Novel Square
Chapter 71
Chapter 71
Juliana glanced backwards and sighed in relief when she saw Cordelia, head down, engrossed in a book, seemingly oblivious to their earlier conversation and uninterested in the upcoming auditions.
Hayley was about to add a snide remark when Juliana stopped her.
Frowning. Hayley rolled her eyes, her sharp features accentuating her displeasure. “Why not?”
Julians looked down, her eyes veiling the complex emotions swirling within. Hands resting on her knees beneath the desk, she clutched the fabric of her uniform pants and said in a subdued tone, “It would hurt her feelings.”
At the next desk, Hanley had been pretending to focus on his book, but his ears had perked up the moment Hayley started mocking Cordelia. Feeling a twinge of disapproval, he now looked up approvingly at Juliana’s defense and said, “You’re doing the right thing, Juliana.”
In Hanley’s mind, Juliana might not have matched Cordelia’s academic prowess, but she was known for her kindness and generosity. Plus, her piano skills made her seem more like a true lady than Cordelia’s aloof demeanor.
Since his engagement was called off and he found out about Cordelia’s many talents, Hanley had felt a sting of discontent. Now, he finally felt a sense of calm.
He gave Juliana an encouraging nod. “Keep it up.”
She mustered a weak smile in return.
Seeing Hanley speak up, Hayley bit back her retort, choosing not to dwell on Cordelia. Instead, she shifted her target. “But why did Latham ask Merry to join? Her plano playing is just for show, right?”
Juliana shrugged it off. “Maybe they just needed to fill the numbers”
“I’m just there to make up the numbers!” Merry had a clear–eyed understanding of her role but remained positive. “Never mind the students from other classes. I’m not even in Juliana’s league, but it’s about taking part, right?”
Quick to regain her spirits, Merry chimed in, “And who knows, maybe I’ll run into my idol at the auditions!”
The thought of the post–school event had Merry back in fighting form, her voice taking on a fierce edge. “Bland is so amazing, anyone who tries to swindle people in his name won’t get off easy!”
Cordelia explained in her unhurried way. “It’s probably not a scam.”
The members of the Pioneers Group were generally trustworthy. There was Mathster, who had helped her with her paper. Stanton, who played the piano and seemed to have a decent reputation, then there was Louie and Mr. All–Round.
It suddenly occurred to Cordelia that her teacher might be even more formidable than Louie. Did he know about the curse about “love or die” on her?
She picked up her phone and texted Mr. All–Round, “Sir, I have a question for you.”
Mr. All–Round replied, “Go ahead.”
Cordelia typed slowly, “How do you break up with a boyfriend?”
At Midnight Scent.
Everard, behind the counter, read her message and stared at his phone for a while before replying, “Is your boyfriend not treating you well?”
The reply came quickly, “No, it’s just
that it takes up too much time from my studies.”
Everard had been cautious of Keen and Yates, only to be undone by her studies.
13.07 Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.
Raising an eyebrow. Everard was about to respond when another message popped up
LearnLover added, “I also don’t want to be forced into a relationship.”
His gaze deepened for a long time, as if he could see through the screen.
After Cordelia sent the message, Mr. All–Round, who might have been busy, didn’t reply instantly as usual. She didn’t think much of it and put down her phone to continue with the class.
As the final bell rang and the classroom burst into a flurry of activity, the seniors dashed to the cafeteria, eager to beat the lunch rush.
Once the classroom had mostly emptied, Cordelia leisurely stood up, tidied her desk, and said to Merry, “Let’s
go.”
Merry, who had been impatiently waiting, followed her out. She noticed a new message pop up on Cordelia’s phone.
Actorman asked, “Dear Lia, I’m here. When are you coming?”
The tone… seemed almost coquettish.
Merry shuddered and shook her arms. “Lia, don’t get your hopes up. This has to be a scam. How could Landie
ever talk like that?”
Cordelia had long since given up explaining. They would find out the truth soon enough. She replied with a simple “Okay” and led Merry out.
Merry, chattering non–stop, pulled a pencil case from her pocket. “I’m going to catch that imposter of my idol and give him a piece of my mind. Bland is a star in the sky, untouchable by the likes of him!”
“Pretending to be Bland and falling into my hands? He’s asking for it! But I’ve got auditions during the study period later. I hope I get to see my crush.”
Cordelia couldn’t help but smirk as she glanced back at Merry, who clutched her hands to her chest in a dreamy gesture. “You really like him that much?”
Merry nodded fiercely, her eyes filled with resolve. “Lia, do you know what an idol is?”
Cordelia shook her head.
Merry pursed her lips and began, “You know my family situation. On my sixteenth birthday, I actually contemplated… ending it all.”
After her party dress was ruined and her parents accused her of sabotage, giving her dress to her sister Leila, Merry ran out of the house, tears streaming down her face. She wasn’t as gifted in school as Leila, but did poor grades justify condemning a person?
Feeling utterly hopeless, Merry wanted to punish her parents with her death.
Climbing to the top of a high building, she stood on the edge, the wind howling in her ears, gazing at the familiar city below. She reached out, ready to let the wind carry her away.
But then, from some nearby window, a song played.
It was Bland’s “Life is Worth Living.”
A particular line, almost screamed by Bland, pierced her heart, “Life is worth living, so live another day! The meaning of forgiveness..
It was a rap song that slowly coaxed her back to tranquility. After that, she became utterly obsessed with
Bland.
Merry mentioned the incident nonchalantly before her spirit rebounded fiercely, “My idol is such a positive force, inspiring countless people with hope. And now someone’s using his name to scam? I’ll take that jerk down today!”
Chapter /1
ent room.
As the two chatted, they approached the door of the equipment
At this point, Merry hardened her eyes with resolve. She flexed her wrists and then pushed open the heavy door. The room was filled with gear for gym class. As soon as the door swung open, a figure darted out from behind it. Without a second glance, Merry swung her pencil case, hitting the person squarely on the head.
“Ouch!” The figure stumbled back, hesitating before exclaiming, “Lia?”
Hearing the familiar voice, Merry jolted her body!
Merry whirled around and the moment her eyes landed on that stunning visage, she blurted out instinctively, “Honey?”