Chapter 2

Vilayna was taken aback. She had never heard such a refreshingly unique reason before.

Her hostility instantly melted away, and she appeared more tormented by guilt than ever.

"So you're doing it for your career prospects. I thought you were just..." Tears welled up in her eyes again.

All of a sudden, the bullet screen came to life again.

[Damn! This rival girl is on another level!]

[My poor, precious girl is hopelessly getting played by the pretentious bitch.]

[That is definitely just an excuse! She's acting weak to lull the female lead into a false sense of security, so she can stab her in the back more viciously later!]

[Don't say such sinister things. Though I think the female lead is about to get fooled...]

As I skimmed through the bullet screen full of clueless people bad-mouthing me, I couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

Stab Vilayna in the back? Only an idiot would betray a generous, kind-hearted little rich girl like her.

Wolford had always looked down on everyone, and I was already sick of his pretentious act. Compared to him, this rich girl who just threw money at me was much more likable.

Serving that spoiled rich brat was pure torture, but pampering this rich girl was a money-making opportunity. Even a fool could do the math.

"So, next time, don't just jump to conclusions because of rumors," I admonished her gently.

After that, I took advantage of her uncertainty and wrapped my arms around her shoulders. "Tell me, who taught you to throw money at people? Sure, it may feel good to do that, but you'll end up making more enemies!"

With a final sniffle, Vilayna let her guard down completely and confided in me. "It was Sasha and Lisica... They said your family was poor, so throwing money at you would definitely make you give up due to shame. And if you accepted the money, they told me to quickly post about it on the forum to expose you..."

'Damn, those two bitches!' I swore under my breath.

My blood was boiling as I immediately blacklisted those two vile creatures. They had snatched my scholarship earlier, and now they were trying to incite Vilayna.

Just then, Vilayna's stomach emitted a muffled rumble, and her face instantly turned bright red.

Grinning knowingly, I patted the wads of cash in my pockets. I was suddenly feeling generous. "Come on! Dinner's on me!"

"Huh?" Vilayna stared at me in surprise.

Before she could say anymore, I grabbed her arm and marched straight to the cafeteria.

The bullet screen exploded with comments like [Oh no, she's inviting trouble!], [Noooo!], etc. I simply ignored all of them this time.

When we reached the cafeteria, it was peak dinner time.

With practiced ease, I guided Vilayna, who was more used to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, straight to the burger stall. Just as we reached the queue, I overheard people talking about Wolford and me.

"Does that dirt-poor girl Sherlyn really think bringing our president breakfast a few times is going to help her rapidly climb up the social ladder?" one guy sneered.

"Yeah, doesn't she know her place? Our president is just using her as his maid! If he wants a simp, he's got Sherlyn. If he wants someone more compatible with his social status, he's got Vilayna. Our president is the real winner, playing both sides like a pro!" another guy chimed in.

A few boys nearby chuckled lewdly, but their voices were loud enough for me to hear.

My eyes swept casually in the direction of the voices.

Wolford was lounging in a booth seat nearby. He was dressed in designer clothes from head to toe, which made him stand out very conspicuously from the rest of the students.

When the other students gossiped heatedly around him, he didn't bother to refute anything. Instead, he wore a casual, almost mocking smile.

"Enough. No need to keep repeating these things. It's enough that we all understand," Wolford said offhandedly.

I exhaled deeply. There had been rumors that Wolford would sometimes condescend to eat with us "commoners" in the cafeteria just to stay in touch with the masses.

But who would give a damn about him gracing us with his presence…

Just then, the bullet screen started scrolling like crazy.

[I'm so mad! What's up with the male lead? Why isn't he saying anything?]

[Vivi's face is so pale. Don't cry, Vivi!]

[This scumbag is so shameless! Does he really need everyone fighting over him just to stroke his ego?]

I turned back to Vilayna. Sure enough, she was biting her lower quivering lip, and her face had turned gloomy.

Hmph! Vilayna hailed from a reputable family herself. She was in no way inferior to this scumbag in terms of social status. Why did he make himself out to be so high and mighty?

Out of nowhere, a wave of indignation surged through me.

"Wow, the medieval age ended so long ago. Why are there still people holding harem auditions in school?" I couldn't resist making a dig.

From across the cafeteria, Wolford spotted me standing with Vilayna and froze momentarily.

But he quickly pulled himself together and gave me a haughty nod.

"Oh, Sherlyn, just in time. Go pick up some BBQ ribs for me and sort out those emails I sent you earlier. Bring those emails to the student council meeting room this afternoon. I will go through them together with you."

He deliberately stressed "together with you" before casting a casual glance in Vilayna's direction.

The bullet screen started scrolling madly again.

[Why is he using the second female lead to antagonize the main heroine again?]

[He has liked Vilayna for years, but for his own pride, he wants to make use of the second female lead to force Vilayna to confess her feelings first. What a dick head! Would it kill him to just say he likes her?]

I narrowed my eyes as the realization that this scumbag was using me as his tool hit me. Hmph! As far as I was concerned, someone else could have this privilege!

Right in front of everyone, I pulled out my student council member badge and tossed it straight into the trash bin without hesitation.

"Too much trouble for someone so insignificant. I quit," I declared loudly.

Vilayna stared at the bin before turning to me, her eyes wide with disbelief.

I put on a calm demeanor. As I swiftly scanned the rapidly scrolling bullet screen comments, they only served to strengthen my resolve.