"Ethan Yi is coming to our school for an exhibition match? The ones playing against him should be our school team, right?"
"I heard it's Liam Liu's soccer team that's supposed to play against them. But that Ethan Yi is really something—ever since Ning Ye, the former national team reserve captain, got promoted to the main squad, Ethan Yi has been the top contender for the captain spot. If he gets it, he'll definitely make the national team."
"I heard Ethan Yi is pretty handsome. Finally, we get to see him in person!"
The whole school was buzzing over the news in the school journal, and even Evan Lin's article posted next to Ethan Yi's got totally overshadowed for a while.
Guys like that, who can make it onto the national team, are enough to make countless girls swoon. Aside from grades, what girls love most are those sunny, athletic guys who are both good-looking and sporty.
"Lynn, Ethan Yi is also from Brightsea City, right? You two don’t happen to know each other, do you?" Mason He squeezed up next to Lynn Chen, grinning.
After being openly dissed by Evan Lin in front of everyone, Mason He was about to explode. He wanted nothing more than to pin Evan down and stomp him, but reason kept him from acting on that impulse.
"Not really." Lynn Chen frowned, her eyes showing only annoyance toward Mason He. She didn’t want him bothering her, but Mason didn’t seem upset by Lynn’s attitude at all.
"I figured as much. Since Ethan Yi’s coming to play soccer at our school, I’m thinking of joining Liam Liu’s team for fun. You’d better cheer me on when the time comes." Mason He smiled, trying to act cool.
After losing face because of Evan Lin, Mason was determined to win it back on the soccer field. He’d always prided himself on his athletic ability and decent soccer skills, so he was feeling pretty confident.
Lynn Chen wasn’t interested in what he was saying, so after Mason He talked a bit more, he went back to his seat. As soon as he turned around, his face darkened and he clenched his fists tightly.
"Evan Lin, just wait until Liam Liu and I win back our pride on the soccer field. Once your hype dies down, even the principal won’t be able to say much if we go after you! Let’s see how cocky you are then!"
Mason He sneered to himself, already having made up his mind. He’d talked with Liam Liu and they’d agreed—no matter what, as long as they show off on the field first, it’ll be easy to step on Evan Lin and put him in his place.
The buzz kept spreading. That afternoon after school, a city TV reporter came over just to interview Evan Lin, but after waiting and waiting, she couldn’t find him. The female reporter was pretty annoyed.
She’d come on orders from above, and it was a super hot day. In the end, Wendy Wen came out and explained Evan Lin’s story to her, helping her finish the interview write-up so she could turn in her assignment.
Evan Lin didn’t care at all. In class, every teacher who came into Class 12 would instinctively glance his way, and even if they saw him spacing out instead of listening, nobody said a word.
After school, Evan Lin packed up his bag and left campus with it slung over his shoulder.
School gate area.
"Evan!"
Just as Evan Lin stepped out the gate, he heard Lucy Lu calling out. He turned and saw Lucy and Charles Chen waiting in their car nearby.
Charles Chen wasn’t wearing a suit today, just casual clothes. When he saw Evan Lin coming out of the school gate, his face lit up. "Ah, Evan! Over here!"
Charles Chen waved at Evan Lin.
"Auntie Lu, Uncle Chen."
Evan Lin walked over and nodded slightly as a greeting.
"You know, you really surprised us—why did you suddenly decide not to stay at our place? Was it something Uncle Chen did wrong? If so, just say it, Uncle Chen will definitely fix it! And if there’s anything you don’t like about the room, tell us too, okay? Don’t be shy!" Charles Chen said quickly, standing in front of Evan Lin.
"Evan, where did you sleep last night?" Lucy Lu asked, her face full of concern.
"I stayed at a hotel. I just wanted to try living on my own for a bit, be independent." Evan Lin’s words made Charles Chen anxious, but Lucy Lu tugged his sleeve and stopped him from saying anything.
"If you’re ever uncomfortable living out there, just move back in. That room will always be kept for you." Lucy Lu knew Evan Lin’s temperament and realized that persuading him was pointless.
"Yeah, that’s right! You can move back anytime you want!" Charles Chen nodded eagerly.
"Mm, I know." Evan Lin nodded.
"Perfect timing—once Lynn comes out, let’s all go eat together. It’s been ages since we’ve gone out, and you haven’t had a chance to chat with Uncle Chen since coming to Capitalview. He’s always so busy." Lucy Lu put her arm around Evan Lin’s shoulder, smiling dotingly.
Soon, Madam Han drove her BMW to the school gate. As soon as the door opened, Ryan Ren jumped out, craning his neck to look for Lynn Chen. When he saw her, he waved and shouted, "Lynn! Over here!"
A bunch of girls were gathered around Lynn Chen. When they saw Ryan Ren, they all knew he was from Peiying High, and many giggled at Lynn, teasing her with a hint of envy in their eyes.
"Lynn, your little prince from Peiying High is here to take you out to dinner again."
"Looks like he really can’t get you out of his mind."
The girls laughed and joked. Lynn Chen looked up, frowning at Ryan Ren, and then glanced over at Evan Lin, who was standing with Lucy Lu and Charles Chen. Her heart skipped a beat.
Ryan Ren didn’t notice Evan Lin and the others nearby. It wasn’t until Lynn Chen walked right past him that Ryan was stunned, turning his head to spot Evan, his heart sinking.
"Ryan, say hi to your parents for me. We won’t trouble you today." Charles Chen waved at Ryan, then opened the car door and drove off with Evan Lin and the others before Ryan could say anything.
"Hey, why’d you get in alone? Where’s Lynn?" Madam Han was still in the driver’s seat, playing with her phone, when she saw Ryan Ren get in without Lynn Chen and was momentarily confused.
"Her parents picked her up, and Evan Lin went with them too. I really don’t get what’s so great about that country boy Evan Lin!" Ryan Ren complained, his face full of resentment.
"Don’t worry. Did you talk to your classmates yet? Girls love romance—you just have to be brave, light lots of candles, and make a big gesture at your school’s arts night. Lynn Chen will definitely fall for you then!"