Chapter 2

Insulting?

I let out a cold laugh.

In my previous life, I thought taking the money was insulting. Later, I learned that what was really insulting was having no money.

I lifted my gaze to Gideon. "I grew up in an orphanage. I paid my tuition by transcribing scriptures, so I picked up a little along the way. If you ever need that kind of work, you can reach me."

Hearing this, Gideon was stunned for a moment. After a beat, he pulled out his phone and said, "In that case, let's exchange contacts."

After saving my contact, Gideon glanced at me and added, "I'll transfer ten million. You shouldn't have to worry about tuition again."

Lena's face hardened. "Evelyn, if you think of me as your friend, don't take that money!"

"Why not?" I retorted. "If we don't share the same values, we don't need to be friends."

Lena looked stunned and started to speak, but Gideon silenced her with a cold glance. "This is between Evelyn and me. If you're done lecturing, you can see yourself out."

Right on cue, a bodyguard stepped forward. Seeing that, the color drained from Lena's face. She slammed the door on her way out.

The live stream chat went wild again.

"Wait, what? The male lead is defending the side character?"

"This plot is way off the rails!"

I lowered my eyes and smiled. Who cared about the plot? This time, I only cared about getting paid.

...

Back at the dorm, the atmosphere seemed strange. My roommates looked at me like I had just crawled out of a sewer, their faces twisted with disgust.

"Evelyn, how could you do that to Lena? She was just trying to help you, and you dumped her for a man and his money!"

"You'd ditch your friend for a man? Seriously?"

Lena's eyes filled with tears, and she rushed to smooth things over. "Don't blame Evelyn. She just got swept up by that man. She'll regret it once she thinks it through."

The chat flooded again.

"Lena is so kind. What an angel!"

"Evelyn really thinks she can compete? Watch her get wrecked!"

Lena lowered her lashes, all grace and mercy. Yet I didn't miss the flash of triumph in her eyes.

In my previous life, I didn't tell anyone about Gideon, but rumors spread like wildfire. Looking back, it was obvious who fanned the flames.

My roommates only grew angrier.

"You're lovestruck! You chose money and a man over your friend! We don't want you here! Get out!"

Lena stepped in like a peacemaker. "Don't be like that! It isn't necessary! It's Gideon's fault, not hers! Evelyn, I know you're embarrassed. Give me his contact details, and I'll talk to him for you."

She sounded like she was being kind, but her eyes betrayed her greed.

I sneered. "No need. I'm moving out."

Lena stared at me in shock, like she couldn't believe I had really said that. She wanted to say something, but another roommate beat her to it. "Just let her go!"

I picked up my suitcase and walked out without looking back. I could afford a better life now. Why wouldn't I take it?

Before long, I had the keys to my new house.