight then!” Gerald nodded his agreement.
Lilian gave him the venue, then went on her way.
Gerald shook his head in exasperation. “Lilian’s teaching at my new school. It’s a small world after all!”
He’d been planning to take a stroll through town, but talking to Lilian had ruined his mood for that.
Well, it was noon, and he was hungry, so Gerald headed out anyway.
At the school gates, there were three children in tattered clothes, perhaps four or five-year-olds. They were peering inside.
“Is this a school, brother? It doesn’t look like what Ms. Queta was talking about…”
Chapter 192
Her face smeared with dirt, the little girl was talking to the boy beside her.
“Maybe they haven’t started classes yet—that’s what’s missing!” The boy wiped away some snot. “I wanna go too!”
Another somewhat chubby boy piped up, “You need money to go to school. We don’t have any money.
Ms. Queta is already working several jobs to feed us. We can’t ask her for any more!”
“I’m hungry!” the little girl whined.
“I’ll find you some bread in a bit!”
“Why are you urchins crowding the gates? Get lost!” A security guard came out, hollering in fury.
The three children leaped up in fright.
The guard was in his fifties, the sort you might find at a construction site.
The children were visibly terrified by him, and on the verge of fleeing—but they kept on gazing at the
school, just a little longer…
Gerald spoke up: “They’re only looking. That’s fine, isn’t it? It’s not like you paid for this school.”
“Kid, I didn’t say anything about you going inside earlier, but don’t be putting on any airs with me! You don’t own this school any more than I do… now, get lost!”
The man was red and blustering. He had clearly had a few pints to go with his lunch—his breath reeked of alcohol.
“Here, buy yourself a real drink.” With a little smile, Gerald reached into his wallet and tossed him a
hundred bucks.
This money obviously wasn’t being offered as a compliment. Gerald made a note to recommend the man to be fired later. A lousy old drunkard in charge of security, probably hustled in by a friend in the company.
“Yo! Alright, alright! Thanks a lot, man!” Then the guard left.
Gerald knelt down and smiled at the children. “You kids wanna go to school, too?”
The girl in the middle nodded vigorously. “I do!”
The other two were more cautious and watched him wordlessly.
Truth be told, seeing these three young children, yearning to go to school like this… it tore at his heart.
No one understood that feeling better than him.
That was why he couldn’t resist the urge to do something for them.
“Anyone hungry? How about I take you guys out for lunch?”
“Ms. Queta says we shouldn’t talk to strangers—and we absolutely mustn’t follow them anywhere!” The
two boys stepped out in front of the girl.
Gerald laughed and nodded. “Alright… then I’ll buy some stuff and bring it to you here!”
With that, he ran off to the KFC opposite and procured a pile of burgers, fried chicken, and drinks.
“You don’t have to follow me anywhere. Just take it and eat it. Besides, I’ll help you go to school, too!”
Gerald patted the girl on the head and handed the food to them.
“Thank you!” The children’s eyes came alight.
The moment they received the food, they began gobbling it down.
“Why are you just eating something that he gave you?”
It was the dulcet sound of a woman’s voice—pleasant, yet anxious.
“I can’t apologize enough, sir. How much was all that food? I’ll pay for it!” the woman babbled
nervously.
However, when Gerald saw who she was, his eyes shone.
“It’s you!”
Chapter 193
Gerald recognized her straight away.
He had met her in Homeland Kitchen just a few days ago. Jane had been scolding her—back when she still worked for them.
She’d left an impression on him. Even just seeing her from the side, he had known that she was an extraordinary beauty. Seeing her again now, she’d immediately seemed familiar to him, and then he’d placed her.
“You know me?” she whispered, gathering up the three children protectively.
She was evidently frightened of him. What if he was involved in human trafficking?
“Yes, we bumped into each other in Homeland Kitchen. Have you forgotten me?” Gerald smiled at her.
The woman spent a moment in recollection, then brightened up. “Oh, it’s you, sir! Thank you for helping me out, that time!”
That time, she was being scolded so hard she didn’t dare look up from the floor. It was only when she
was leaving that she had stolen a brief glance at Gerald.
Meeting him again now, what she recognized was his voice.
He had saved her that time.
Also, he was rich!
“Don’t mention it. At least you won’t have to keep your guard up around me. Have you been looking
after these three children?” Gerald inquired curiously.
“Yup, yup!” Queta Smith nodded, bringing over the three kids.
As they walked along together, she told him the story: It turned out that these three children had been wandering urchins who had managed to escape after being kidnapped by slavers.
With such muddled circumstances, no orphanage had been willing to take them in, and so they’d been wandering the city on their own, begging for scraps… until Queta found them, and took them all under her care.
She mainly worked as a kindergarten teacher and also did some other work on the side, thereby earning enough to keep them all fed. She had even been saving up money to send them to school.
Good thing Queta often worked with kids. She’d taught these three well.
What a mess. And the three children were all siblings.
His heart wrenching terribly, Gerald asked, “What about your family?”
“I don’t have one—I grew up in an orphanage.” As she told him this, Queta hung her head and picked at
her clothes.
What a phenomenally beautiful woman she was, though her radiance was being obscured by long hardship.
And she was being very reserved in Gerald’s presence. He knew it was because she was afraid he would
tire of her.
Queta wouldn’t know that Gerald used to be the sort of person who never felt he was good enough, either.
The two of them were about the same age. Gerald used to think he’d gotten the short straw in life, but
Queta here had it so much worse: A young woman with no parents, caring for three kids on her own.
How often did you come across a woman like this, these days?
Gerald was deeply moved with admiration for her.
“Where do you stay?” he asked.
“Over there!” All three children pointed towards an ordinary residential area, not far from the school.
“Would you mind if I swing by for a bit?” he asked with a chuckle.
After a moment’s consternation, Queta nodded.
The whole area was basically a collection of old squatter shacks.
When they reached her place, Queta brushed off a stool and offered it to him. Then she shooed the three kids away to go get a bath. The children had been trying to do their part, collecting some refuse to sell every day. That was why they were covered in grime.
“Queta Smith, my name is Gerald Crawford. Shall we be friends?”
“Friends?” She was taken aback. Queta knew that Gerald was a powerful man since he had been able to
order around that manager person.
Chapter 194
Why would such a powerful man be interested in her friendship?
Gerald wouldn’t just come out and say why, either. Today was just a chance meeting.
He was a soft-hearted man and held particular sympathy for people who were suffering.
Of course he could just solve their problems straight away: Find them a nicer place to stay in, put all the
kids in school… all it would take was a few words from him.
However, from the moment Gerald saw Queta again, his heart had been racing wildly out of control. Some subtle emotion was compelling him to get closer to her, to get to know her better.
He didn’t understand this feeling.
Yet, thinking back now, he’d known from the first time he laid eyes on her… Just one look from the side
and her face had been burned into his memory.
A girl he’d met purely by chance. How could he be feeling this way about her?
He didn’t have the slightest clue. All he knew was that, from the moment he met her, he’d felt like he’d
known her forever.
The two of them began to talk, warming towards each other with each passing moment.
Without noticing, an entire afternoon had gone by.
“Queta, Yasmin, I’m going now. I’ll visit again in a few days!” Gerald waved goodbye to the girls and took
his leave.
After spending the day with them, his heart felt light, his soul at peace for the first time in an eternity.
Then his phone rang. It was Lilian.
When they’d last parted ways, Gerald had asked to exchange numbers with her. Reluctantly, she’d
agreed.
“I say, Gerald… I invite you to be a part of this gathering, and you’re going to be late for your first time?” Lilian’s voice was sharp with reprimand. “I said to meet at five. Where are you?”
“Oh, something came up, so I was held back. On my way now, maybe ten minutes!”
Doot… doot… Without another word, she’d hung up on him.
Gerald smiled wryly.
He should have just stayed out of this ‘old schoolmates’ trouble. What a d*mned headache!
But he had already given his word, so he had to keep it now. He returned to the car park, started up his car, and made for the hotel where the reservation had been made.
He arrived, parked the car, and found the table.
“Took you long enough, Gerald! You’ve really kept everyone waiting for you, you know?” Lilian’s face
contorted hideously at the sight of him.
“My God, it’s really Gerald! After all these years! No patches on your clothes… have you started dressing like normal people?”
“Hahaha! Oh, Gerald, I hear you’re in Mayberry University? That’s a swanky place! How have you been
doing lately? The internship is coming up soon—found yourself a spot somewhere, yet?”
“Have a seat first. Gerald, tell us all about what you’ve been through, these past few years.”
They were in a private dining room, with a massive table that could easily seat two dozen. That was the number of ‘old friends’ who were in attendance this evening, including a handful of former high school classmates of his. It was a crowded and cozy affair.
Gerald smiled at everyone, then spotted a girl at the head of the table: Sharon Leslie!
The prettiest girl in class, and his best friend in high school. They used to study together all the time.
As a matter of fact, each had been harboring some measure of affection for the other.
However, Sharon hadn’t wanted to get involved with someone from his sort of background.
Likewise, Gerald hadn’t dared to get involved with someone from her sort of background.
There had been too great a fault in their stars.
And so, they’d never been much more to each other than just friends.
“It’s been a while, Sharon. Have you been well?” Gerald smiled at her. Sharon had changed tremendously. She’d learned how to use make-up, and her appeal was now far beyond what he remembered.
A first-class beauty without question.
“I’m doing great. Why don’t you find a place to sit down!” Sharon replied with a smile and in a tone that
was neither malicious nor dismissive.
After three years without contact, anything they had had between them had long vanished.
They were just strangers, now.
“Alright!” Gerald spotted an empty seat, and he moved to take it.
“Who said you could sit there?” Before he could actually do so, however, another girl—another ex- classmate—snapped harshly at him, giving him a fright.
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“Did anyone say you could sit here? This spot is reserved for my boyfriend! Goodness gracious… it’s one thing to have been a loser back then, but after three years of university, you still haven’t improved one bit! Go, scram, get lost!”
Gerald couldn’t even remember her name anymore, and he couldn’t be bothered to pick a fight with her
at the moment.
That left the seat by the door, where all the food would be brought in.
Realizing that this had been everyone’s intention all along, Gerald simply resigned himself to it.
Actually, there was an empty spot beside Sharon, too. However, she’d left her handbag on there,
indicating that she was saving the seat for somebody. Certainly, she’d made no move to offer it to him.
Lilian grinned at Gerald, then turned and asked, “Sharon, when’s Murphy gonna get here?”
“That guy… Hmph! Always wishy-washy about everything. Every time, he’ll say he’s almost there—but you’re still gonna have to wait a while!”
Although she sounded upset, in truth her heart sang with pride.
“Yo, yo, yo! Is Sharon talking about Murphy, as in the Murphy who graduated and immediately became
sales manager of an upmarket business along Mayberry Commercial Street? Are the two of you not
getting along, then?”
“Right? Back when he was still a student, Sharon clung to him everywhere. Now that he’s a Mayberry big shot, you’re full of complaints? Actually, you just want us to be jealous of you, right?”
“Honestly speaking though, could you tell us how he landed that job? Gosh, sales manager at Mayberry Street… I wouldn’t trade it for a dozen state appointments!”
No sooner had Sharon mentioned her boyfriend than the whole table was abuzz about him. The air was thick with the smell of envy.
“Hah, I wouldn’t know about that!” Sharon laughed. “When he gets here, he can tell you himself!”
Right on cue, the doors opened, and two men walked in.
“Murphy, you’re here!” Everyone greeted the tall, thin man with warm smiles.
So this was Murphy—Sharon’s current boyfriend.
The other guy was that other girl’s boyfriend, and he casually took the seat that Gerald had almost
stolen.
“Speak of the devil… Murphy, we were just talking about you! Anyway, check out who’s joining us today! Let me introduce you… That guy over there? Meet Gerald!” Giggling, Lilian pointed out Gerald, who was sipping at his drink.
“Oh? So this is that penniless tramp, Gerald? Pleased to meet you!” Wearing a look of awe, Murphy came over to shake hands.
Frowning, Gerald remained in his seat and ignored him.
It was only at this point that he was really starting to get annoyed by all this.
He had been too naïve, expecting this to be a simple reunion between old friends he hadn’t seen in
years.
He craved the odd bit of socializing, too.
However, it was only after he’d arrived that he began to suspect that Lilian might have had other motives behind inviting him here. Gerald had been brought here to be the party clown, the evening’s amusement.
No one here really cared about him, not even Sharon—Gerald didn’t even know who she was anymore.
This whole thing had turned out to be a huge disappointment.
Gerald had no interest in this Murphy guy.
Murphy, on the other hand, was beaming at him. “Ahaha, what a character you are, Gerald! Sorry, I was only joking around. I heard from Sharon that the two of you used to be good friends.”
“Hmph! Gerald, Murphy was offering to shake hands with you, just now! Where are your manners?”
“That’s right! Murphy, you don’t have to apologize to this guy at all! Just ask Sharon—he’s a total deadbeat!”
Chapter 196
“Ahaha, don’t say that! He goes to Mayberry University, you know—after he graduates, he might very well find himself a job along Mayberry Commercial Street, too!”
Everyone wanted to get in on the merriment.
“Oho? Then we’d basically be colleagues! Let’s get along, Gerald!” Murphy chortled.
He wanted to keep this conversation going. He would often have to hear about everyone bringing up
this old friend of Sharon’s.
It had made him curious about what she’d seen in a penniless guy like Gerald.
Sometimes it even made things awkward for him.
That was why, the moment this guy was introduced to him as Gerald, Murphy couldn’t resist having a bit of fun at his expense, just to see how he’d respond.
So far, it appeared that this Gerald had no social skills to speak of whatsoever. Once he started working life, it would be a carnival with him!
“Haha… Leave him alone, Murphy! For a guy like him to get a job in Mayberry Street, the boss would
have to be deaf and blind!”
“Oh, yeah—Murphy, you never told us how you scored that Sales Manager job over there!”
The focus had been returned to Murphy, anyway.
“Oh, that’s a long story—but I suppose it could be because this is my field of specialty. But my boss
thinks I’m still kinda green, so my salary’s only 45k per year for now. Ahh, I still have such a long way to go!”
“Whoa! That’s amazing, man!”
A fresh graduate commanding that level of pay was a rare thing. What’s more, he could still climb
further up the coveted Mayberry corporate ladder.
Lilian was green with envy toward Sharon now. She was her equal in terms of looks—but Lilian was more carefree, while Sharon was more reserved. The latter approach apparently made a woman more desirable.
At the moment, Sharon was beaming with pride.
Unbidden, her gaze sought out Gerald, further down the table.
A quiet pang of sorrow arose in her heart, followed immediately by horror—imagine if, during those years, she’d succumbed to a moment’s sentimentality and had become an item with that guy… what would her fate have been?
“Ahah, I just got lucky. Lilian, you and the others have done pretty well for yourselves too—I hear you’re an elementary school teacher now? Is that for real?”
Lilian nodded. “Yup, yup!”
“That’s wonderful to hear. From now on, we can all continue to grow with the Mayberry family. I’m
planning to get my own place in the district in a couple of years… and then, I shall marry Sharon!”
Chuckling merrily, Murphy added, “Oh, yes—Gerald, bro, what are your plans for after you graduate? Gonna apply for a government position? Have you got a job lined up for yourself? Interested in sales? Design? Perhaps admin work?
“I’d recommend that last one for you. A government office would be a tough fit for you. Speaking as someone working in sales, honestly, you’d be terrible at this sort of thing, Gerald. As for design, it sounds great on paper, but the reality is a nightmare! It takes a sharp, logical mind… another talent you don’t seem to be blessed with. No, it’s gotta be something less cerebral, a basic desk job where all you need to know is how to work a simple calculator—that’s perfect for you!”
After Murphy said all this, everyone watched Gerald contemptuously.
The food was already on the table. Gerald ate, keeping his own counsel. The only thing he said in reply
was, “We’ll see how it goes. Whatever works. No need for your concern.”
“Yo, yo, yo! There’s that attitude, again… Can’t handle the truth?”
“That’s it! It’s bad enough how hopeless you are, but you won’t even listen to good advice? Alas, your future looks bleak!” Lilian moaned.
As they went on heckling Gerald in this way, unbeknownst to any of them, trouble was brewing outside their private room.
A group of youths were having a disagreement with one of the staff:
“I said we’ll pay extra, understand? We’re a big group—it has to be this room!” snapped a crude sort of fellow. “Name your price, d*mn it, and then kick everyone out of there!”
Chapter 197
“Sir, there’s just no way! Their food has already been served!”
“You still don’t get it? Don’t you know who you’re talking to? Three minutes, that’s all I’ll give you—and if you can’t get it done for me, your manager will do it in your place. Try me!” the man blustered arrogantly.
“Alright… I’ll give it a shot.” The waitress hurried inside and explained the situation.
Lilian and the others would have none of it.
What was the meaning of this? They had gotten here first—they had even begun eating already! Now, you come in here and say, what, switch tables? Just like that?
Who do you think you are!
“No way. Tell them we’re not moving!” Lilian was glaring, her temper suddenly flaring.
“Oho? I’d like to see just who that is hollering in there, thinking she’s hot stuff!”
The doors to the private room opened, and the other group strode right in.
It was building up toward a brawl.
Murphy was their champion on this side. He had nothing to fear from your run-of-the-mill rich brats— especially not now that he was working for the Mayberry group. Everyone looked toward him in anticipation.
Murphy cleared his throat and stood. “My friends, we did reserve this room first. Changing places now is simply not an option—that’s just unreasonable. How about this, next time, I make it my treat? We can have a meal together at Homeland Kitchen along Mayberry Commercial Street!”
He was cool and collected, smiling amicably.
It was a statement bearing multiple payloads: They were standing their ground, and he had connections to Mayberry.
“Gods! Everyone and their mother claims to be from Mayberry these days! You think just because I don’t work there myself, that means I don’t have any big friends in Mayberry?”
Saying this, someone appeared at the doorway, strolling through with both hands in his pockets.
“Mr. Ziegler! So it was you, sir?” Seeing this man, Murphy’s stern countenance instantly gave way to
effusive fawning. Even Sharon had to avert her eyes from the sight of this.
Yancy Ziegler was a big kahuna attending Sunnydale University and had been painting the town red regularly with the Bakers!
He also used to be a recurring fixture at cruise parties, where he was said to have made friends with someone of note!
This was big. Yancy was not your typical rich brat at all!
“Oh, you know who I am?” Yancy said pleasantly.
“How could I not? I’m friends with Ken, and he’s always going on about you!” Murphy was in total
doormat mode now. Gone was the cool champion from a moment earlier.
“I see… one of Ken’s boys, huh?” Yancy smirked. “I came here to have dinner… is switching tables for my sake really too much to ask?”
“Meaning no offense, I swear, but… Mr. Ziegler, we’ve already started here, you see… Couldn’t you just see this as doing me a favor?”
“Pah! Like I owe you any favors.” Yancy was done playing nice. “Enough horse crap—will you move or
not?”
Murphy swallowed hard. So did everybody else at the table.
Mr. Yancy Ziegler was not someone to be taken lightly.
Murphy’s usual routines were worthless here. One word to Aiden and he could kiss his precious job in
Mayberry Street goodbye.
Though his cheeks were burning now, there was nothing for it but to grit his teeth and say,
“Understood! We’ll move!”
“Gosh, but there are so many dishes on the table… How shall we do this?” Lilian suddenly chirped
sweetly. Just a moment ago, she had been a raging tigress.
Though she was still discussing the same matter as before, this time, she had become a mewling kitten.
“Gerard can move everything over to our new table. Clear the room for Mr. Ziegler!” one of the other
girls suggested.
“Right! That’s the way we’ll do it, then!” Everyone else nodded in agreement.
Yancy, meanwhile, froze in place.
Gerard?
He peered down at the young man, sitting with his back toward him, just quietly eating away without another care in the world.
Truth be told, when Yancy had first walked in here, he had glanced at that same guy and thought that he looked familiar.
Now that his name had been spoken, Yancy burst into action, hurrying over to Gerard for a better look.
He very nearly shrieked aloud. It was Gerard Crawford!
“Gerald! S-s-so you were here!” Yancy stammered, remembering what Aiden had said last time.
Behind him, those henchmen who had also met Gerard before were too stunned to move.
Chapter 198
Who would have thought that Mr. Crawford would be here, hanging with this sort of crowd?
“Oh? Mr. Ziegler, you know this hobo, Gerard?” Murphy asked in surprise.
For some reason, when Yancy Ziegler greeted Gerard Crawford by name, Murphy and many of the other guys present at the scene were overcome with jealousy. How was it that Yancy knew that guy but not them?
What was this?
“How the hell is it any of your business whom I happen to know? Get the hell out of my sight!” Hearing
what Murphy had called Gerard, Yancy was roaring with rage.
The blood drained out of Murphy’s face.
Gerard set down his chopsticks before calmly replying, “Ah, it’s you, Yancy. I remember you from my last visit to Sunnydale. Oh, yes—did you find yourself a ticket after all?” He had deliberately modified past events slightly.
“Oh, yes! I did indeed! Thank you so much, Gerard! Really, thank you!”
Yancy bent over in a deep bow. Considering how he was always bowing and scraping in Aiden Baker’s
presence, what more Gerard Crawford?
“Thank you, Gerard!” All the men behind Yancy followed suit.
And that was hello.
“No problem. If I could ask something in return, Yancy… Let me keep this room?”
“Of course, of course!” Yancy didn’t know what business Gerard had here, but if he said jump, Yancy would only need to know how high. After exchanging a few more quick pleasantries, he grabbed his people and withdrew without delay.
Peace returned to the private dining room.
Silence reigned as everyone stared at Gerard with mouths agape. This guy wielded that sort of clout?
How could this be possible?
“Gerard, how… How do you know Mr. Ziegler? What was he thanking you so much for?” Her stomach
churning horribly, Lilian anxiously spoke first.
“Oh, he misplaced a bus ticket one time—but I found it for him!”
What?
Everyone stared with eyes as wide as the dinner plates on the table.
Who was he trying to kid? All that just now, for a bus ticket?
Gerard himself had only just realized that this off-handed lie might have come off as a bit of a stretch.
“Hmm… Maybe it was a plane ticket. Can’t remember anymore.”
“Huh?” Both Lilian and Sharon were still flabbergasted. Not even a plane ticket would account for this!
Scratching his head, Gerard tried to figure a way out of this. “I honestly don’t remember what sort of ticket it was, but he was really grateful for it. Hahaha!”
That should do it—and Gerard felt that he had just about had his fill now. He didn’t see any point in hanging around for much longer. Making up some excuse about having things to do, he made his escape.
Following his departure, everyone in the room stared at one another. Obviously, Gerard had been hiding
something… but how could he possibly have anything to do with Yancy Ziegler?
Why couldn’t it have been them, instead? Why, if it had been them, then…!
Some were seething with envy. Others, like Sharon and Lilian, were wrestling with complicated emotions.
It occurred to them that Gerard could quite possibly experience a complete reversal of fortunes through his acquaintance with Yancy. It seemed completely plausible.
In that event, both girls felt as if they now understood the true meaning of regret.
The thought of seeing that day arrive filled them with abject horror.
Argh, what was there to be done!
“Haha, I don’t think Yancy will have that much to do with Gerard. Gratitude is only worth a couple of
favors, after all. How much could a tramp like Gerard ask for from someone like Yancy? Basically
nothing!” Sensing the agitation in the room, Murphy declared this with a smile.
At this, everyone was able to relax a little.
Gerard had simply walked away although he could very well have wrung them all out on the spot. For the sake of the affection he once held for Sharon, he had stayed his hand. No matter what she was like now, he wouldn’t forget that she had helped him out before in the past.
This made them even.
Rubbing his belly in satisfaction, he began to wonder if Queta and the kids had eaten yet. Perhaps he would bring them something.
And so, he ended up at Queta’s place once again… and again, for the next seven days in a row. He headed there whenever he had any free time, chatting with her and playing with the kids… it was a blissful haven for him, and he was always in a good mood there.
Even better than hanging around in school.
Moreover, he was growing closer to Queta every day.
Having secured her contact information, they messaged each other often as well.
Had he fallen in love? Not even he could say… but he certainly liked her enough.
This whole week spent chatting with Queta, he was occasionally slow in responding to Mila’s own
messages. One night, Mila abruptly sent him the following:
‘Gerard… have you been chatting with other girls besides me?’
Chapter 199
At present, Mila and Gerard were in a relationship one level beyond friendship. However, Gerard had yet to pursue her in earnest—all they really did, for the most part, was chat.
Mila kept joking about how Gerard was her pretend-boyfriend, giving him the impression that she had never thought about going any further with him.
And yet, she was always throwing these little tantrums.
Basically, their relationship status was unclear.
Mila’s latest message to him: “I’m asking you a question. Why aren’t you replying? Have you been chatting with another girl these days?”
Girls are sensitive creatures, able to detect the slightest change in the wind.
Recently, Gerard’s behavior had become highly suspicious. Back then, he would always reply to her instantly. Nowadays, a full minute could pass without any answer.
It was a disconcerting situation for Mila.
Gerard didn’t want to lie to her. Anyway, there was no point.
“Yup. Just chatting.” That was his reply.
“Heh. You didn’t have to add that last bit. Even if you weren’t just chatting, it’s not like I’d know. You’re an amazing guy. I already expected lots of pretty girls to be after you. The one you’re talking to must be quite the looker. What’s her name? Do I know her?” A whole barrage of text tumbled out from Mila.
“I doubt it. Myself, I’ve only known her for a week. As for her looks… perhaps it’s her heart that’s beautiful.”
All this while, Mila had been playing all sorts of games with Gerard.
It made him feel like she didn’t see him romantically in the slightest.
She only saw him as a friend, even knowing that he was positively loaded!
Gerard, in turn, had no ulterior designs for Queta. She was just a friend he got along with easily. More than that… he hadn’t given the matter much thought.
“Oho! An angel with a beautiful heart? That’s really something! So the great Mr. Crawford has been ignoring his girlfriend because he’s already found another one!”
“I haven’t been ignoring you! Anyway, aren’t you always calling me your fake boyfriend? And she’s not my girlfriend!” That should clear things up.
Mila sent him an emoji.
“Tell me who exactly she is to you, then: Your best friend? Your lil sis? Help me understand!”
Seeing this message from Mila—especially that ‘lil sis’ part—Gerard’s heart clouded over.
He had thought that they were growing closer. He’d imagined that they were one step away from falling
in love.
So… the truth was that Mila had only seen him as a brother. It made sense, of course—although he had
wealth, in terms of charisma, he was probably nowhere near Mila’s boyfriend standards!
“Nothing like that. We’re just friends. I like her gentle nature and I admire her bravery! I truly respect the way she goes through life!”
“Wow! She sounds amazing! One day, I shall simply have to meet her. You must introduce her to me!”
“Sounds great. Once you’ve met her, I’m sure you’ll like her too. She’s just swell,” Gerard told her. “One more thing, Mila!”
Eh?
He’d just been about to ask if she was free tomorrow, but before he could finish typing, a bright red exclamation mark suddenly popped up next to the chat bar.
‘You are not Friends with this person!’
What was going on, here?
Hadn’t they been chatting away merrily? Why had she deleted him?
Panicking, Gerard called Mila directly.
An automated recording informed him that her phone had been turned off.
What in the world was going on? Gerard scratched his head.
He wouldn’t know that up until just now, Mila had just been lying in bed, chatting with him.
Chapter 200
With the speed of Gerard’s responses slowing down recently, Mila had spent the past few days in
anxious speculation.
Then, she had ventured a casual inquiry—since it wouldn’t do for her to press too hard on such details.
Sure enough, Gerard had been chatting up another woman!
Mila’s heart was wracked with sorrow, as though something had been stolen right out of her own heart. In this short time, she’d gotten used to having Gerard around, always being there for her.
Now, she had to share his attention with another girl.
She wasn’t happy about this, but she didn’t say so outright. Instead, she’d made inquiries as to who she was, how pretty she must be… hints to let Gerard know that she was absolutely furious now!
What happened next? Gerard began talking about what a wonderful, gentle soul she was!
Grrr… Was she to stand there and take this?
Every message she had sent after that had been dripping with acid. Hinting that he was just a bro to her… she had only said that to get back at him a little. Then she went on asking about the other woman, saying that she’d really like to meet her.
Then she had deleted him and vehemently slammed her handphone against the wall, so hard that it shut off!
“What’s wrong, Mila? Are you okay?” her roommate asked in worry.
“I’m fine! Good night!” Mila buried her head under the blanket.
“We’re sorry, but the device you’re trying to reach is currently offline…” Despite numerous attempts, Gerard still couldn’t get through.
What on earth was going on with Mila?
He was just a little crestfallen. After all that hard work, he had almost been ready to believe that he
really had a chance with Mila, but then… sigh!
Time for bed. Forget about all this nonsense.
The next morning, Gerard went to the cafeteria to have breakfast with Harper and Benjamin.
The moment he stepped into the hall, Harper nudged him and pointed. “Gerard, dude… look who it is!”
Following his gaze, Gerard spied Mila having breakfast with two of her roommates!
Last night’s affair still weighed heavily on his mind. Why had Mila blocked him, all of a sudden?
Straight away, he walked over there and sat down across from her.
“Mila, why did you block me last night?” he asked.
“Huh? Did I? I don’t recall doing anything like that. Maybe I accidentally clicked something? No way, why would I block you?” Mila dithered back and forth in a sing-song voice, but her eyes were smoldering with rage.
Gerard pulled out his handphone. “It’s true! Look… you’ve really blocked my number!”
*Bam!* Mila slapped her chopsticks down onto the table, and hissed, “Is everyone finished? Let’s get out of here!”
With one last baleful look at Gerard, Mila turned on her heels and marched off.
“What the hell happened last night, Gerard?” Harper exclaimed. “Mila always used to be so sweet to
you—how did the two of you become like this, now?”
“I don’t know… One moment we were just chatting as usual, next thing you know… Maybe she’s gotten tired of me…” Gerard gave a short, disparaging little laugh.
“Impossible. Something like this doesn’t just happen for no reason. Girls crave attention. Go after her! Do you like her or not?”
Perhaps this was the problem with Gerard. Because he cared about Mila, he kept tip-toeing around her feelings. If anything started to go wrong, he gave up straight away.
It also had something to do with his past experiences.
He had only just recently become able to talk to girls without blushing and stuttering too much. As for the subject of understanding a woman’s heart… That was probably something he might still need to work on a little.
‘She clearly stated that she was only a little sister to me. If I try to pursue her, I might ruin our friendship too!’ Gerard wrestled with his inner thoughts.
But Harper was right. Girls craved attention. Perhaps he ought to give her some?
YOU ARE READING
The Invincible Rich Man (Gerald Crawford)
FanfictionThis is the story of Gerald Crawford From Chapter 1 and so on
