CHAPTER 24

A few minutes later, Joshua called, his voice full of surprise, "Eliana, what's the deal with the transfer? I can earn my tuition myself!" "You're still a student, you should focus on your studies, otherwise, if you encounter difficulties in your courses, or even can't graduate, then what?" I'm lying on the bed, my voice a little lazy, "the city's best College is a solid school. You shouldn't waste your time on endless part time jobs. You should focus on your studies, your future will be bright. Pay me back when you graduate and find a job." "…" Joshua seemed to choke up a bit. Suddenly I felt bad, and I wondered if I was being too cunning, taking advantage of such an innocent kid. Joshua thought I was being kind, but in fact, I was just playing nice. Given Joshua's background, for him to get into the city's best College and survive there, he has to work harder than others. All things considered, I genuinely admire such a persistent person. "Enough said, if you're short of cash, just let me know. You can think of it as me sponsoring you, pay me back when you graduated and get a job. If you really feel guilty, then pay me back a little more as interest." I said. This money isn't a big deal to me, but it gives me a sense of balance, and it helps Joshua, so it's a win- win. I guess Joshua really had no other options, otherwise, he wouldn't still be working part-time the day before school starts. After hanging up, Joshua accepted the transfer. He replied, "Thank you, Eliana, I'll definitely pay you back!" I didn't reply, just put my phone aside and went to sleep. The next morning, I got up early, got dressed up, the white dress made me look elegant and sophisticated, and a light makeup made me look refreshed. I grabbed my cello and had James drive me to the College.

Upon returning to campus, I was filled with emotion. Seeing those vibrant freshmen reminded me of my own college days, it felt like they were just yesterday. Back then I was so excited I wanted to jump for joy, the thought of finally going to the same university as Damon made me more excited than winning the lottery. I followed the route from my memory to the concert hall of the music department, a place all music students would pass by. It was surrounded by transparent floor-to-ceiling windows, with a stepped stage in the middle. There were fifty-two of the graduating students performing today, and we were playing The Blue, a classic piece. The positions on the stage were already arranged. After we quickly settled in our places and got ready, there was no rehearsal or practice, we relied solely on our mutual understanding. We are all talented graduates from the music department of the College. Even after years of social grind, we still maintained our skills, otherwise, we wouldn't dare to take this challenge. As the melody started, I felt the passion and vitality in the music, and I was completely relaxed. The gathering crowd made our makeshift orchestra even more energetic. We played several classic pieces in a row until noon. The enthusiastic applause made me feel extremely satisfied. As I looked around the crowd, I saw Joshua standing there, his eyes bright and focused on me. When he caught my gaze, he waved shyly but friendly. nodded at him with a smile. After the orchestra dispersed, I walked up to him and greeted him. "Eliana, I didn't know you played the cello, that's amazing!" Joshua praised me without hesitation. "My major in college was the cello." I carried my cello and chatted with Joshua as we walked, the environment made me feel much younger, like I was back in college. "I think girls who like music are very charming." The wound on Joshua's face was almost healed, but there were still scars at the corners of his mouth and eyes. He was dressed in sportswear, looking energetic. When he said this, I felt a little charmed by him. Could he already have feelings for me?

Then Joshua shattered my illusion, "Ariel also studies music, but she studies vocal music, not instrumental music." Isn't that just like Sofia? She is also planning to become a singer. I sighed inwardly. It seems that Joshua's feelings for Ariel are deep, and it might be hard for me to get involved. But if Damon could guide Ariel to shift her feelings, then I would have a chance. After all, my goal is just to find psychological balance, not to find true love. "Joshua!" Ariel appeared in front of us, she was wearing a white dress, full of youthful vibes, she looked more innocent than me. Seeing me and Joshua together, she had no doubts, instead, she greeted me with surprise, "Eliana, what are you doing here?" 'I just performed in the concert hall and happened to run into Joshua." I replied with a smile. 'I heard there was a fantastic symphony performance in the concert hall earlier, Eliana, were you performing too? What a pity, I was busy with club activities and missed your performance." Ariel's beautiful face was full of regret, I could tell she sincerely felt that way. "I couldn't find you just now, and your phone was unreachable." Joshua said. There was a hint of uneasiness in Ariel's eyes, as well as a touch of tiredness, even her smile seemed forced, "I had my phone on vibrate today, I didn't hear it." "It's indeed busy and chaotic at the beginning of the semester, shall we go grab a bite together? My treat." I asked the two of them with a smile. Ariel shook her head, "Eliana, thanks for your kindness, but I have to tidy up my dorm later, I'll just grab something at the cafeteria, Joshua, what about you?" Of course, Joshua would follow his girlfriend without hesitation, "I'll go to the cafeteria too. Eliana, next time Ariel and I will treat you to a meal." "Alright, I'll be going then." I didn't insist, nodded, and left. In the car, Ariel was waiting for me. After I got in, I told him to drive me home. We hit the road, cruising through the city's best College's sprawling campus, and I got flashbacks of the good old days when I used to sneakily tail Damon, always finding an excuse to bump into him accidentally. Suddenly, a silver car slowly drove by us. If my eyes weren't deceiving me, that was Damon's profile in the half-rolled down window. Why the hell was he driving this car around the city's best College? This ride was much more low key compared to his usual flashy wheels. The only explanation I could think of was that he was here to see Ariel, and he didn't want to draw any attention. No wonder Ariel looked so off just now, her eyes filled with exhaustion, Damon must have been a pain in her neck these last few days. After all, his forceful approach would rub anyone the wrong way, especially Ariel, who's already got a boyfriend. I wasn't sure if Damon had spotted me just now, but he was probably too wrapped up thinking about Ariel to notice anything else.