"Alex, you seem different today," Alexia, Alex's deskmate, observed with surprise as she looked at him.
Alex had just boldly confronted Arnold, a rare display of assertiveness.
Alexia also noticed a change in Alex's demeanor. He seemed unusually energetic, and his eyes sparkled like stars.
Alex, taken aback by Alexia's observation, concealed his shock. "Really?" he replied casually.
"Yes, it's like you've transformed," Alexia affirmed, nodding in agreement.
"Alex, were you serious about what you said to Arnold?" Alexia asked curiously, referring to their conversation earlier.
"Absolutely," Alex responded with conviction. Ever since his Intelligence Stats had increased to 14 points, he could engage in conversations while still effectively memorizing information.
Alexia looked at him, still surprised. She had assumed that Alex was merely teasing Arnold.
With only 100 days remaining until the college entrance examination, Alex's chances of getting into a university seemed extremely slim, given his academic background.
"That's alright too. Even if we don't get in this year, we can always prepare for a second attempt next year," Alexia stated, aware of Alex's academic struggles.
She didn't believe Alex had a realistic chance of entering university this year.
Alex shook his head but chose not to explain further.
"Never mind. Once the monthly exam results are out, Alexia will believe me," he thought to himself, aware that explaining himself wouldn't change Alexia's perception.
He couldn't help but admit his affection for Alexia. In that moment, he recalled Athena, who had left school and was currently in Raincloud City. Although Athena's younger sister, Emily, attended the same school, Alex found Emily somewhat bothersome. If he hadn't developed feelings for Alexia, he might have pursued a more intimate relationship with Emily.
Thinking of Emily made him consider Alexia's close friendship with Arthur. Perhaps she was unaware, but Alex knew the true nature of Arthur. Despite his charming and innocent appearance, Arthur was nothing but short of a gangster. He manipulated beautiful girls, making them fall in love with him, only to engage in sexual acts with them, then blackmail them with their explicit photos saying that he would reveal their explicit images online. Alex felt a responsibility to warn Alexia.
As Arthur's vpice rang out from outside the classroom, calling for Alexia, Alexia saw Arthur, the boy with a mischievous smile appeared. His hair was layered, and he wore ripped jeans and a white shirt.
"It's Arthur!"
"I heard Arthur has been pursuing Alexia lately," a girl remarked, her tone tinged with sourness.
"Arthur is so handsome, and his grades are outstanding. He's my idol, but he seems only interested in Alexia," another girl said enviously.
Indeed, Arthur possessed both good looks and excellent academic performance. He consistently ranked among the top 20 students in the school's mock exams.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he was guaranteed admission to a reputable university. With luck, he might even secure a spot in a prestigious institution.
During the mock exam, Alex had scored 280 marks, while Arthur had achieved an impressive 650 marks.
Amidst the hushed discussions, Alexia's beautiful face flushed with a tinge of shyness.
"Alexia, you need to be cautious around Arthur. He's not a good person," Alex blurted out, concerned for her future. His eagerness caused him to warn her without thinking twice.
Regret washed over him as soon as the words escaped his lips. Although he was aware of Arthur's malicious actions, no one else knew. Because he had just merely witnessed Arthur blackmailing one of his victims, with Arthur's personality hoe would he let others know about his bad deeds.
Soon Alex's face went pale, He realized that he might be misunderstood by Alexia.
As expected, upon hearing Alex's words, Alexia's expression turned ice-cold. "Alex, I used to think you were an honest person. I was mistaken. I now see that you maliciously slander others behind their backs."
"Alex, if you claim that Arthur is not a good person, then show me the evidence," Alexia demanded, her eyes locked onto his.
Alex struggled to respond. After all, know one else knows about Arthur'sbad deed and also Arthur didn'tleave any clues behind Alex was just merely lucky to have seen his act of blackmailing, so he couldn't possibly present any concrete evidence.
"Alex, I'm truly disappointed in you," Alexia stated, her voice icy and distant, reminiscent of their initial encounter.
With those words, Alexia walked out of the classroom, her face displaying a stoic expression. She joined Arthur by the railing, where they engaged in cheerful conversation, their laughter echoing through the air.
"Nobody could have predicted that this seemingly charming Arthur is actually a deviant," Alex thought to himself. If he hadn't seen this bastard's true face, he would never have suspected that this guy, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, was capable of such perversity.
Arthur maintained a flawless facade, both in terms of appearance and academic performance. However, Alex had discovered that Arthur likes expose intimate photos of him and the brides who once fell into his hands and was blackmailed, during weddings, causing immense humiliation in front of friends and family, many of the brides had committed sucide for not being able to handle the humiliation.
It was an act of utmost perversion.
But that's exactly what the handsome and seemingly kind-hearted Arthur did.
Alex didn't want Alexia to suffer the same fate as Arthur's previous victims. In his urgency, he had spoken without considering the consequences, hoping to warn and protect her.
However, Alexia didn't believe him at all. His words had not only failed to persuade her, but they had also caused her to misunderstand and develop a dislike for him.
"I should focus on studying and changing my own destiny," Alex resolved, shaking his head and returning his attention to the book before him. He immersed himself in memorizing and reciting the words, determined to make progress.
"You have read for 9 minutes. You have received 9 Experience points. You have 43 Experience points remaining in the Experience Pool," the notification chimed in his mind.
When the lunch bell rang, Rebecca, their teacher, entered the classroom and commenced the class.
Alex set his textbook aside and listened attentively.
To his surprise, he found himself comprehending most of the chemistry lesson that had once seemed like a foreign language. He could now solve the problems with relative ease.
He realized that his main challenge lay in his limited knowledge of chemistry. By strengthening his understanding of the subject, he could overcome the difficulties he previously faced.
Although achieving a perfect score was uncertain, he felt confident in his ability to pass the upcoming test.
Throughout the lesson, a smile adorned Alex's face. He keenly sensed the improvements and transformations taking place within him. "I, Alex, will undoubtedly alter my destiny."
As the bell rang, signaling the end of the class, Rebecca cast a meaningful glance at Alex. She had observed his dedication and hard work during the lesson.
However, she couldn't ignore the fact that Alex's foundation was severely lacking. "If only Alex had displayed this level of commitment at the beginning of his third year, he might have had a chance at university," she pondered, a tinge of regret in her thoughts.
"But it's too late now."
"If he can maintain this attitude towards learning," Rebecca mused, "perhaps he can excel in chemistry next year." She sighed inwardly, recognizing the slim likelihood of Alex gaining admission to a reputable university this year.
As for Alexia, she remained distant and ignored Alex throughout the class,