"Justin, you can stop trying to create opportunities for us. We've decided to become friends..." Iris intentionally said that because she wanted Justin to stop setting her up with Xavier.
He didn't say anything else, only staring at Iris, lost in deep thought. It's hard for him to understand that Iris could change so fast, as if the girl before him was someone else.
'Perhaps she is deeply hurt because she almost died in that forest? If only that day...' Justin shook his head slightly, trying to put aside the thought in his mind.
"What do you want to talk to me about?" Iris's question pulled Justin back from his daze.
He looked at her but was suddenly reluctant to tell her that Xavier was starting to take an interest in her.
"Justin?" Iris called him again, bringing him back to the present moment.
"Iris, I just want to apologize on behalf of my cousin. I'm sorry you felt hurt because of him..." he wanted to say that, but the words stopped on the tip of his tongue. Instead, he said, "Iris, don't forget we have exams in two days," he took a flash drive from his bag and offered it to her.
After Iris took the flash disk, Justin continued, "This is the material I have summarized for you. Just memorize everything, and you will be fine!"
Iris put the flash disk in her backpack with gratitude and said, "Thanks, Justin. You're the best." She genuinely appreciated his help with studying. Despite being intelligent, young Iris never enjoyed studying. But now, she's a different person with a brilliant memory; once she reads something, she can easily memorize it.
Justin chuckled, "Well, I'm glad I could be of assistance to the great Iris Gray."
Iris rolled her eyes, "I'm great, huh? Okay, don't flatter me too much."
Justin remembered Iris's words earlier as they continued to chat and share some light moments. "Oh right, about what happened with Xavier, I'll go along with your request, but—" His voice trailed off as he looked into her eyes, trying to read her expression, "Iris, if you change your mind one day, let me know!"
Iris was impressed by his understanding. She could only nod her head, not saying anything. Right now, she just wanted to focus on her own goals—getting stronger, completing her missions, and earning rewards. As for matters of her heart, she didn't want to think about it.
"Justin, I need a car. Do you know where I can buy a secondhand car?" Iris asked. She can buy a new car, but her grandmother will be suspicious.
The only way to own a car without causing questions was to buy a used one with reliable condition and specs so she could drive fast when needed.
"You want to buy a car?" Justin was taken aback. He had heard that Iris was traumatized from driving, which is why her grandmother had been driving her everywhere. "Why not buy a new one? An old car might end up costing you more in maintenance," he expressed concern, wondering if Iris understood the complexities of owning a car.
"Yes, I need a car and want to buy one. But I don't have much money. I only have a few hundred now, and I think I could add several hundred more in a couple of days. So, I think I could only buy a used car. Besides, I don't want to ask my grandma for more money." She replied softly. She didn't want Justin to be suspicious of her.
"I see," Justin pondered for a moment. Then, an idea flashed through his mind. "Mmm... Iris, I need to call someone who has a lot of cars but never uses them. Maybe he wants to sell one to get more space for a new collection in his garage..." He took out his phone and dialed a number.
"You have a rich friend like that?" Iris was amazed to hear that.
"Yeah, totally," Justin replied with a grin.
"Wow! Good for you, Justin. Alright, that's a great idea. I'd be happy to take any good-condition car he wants to sell. But you need to mention that my budget is very tight...very, very tight!"
"Yes, sure, sure! I'll tell my rich friend that you are a high school girl with no rich parents or family. Wait here..." Justin said, walking to a corner, ensuring Iris couldn't overhear him.
After a few rings, it finally picked up. A warm smile appeared on his face before he whispered, "Milord, I have something important to tell you..."
Xavier, who had just arrived at his house, stopped his steps when he heard Justin's words, "Speak!" he said curtly.
Justin immediately told him about Iris' plan to buy a car.
Xavier's face grew even more serious, his domineering aura intensifying as he retorted, "Why should I bother with her car needs? She can figure it out on her own. I have better things to do."
Justin couldn't help but grin at Xavier's stern reaction. How easily Xavier gets irritated whenever Iris's name is mentioned is amusing.
"Come on, Milord. Please think about it. It won't hurt to help a friend, especially the one in need," he teased playfully. "Besides, you have plenty of cars and rarely use more than half of them. Why not be generous and sell one to our dear Iris?"
Xavier scowled at Justin's playful tone, but he couldn't deny the logic behind his words. He tugs his hand in his coat pocket, looking away for a moment, clearly contemplating the idea.
"Just one car, Milord, and she'll be eternally grateful to you!" Justin added, pushing his luck a little further.
"Grateful? Why would I want her to be grateful to me?" Xavier is still unmoved.
"Please, Milord. Just one car and it might benefit you in the future!" Justin added again. And now he is pushing his luck even further.
"Future? Hmm… Future… Okay, fine!" Xavier finally relented, unable to resist Justin's insistence and persuasive words, and simultaneously wondered about Iris's future. "But make sure she didn't know she was buying from me," he paused, "Ah, no need to accept her money. Just give it to her. Tell her the owner had grown bored with the car."