Misunderstanding

Amid the astonished gazes around them and Arthur's wild imagination, Zuri impatiently ordered, "Take it."

Arthur reflexively took the food box.

Farida, standing nearby, was stunned. Did Zuri like Arthur?

"This is from someone who asked me to give it to you. Make sure you finish it. If I find out you didn't, I'll beat you up," Zuri threatened unceremoniously.

Arthur stood there dumbfounded.

After delivering her message, Zuri turned and left, leaving a crowd of onlookers in shock.

"Wow, that's the first time I've seen a girl give a gift like that. So bold."

"Didn't she say it wasn't from her? It must be from someone else."

"Colin, you're such an idiot. That's just her being shy, pretending it's from someone else," Eduardo said knowingly.

Eduardo's words echoed what many people thought, including Arthur. He looked at the box in his hands and the envious glances around him, smiling. As Kaden approached, Arthur raised the box and loudly declared, "This box is exquisite; she really put thought into it."

Kaden paused, shot Arthur a cold glance, and quickly walked away. His followers hurried after him.

Soon, the news of Zuri giving Arthur a gift spread like wildfire across the campus.

"What did you say?" Saira's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Surprised? I was even more shocked when I heard it," Natalie said angrily.

"Do you think Zuri really likes Arthur?" Samara frowned.

"Of course she does. If she didn't, why would she publicly give Arthur a gift? So shameless," Natalie fumed. Since the last incident that caused her to be severely punished by her family, she blamed Zuri for her current miserable life. She and her friends harbored deep resentment towards Zuri.

"First she took your parents, now she's after your fiancé. How shameless," Samara cursed.

Saira gripped her pen tightly, nearly breaking it. "Arthur isn't mine. She can like whoever she wants; it has nothing to do with me."

"Of course it matters," Samara began but was interrupted by Naya pulling her aside.

Whether it was Saira or the other students, everyone was shocked by the news of Zuri giving Arthur a gift. However, they soon accepted it, considering Arthur's good looks and family background made him a popular figure.

Kaden returned to the classroom, where everyone was quietly discussing the incident. He looked at Zuri's slender figure in the corner and the whispers around him. Suddenly, he kicked a desk over, silencing the room.

"MTD, everyone shut up. If I hear any more noise, don't blame my fists for not having eyes," Kaden threatened, his sharp gaze sweeping the room.

Instantly, the classroom fell eerily silent; no one dared to speak.

Kaden walked past Zuri and threw his jacket onto the desk, sitting down sloppily and draping an arm over Zuri's chair.

"Hey," Kaden called out to Zuri.

Zuri, engrossed in her exercises, didn't respond.

Kaden's irritation flared. "Zuri."

Feeling the unusual atmosphere, Zuri looked up in confusion. "What's wrong?"

Facing her clear eyes, Kaden's irritation faded. He cleared his throat, "Do you really like Arthur?"

"Huh?!" Zuri looked at him, puzzled, then scornfully. "What kind of look is that?"

Did he think she liked Arthur?

She didn't like him in her past life, and she definitely didn't in this one. Arthur's looks were decent, but he couldn't compare to Nolan or Owen. Even Kaden himself was leagues ahead.

Seeing this, Kaden smiled slightly. "So you don't like him."

"Don't bother me with such trivial matters while I'm doing exercises," Zuri grumbled. She was making good progress when he interrupted her.

"Got it," Kaden replied, feeling satisfied.

Arthur couldn't even solve a simple problem but still had the nerve to show off. He looked like a ridiculous clown.

The next day, Saira gave Zuri another box of food, which Zuri accepted without a word. Soon, the food ended up in Arthur's hands again. Sometimes Zuri would deliver it herself; other times, she asked someone else to do it.

Rumors about Zuri liking Arthur grew stronger, nearly confirming their relationship.

In the peaceful school days that followed, time flew by, and soon another matter captured the students' attention.

"Tomorrow is the Ling Corporation's 50th-anniversary celebration. Are your parents taking you?"

"No."

"Yes."

Regardless of others, Zuri obtained a separate invitation from Colin. She sent this invitation along with a beautiful dress to Rhea, though she didn't provide any jewelry.

Rhea, without money for a stylist, learned to style her hair online. Once ready, she boarded the car Zuri had arranged.

Clutching the invitation tightly, Rhea vowed silently. This time, she must find a powerful backer to elevate her status and live like Zuri.

"Rhea, we're here."

When the car stopped, a doorman opened the door respectfully. Rhea stepped out, experiencing the feeling of being elite for the first time.

She observed the guests around her, all adorned with dazzling jewelry. Glancing at her bare neck and ears, she felt embarrassed.

Following the crowd into the grand hall, she was awed by the luxurious decor and felt her ambitions grow.

"Do you think Adam will really come?"

"He definitely will."

"If the Ling family says so, it's true."

"I really want to see that miracle worker."

Rhea overheard the surrounding conversations, all centered around someone named 'Adam.'

Who was that?

She had never heard of him, but with so many people interested, he must be significant. If she could catch his eye, it would be incredible.

Rhea daydreamed happily.