Chapter 59: A New Challenge

Chapter 59: A New Challenge

Early in the morning, the clear blue sky suddenly gave way to a light rain. The cool droplets fell from the rooftops of the school buildings, the sports hall, and the tips of the leaves, creating small, crystalline splashes on the ground. Throughout the Sakura campus, students could be seen walking slowly in the rain, umbrellas in hand, along the tree-lined paths, in front of the dining hall, and by the icy lake.

With fifteen minutes left before class, the multimedia classroom on the third floor of the main building was already filled with early risers. Some students were chatting idly with their neighbors, while others quietly reviewed their textbooks. The quiet murmur of conversation was accompanied by the gentle sound of rain pattering against the windows, creating a comfortable, peaceful atmosphere. However, this tranquility was abruptly shattered by a loud thud, and everyone instinctively turned their heads toward the window-side seat.

Ava Blue had stormed into the room and slammed a glossy fashion magazine onto the desk with such force that it startled everyone. Lydia Moore, who had been diligently planning Aaron King's upcoming schedule, looked up in confusion at Ava's blazing eyes. She reached for the magazine and immediately understood the source of Ava's anger. The cover of *Beauty,* the most popular fashion magazine of the moment, featured the promotional shot for "Breeze," with several more photos of them inside.

Lydia wasn't entirely surprised. With Delar's brand power, it made sense that they would choose to partner with the most influential magazine. James Taylor had mentioned that the promotional photos were highly praised within the company, introducing a new image for Delar and necessitating a significant increase in advertising efforts. However, she hadn't expected the magazine to hit the shelves so soon.

The cover photo depicted Aaron King's lips, as delicate as flower petals, pressing a warm, soft kiss to her forehead. Her face was slightly tilted down, her clear eyes showing a faint, gentle smile, her lips curved in a bright, clear expression. The subtle lighting had transformed the featherlight kiss into something ethereal and sacred, imbued with sweetness. The other photos in the spread continued this theme of deep, subtle emotion.

But who would guess that, in Aaron King's eyes, she was nothing more than a silly idiot? And all the beauty she radiated was for someone else.

Seeing that Lydia remained silent, the flames in Ava Blue's eyes flared even hotter. She yelled like a furious lioness, "Didn't you swear that you had nothing to do with Aaron King? Now, what do you have to say for yourself? You schemed your way into getting close to Aaron King, used every trick in the book to become Delar's leading lady—how despicable! Hmph! Someone as deceitful as you should get out of Sakura as soon as possible, or don't blame me for what happens next!" Ava's once beautiful face was now contorted with rage, and she snatched the magazine from Lydia's hand, throwing it to the floor with a violent crash.

What's going on? Lydia Moore is Delar's lead? The others in the room found it hard to believe, but Ava Blue's furious expression suggested that this was no joke. Could it be true that Lydia Moore was a deceitful person who had hidden her true nature?

Elena Rivers calmly set down her textbook, her soft, smoky gaze resting on the scene before her. Lydia had already told her about being Aaron King's assistant and the promotional shoot, so she wasn't surprised. However, with Ava Blue blinded by anger, how would Lydia handle the situation? Could she manage on her own?

Outside, the rain intensified, the heavy downpour seeming to make a final dash, with the bright white raindrops hammering against the windows, producing a sharp, rhythmic sound. Inside the classroom, the atmosphere was stiflingly tense, with all eyes fixed on Lydia, as if she owed them an explanation.

In this unusual silence, Lydia Moore slowly bent down to pick up the magazine from the floor. She gently brushed off the dust and placed it back on the desk. Then, she looked up, meeting Ava Blue's furious gaze with calm, clear eyes, and smiled serenely. "Everything I've told you has been the truth, without any deceit. I transferred to Sakura to pursue my own dreams, not because of Aaron King. However…" Her gaze deepened, filled with an unshakable determination, and her smile became even more serene. "I will never give up any opportunity to improve myself, and I will never stop striving. So, no matter how much you dislike me, you can't stop me from chasing my dreams. Even if there's only a one percent chance, I will work hard to create a miracle."

At that moment, a powerful, almost shocking energy radiated from her, leaving everyone in the room stunned. Ava Blue stared at her in disbelief, unable to comprehend how Lydia could say something like that, a wave of undeniable shock washing over her.

Elena Rivers smiled approvingly. Lydia had finally shown a side of herself beyond her kindness and musical talent—a side of strength and confidence. But she was also curious about the source of Lydia's unyielding courage and determination. What was Lydia's dream?

The rain gradually subsided, and the cobblestone paths and tall trees of the Sakura campus gleamed from the fresh wash. It wasn't long before the rain stopped completely, and the air seemed newly filtered, filled with the scent of grass and earth. The rain-drenched leaves swayed gently in the breeze, sparkling with droplets of light. A vibrant energy seemed to radiate from this autumn morning, shining with a dazzling brilliance.

At seven in the morning, few people were out on the Sakura campus. The damp earth still held the rosy glow of dawn, and a light mist draped over the tranquil, clear Ice Lake like a delicate veil. The crisp sound of birdsong mixed with the faint strains of piano music, echoing across the lake's surface. Dew sparkled on the glass windows of the second floor, shimmering in the soft light.

By the window, the smooth surface of the piano, the gentle rise and fall of the black-and-white keys, and the clear, soft music painted a picture of warmth and purity, creating a sense that even the air was filled with beauty. Julian Reed, with his elegant poise, played the piano with a graceful, fluid motion, a gentle light radiating from his brow, his thick lashes curling upward. He seemed to be thinking of something amusing, as a tender smile curved his lips, soft and pink as flower petals.

His long, clean fingers gradually slowed their movement on the keys, and he lifted his head to gaze out the window. His refined, handsome face seemed to bloom like a white flower in spring, radiating warmth and happiness.

Soon, the sound of light, cheerful footsteps echoed down the hallway. Lydia Moore, carrying her violin, walked toward the music classroom, humming a little tune to herself. As she reached the door, she was surprised to see Julian Reed sitting by the piano. At that moment, he turned to look at her as well, and their eyes met.

A bright light flashed in Julian Reed's ocean-deep eyes, and the corners of his lips lifted in a gentle smile. "Good morning, Lydia Moore," he greeted her warmly, taking the initiative.