Ethan Wraith walked out of the talent market, standing at the crossroads, feeling lost and disoriented. The cars, people, and scenery around him seemed unrelated to his life. His heart felt empty, without a sense of belonging. He was just a passerby.
Go home? He had already flipped through those CDs many times, memorizing some classic moves. He just needed to find an opportunity to practice.
Find friends to brag and drink with, or chase girls? In this city, Ethan had no friends.
Sophia Mercer. Her lovely face suddenly appeared in his mind, along with the nickname she had given him since their first meeting - Ethan. It was a warm and fuzzy feeling.
Okay, let's go find Sophia.
What excuse should he use? Hmm, how about celebrating finding a job?
The talent market was not far from WestMoon City Middle School. Ethan arrived early, and the school gate was still closed. He could only sit at the bookstall outside the school, reading newspapers.
After he finished reading all the newspapers, the school bell rang, signaling the start of class. Suddenly, the entire school came alive, with students rushing out like horses.
Under the disdainful gaze of the bookstall owner, Ethan put down the newspaper and ran to the school gate, looking around.
Soon, he saw Sophia and a few girls laughing and walking out. Ethan was about to call out to her when something unexpected happened.
A tall, skinny boy wearing a white Armani tracksuit blocked her path, gazing at Sophia with fiery eyes. "Sophia..."
"What's up, Thomas?" Sophia asked, her face expressionless.
"Have you considered my request?"
"I can't agree to it," Sophia replied coldly. A chubby girl beside her whispered something in her ear, and they started giggling and teasing each other.
"Why?" Thomas's eyes flashed with anger, but quickly returned to normal. Ethan, watching from afar, felt a shiver down his spine. This guy was not to be underestimated.
"I'm still a student, and all my energy is focused on studying. I don't want to think about this now. I hope you can understand," Sophia explained seriously.
Ethan was not far from them, and with his exceptional hearing, he could hear their conversation clearly, even amidst the noise of the school gate.
Ethan chuckled to himself, thinking that Sophia was quite bold in her words. Just a few days ago, she was still shy and awkward when he kissed her. Now, she was lecturing others on the importance of studying. It seemed like a group of precocious kids were putting on a show.
"Okay, Sophia, I know you're working hard. I won't pressure you. We can talk about it again after the college entrance exam in two months, okay?" Thomas asked gently.
His bravery and sincerity moved Sophia's friends. One of them whispered, "Sophia, Thomas is not bad, he's handsome and really likes you, and his family background is great too - you should consider it."
"Yeah, Sophia, I think Thomas is the best among your suitors," the chubby girl added.
"Let's not influence Sophia's decision. Let her choose for herself," a quiet, bespectacled girl intervened.
Her words earned Thomas's cold, menacing gaze.
Everyone fell silent, waiting for Sophia's response.
The school was bustling with students, and the crowd was drawn to the commotion.
Sophia smiled faintly, brushed her long hair aside, and shook her head at Thomas. "I can't agree to it."
Thomas's face twisted in anger, and he grabbed Sophia's arm, his grip tightening. "Why?"
"Let go, you're hurting me!" Sophia tried to shake off Thomas's hand, but he was too strong.
Ethan tapped Thomas's shoulder. "Let go."
Thomas turned around, his eyes blazing. "Who are you to interfere?"
Ethan's hand remained on Thomas's shoulder. "I said, let go."
Thomas's eyes flashed with anger, and he swung a punch at Ethan. "Go to hell, who do you think you are?"
Ethan caught Thomas's fist and smiled. "I'll say it again - let go."
Thomas's face turned red with rage. "You dare to meddle in my business?"
Ethan's right hand grasped Thomas's shoulder bone, and he smiled. "You're not even worthy of being a son. Ordinary people can't give birth to someone like you."
Ethan shook his head, chuckling to himself.
"Fine, let's settle this," Thomas snarled.
"I dislike people who make conditions, but because of Sophia, I'll give you one chance," Ethan said, smiling, and released his grip.
Thomas also let go of Sophia. He glared at Ethan, sneering. "You know who I am? You dare to steal my girl?"
Steal his girl? Ethan winked at Sophia, laughing loudly.
Ethan had never thought of anyone referring to Sophia as "his girl." In his mind, she was just a young girl, like an unripe apple, full of youthful energy and a bit immature. Of course, this Sophia was still attractive.
A woman should be like Isabella Vale, not someone like Sophia.
"Do you think I'm funny?" Thomas asked, his voice cold.
"No, I just think you're quite interesting, kid."
"You'll know what I'm capable of when you experience my methods."
"Is that so? Playing tricks is my specialty. Can you handle it?"
Thomas snorted, looking at Ethan's shabby clothes. "You think you can play tricks with someone like me?"
Ethan's anger was ignited, and he smiled even more, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Playing tricks is one thing, but can you bear the consequences? Kid, I don't think you're a kid anymore. If you want to play, you'll have to pay the price."
Thomas glared at Ethan for a few seconds, memorizing his appearance, before pushing through the crowd and getting into an Audi parked at the school gate.
Audi? I don't care who your backers are. If you hurt me or the people I care about, you'll pay a heavier price.
"Who is he?" Sophia's friend asked, pointing at Ethan.
"He's my boyfriend," Sophia replied.