Shadows of Fate: Jim's Journey of Transformation

Some say that school is a more complex place than society itself, as it's filled with a bunch of reckless individuals who never consider the consequences of their actions. They have no principles, no bottom line, and can drive people to their limits.

I never thought I would become a swindler, a teenage con artist feared by all gamblers. This bizarre transformation all began with my transfer to a new school...

Two summers ago, I unwillingly transferred to a school in the city to take the entrance exam. It wasn't my parents' idea; it was all because of my unreliable uncle!

My parents are honest and hardworking people who've never ventured beyond their routine lives. But my uncle, who's about a decade older than me, has always been carefree. He would often bring attractive women home, living a leisurely life without visible work or business. Despite his lack of apparent skills, he always seemed to have an endless supply of money.

I've seen local troublemakers visit him a few times, and they always treated him with respect. Once, I even saw someone picking him up in a Mercedes. Yet, I never thought my uncle had any real talents; he always had an air of unseriousness.

Despite my parents' advice to keep my distance from my unreliable uncle, I inexplicably enjoyed spending time with him. He taught me a few magic tricks and occasionally gave me pocket money when he was in a good mood.

Although my uncle was unreliable, he always gave me more pocket money than my parents did throughout my life.

Recently, he seemed to have gone off the rails. He suddenly told my parents that I should transfer schools, and to my surprise, my parents agreed without hesitation!

I was absolutely against the idea of transferring schools. I hadn't even received a reply from Viola, the girl I'd written a love letter to. I had fantasies of Viola becoming my girlfriend, flirting during classes, and going on dates. All those dreams shattered with this transfer!

On the way, my uncle asked me to hand over the money my parents had given me, claiming he would keep it safe. However, as soon as the money was in his pocket, his attitude changed, and he refused to give it back.

He told me to remember to never trust anyone and said that a man can't be a real man without getting involved in things. He insisted that without getting out there and experiencing the world, I would never succeed. He didn't expect me to study well; instead, he encouraged me to navigate through society and gain some wisdom.

No wonder they said my uncle was unreliable. He not only swindled my money but also abandoned me at the school in the city without a trace. Just before he left, he handed me three hundred dollars, claiming it was half a month's living expenses. Yet, my father had given me three thousand dollars before leaving. That wouldn't even cover my internet fees!

I had hoped to save some money for internet cafes and perhaps meet some online friends. Maybe I'd get lucky and arrange some romantic meetings. To be honest, I'm still a virgin, but my uncle destroyed all those possibilities.

With a heavy heart, I walked into my new classroom. The homeroom teacher was a woman in her forties, heavily made up and wearing black stockings. She looked at people with disdainful eyes that seemed to pierce through. She asked me to introduce myself from the podium.

I said my name was Jim. Although nobody said anything, I could see the mockery in everyone's eyes. I knew they looked down on newcomers from rural areas. The teacher assigned me to a seat in the back, near the trash can.

The last row had only one person, slumped over the desk, asleep. Clearly, this person was a poor student. Maybe even a classroom bully. Although I didn't want to sit next to them, I had no choice. My mood grew even heavier!

As the bell rang, six or seven people surrounded me. They didn't look like model students. The person next to me woke up too. He looked like a black person with a buzz cut and a scar on his face. I swallowed nervously and avoided eye contact.

"Where did Jim transfer from? How about treating us this afternoon?"

"Which district are you from? What's your gaming level? Let me borrow your account for a while."

They bombarded me with questions, like a group of bandits. I didn't dare boast about my impressive gaming account, fearing they might try to take it from me.

Suddenly, a plump hand landed on my shoulder and squeezed it twice. It was the guy with the buzz cut. I didn't resist or say anything; I had been cautious of him since earlier.

"Kid, who the hell let you sit here?"

"It was the homeroom teacher who assigned me here..." I said with my head down, barely daring to breathe. I thought I shouldn't offend him since I had just arrived. He didn't seem like a friendly person. What if he decided to hit me?

Before I could react, my stomach suddenly cramped, and I was kicked to the ground by the buzz-cut guy. Before I could understand what was happening, the skinny guy who had asked for my gaming account pointed at me and cursed.

"In Class 6, Adrian calls the shots. Mention that old woman again and see what happens."

With that statement, the entire class turned their attention to me. I sat on the floor, not daring to say a word. The pain in my stomach was nothing compared to the burning humiliation on my face. On my very first day after transferring, I had been publicly beaten in front of the whole class. I resented my uncle more than ever.

If it wasn't for my unreliable uncle insisting on the transfer, would I have to endure this bullying?

The buzz-cut guy who kicked me stood up, cracking his knuckles, and it seemed like he was about to hit me again. I was terrified, but I couldn't say anything; my mind went blank.

"Bill, what are you doing? And you, Adrian, why are you bullying him?" A girl rushed over. I glanced at her and despite her freckles, she seemed more beautiful than a goddess.

"Oh, Marlene the class president. We didn't do anything; he fell on his own," the skinny guy named Bill said in a sarcastic tone, giving Adrian a sly look. He appeared completely confident and unafraid.