Chapter 53: Unfamiliar Familiarity

Emily, still in a daze, finished getting ready and walked towards the academic building with Olivia.

Walking on the familiar tree-lined path of the school, Emily felt that everything was real. The tall and sturdy trees on both sides of the road symbolized the long history of this prestigious institution. The lush foliage of the trees greeted her, and as she approached a tree not far from the cafeteria, Emily stared at it for a long time. Why did it feel like something had happened here?

But her mind was blank, and she couldn't remember anything. It was as if the memories associated with that spot were completely empty, just a blank slate that couldn't be filled.

Lost in thought, Emily walked towards the tree, and an image appeared in her mind. A person leaning against the tree, holding a large black umbrella on a gloomy day, looking restless and uneasy. But who was that person? Why did she have no impression at all?

Emily felt a headache coming on, and her neck felt stiff. She turned her head around and, at an upward angle, saw someone sitting on the tree. He was wearing checkered linen shorts and a white T-shirt, sitting on a thick branch with his back against the trunk. His legs dangled in the air, and they were long, with well-defined calf muscles that were not overly bulky, just right.

He leisurely swung his legs back and forth, holding a tablet in his hand and wearing earphones. It seemed like he was either listening to music or watching a movie, his gaze completely focused.

Under the sunlight, his fair face reflected a halo, making his sculpted features even more vivid. It seemed like he noticed Emily's gaze, and he looked at her, revealing a radiant smile that showcased his sparkling white teeth. A gentle breeze swept by, and Emily caught a whiff of a pleasant scent in the air, not like any perfume she had smelled before, more like a natural fragrance that intoxicated her.

"What are you looking at?" Olivia asked, puzzled, and then followed her gaze upward. "Oh! Classmate, why are you climbing up the tree? If the headmaster catches you, you'll be fined!" She pointed to a sign standing under the tree - "No Climbing."

"Hush!" The person placed a finger on his lips, pouting sensually. "Just pretend you didn't see anything."

Olivia looked around and saw that there were very few people around, so she didn't say anything more. Besides, the tree foliage was dense, making it not so easy to spot a person here. The man was completely hidden among the leaves, and if it weren't for Emily, she might have overlooked him.

"Let's go, we should go to class!" Olivia pulled Emily along. Although this man was unbelievably good-looking, she already had William in her heart. A woman's heart is always small; once it's occupied, there's no room for another. The field of vision narrows as well, as if there is no space for other men, no matter how outstanding they may be.

"Classmate, do I know you?" Emily stood still, looking up and asking. There seemed to be a mist swirling in her eyes, making her appear bewildered and confused.

The man on the tree revealed a cunning smile. "Classmate, that's such an old-fashioned way of striking up a conversation! Try something different next time."

Emily was instantly petrified—striking up a conversation...

But there was something in her mind that was on the verge of bursting out. Before she could get angry, she continued to inquire, "I really feel like I've seen you before. Do I really not know you? Haven't you seen me?"

"Of course, I've seen you!" The man finally took off his earphones, revealing an even more handsome smile. He supported himself on the tree branch with his hands, leaning down and looking at her with great interest.

Emily's mouth split open in delight.

"The famous Emily, known by everyone in the school. How could I not know you? But while I know you, you don't know me!" The man's following words sent shivers down Emily's spine.

"But now, you know me!" The man continued to speak, his smile becoming more enchanting. Emily felt a sense of familiarity growing stronger. A name flashed in her mind, and she pointed at the man. "You're Yuri! You're Yuri, right?"

The man looked at Emily in confusion, as if he was now dealing with a lunatic. His tone became slightly annoyed. Everyone wants to be unique in this world and not be mistaken for someone else's substitute. "You've got the wrong person. My name is Samuel!"

Emily's eyes instantly dimmed. Such an unfamiliar name made even the person in front of her feel unfamiliar. She sighed, "Then maybe I made a mistake. I'm sorry." She continued walking towards the teaching building.

"Wait!" Samuel's pleasant voice rang out from behind, followed by a thud.

Emily turned around in surprise. He had actually jumped down from such a tall tree and landed steadily on the ground. Her eyes were filled with disbelief. When she looked at the tree again, she grew curious. How did he climb up there? The trunk was very smooth, without any footholds.

The more Emily thought about it, the more something felt off. Only vampires had this kind of ability. But why could she remember Yuri, Benjamin, Boris, and even Alexander? She remembered all their abilities, but she just couldn't recall their appearances.

Emily waited for Samuel to approach, but he awkwardly smiled, clutching his ankle and his lips twitching. "Twisted my foot..."

"Do you want us to take you to the school infirmary?" Olivia looked at him with concern, then glanced up at the tree. My goodness, it was so high, and he jumped down like that, and all he got was a twisted foot!

"Are you really not Yuri?" Emily frowned and asked again.

"Classmate, I really am Samuel!" Samuel chuckled bitterly. He had never encountered someone who mistook him for someone else and was so persistent about it.

"Then why did you call out to me?"

"Since we've already met, can I get your phone number?" Samuel chuckled again, feeling a bit embarrassed. A faint blush appeared on his cheeks, which seemed a bit mismatched on a tall and handsome man. But it was truly adorable, thanks to his enchanting face that could captivate anyone.

Emily was now certain that he wasn't Yuri, because Yuri's face would never turn red. She glanced up at the bright sun overhead and chuckled. How could she forget? He couldn't expose himself to sunlight. Was it all just a dream? Did she get too immersed and mistake that long dream for reality?

"Is it okay?" Samuel had already taken out his phone and extended it to Emily. She nodded and quickly entered a series of numbers on his phone before returning it to him.

"Do you need us to take you to the school infirmary?" Emily looked at Samuel, who was in pain and sweating profusely, and asked with concern.

"No need. I'll go by myself. You two go to class quickly. You might be late!" Samuel smiled and waved at them. It would be too embarrassing to have the women escort him to the hospital.

"Oh no! We're going to be late! It's Professor Wu's class today. We're doomed!" Olivia glanced at her phone, complained, and quickly pulled Emily along as they hurried away.

However, Emily's mind was elsewhere, still thinking about Samuel. He felt really familiar...