Astonishing Reversal
Couldn't help it, I called home. Originally, I wanted to say I was coming home. However, hearing my parents' warm voices, hearing them tell me to study well, eat properly, not worry about money, and to ask me if I needed any, and hearing my dad say he found a night watchman job to support my education, it made my words get stuck in my throat. I knew my family had high hopes for me, and I knew our financial situation wasn't great. I was aware of my dad's poor health, working as a night watchman on top of everything. My emotions were like an overturned bottle of mixed feelings.
I told them that everything was fine here, just to reassure them. Hearing the relief in my parents' voices and their happy laughter, I couldn't hold back my tears. I vowed in my heart that no matter what, I would make something of myself and take care of my parents in the future.
What if I had angered the school's big shot? I had my own hands and feet; I wasn't afraid of anyone. I wouldn't allow anyone to force me back to my hometown. I was determined to succeed, or I wouldn't return!
With this strong conviction, I returned to the school dormitory. I picked up a stone downstairs and put it in my pocket. It was better to rely on oneself than others. Whoever tried to mess with me, I'd use this stone to crack their skull!
That night, I slept without changing clothes. My hand was gripped around the stone in my pocket...
The next morning, clutching the stone, I went to class as usual. As soon as I entered the classroom, I saw Adrian and Bill. I was prepared. If they dared to bother me, I would take them down immediately!
I sat in the back row and was surprised to see new textbooks on Adrian's desk. I hadn't touched them; I had stolen his textbooks before and just changed the name...
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Adrian reach into his pocket. I immediately tightened my grip on the stone, feeling nervous. However, he took out two packs of soft Zhonghua cigarettes and gently placed them in my desk drawer.
"What are you doing?"
"Jim, we didn't know each other before, but let's hang out together from now on." Adrian's words left me dumbfounded. How did things turn out this way? How did he change so much?
Adrian scratched his head sheepishly and whispered, "Jim, Charles said not to leave after school. He's setting up a dinner, wants us to eat together and get to know each other."
My first reaction was that it was a trap! It had to be a trap, a setup! They definitely wanted to give me trouble using this opportunity. Otherwise, why would they want to invite me for a meal? They must have sinister motives!
Just then, Bill also approached. He had two bottles of a drink in his hand. Unscrewing the caps, he respectfully placed them on my desk and said, "Jim, drink up. From now on, I never knew Jim had such powerful connections. Let's play together from now on!"
"What? play together for what?" I didn't catch on immediately, puzzled by his overly obsequious behavior. However, I didn't let my guard down at all.
My uncle had once said that the more harmless someone looked, the easier they were to deceive. At the critical moment, they wouldn't even realize how they died.
"No wonder we never see you after school. Turns out you're hanging out at Dirk's Gambling Den. I heard that's Dirk's place. Very impressive!" Bill gave me a thumbs-up, a respectful expression on his face.
In a daze, I finally understood. They weren't afraid of me; they were afraid of Dirk from the gambling den...
They had completely misunderstood! The situation had turned upside down in an astonishing twist. A glimmer of hope appeared in the darkness!
"Exactly, Dirk is my brother. He used to tell me not to mention it, so it wouldn't have a negative impact at school." I waved my hand nonchalantly, pretending not to care, entering maximum pretentious mode in an instant!
I guessed that Bill had seen me with Dirk yesterday and had likely exaggerated the situation. They must now think I had a good relationship with Dirk!
Since everything had been misconstrued, I might as well continue letting them misunderstand. I couldn't have asked for a better misunderstanding!
"Jim, you're awesome! I'll rely on you in the future. I'm treating everyone to an internet cafe after school. Tell me what game skins you want!" Bill acted as if he was taking charge of everything. My expression appeared calm, but inside, I was overjoyed...
However, my uncle had also said that no matter the circumstances, one must always remain composed and low-key. The one who sticks their head out is often the first one to get shot. So, I deliberately acted nonchalant and indifferent.
Sure enough, Adrian and Bill treated me with even more respect, fully convinced by their own misconceptions. I felt a long sigh of relief in my heart; the situation was finally smoothed over.
The English teacher entered the classroom to start the class. English was like listening to a foreign language that I couldn't understand at all. However, her floral dress looked pretty, and the white flat shoes were plain, but the veins on her fair legs were clearly visible.
My mind began to drift towards Shirley. Although it had only been a day since I last saw her, I couldn't help but think about her. I could almost feel the soft elasticity of her hand in mine...
Adrian kept prying into Dirk's matters, his careful demeanor making me want to burst out laughing. I just mentioned the incident of the brawl with Duane. He was shocked by it...
Last time, I had personally witnessed Dirk's people smashing the place and then saw Dirk and his group chase them away. The combination of fighting and smashing cars was the stuff of legend. Talking about it was enough to get Adrian all wide-eyed and amazed.
It started raining again at lunchtime. The heavy rain made everything boring. My plan to go to the internet cafe was ruined. I heard there was a typhoon coming these days. Rainy days always made me drowsy. I rested my head on the desk, feeling like I couldn't wake up.
Although my stomach was a bit hungry, I was too lazy to move. I hadn't decided what to eat, and I didn't even have an umbrella. Running to the cafeteria in the rain would turn me into a wet mess. Sigh...
Suddenly, a figure rushed into the classroom, soaked from head to toe. On closer inspection, it was Bill, carrying two takeaway boxes. He was panting as he ran towards the back row.
"Jim, look at what I got. KFC Deluxe Chicken Leg Lunch Set!" He opened the boxes while talking. The aroma of the food hit me immediately, and a large chicken leg was steaming inside. I discreetly swallowed my saliva.
""Did you invite me!" I asked tentatively. Honestly, I had only seen KFC in TV commercials, but I'd never actually eaten it. It was pouring outside, and he had braved the rain to buy lunch for me. I was truly touched.
"Jim, dig in! See how it tastes. The chicken leg in the combo is amazing!" He wiped off some rainwater from his head and sat down next to me. We both had a Deluxe Chicken Leg Lunch Set, and he had also ordered one for Adrian.