Chapter 2

I couldn't help but scoff. In my previous life, I tried to stop them out of concern, but they accused me of being unable to stand seeing other people do well.

This time, I chose to stay out of it. Yet they were determined to force this mystery drink down my throat.

Just as they were about to touch me, I slapped my pen down and looked straight at Sasha.

"Sasha, what I drink is none of your business," I said. "Is this some kind of magic potion? If I drink it, can I pick any top college I want?

"If it works that well, I'll report it to the school office right away. We can ask the principal to get a case for every student and teacher. How does that sound?"

Sasha's face instantly turned bright red. She knew better than anyone that if the teachers got involved, she would be the one in trouble. After all, I had always been at the top of my grade, so the teachers had favored me.

If things were blown out of proportion, the homeroom teacher would see right through her shady schemes to form her own little clique.

Sasha rolled her eyes in frustration and spat through clenched teeth, "I was only trying to help you, and this is how you treat me?

"I was only reminding you because I considered you my best friend. No wonder no one wants anything to do with you!"

Hearing that, I let out a scornful laugh. "Sasha, do you really think going along with you would make these people accept me?"

Caught in her lie, Sasha went pale. Her lips trembled, but she couldn't get a word out.

Sasha looked embarrassed and turned to whisper with the people beside her. It was clear she was talking about me behind my back.

But before she could say much, our homeroom teacher, Carl Lester, walked in.

Carl frowned as he looked around at the chaos in the classroom. Then he walked to the front and said sternly, "The SAT is coming up. Focus on your studies.

"I'll say it again. Watch what you eat and drink. Don't consume anything from an unknown source. If it upsets your stomach and affects your performance, it won't be worth it!"

As soon as he said that, the whole class turned to look at me.

Sasha was quick to make a snide remark. "Don't worry, Mr. Lester. Our energy drinks are perfectly safe. I just wonder if some people can keep their mouths shut!"

The students around her immediately chimed in, "Yeah, we all drank it, and we're wide awake. We're not like some people who just have to be different.

"Just wait till they get sleepy during the SAT. It'll be too late to regret it then."

I stayed in my seat, unfazed and with no intention of defending myself.

Carl gave us a few more reminders about the SAT, then left the classroom.

The moment he left, Sasha came over to my desk, wearing that same phony smile.

"Willow, surely you'll want to listen to Mr. Lester. Being in top shape for the SAT is what matters most!" she said. "Don't let your pride ruin your future. If you apologize to everyone, we'll get you a bottle. How about it?"

Seeing that look on her face, I couldn't help but laugh. If they wanted to treat some mysterious drink like it was precious, that was their choice. I wasn't about to risk my future over it.

Worst case, I would get a good night's sleep the day before the SAT. If I brought a strong coffee with me, there was no way I would be sleepy.

It was better to rely on myself and be fully prepared than to depend on others.

I packed my bag and walked straight out of the classroom.

When I reached the school gate, the pop-up drink stand was still set up by the roadside.

The vendor spotted me and immediately waved me over. "Miss, try our miracle energy drink! It'll keep you sharp and guarantee you'll ace the SAT."

I took the bottle.

When I got home, I opened it and took a small sip. It was sweet, with a strange herbal taste.

I didn't drink anymore. After that one sip, I screwed the cap back on.