Chapter 15

### Chapter 17: A Moment of Reflection

Back in the dormitory, Summer found herself alone as the others had not yet returned. She wasted no time and went about her evening routine, washing up and settling into bed. Despite the weariness from a busy day, sleep did not come immediately. The quiet and solitude allowed her mind to wander.

Lying in the dark, Summer's thoughts naturally drifted to the contents of that peculiar novel she had discovered. After the events of working together and the teacher situation, she was now more convinced than ever of the novel's authenticity. She had knowledge of the entire plot and had awakened to self-awareness, yet found herself still bound by the original settings when it came to key events involving Henry.

In Henry's presence, she couldn't refuse any of his requests. However, she noticed that Logan seemed to be able to break this spell. The first time, she had managed to refuse Henry's partnership proposal while looking at Logan. The second time, Logan's sudden appearance had helped her reject the idea of giving the teaching opportunity to Sophia.

Pondering this, Summer wondered if it was because Logan and Henry were natural opposites, destined to be at odds. In the end, their conflicts would culminate in a fierce rivalry. This led her to consider whether Logan's presence could counteract the influence Henry had over her.

The novel mentioned something about human magnetic fields. Applying this concept, Logan's magnetic field might be neutralizing the influence of Henry's magnetic field on her. If this theory held true, then staying close to Logan, absorbing his magnetic energy, could gradually free her from Henry's control.

Realizing this, she knew she couldn't avoid Logan anymore. To break free from the novel's constraints, she had to get closer to him, even though the idea was far from appealing. The mere thought of Logan's face made her grimace.

Balancing her options, it was clear that accepting Logan's presence was more bearable than surrendering her life and all her efforts to Henry. She didn't need to do anything drastic, just stay near Logan.

With a deep breath, she resolved to test this theory by spending more time around Logan, observing any changes.

As this decision settled in her mind, she felt a temporary sense of relief. Just then, the others returned, chatting as they washed up, bringing a lively atmosphere to the dorm.

Over the past couple of days, Summer's unusual behavior had created a rift between her and the others. She remained silent, pretending to be asleep as they ignored her presence and talked amongst themselves.

Grace, unbraiding her hair, sighed, "The thought of getting up early for work tomorrow makes my head hurt."

Lily chimed in, "Who doesn't hate it? The smell is unbearable."

Grace continued, "Some people have all the luck, not having to do this kind of work anymore."

The implication was clear. Lily added, "She's not the only lucky one. Sophia has Henry looking out for her. She goes to the fields but hardly does any work."

Cecilia quietly asked, "Do you think Henry might ask Summer to give the teaching opportunity to Sophia?"

Grace replied, "It would make sense. Sophia is more suited to teaching. And it would be good for us if she joined the partnership."

Lily nodded. "True, right now, Henry does most of her work, but she earns fewer points, dragging us down. If Sophia became a teacher, she'd earn a fixed salary, which would benefit us all."

Hearing this, Summer couldn't stay silent. "Dream on. I'm not giving it up. I earned that opportunity through my hard work."

Her sudden outburst startled the others. Cecilia smiled awkwardly. "Summer, you're still awake?"

Summer replied, "Just about to sleep."

Grace, unfazed, retorted, "Your hard work in the fields doesn't mean you're fit to be a teacher."

Summer shot back, "That's how the committee decided. If you have a problem, take it up with the committee."

Grace, unable to find a strong retort, slammed her comb on the table in frustration but soon picked it up again, suppressing her anger.

Cecilia, unable to resist, cautiously asked, "Summer, what's gotten into you lately? You've changed…"

Summer preempted her, "I've just realized something – being kind gets you nowhere. I'm done being the pushover."

Cecilia smiled, letting the subject drop. Just then, Sophia returned, and Cecilia shifted her attention to greet her, ending the conversation with Summer.

The atmosphere lightened as they chatted about other things, and soon, the dorm was filled with their casual conversations.

Grace, finished with her hair, climbed into bed, sighing, "When will this end? I miss home so much."

Lily replied, "Probably never."

Grace lay down, sighing again, "Are we really going to spend our lives here?"

The daily grind of fieldwork, poor living conditions, and lack of amenities made life seem hopeless. Cecilia added, "Our records have been transferred. Many older volunteers have married and settled here. There's no going back."

Summer listened, determination hardening in her heart. She would not let herself be confined by this place or by the novel's constraints. She had a plan, and she would see it through.