Chapter 50: Morgan, Who Doesn't Understand Campus Rules
After all...
College life isn't cut out for every high school student. The vibrant, memorable college experience cherished by some will never be the norm for many in universities.
Only a handful become campus celebrities.
Take Locke and Gwen, for instance.
Since his first day at Midtown University, Locke soared to the top of the male campus elite. Alongside Gwen, they embodied the perfect blend of beauty and brains.
Next month, Locke was set to represent Midtown at the Maine chemistry competition.
Then there's Betty, the high school radio goddess.
And Frasey, captain of the varsity basketball team, and Mary Jane, the cheerleader.
These are the ones who'll grab the spotlight and savor college life.
But Midtown College had no worries.
The Zhongcheng University Student Union had a solid plan in place.
Enter the blind date box.
With only a few campus idols, ordinary students dominated. While the gods and goddesses would shine at events like the dance, the union devised the blind date system for the majority.
For those unbothered by invites or those eager to attend despite lacking a partner—like the clueless student who wouldn't hear a car horn—signing up was an option.
The union would sort and match them via computer.
Changed your mind after signing up?
Tough luck. The union would blacklist you from future events for breaking the rules. That was the price of non-compliance.
Anyway, the ninth-grade male-to-female ratio was evenly split.
No exceptions.
To avoid scrutiny.
Gwen studied Locke's profile intently, then smiled softly after a moment. "Alright, Locke Broughton. I'll go with you."
It was a date.
No questions asked.
Locke glanced at Gwen, smiling back. "Glad you said yes, Gwen Stacy."
Was this a date?
Definitely.
Locke had once claimed women slowed his efficiency, but he never turned them down.
"On another note..."
Gwen blushed a bit, swiftly changing the topic. "Morgan started school because of you."
"What?"
"You transferred first, upsetting our grade's male-female balance. Then Morgan arrived as an exchange student."
"..."
Locke sensed Gwen's attempt to divert the conversation, though it did align with the Federation's equality push.
Gwen turned slightly. "And at registration yesterday, the student council hinted at pairing you with Megan. I stared them down for ages."
Locke: "..."
Everyone knew Locke and Gwen were a duo.
While Megan wasn't the school's favorite and Gwen had been helping her out, it didn't mean Gwen would sacrifice herself for another girl.
Locke smirked, thinking of the female newcomer who'd caused a stir since joining the school a month ago. He shook his head, curious. "Why hasn't anyone asked Megan?"
This Megan—posing as a student—was a bit dense at times despite her good looks.
Gwen burst out laughing, a mix of amusement and exasperation.
After all...
She'd never met a student like Morgan, lacking even the basic common sense.
"Remember two days ago in chemistry prep class?"
"Yeah."
Locke nodded, recalling something and glancing at Gwen. "Is it true she's trying to steal Cindy's boyfriend?"
Gwen sighed softly.
Locke couldn't help but shake his head.
Let's rewind.
In the prep class, a dozen students—mostly opting for chemistry—had their spots fixed initially. The system shuffled them around later.
The Federation allowed flexibility as long as class wasn't disrupted. Students could adjust freely.
Cindy and Kahn ended up together.
But...
Girls and boys, even if they liked each other, didn't confess easily.
Confession upfront on first meet? A rare breed.
Two days back.
Locke and Gwen arrived at class to find Morgan had taken Cindy's seat beside Kahn, claiming it was her assigned spot.
Cindy wasn't pleased, practically wishing to turn into a lioness and confront Morgan then and there.
If the teacher had walked in with Gwen backing her, it could've gotten ugly.
After class, Locke, Gwen, Morgan, and Cindy checked the seating chart in the teacher's office.
Results?
Morgan was indeed listed beside Kahn on the system's chart.
Clear as day.
Morgan must've sneaked in, hacked the system backstage, added herself, and moved seats.
The teacher wouldn't have done it.
Plus, Kahn and Cindy were part of the chemistry competition team. The teacher often joked about their seating—now routine.
In the Federation, young love wasn't frowned upon.
Else George wouldn't target Locke, but brand him as a threat.
So, another campus farce by the clueless newbie, trained since childhood and oblivious to unwritten rules.
But...