Chapter 1: Back to the first year of high school, I control my own destiny...

“Ethan Cole, thank you for taking care of me all this while.

But I’ve always only seen you as a brother, you will bless us, won’t you?”

On the evening of Valentine’s Day.

Ethan Cole, with gifts and flowers meticulously prepared, arrived at the building below Chloe Winters’s company, intending to confess his love to her.

This would be his ninety-ninth confession to Chloe Winters.

The previous ninety-eight had all failed.

But Ethan Cole was not discouraged.

He continued to treat her well as always.

However, what he received in return was...

On this day of Valentine’s Day.

Witnessing the girl he had pursued for three years in high school, four years in university, and two more years into work.

Falling into the arms of another.

Ethan Cole felt cold all over, and found himself quite ridiculous.

In the second year of high school,

Upon laying eyes on Chloe Winters for the first time, Ethan Cole fell in love with this double ponytailed, sweet-smiling girl.

For her sake,

Ethan Cole had done a lot.

She liked to drink milk tea, so he would buy it for her with the money saved from breakfast.

She enjoyed little trinkets, so Ethan Cole would deceive his parents into giving money for textbooks.

Or he would take out his Christmas money that he had been saving.

Whenever Chloe Winters was on duty, he would clean up for her.

When she struggled with schoolwork, Ethan Cole burned the midnight oil to devise the best methods of study.

When she expressed her wish for the latest mobile phone,

Ethan Cole would spend his weekends in the internet cafe, using his skills to earn money by gaming.

After much effort, with the two-thousand-plus dollars he earned, he bought her a new phone.

Only to receive her lukewarm gratitude.

The first time he confessed, Chloe Winters said they should prioritize their studies now.

However, once she was ready to date, Ethan Cole would be the first she would consider.

Despite his disappointment, Ethan Cole was still full of zeal.

He believed that as long as he gave enough sincerity, he could touch her heart.

After university graduation, she wanted to start a business.

So, Ethan Cole secretly handed her the two million that his parents had given him to buy a house.

Ethan Cole came from a somewhat wealthy family, with tens of millions in assets.

The two million in cash was also something his parents had worked hard to earn.

Yet, Chloe Winters really was not suited for entrepreneurship.

The first business venture failed, and all the money was spent.

Thereafter, Ethan Cole had to borrow money in his own name from various sources.

All while meticulously planning schemes.

After countless days and nights, he was finally able to persuade investors to invest.

The company was practically managed by Ethan Cole alone.

Under his efforts, the company flourished.

It had already gone public and was preparing for listing.

Chloe Winters could be considered successful in business.

Ethan Cole believed that at this point, if he confessed again, Chloe Winters would definitely agree.

But who would have expected that what he received would be a heart-breaking piece of news.

Watching the person he loved most, nestled in the arms of another man.

Displaying a smile she had never shown to Ethan Cole.

Ethan Cole also laughed.

But this laugh was full of anger, helplessness, and insanity.

He recognized the other man.

The company’s second-largest shareholder, from a very wealthy family.

The man, with his arm around Chloe Winters’s waist,

Looked at Ethan Cole with a smile and said, “Thank you for taking care of Chloe for me these years.

When we get married, be sure to come.”

Chloe Winters also said, “Ethan Cole, the company’s development over the years is also due in part to your contribution.

After the company goes public, I’ll increase your salary by five hundred.”

Ethan Cole laughed, “Wait a moment; I have a surprise for you.”

He put down the flowers in his hands.

Ethan Cole ran to the fruit shop next door.

When he came out, he was holding a fruit knife.

A moment later,

Looking at the pair lying in a pool of blood, Ethan Cole emotionlessly ended his own life.

Just before his consciousness descended into darkness,

Ethan Cole’s last thought was that if there were an afterlife, he would never spare Chloe Winters another glance!

...

No.1 High School, sophomore class 2.

Ethan Cole blankly looked at Chloe Winters, beaming beautifully before him, a pure girl with her hair tied in little ponytails.

He looked around again, at the familiar yet naive faces.

Ethan Cole realized that he had reincarnated back to his high school period!

Overwhelming joy surged in his heart.

In his last life, he had done far too many things he shouldn’t have, and had far too many regrets.

He didn’t expect that God would still give him another chance.

My life, from now on...

Forget it!

If another novel dares to talk about defying fate, Ethan Cole vowed to be the first to get mad!

“Ethan Cole, we’re only sophomores now. We should focus on studying.”

Ethan Cole was lost in thought when Chloe Winters’s voice drifted into his ears.

In the past, his mood would improve whenever he heard this voice,

But now, every word made him feel sick.

As if a fresh piece of meat was left to rot and stink without any preservation.

Chloe Winters added, “But still, I appreciate that you want to give me a phone. I’ll take this gift.”

Saying this, she reached out to grab the phone in Ethan Cole’s hand.

The year was 2008, and the domestics phone industry was still dominated by Nokia.

Ethan Cole had spent many weekends playing games in the internet cafe and skipping meals,

Just to afford this phone.

His recent grades had suffered a significant drop as a result.

His score was just twenty or so points shy from losing the title of top of the year.

What a damn shame!

Chloe Winters’s hand was about to touch the phone box,

When Ethan Cole moved quickly to evade her.

“Huh?” Chloe Winters’s eyes were full of question marks.

Ethan Cole chuckled coldly, “When did I say this phone was for you?”

Chloe Winters was stunned, “If you’re not giving this phone to me, then who would you give it to?”

At that point, it was the second semester of sophomore year.

Ethan Cole had confessed his feelings to her more than ten times by then.

Always trying to please her.

Even when Chloe Winters responded harshly, Ethan Cole remained undeterred, becoming even more eager.

Chloe Winters, therefore, felt that Ethan Cole was so dependent on her that she could manipulate him at whim.

“Even if I were to give it to a dog, I wouldn’t give it to you!”

Having said that, Ethan Cole sat back down in his seat.

His words stunned the entire class.

Everyone was left with their mouths agape, their faces displaying shock.

As the famous ultimate bootlicker of the school, Ethan Cole was changing his ways?

Chloe Winters’s face turned pale, and then flushed.

She had never expected Ethan Cole to say such words.

She pointed at Ethan Cole angrily, “You better apologize to me now, or else I will ignore you forever.”

What a splendid thing!

Ethan Cole: “Deal!”

Chloe Winters: “??!!”

The whole class: “Wow!”

Chloe Winters was so angry that she was about to explode. She felt unprecedentedly humiliated.

Being the school beauty, when had she ever been treated like this?

Just as she was about to demand an explanation for Ethan Cole’s crazy behavior, the teacher arrived.

So, she had to sit down.

While Ethan Cole sat back in his place, his gaze was quickly drawn to the unremarkable girl sitting at the last position in the first row.

“It’s her...”

[Author: Perhaps I forgot to remind everyone. Please seal your brain before turning the page.

Chapter 2 The Unnoticed Treasure Girl!

Grace Bennett!

A girl who in her three years of high school, didn’t leave much of an impression on others.

Tall and thin.

With thick bangs that concealed most of her face.

Her grades were average and she spoke very little.

Yet, nobody knew what kind of treasure this girl truly was.

Unremarkable throughout high school.

But she topped the college entrance exams in the whole state and got admitted to the Ashford University in the country.

It was not until the banquet after the college entrance exams, that Grace Bennett cut her bangs, revealing a face that could captivate all beings.

All her classmates were stunned.

This girl, possessing both striking beauty and intelligence, had concealed herself for three years.

In front of her, Chloe Winters could only play the role of a maid.

Beyond her academic standing and beauty, Grace Bennett harbored another identity later on.

The daughter of the richest man in the country!

When Grace Bennett was in high school, her family was very poor.

The kind of poverty where they could only afford meat once a month.

But when she started university, her father struck it rich.

And his wealth grew uncontrollably.

In her first year of university, her father became the richest man in the state.

In her second year, he rose to the third spot on the national wealthy list.

And in her third year, he became the richest man in the country.

For many years afterwards, all the way up until Ethan Cole’s reincarnation, Grace Bennett’s father sat on the throne of the richest man.

Many people joked that he must have found a system that allowed him to amass such a fortune in such a short period of time.

At that time, countless classmates lamented.

If they had known earlier how outstanding Grace Bennett was and how incredible her father was, they would have pursued her relentlessly.

Would they even need to work hard in the future if they managed to win her over?

Ethan Cole was reborn once.

Other than correcting some regrets from his past life and distancing himself from Chloe Winters, he was set on Grace Bennett.

After graduating from university in his past life, Ethan Cole saw her a few times.

It wasn’t just that she had a rich father, she herself had also achieved astounding accomplishments.

With a dual Ph.D., she entered a certain Science Academy and relied on her own ability to climb to a high position.

Given Grace Bennett’s status, position, and wealth at that time,

She didn’t look down on anyone.

But was likely somewhat distanced from others.

Yet, she didn’t.

She was still as gentlemen, without any airs of importance, just like in her high school days.

If any of the old classmates approached her with some requests.

As long as they didn’t ask too much, she would agree.

Compared to her, Chloe Winters was like a housefly compared to a moon rabbit.

In his past life, Ethan Cole must have been blind to have sacrificed everything for a woman like Chloe Winters.

Ethan Cole could still recall the disappointed and despairing expression on his parents’ faces when they discovered that he had given all his house purchasing funds to Chloe Winters for investment.

This caused them to fall seriously ill.

This time, he would definitely not make the same mistake.

So, the main goal moving forward was to win Grace Bennett’s affection.

Not because her father would be the richest man in the future.

Ethan Cole was just sick of working hard.

“What’s gotten into you today, Ethan Cole?” his desk mate, Derek Hayes, asked as he moved closer.

This was Ethan Cole’s best friend, who came from a pretty wealthy family.

However, he and Ethan Cole were in the same boat.

In his previous life, his family property worth hundreds of millions was swindled away by a woman.

In this life, Ethan Cole would never allow his good brother to repeat the same mistake.

Ethan Cole shook his head: “Nothing, I just suddenly don’t like her anymore.”

Derek Hayes evidently didn’t believe him: “Come off it, the whole school knows how deeply in love with her you are.

One look from her would probably have you jumping off a cliff.”

Ethan Cole sighed: “I truly don’t like her anymore.”

“Hehe, did you read some strategy somewhere and decided to take a step back to make a move forward?”

Derek Hayes did not know Ethan Cole well.

All the thoughts he had put into Chloe Winters could have certainly exhausted him if he were in his shoes.

Seeing his close friend not believing him in the slightest.

He had no choice.

Ethan Cole had to go all out: “Actually, I’ve always liked... you.”

Derek Hayes was taken aback.

Slight blush immediately tinted his face: “Let me think about it.”

Ethan Cole: “???”

The bell for the end of class rang.

After the teacher left, Chloe Winters was leisurely packing her stationery.

Her gaze inadvertently glanced toward Ethan Cole.

She scoffed inwardly.

She had just thought of a possibility.

Ethan Cole was playing hard to get.

He was trying to attract her attention this way.

It was really laughable.

She was already determined.

Apart from giving her a mobile phone, Ethan Cole also had to treat her to bubble tea for a month.

Otherwise, she would never forgive him!

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ethan Cole stand up.

Chloe Winters immediately sat up straight, not looking elsewhere, her face cold.

She knew that Ethan Cole would surely come over and invite her to go home together.

After all, for most of the semester, Ethan Cole had been riding his bike to take her home every day.

Even when it was pouring rain, he would pay for a taxi.

“Are you sure you’re not going to the internet cafe?” Derek Hayes persisted.

A really fun game had just been released.

“No, I need to study,” Ethan Cole shook his head in refusal.

Derek Hayes: “You’re already top of the class, what more do you need to study?”

Ethan Cole retorted: “You watched a dirty movie yesterday, do you not want to watch it today?”

Derek Hayes’s face instantly turned red: “You’re lying, I didn’t!”

Ethan Cole ignored him.

Picking up his backpack, he walked over to Grace Bennett and sat down beside her.

“Cole... Cole, do you need anything?”

When Ethan Cole suddenly sat next to her, she became instantly anxious.

In class, she had always been invisible, with not many friends, always deeply engrossed in her studies.

Although Ethan Cole was considered a toady, he was really handsome.

He was already over 180 cm tall in sophomore year of high school.

He had a crew cut, was highly attractive, could sing, dance, rap, and play basketball.

His grades were also good, the highest in the whole grade.

As for herself, she was just an ugly duckling, of course she would be nervous.

Ethan Cole smiled and said: “Actually, there’s a problem I can’t solve, could you help me explain it?”

“Huh?” Grace Bennett was taken aback: “If even you can’t solve it, I definitely can’t.”

“Take a look at it, you might know the answer.”

As he said this, Ethan Cole put the problem in front of her, subtly moving closer.

Up close, Ethan Cole realized her skin was flawless.

It was the type of white that glowed.

But she seemed a bit thin.

And there was a lovely scent about her.

Similar to jasmine or osmanthus.

“This problem... Eh, I... I know... Cole... Cole, could you stay a little further away?”

Grace Bennett’s voice was weak.

Feeling the sunny aura radiating from Ethan Cole, her heart quickened and her cheeks flushed.

Ethan Cole feigned ignorance: “Ah, is there a smell on me, you don’t like me?”

“No, no there isn’t.” Grace Bennett quickly shook her head, her ponytail swaying back and forth.

This scene in Chloe Winters’s eyes instantly made her feel extremely upset.

Chapter 3 Parents are not at home

Chloe Winters, upon seeing the scene, could no longer maintain her composure and abruptly stood up.

She walked up to Ethan Cole, her face cold, and snapped, “Ethan Cole, do these games you play even please you?”

Ethan Cole and Grace Bennett simultaneously looked up.

Both faces filled with confusion.

“What do you mean?” Ethan Cole inquired.

“Humph!” Chloe Winters gave a cold huff, slightly raised her chin, revealing her fair neck.

She channeled an admirable little swan, “Don’t think I don’t know, you did all this on purpose to show me.

You thought that getting close with other girls would make me jealous.

Then, you thought I’d change my mind and agree to be your girlfriend.

This tactic is too childish, you might as well save it.”

Ethan Cole was left speechless.

This woman must be out of her mind.

“Get lost, don’t bother me!” Ethan Cole told her without a shred of respect.

It had taken him a long time to come up with an opportunity to speak to Grace Bennett during class.

He couldn’t let this woman ruin it.

A hint of anger showed on Chloe Winters’s pretty face: “How long do you plan to keep pretending?

If you continue, I might start ignoring you.

I’m going home now. You better get on your bike quickly, hmph.”

Having said that, she turned around and walked off.

Ethan Cole’s face looked like he had just swallowed a fly.

He must have been really blinded in his previous life to fall for this kind of woman.

He took a deep breath.

Ethan Cole turned to Grace Bennett with a renewed smile: “Don’t mind her, let’s continue.”

“Oh...”

“Cole, do you understand now?”

Ethan Cole scratched his head: “I still don’t quite get it. Could you explain it again, please?”

Grace Bennett found it a bit odd.

This question isn’t that hard, why doesn’t Cole get it?

Even though she was in a hurry to get home.

But Grace Bennett was bad at turning people down, so she explained it to Ethan Cole again.

“How about now?”

“Well, I’m still a bit confused.”

“Oh, but it’s getting dark, and I still have to go home and cook... “A hint of difficulty emerged on Grace Bennett’s small face.

Her parents always worked overtime and wouldn’t be home until eight or nine at night.

Once she got home, she had to finish her homework and do a lot of chores.

“Please explain it to me one more time.” Ethan Cole clasped his hands together: “I’ll give you a ride home later, please help me out, Grace.”

“But... wasn’t Winters waiting for you to give her a ride home? It’s been quite a while...”

Ethan Cole: “I won’t be giving her rides anymore, I don’t like her anymore.”

“What?” Grace Bennett widened her eyes, finding it very unbelievable.

Meanwhile.

Chloe Winters had been waiting outside for Ethan Cole for half an hour, but he still hadn’t shown up.

Her faces puffed up in anger.

“This jerk, he actually stood me up, I swear.

I will ignore him for the entire week, and I won’t eat his breakfast anymore!”

Chloe Winters pondered this as she walked home.

She didn’t get far before her legs began to tire.

Ethan Cole had always given her rides in the past.

Only when she walked, did she realize how far it was to her home.

Upon reaching home, Chloe Winters was so tired that she collapsed onto her bed.

The resentment towards a certain someone multiplied in her heart.

“Hold tight, we’re leaving.”

Ethan Cole was riding his bicycle with Grace Bennett sitting behind him.

She kept her head down, her cheeks flaming red.

This was her first time riding a bike with a man other than her father.

She didn’t know where to put her hands.

The breeze brushed against her face, lifting the fringe from her forehead, revealing an irresistibly lovely face.

Perhaps because of malnutrition, the girl’s face was slightly pale.

However, this only added to her delicate beauty,

Inducing an irresistible urge to protect her in others.

The place where Grace Bennett lived was quite far from the school.

At this time, Kingsport had not developed yet, and most of the buildings were old houses.

Grace’s house had a small courtyard.

If it were a decade or so later, in a first-tier city like Kingsport, owning such a house would cost at least a billion.

After dropping her off at her house, Ethan Cole found a large pile of firewood in front of the yard.

“Thank you, Cole.” Grace Bennett got off the car.

She barely dared to look into Ethan Cole’s eyes: “Um, would you like to come in for a drink of water?”

“Sure.” Ethan Cole agreed instantly.

“Huh?” Grace Bennett was taken aback.

She lifted her head, gazing blankly at Ethan Cole.

Her tiny cherry lips slightly parted, appearing quite adorable and stunned.

A breeze blew by.

Blowing her bangs on her forehead.

Ethan Cole saw her full face.

Even though he had seen it a few times in his past life.

But seeing it again, still made Ethan Cole’s heart skip a beat.

Some people, they do nothing at all.

But by simply standing there, they dazzle time.

“What, was that just a polite suggestion?” Ethan Cole pretended to be angry.

“No, no, come in please, Cole.” Grace Bennett quickly opened the door.

Her heart was about to jump out of her throat.

This was the first time she brought a boy home.

Luckily her parents weren’t home, otherwise, she didn’t know what she would do.

Grace Bennett’s home was simple.

There was not even a television, just a freestanding Diamond brand fan.

However, it was very clean, providing a comfortable atmosphere.

“Cole, here’s your water. Sorry, we don’t have any beverages at home.”

She placed the cup in front of Ethan Cole.

A tinge of sadness flashed in the young girl’s eyes.

Her family was very poor and often couldn’t afford enough food.

As a result, she developed an introverted personality and hardly conversed with her classmates.

“It’s okay. I prefer boiled water.” Ethan Cole smiled and drained the cup.

At that moment, he noticed her hands were full of calluses.

They were certainly real calluses.

His mind turned to the firewood piled outside.

She must have to chop wood fairly often.

Thinking of the frail girl chopping so much firewood, Ethan Cole couldn’t help but feel distressed.

This is my future wife.

So Ethan Cole said, “Thanks for helping me solve the problem today, Grace.

To repay you, let me help chop the firewood in the yard.”

Without waiting for Grace Bennett’s consent, he went outside.

Picking up the axe, he started chopping.

“No need, Cole... it’s nothing big,” Grace Bennett offered as she caught up to him.

“It’s no trouble. I play basketball daily, and if I don’t expend the energy, I can’t sleep.”

As he spoke, Ethan Cole had already chopped five logs.

The young girl bit her lip, feeling a strange tingle in her heart.

Because of her family status, she was more mature than most girls her age.

She could feel the sincerity in Ethan Cole’s heart.

Why wouldn’t Winters want such a good guy?

Grace Bennett really didn’t understand.

If it were her, having someone who was completely devoted to her, she would definitely hold onto him tightly and never let go for a lifetime.

She shook her head.

Feeling embarrassed about her thoughts, Grace Bennett quickly crouched down to help.

“Darling, we’re home.”

Grace Bennett’s hands wavered, almost causing her to drop the firewood she was holding.

She panicked immediately.

“Why are mom and dad home so early tonight? Where should I hide? No, where should Cole hide?”

Chapter 4 Boss, you wouldn’t want your daughter to fall in love early, would you?

Grace Bennett’s face turned beet red, nearly steaming with heat.

Ethan Cole found this highly amusing.

The door was pushed open.

The sound abruptly ceased.

Frank Bennett and Diane Bennett were both stunned.

Ethan Cole’s gaze swiftly swept over the two of them.

He paid particular attention to Frank Bennett.

A middle-aged man, not overweight, with an average build and appearance.

This didn’t seem like a person who had ‘system’?

He inwardly complained.

Externally, Ethan Cole greeted with a smile, “Good evening, Uncle, and Auntie, I am Ethan Cole, Grace’s classmate.

She was helping me with some problems today and it delayed her, so I escorted her home.

Also, I happened to notice there was a lot of firewood in the yard, so I helped chop some.”

Ethan Cole presented himself in an articulate and sunny manner.

Immediately, Grace Bennett’s parents took a liking to him.

Seeing this, Grace Bennett slightly exhaled.

Thankfully, her parents didn’t think too much about it.

It was getting late.

Ethan Cole didn’t stay long.

As Grace Bennett saw Ethan Cole out, her face was red, she whispered, “Be careful on your way home.”

The little girl’s face was as red as an apple, radiating an attractive glow.

Ah, he really wished he could hold her in his arms right now.

He had really been blind before.

Grace Bennett was so much better than Chloe Winters.

“Ok, I will. See you later.”

He wanted to tease her a bit more but decided against it.

No need to rush things with the shy little girl.

There would be plenty of time later.

Ethan Cole rode his bicycle away.

Instead of going straight home, he went to the store where he had bought a phone earlier.

He wanted to return that phone.

He arrived at the store.

Ethan Cole approached the counter and said, “Boss, do you remember me?”

The middle-aged, bald store owner grinned, “Of course I remember.”

Ethan Cole took out the unopened mobile phone from his backpack.

He placed it on the counter, “I don’t want this phone anymore. Could you please process my return?”

The store owner’s smile vanished immediately.

He said flatly, “We don’t accept returns unless there is a problem with the quality of the product.”

That was the policy of the physical store.

Ethan Cole had come prepared with a plan.

But as he was about to put his plan into action, he spotted a girl who was dressed in No.1 High School’s uniform walking inside.

She yelled “dad” at the store owner and ran inside the house.

Ethan Cole hatched a new plan.

“Boss, is that your daughter? She’s also from the No.1 High School.”

“Correct.” The boss seemed proud, “My daughter has excellent grades in school.”

Ethan Cole chuckled, “Then could you please accept my phone return, Boss.

I mean, you don’t want your daughter to start dating too early, do you?”

The moment the boss heard this, he became enraged.

He glared at Ethan Cole and growled, “Kid, dare to lay a hand on my daughter, and I will kill you!”

Ethan Cole showed no fear.

His face was still full of smiles, “Boss, don’t be so angry.

I just came here to return a phone, if you accept my return, then there won’t be any problems.

Otherwise, with my looks, physique, it would be easy for me to win over your daughter, right?

Oh, one more thing, I am the top-ranked student in my grade.

With this title, it will be quite easy for me to get close to your daughter.”

The boss was shocked, his anger immediately dissolved.

The next second, a bright smile emerged on his face: “Hahaha, I was just joking earlier.

I will return it for you right away.”

Ethan Cole found himself in possession of 2800 dollars.

He was surprised, “Boss, you made a mistake. I bought the mobile for 2600 dollars.”

“No mistake, and the extra 200 dollars, they’re for purchasing educational materials. I only have one request...”

Ethan Cole waved his hand: “Don’t worry boss, I won’t do anything to your daughter, goodbye.”

Having said this, he left.

As soon as Ethan Cole left, the boss’ daughter came out from the house.

Watching Ethan Cole’s retreating figure, her gaze fluctuated.

With 2800 dollars in his hand, Ethan Cole wondered what to do with the money.

Start a business?

He shook his head.

Who in their right mind would start a business?

His future father-in-law would be the richest man in the country.

Which rounds up to him being the richest man in the country, right?

It was unnecessary, completely unnecessary.

Unable to think of a use for the money, Ethan Cole decided to put it aside for now.

Upon returning home...

Sure enough, his parents weren’t there.

Ethan Cole’s parents ran a seafood street food stall.

Thanks to their culinary skills, quality ingredients, and reasonable prices, their business was booming.

They often stayed open until two or three in the morning.

On average, they made a clear profit of 80,000 to 90,000 dollars each month.

During the high season, they could even double that amount.

As a result, Ethan Cole had had a rather comfortable life since childhood.

The only downside was the lack of adults at home, meaning he had to cook most of his meals.

After washing his hands, he cooked a bowl of noodles for himself.

...

At Chloe Winters’s house...

She had just taken a shower, and while wearing a bear-themed set of pajamas, her hair was still wet.

She was indeed very pretty.

At just a sophomore, she was already around 1.6 meters tall.

She had a pair of large KAZILAN eyes.

Her figure was also well developed.

Her look was youthful, but with a touch of allure.

She was lying in bed, picked up her mobile phone, and checked her PingMe.

There was no sign of Ethan Cole’s plea for reconciliation.

Usually, every time Ethan Cole upset her, he would be the first to apologize.

But this time, several hours had passed, and no message was sent.

Chloe Winters snorted coldly, “Such a child, playing games of provocation and retreat.

Let’s see how long you can hold out!”

Chloe Winters fumed, tossing her old mobile phone aside.

It never crossed her mind that Ethan Cole might have given up on her.

After all, Ethan Cole had always been so devoted, so groveling.

He gave off the feeling that he couldn’t go on living without Chloe Winters.

And it’s precisely because of this that Chloe Winters never took Ethan Cole to heart.

She casually tossed him aside.

The next day...

Ethan Cole woke up at six in the morning.

After freshening up, he spent half an hour studying.

Having just been reincarnated, he had basically forgotten all his high school knowledge.

Picking it back up required quite a bit of effort.

How laughable it was...

In his previous life, Ethan Cole had lowered his scores in the college entrance exams to join Chloe Winters at the same university.

With his capabilities, he could have ended up in one of the top three universities in the country.

But for Chloe Winters’s sake, he ended up attending a mediocre specialized college instead.

Thinking back, he was such a fool.

At six-thirty...

Ethan Cole packed up his books and headed out.

He moved quietly.

His parents were still sleeping.

Passing by a breakfast stall...

Ethan Cole stopped to buy two breakfast sets.

When he arrived in his class, only about a tenth of the students were there.

At a glance, Ethan Cole spotted Grace Bennett in a corner.

He was thrilled and walked towards her.

Chloe Winters had also arrived, and she was in a bad mood.

Every morning before, Ethan Cole would text her to say good morning.

But he didn’t send a message this morning.

What audacity he had!

Seeing the breakfast in Ethan Cole’s hands, Chloe Winters snorted, “Don’t think buying me breakfast is going to make me forgive you!”

Chapter 5 Sorry, the breakfast is not bought for you

“???” Ethan Cole was stunned as he looked at Chloe Winters, “Are you speaking to me?”

“Pretending, please continue.” Chloe Winters had her arms folded in front of her, scrunching up her clothes.

A large question mark appeared above Ethan Cole’s head.

Only when he noticed Chloe Winters staring at the breakfast in his hand did he realize.

“Do you think I bought this breakfast for you?”

“Then who else?” Chloe Winters retorted, “Who could you give it to apart from me?”

The maiden wore a face full of justified arrogance. “If you want me to accept your breakfast, you must sincerely apologize to me. And you need to buy me milk tea for two consecutive months.”

Her pose was just like that of a spoiled child.

Looking at Chloe Winters at this moment, fog formed in Ethan Cole’s heart.

In reality, at the beginning of the semester, Chloe Winters was not like this.

It seemed like Ethan Cole was too accommodating and affectionate towards her.

He gave all his best to Chloe Winters.

That’s how this character of hers developed.

After all, Chloe Winters’s family wasn’t well-off, she wasn’t capable of developing such a “princess syndrome.”

After understanding this, Ethan Cole couldn’t help but wryly smile.

Could this be considered getting what you sow?

In this life, Ethan Cole didn’t want any more interactions with Chloe Winters.

So he shook his head and said, “This breakfast is not for you.”

A trace of impatience appeared on Chloe Winters’s face.

Her voice rose significantly: “Ethan Cole, enough. How long are you going to keep playing these childish tricks? Is it so bad that I rejected your confession? I did it for your own good!”

By this time, most of the classmates had arrived.

Ethan Cole took a deep breath.

He looked at her very seriously: “I’ll say it one last time. I don’t like you anymore. Don’t talk to me in the future. If you say another word to me, you’re a dog!”

Having said that, he left her side.

Chloe Winters stood there, stunned.

She only felt a burning sensation on her face, tears swirling in her eyes.

The other female students in the class heard this, and their eyes lit up immediately.

He actually declared publicly that he doesn’t like Chloe Winters anymore.

Did that mean they stood a chance now?

After all, Ethan Cole was a good student, reputedly from a decent family, and really handsome.

He was also talented in many ways.

For instance, singing, dancing, rapping, and playing basketball.

A perfect boy like him, if Chloe Winters didn’t want him, there were plenty of others who did.

“Chloe, are you okay?” Hannah Reed, Chloe Winters’s desk mate pulled at her sleeve.

“Why would there be such a drastic change in him?” Chloe Winters was perplexed.

Hannah Reed thought for a moment, then said: “Perhaps it’s because you rejected him publicly too many times and he couldn’t take it anymore. He’s probably doing this deliberately to upset you. After school, you just need to apologize to him. With his character, he will definitely patch things up with you.”

“I won’t!” Chloe Winters dabbed at her tears, “Why should I apologize?”

In their past interactions,

Ethan Cole was always the one who gave, the one in a humble position.

Over time, Chloe Winters developed a mindset that this was all natural, that it was all as it should be.

It was like how a boss, even when wrong, wouldn’t apologize to employees.

Hannah Reed said: “Are you silly? You can’t just use strong-arm tactics on men. You must employ both soft and hard methods, only then can you firmly control them. Give them a blow, reward them with a sweet jujube, and they will never escape from your palm.”

Chloe Winters unconsciously nodded.

Then she asked curiously: “You’ve never been in love before, so where did you get all this information?”

Hannah Reed gave a slight smile, her face showing an enigmatic expression.

In her bag, a book quietly laid. Its title was, “The Female Edition: How to Go Well With No Woman”.

Ethan Cole walked up to Grace Bennett, put the breakfast on her desk, and said, “I bought too much. You eat it.”

The young girl often suffered from malnutrition, her face pale and colorless.

“Huh?” Grace Bennett raised her head.

She looked at Ethan Cole, then looked at Chloe Winters.

Even though she was somewhat tempted, she still shook her head, “Tha... Thank you, but I’ve eaten.”

“Growl...”

Her words had just fallen when her stomach betrayed her and let out a loud rumble.

Her small, pale face instantly turned crimson.

She felt so embarrassed that she wanted to hide in a hole.

Ethan Cole didn’t ridicule her.

He pretended not to hear it: “Our teachers have always taught us not to waste food. Just think of it as a good deed and help me eat it.”

Seeing that Grace Bennett was still hesitant,

Ethan Cole leaned into her ear and whispered quietly: “If you don’t eat it. I’ll announce loudly in front of the whole class that I like you.”

“No, no.” Grace Bennett panicked.

She quickly picked up the breakfast and began to eat in small bites.

The young girl had severe social anxiety.

The thought of being the center of attention in class was horrifying to her.

Seeing that Grace Bennett had eaten the food, Ethan Cole burst out laughing and returned to his seat.

Chloe Winters had watched the whole scene.

The pen in her hand was about to be broken by her grip.

She originally hesitated on whether to do as Hannah Reed suggested.

Now she had made up her mind.

“What’s the matter with you?” Derek Hayes leaned in closer, “Not flattering Chloe Winters anymore, but flatter Grace Bennett now?”

“Go away!” Ethan Cole said uncomfortably: “Why do you say things so unpleasantly, how could this be called flattering?”

“I don’t get your taste.” Derek Hayes was puzzled:

“The difference in looks between Chloe Winters and Grace Bennett is so great, how could you choose the latter?”

Ethan Cole snorted silently in his mind.

That’s because you haven’t seen what Grace Bennett truly looks like.

The class bell rang.

Ethan Cole said to Derek Hayes: “Sorry, daddy is going to leave you now.”

Derek Hayes: “Huh?”

Without waiting for his explanation, Ethan Cole stood up, “Teacher, I want to change seats.”

Chloe Winters raised her eyebrows.

Hannah Reed, sitting next to her, whispered: “His ace in the hole is waiting for you here. It looks like we won’t be deskmates anymore.”

Chloe Winters curled her mouth slightly, feeling a bit pleased.

But she still maintained her arrogant attitude, “Who wants to share a desk with him? He’s so annoying.”

Inside, however, she had made up her mind.

If the teacher asked her whether she was willing or not, she would definitely refuse.

She had to let Ethan Cole know she also had a temper.

He wasn’t going to get the chance to sit with her so easily.

The old homeroom teacher looked at Ethan Cole kindly, “Ethan Cole, where do you want to switch to?”

His gaze quickly swept over Chloe Winters.

All teachers in the school knew about Ethan Cole’s fawning on Chloe Winters.

The whole school, teachers, and students knew about Ethan Cole, the notorious flatterer.

It was a well-known fact by now.

However, since Ethan Cole’s academic performance was so good, he turned a blind eye to it.

Ethan Cole said with a bright smile: “I want to share a desk with Grace Bennett.”

Chapter 6: Typical Speeches of Trashy Women

“Oh, you want to sit with...umm...Student Grace Bennett?”

The teacher had a look of disbelief, as if thinking he might have heard incorrectly.

The whole class erupted in disbelief.

Grace Bennett was dumbfounded.

Chloe Winters’s hands tightly clenched, veins straining on the back of her hands.

A cloud came over her sunny expression.

Derek Hayes looked heartbroken, “Ethan Cole, you actually chose that girl over me?”

Ethan Cole: “Get lost!”

“Cole, are you sure about your decision, sitting with Grace Bennett?” the teacher asked.

Ethan Cole nodded, “Yes.”

Teacher,” Give a reason.”

Ethan Cole, with a solemn expression, replied, “As the top student in our grade, I feel it’s my responsibility to help those with lower scores to improve.”

At this time, a girl raised her hand: “My grades aren’t good either, could you help me too?”

Ethan Cole glanced at her: “Next time, I promise.”

“Very well, change your seat then.”

“Thank you, teacher.”

Ethan Cole quickly grabbed his backpack and sat next to Grace Bennett.

“Hello, new desk-mate, I look forward to our cooperation.”

Grace Bennett’s face was burning hot.

Her voice was but a whisper.

Her eyes, hidden under thick bangs, were clear and bright.

The more Cole looked, the more he felt attracted.

He thought to himself, my future wife is really beautiful.

Grace Bennett’s grades in high school were very average.

Ethan Cole tested her, but she had nothing to hide.

Either she became smarter later, or she exerted great effort in preparation for the college entrance exams.

Could it be that she really had some sort of system?

I don’t even have one, how could she?

When class finished at noon, everyone rushed to the dining hall.

Chloe Winters packed her things and left with a stern face.

She didn’t even look at Ethan Cole once.

This guy really upset her.

In the way that couldn’t be swayed!

“Aren’t you going to eat?”

Ethan Cole saw Grace Bennett still sitting in her seat.

“I ate too much this morning, not hungry, you should go eat, Cole.”

Grace Bennett lowered her head, not daring to look at Ethan Cole.

Because his gaze was too heated.

It felt as though she would melt from the intensity.

Ethan Cole naturally knew that the girl was so frugal because of her family situation.

He didn’t insist.

On the way.

Derek Hayes stared at Ethan Cole with a mournful look.

Ethan Cole couldn’t take his gaze anymore.

He kicked Derek Hayes’s butt, “What’s wrong with you? Don’t look at me with that disgusting look.”

Derek Hayes wiped imaginary tears from his face.

He sobbed, “You’ve changed, you weren’t like this before.”

Ethan Cole ignored this drama king, picking up his pace towards the cafeteria.

Meanwhile.

When Chloe Winters arrived at the canteen and saw the huge crowd, she was stunned.

There was a long line at each window, when would she ever get her lunch?

Only then did she realize how she had taken for granted Ethan Cole getting her lunch every day.

She never had to stand in these long lines.

Every day, Ethan Cole would place her favorite dishes in front of her.

What seemed so natural before, actually wasn’t so simple after all.

“Hey, look, it’s Ethan Cole.” Hannah Reed suddenly pointed to the left.

Chloe Winters followed her hand and spotted him, her eyes lit up.

She saw two lunch boxes in Cole’s hands.

One of them was sure to be for her.

Even though Ethan Cole left the classroom much later.

However, he and Derek Hayes had figured out a shortcut, unknown to everyone else.

Thus, by the time the other students were halfway to the canteen, the two had already gotten their food.

The canteen aunties from this era didn’t shake their hands when serving food and gave generous portions as well.

Two servings of meat, two of vegetables, and a large bowl of rice only cost four dollars.

“Ethan Cole, which lunchbox is mine?”

Chloe Winters blocked Ethan Cole’s way, a playful smirk on her face.

The truth is, her physique and appearance were indeed quite nice.

She could easily rank in the top ten in the school.

When she smiled, two small dimples appeared on her face.

In his previous life, Ethan Cole was captivated by this very smile.

Then he began a very unpleasant life.

Ethan Cole didn’t want to talk to her, so he bypassed her directly.

The smile on Chloe Winters’s face froze.

A rage welled up from the bottom of her heart and she blocked Ethan Cole once more.

However, the smile quickly reappeared on her face.

Her voice softened, “If it’s because I publicly rejected your confession that made you upset, I apologize.

Actually, I quite like you too.

If you try harder, maybe I’ll agree to be your girlfriend.”

Typical words of a manipulative girl.

I can’t agree to be with you now.

But if you continue to treat me well, maybe I’ll agree one day.

After saying this, Chloe Winters looked determinedly at Ethan Cole.

She thought to herself, she had already lowered her stance.

Would Ethan Cole continue to pretend to ignore her?

He would definitely follow her around again, ready to be bossed around by her.

Did she not have a firm hold on him?

However.

There wasn’t a trace of joy on Ethan Cole’s face; on the contrary, he looked indifferent.

Suddenly, Ethan Cole pointed behind Chloe Winters, “What’s that behind you?”

“Huh?” Chloe Winters turned around.

Ethan Cole immediately ran off.

By the time Chloe Winters turned around again, Ethan Cole had already disappeared.

Only Derek Hayes was left standing there, dumbfounded.

Chloe Winters was stunned for a moment, and then her anger filled the air.

Ethan Cole jogged all the way.

What the hell?

Does she really think he’s a pushover?

When he reached the classroom door, Ethan Cole stopped.

He saw Grace Bennett swallow the last bite of her bun and take a gulp of boiled water.

No wonder she was so thin, she ate so little at lunch, it would be strange if she could gain weight.

Ethan Cole intentionally made a noise and walked in.

“Ah!”

Suddenly.

Ethan Cole let out a shocking scream and fell over.

“Cole, are you okay?”

Grace Bennett hurried over, her face full of worry: “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. Help me up.”

Grace Bennett looked frail, but she was surprisingly strong.

It probably had something to do with her doing a lot of chores.

Ethan Cole placed a hand on Grace Bennett’s fragrant shoulders.

Grace Bennett’s petite body trembled slightly.

This was the first time she had been in such close contact with a boy, she wasn’t used to it.

Half of Ethan Cole’s body was leaning on Grace Bennett.

A fresh, subtle fragrance reached his nose.

This was the unique scent of a young girl.

Half of Ethan Cole’s body was leaning on Grace Bennett.

The girl’s body was soft as cotton.

He so wanted to pinch her face.

Ethan Cole, supported by Grace Bennett, sat down at his spot.

After sitting for a few minutes, Ethan Cole let out a breath.

Meeting the young girl’s worried gaze.

He said with a smile, “I think I’m fine.

It’s just that I lost my appetite after that fall.

I can’t finish these two servings of food I ordered. Could you help me with one?”

Chapter 7 Teacher, I report her for secretly reading novels during classes!

Ethan Cole knew that Grace Bennett’s pride was fragile.

She wouldn’t accept it if he directly offered her lunch.

So he put up this act.

Under the sincere gaze of Ethan Cole, Grace Bennett hesitated for a moment before accepting it.

Softly, she asked, “How much do I owe you?”

“Four dollars.”

“Oh, okay.”

Grace Bennett pulled a few pieces of paper money out of her pocket.

A two-dollar note, a one-dollar note, and two fifty-cent coins.

Ethan Cole didn’t hesitate to accept it.

Grace Bennett gave a slight smile.

Upon opening the lid, the aroma filled her nostrils.

A dish of fish-flavored shredded pork, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, a piece of fried fish, and some green vegetables.

Grace Bennett’s nose twitched as her stomach unconsciously rumbled.

It smelled so good.

Though four dollars was somewhat expensive, occasionally splurging like this was acceptable.

She ate bite by bite.

Ethan Cole observed that she ate the rice and green vegetables first, leaving the meat until the end.

He couldn’t help but sigh at the saying, “Different folks, different strokes.”

He remembered how he used to serve lunch for Chloe Winters.

She wouldn’t eat meat that was too lean or too fat; it had to be marbled. She didn’t eat water spinach or bitter melon, only a few kinds like tomatoes and cucumbers.

Half of a serving of food would be wasted.

Unlike Grace Bennett, who ate all her food cleanly.

No picky eating at all.

Grace Bennett gently touched her slightly bulging stomach.

It had been a long time since she had experienced the feeling of being full.

Her body was warm and she felt energized.

Then Grace Bennett noticed Ethan Cole’s heated gaze.

She was a bit overwhelmed.

“Um, I’m going to wash the lunch boxes...”

After finishing her sentence, she picked up the two lunch boxes and hurriedly left.

Watching her retreating form, Ethan Cole chuckled to himself, “My wife is so adorable.”

“Today’s food was terrible.”

On the way back, Chloe Winters was complaining constantly.

The line was too long.

By the time it was her turn, the food was cold.

Before, Ethan Cole always got her food for her, when it was still hot and at its best.

That was when it tasted the best.

Hannah Reed thought to herself that it wasn’t his fault that she had made things difficult for herself.

As Chloe Winters’s desk mate,

when Ethan Cole used to get food or buy snacks and milk tea, he would always bring her something as well.

Now that Ethan Cole no longer did that, she lost an extra perk.

“Hey, look, isn’t that Grace Bennett? What’s she carrying...” Hannah Reed noticed Grace Bennett.

Chloe Winters’s gaze focused sharply.

She also noticed the lunch box in Grace Bennett’s hand.

She recognized it instantly; it was Ethan Cole’s.

One of them was even the one she used exclusively before.

Chloe Winters’s face fell.

It felt as if something that belonged to her had been taken away.

She stopped Grace Bennett, who was walking with her head down.

“Ah...Winters...Winters...”

Grace Bennett almost bumped into her in surprise.

Chloe Winters’s eyes were blazing with anger, “Why do you have Ethan Cole’s lunch box?”

“I...” Grace Bennett was somewhat flustered, uncertain how to explain.

Hannah Reed jumped in, “Grace Bennett, I hope you have some self-awareness.”

Don’t you really think that Ethan Cole would like someone like you who has average looks, common academic performance, and a poor family background, do you?

Ethan Cole getting close to you is just to annoy Chloe Winters, that’s all.

Don’t get too carried away.”

Grace Bennett was biting her bottom lip slightly, feeling somewhat aggrieved.

Not being good with words, she didn’t know how to explain herself.

Chloe Winters commanded in an authoritarian tone, “Clean the lunch box and give it to me!”

Grace Bennett didn’t dare to fight back.

Because of her family circumstances, she had low self-esteem.

After washing the food tray in the dining hall, she handed it over to Chloe Winters.

Chloe Winters, holding the food tray, walked confidently into the classroom.

She walked over to Ethan Cole.

Putting the food tray on his desk, she said with a coy attitude, “I saw Grace Bennett not washing it properly in the dining hall.

So, I cleaned it myself for you.”

From the corner of her eye, she was always watching Ethan Cole.

She thought to herself, I’ve personally washed your dishware.

At this point, you would surely be very touched.”

“Huh?” Ethan Cole was suspicious.

Grace Bennett didn’t seem to be the person she described.

At this time, Ethan Cole noticed Grace Bennett enter the classroom with her head lowered.

She sat in her place without uttering a word.

Ethan Cole had an idea of what might be happening.

He stood up, looking at Chloe Winters. “You washed this tray?”

Chloe Winters’s face color was slightly unnatural.

However, she still stubbornly replied, “Of course!”

Ethan Cole suddenly grabbed Chloe Winters’s hand.

Chloe Winters was startled.

She instinctively wanted to pull her hand away.

But then thought given Ethan Cole had been ‘moody’ of late,

She thought to herself,

let him take advantage.

Then...

she saw Ethan Cole holding Chloe Winters’s hand, bringing it to his nose to smell.

Hannah Reed was shocked.

One must give recognition where it’s due, despite a short absence of three days!

Grace Bennett’s eyes became dim.

It seemed that what Hannah Reed had just said was indeed true.

She was just a tool Ethan Cole used to irritate Chloe Winters.

Chloe Winters’s face was also flushed, “Ethan Cole, how can you be so frivolous?”

She forcibly pulled her hand back.

But what Ethan Cole said next turned her pale.

“You claim you washed this, but there’s no scent of detergent on your hand, who are you trying to fool?”

“I...” Chloe Winters began to argue but was interrupted by Ethan Cole,

“Grace Bennett was intercepted by you on the way,

then you took her food tray away, claiming it as your merit, right?

Don’t you find such behavior disgusting and despicable?”

Chloe Winters’s eyes reddened instantly, “Are you insulting me?”

Make unfounded countercharges, use others’ strength to beat them.

Hannah Reed chimed in, “It was Chloe Winters who washed Ethan Cole’s food tray, definitely! I can testify.

If she has no detergent scent on her hand, that’s because she washes her hands often.

If you don’t believe me, ask Grace Bennett, right?”

After speaking, she looked at Grace Bennett with a warning glance.

What could Grace Bennett say? She could only nod in agreement.

Ethan Cole heaved a silent sigh.

Since the person involved was like this, there was nothing more he could say.

He sat back down.

Waving his hand at Chloe Winters, he said, “Get away, don’t bother me.”

Chloe Winters, her tears fell, “Ethan Cole, I hate you, I’ll never speak to you in this lifetime!”

Fortunately, there were no other students in the class at this time, otherwise there would have been a lot of gossip.

Ethan Cole looked at the low-spirited Grace Bennett.

He whispered in her ear, “Don’t be upset. I’ll avenge you in the afternoon.”

“Huh?” Grace Bennett was confused.

The first class in the afternoon was math.

The math teacher was very strict.

Despite being good-looking, she had a nickname, The Terrifying Beauty.

But her class was quite boring; many students couldn’t keep up.

So, they would tend to be mischievous.

At this time, Ethan Cole noticed Chloe Winters and Hannah Reed were secretly reading a novel.

Ethan Cole immediately raised his hand and stood up, “Teacher, I report Chloe Winters and Hannah Reed for reading novels in class!”

Chapter 8 You also don’t want to lose me as your deskmate right, classmate Grace Bennett?

“Dammit, Ethan Cole is not even a human!”

Outside the classroom, Chloe Winters and Hannah Reed were given a punishment to stand.

The teacher had found two romance novels under their desk.

This had undoubtedly touched her Achilles’ heel.

Right on the spot, she severely rebuked them.

They were sent outside to stand as punishment and also had to write a thousand-word self-criticism.

It was the first time that Chloe Winters had been punished to stand; she felt utterly disgraced.

Her resentment towards Ethan Cole has deepened even more.

These days, Chloe Winters had been continuously attacked by Ethan Cole, which had utterly upset her.

“This despicable man is such a devil!” Hannah Reed indignantly said,

“Chloe, he’s just taking revenge on you.

Such a man seriously lacks manners, let’s not choose him anymore.

With your appearance, what type of boyfriend can’t you get?”

Chloe Winters bit her lip without responding, unsure of what she was thinking.

In the classroom,

Ethan Cole looked at Grace Bennett, “So, did I do as I said?

I took revenge for you. Are you happy?”

Grace Bennett didn’t expect that Ethan Cole would really do this.

Of course, she did feel a bit happy deep down.

But she was quite concerned: “By doing this, Winters might never forgive you.

How can you be with her in the future?”

Ethan Cole said helplessly: “Didn’t I already tell you.

I’m not interested in that woman anymore.

Now, the most important thing is to focus on my studies,

and at the same time tutor you so that we can both get into the top universities in the country.”

“To...together...why...”

Grace Bennett was somewhat inarticulate.

She felt that there was some underlying meaning in Ethan Cole’s words.

Although Grace Bennett was a bit slow, she wasn’t stupid.

This crossed her mind as an audacious idea,

but she quickly dismissed it.

No way, she thought.

She wasn’t attractive, her grades were poor, and her family was poor.

She and Ethan Cole were completely from two different worlds.

There was no way Ethan Cole would like her, he could like anyone but not her.

Grace, stop daydreaming.

Ethan Cole said: “Because we’re desk-mates, right? We’ll be together for the foreseeable future.

So, we should have an intimate comradeship.

Shouldn’t we support each other?”

“Ah, is that so?” Grace Bennett looked blankly.

Seeing her like this, Ethan Cole was eager.

He really wanted to tease her a bit.

The final lesson was PE.

Previously during PE, Ethan Cole would always stay near Chloe Winters.

He would always be attentive to her and not participate in sports with other classmates.

But this time, Ethan Cole was no longer near Chloe Winters’s side,

but was playing basketball with Derek Hayes and the others.

On the court,

Ethan Cole was swift, frequently shooting for the basket.

His handsome figure and movements led many girls to scream excitedly.

Even a lot of girls from other classes gathered around.

Ethan Cole was well-known.

Either for his grades or appearance.

But previously his heart was only set on Chloe Winters,

and he didn’t give any other girls a chance.

But now, everyone knew that he had given up on Chloe Winters,

thus, a lot of girls started to have ideas.

Some of the intelligent ones even bought beverages in advance.

Once Ethan Cole finished playing basketball, they ran over to him.

With blushing faces, they handed over their drinks and asked for his PingMe number.

A nearby envious and disappointed Derek Hayes was watching.

He touched the pimples on his face and thought indignantly,

How come no girl brings me water when I’m actually handsome too?

Chloe Winters and Hannah Reed stood under a tree.

Chloe Winters set her eyes on a large group of girls surrounded Ethan Cole.

She felt intensely irritated.

Furthermore, a strong sense of crisis surged within her.

Only now did she realize that Ethan Cole was so popular, how had she not noticed before?

That’s always how it is with people.

They don’t know how to cherish what they have until they lose it.

Only when it’s lost do they realize how precious and rare it was.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Grace Bennett sat calmly.

Looking at the very popular Ethan Cole, she smiled.

She felt a whiff of youthful vitality.

“I’m sorry, I don’t drink beverages, nor anything cold, thank you.”

Ethan Cole rebuffed all the girls’ goodwill.

He inconspicuously glanced at Grace Bennett.

Not going over to her to keep her from becoming the object of every girl’s jealousy.

“Ah, Ethan Cole really did reject all the girls.” Hannah Reed’s eyes lit up.

She nudged Chloe Winters, “Do you think he still likes you, actually?”

Chloe Winters heard these words, the corners of her mouth lifted up.

Her mood instantly brightened.

But she stubbornly retorted, “The way he’s been acting has really upset me.

I won’t give him another chance.”

Hannah Reed said, “I think he’s playing hard to get.

Let’s watch for a few more days, he definitely won’t be able to resist making amends with you.”

Chloe Winters haughtily declared, “Unless he kneels down when the time comes, there’s no way I would forgive him!”

Class ended.

Tomorrow was Saturday.

Derek Hayes dashed directly to the Internet cafe.

Grace Bennett was the last one to leave.

Today was her duty day.

But just as she just finished locking doors and windows, she turned around and got the shock of her life.

Ethan Cole was standing behind her at some point, grinning at her.

Grace Bennett instantly blushed.

Ethan Cole realized that this little girl blushed way too easily.

She was as innocent and pure as a lamb.

The more he looked at her, the more Ethan Cole wanted to tease her.

“Haven’t you left yet, Cole?”

“Yeah, are you free tomorrow?”

“I have to help my mom sell vegetables.”

Ethan Cole had heard from Grace Bennett before.

Her father worked in a factory, and her mom did odd jobs.

They had several vegetable patches behind their home.

Besides their own consumption, the surplus vegetables would be taken to the market to sell and supplement their household income.

Every Saturday and Sunday, Grace Bennett would help with that.

“Don’t go sell vegetables.” Ethan Cole said, “Didn’t I tell you this morning? My family owns a restaurant.

It’s the peak season now, we’re swamped with customers, especially on Saturdays and Sundays, it’s just too hectic.

Come, help me. I’m offering forty a day, meals included, how’s that sound?”

“Ah?” Grace Bennett’s mouth gaped open.

Ethan Cole gave her no chance to decline.

He continued, “Normally, hiring a waitress would cost me around a thousand and five hundred a month.

That amounts to fifty a day. Paying you forty, my family would be making a profit.

If you don’t agree, I would not be in a pleasant mood.

You wouldn’t want to lose me as your desk-mate, would you, Grace.”

Grace Bennett was completely unable to interrupt.

Listening to him talk.

It felt like if she disagreed, she would be guilty of an unpardonable crime, of the gravest offense.

And so, she meekly agreed.

A satisfied smile spread across Ethan Cole’s face, “In gratitude, I’ll drive you home today.”

Grace Bennett’s heart rate sped up.

Just yesterday, Ethan Cole had driven her home.

Yet again today...

She felt somewhat embarrassed.

She opened her mouth intending to refuse.

Ethan Cole already pulled her along and they were off.

Chapter 9: He actually gave a ride to another girl!

Grace Bennett’s mind went blank all of a sudden.

Ethan Cole’s hand, it was so broad, and so warm.

It gave a sense of overwhelming security.

She momentarily forgot to pull away.

Ethan Cole was also extremely excited.

Grace Bennett’s hand was very soft, truly boneless.

It was cold, like holding jelly.

He wondered when he could openly do this again.

Once they got downstairs, Ethan Cole let go of her.

The young girl’s face seemed ready to steam.

Ethan Cole went to bring the bicycle over.

He patted the back seat: “Get on, if you refuse, I’ll tell the teacher you were reading a novel in class.”

Grace Bennett panicked: “I didn’t.”

Ethan Cole revealed a villainous smile: “Do you think the teacher will believe you or me?

You don’t really want to be scolded by the teacher, do you, classmate Grace Bennett?”

Grace Bennett felt like she had been completely manipulated by Ethan Cole.

She didn’t have any capacity to resist.

But she didn’t feel angry about it, nor did she reject it.

On the contrary, there seemed to be a strange feeling spreading from the bottom of her heart.

It was as if silently nourishing something imperceptible.

Maybe one day, it will blossom and bear fruit.

Grace Bennett carefully sat behind the bicycle.

Her small hands gripping the springs under the seat.

“Hold on tight, I’m about to get going.”

A faint smile appeared on Grace Bennett’s face.

Ethan Cole was her first friend in the real sense.

Even though they’d known each other for just two days.

But Grace Bennett felt as if they had known each other for a long time.

She silently motivated herself.

She must study well and go to the same university as Ethan Cole in the future.

As for what would happen after going to university, she hadn’t and didn’t dare to think about it now.

“Damn it, stinky Ethan Cole, dead Ethan Cole, I really want to chop you into pieces!”

Chloe Winters had been cursing Ethan Cole the whole way home.

After school, she deliberately waited at the school entrance for a while.

Just wanting to wait for Ethan Cole to come out and give her a ride home.

Who knew that she would wait for so long without any sign of him.

She had to walk home again today.

It was both tiredness and a waste of time.

Curse Ethan Cole, but also missed the days when Ethan Cole would take her to and from school regardless of the weather.

“Ding Ding!”

The sound of a bicycle bell came from behind.

Chloe Winters’s heart leaped.

That was Ethan Cole’s bicycle.

His bell sounded different from everyone else’s.

Once, because Chloe Winters commented casually.

Everyone’s bell sounds the same, too unpersonalized.

So Ethan Cole customized it some more.

The sound was clearer, and it penetrated even stronger.

“Humph, no matter how nice you talk, aren’t you coming to pick me up now?

I need to teach you a lesson later and can’t easily let you drive me.”

Chloe Winters thought to herself, her back straightening a bit.

The sound was getting closer.

The bicycle passed Chloe Winters.

But it didn’t stop as she had expected.

What was even more unbelievable to Chloe Winters was.

There was actually a person riding on the back of the bicycle.

Grace Bennett!

Ethan Cole actually gave her a ride?!

Chloe Winters felt completely ridiculous.

She couldn’t help but shout: “Ethan Cole, dammit stop!”

She felt terribly insulted.

In what way was she not superior to Grace Bennett?

Even if Ethan Cole were to find someone to provoke her, he should have found someone better.

What did all this mean?

Yet, Chloe Winters’s shouting did not make Ethan Cole stop. On the contrary, it only sped him up.

After his reincarnation, Ethan Cole did not want to have any more contact with this woman.

He avoided her as if she were a venomous snake!

He just didn’t understand.

Hadn’t this woman been rejecting him all along?

Yet, she kept making all sorts of grand promises to him.

Claiming that if she ever were to consider a romantic relationship, he would be her first choice.

Judging by that remark, Ethan Cole was clueless about the amount he had given up.

In the end, he lost everything.

“Ah, Ethan Cole, you bastard!”

The sight of Ethan Cole acting as if seeing her was akin to seeing a plague, completely drove Chloe Winters mad.

But by this time, Ethan Cole had already walked far away and did not hear her voice.

He successfully dropped Grace Bennett off at her home.

He waved to her, “I’ll pick you up at eight o’clock tomorrow morning.”

“Ok, see you later, Cole,” she replied.

On his way home, he stopped by the vegetable market and bought some food.

He cooked the food at home and then rode his bike to his family’s restaurant.

It was a little past six, and the place was already bustling with people.

Looking at the three-story street food stall located in a prime spot, Ethan Cole was lost in thought.

The shop was rented.

In his previous life, as real estate prices increased, the landlord sold the building.

He heard it was sold for over a hundred million then.

The new owner, after purchasing the building, no longer wanted to continue renting this space to their family.

Later on, with some effort, they found a place with a worse location but higher rent.

The business was affected for a long time.

It wasn’t until the district underwent renovation and demolition that the foot traffic started to pick up again.

If Ethan Cole remembered correctly.

The current property prices in Kingsport were only three to four thousand.

This commercial and residential building covered an area of about three hundred square meters.

All three floors combined were nearly one thousand square meters.

Given the current market rate, four million should be sufficient to buy it in cash.

He had to find a way to persuade his parents to purchase it while property prices were still low.

That way, they wouldn’t have to move their business elsewhere in the future.

The family probably wouldn’t have that much in savings currently.

However, they could probably pull together one million.

After which, they could apply for a loan.

Given the current business volume of the restaurant, the likelihood of the bank granting approval should be fairly high.

“Mom, Dad, eat first, I’ll help you out,” Ethan Cole said, handing over the lunch box and taking over their tasks.

They had hired a chef and two waitstaff at the restaurant, but there were times when it was extremely busy.

“Hehe, such a good son,” his mother, Karen Cole, said with a laugh.

Robert Cole was nodding and eating his food, “Our son’s culinary skills are improving. Even if he doesn’t get into a good university, he can still be a great chef.”

“Shut your mouth!” Karen Cole retorted irritably. “With our son’s grades, he won’t have any issues getting into the Ashford University.”

As he was going over the accounts, Ethan Cole listened to his parents’ banter, feeling an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.

In his previous life.

When his college entrance exam score came in, it was just over four hundred.

Both of his elderly parents, it seemed as if they had instantly aged by over a decade.

Thinking back, he was really an ungrateful wretch.

This time around, he certainly wasn’t going to let that happen again.

“Mom, Dad, how much do we currently have in savings?” Ethan Cole asked.

His parents were quite open with him regarding the family finances.

Karen Cole answered, “Currently, the total savings from all our bank accounts is around one million two hundred fifty thousand.”

Ethan Cole’s eyes lit up, “Take it all out and give it to me.”

Robert Cole quietly put down his chopsticks and picked up the broom that was lying in the corner...

Chapter 10: One second the father is kind and the son is filial, the next second all hell breaks loose.

“You little punk, so young and already eyeing your old man’s savings, aren’t you?”

Robert Cole picked up a broom, pretending to swing it.

One second they were a picture of fatherly love and filial piety, the next, it was chaos.

“Dad, don’t be rash, listen to me.” Ethan Cole was startled, “What I mean is, let’s withdraw the money and buy this place.”

“Huh?” Robert Cole frowned, “Why do you think that?”

Ethan Cole said, “Renting other people’s properties is always unstable.

If they decide not to rent anymore one day, we will have to leave.

Moreover, if we buy this place, it can be used by future generations, it wouldn’t go to waste.

Let’s take advantage of the affordable housing prices and buy it.”

Karen Cole: “Son, you have a point, but there’s not enough money to buy this place.”

Ethan Cole: “We can borrow from the bank, as long as we provide the restaurant’s income statement.

The mortgage rates right now aren’t high, monthly repayments should be manageable.”

“What if the house prices drop in the future?” Robert Cole asked.

“Impossible.” Ethan Cole spoke with conviction.

Then he dove into topics ranging from macroeconomics, international situations, and the changes in domestic history over the years.

In short, both Karen Cole and Robert Cole were so confused by what Ethan Cole said that their heads were spinning.

They didn’t understand, but it sounded impressive.

Finally, the following six words popped into their minds: My son is truly incredible!

They felt that refusing to buy the place, as Ethan Cole suggested, would be a grave sin.

“Oh, mom and dad, I invited a classmate to help out tomorrow, I’ll pay her forty dollars a day plus meals, is that ok?”

“A girl?” Karen Cole became interested.

“Yep.” Ethan Cole chuckled, “Mom, I have eyes for her,

she’s very kind and cute, I’m smitten with her for the rest of my life.,

Please, say some good words about me in front of her.”

Ethan Cole’s family was quite different; they were very open-minded.

Karen Cole had stated it before.

Dating was fine.

As long as he didn’t overstep boundaries and was responsible for the girl.

And it couldn’t affect his grades, then it was all right.

“Oh my, I can’t wait to see this young lady who is so outstanding, to make my son speak like this.”

Friday nights were always busy.

They stayed busy until three in the morning before closing the door.

He had already told his parents.

They would go and talk to the shop owner tomorrow morning to see if he was willing to sell.

The next morning at six, Ethan Cole woke up on time.

He had mostly activated all his past life’s memories during these two days.

He had almost finished reading the textbooks for the second year of high school.

At seven o’clock, after freshening up, Ethan Cole went out to buy breakfast.

Soy milk, fried breadsticks, and steamed buns.

When he was in middle school, his parents gave him fifty dollars a week as pocket money.

In high school, they increased it to one hundred and fifty dollars per week.

In this life, he didn’t need to spend money on Chloe Winters, so his pocket money was basically untouched.

On his way home, Ethan Cole deliberated what he should do next.

He wasn’t interested in starting a business for now.

He was quite interested in literature though.

Got it!

The Inkwell Forum!

He could write short stories and then submit them.

He was quite good at this.

There are three categories in The Inkwell Forum with the most readers.

Family Ethics, Campus Life, and Workplace Stories.

In his previous life, Ethan Cole liked to read Campus Life during university,

he remembered countless storylines.

If he wrote those down, he might be able to make a good amount of money.

There was even the possibility to sell the copyrights.

When he got home,

Ethan Cole ate breakfast, and left the leftovers in the kitchen for his parents to eat when they got up.

The time was fifteen past seven.

Ethan Cole went back to his room, took out paper and pen, and quickly wrote down a story outline.

Then he left the house.

The rest would have to wait until he got back in the evening.

He got on his bike and headed to Grace Bennett’s house.

When he arrived at her house, he found that she was already chopping wood in the yard.

“Grace, let’s go.”

“Ah, Cole.”

Grace Bennett put down the axe, wiped her sweat, “Please wait a moment.”

She ran back into the house.

When she came out again, she had changed into a pair of jeans that had faded a little from washing.

Ethan Cole’s eyes lit up at the sight.

Grace Bennett had long, straight legs.

She was wearing a loose white T-shirt on her upper body.

However, there were hints of her full figure showing underneath.

Her face was still hidden behind her thick bangs.

Ethan Cole didn’t plan on asking Grace Bennett to cut her hair just yet.

He had not won her over, and he didn’t want to unnecessarily add to his competition.

Even so, in Ethan Cole’s eyes,

Grace Bennett at that moment gave him a stunning impression.

“Ready to go. Get in the car.”

“Oh.”

Grace Bennett obediently sat down.

She wasn’t as shy as she was the first time she rode in the car.

“Here, breakfast.”

Ethan Cole handed her the breakfast he had bought on his way there. It was still warm.

Three meat buns, and a portion of hot milk.

“Thank you, but it’s too much, I can’t finish all of this.”

Ethan Cole turned his head to look at her: “You are so skinny. You need to eat more.

Moreover, you have a big appetite, can’t finish three buns?”

Grace Bennett took a bite of a bun, her cheeks bulging.

What the heck.

Who said that girls have big appetites, that’s just too much.

Three meat buns, and a portion of hot milk.

Grace Bennett estimated that it cost about two dollars.

After eating.

She quietly took out two dollars, and slipped it into Ethan Cole’s pocket.

A slight smile formed on Ethan Cole’s lips.

He pretended not to notice.

This girl, she’s not like Chloe Winters who only knows how to receive and doesn’t know how to give.

No one likes those who only know how to take, but are unwilling to give anything back.

“Ah, how come we are at the library?”

Grace Bennett looked up and realized they were in front of the library.

Ethan Cole smiled and said, “The restaurant doesn’t open until ten o’clock. Let’s go read some books first.”

His real motive was to spend as much time as possible with her.

Only this way could they foster their relationship better.

And then take her to a variety of popular places.

Like the library, milk tea shop, park, and the likes.

Over time, even if Ethan Cole is not with her,

these scenes might bring him to mind.

I was a clever little devil.

The naive Grace Bennett had no idea that she was being thoroughly arranged by Ethan Cole.

Upon hearing this, she didn’t think too much about it.

Reading was also fine.

She also liked reading books.

Ethan Cole locked the car, and they both walked in.

This was a public library.

Students could enter by presenting their student IDs.

Ethan Cole picked two books and sat down in a corner.

At this time, there weren’t many readers.

They found a corner.

And sat together.

Bathed in a gentle sunlight.

Grace Bennett turned her head and saw Ethan Cole’s perfect side profile.

Her heart gave a lurch.

Then, blushing, she lowered her head.

She found it hard to calm down for a long time.

Ethan Cole noticed her unusual behavior.

He laughed and asked, “Is the book good?”

“Um, it’s very good,” Grace Bennett said softly.

She felt her face getting hot again.

She thought she was so useless, always reacting this way. Would Cole mind?

Ethan Cole: “Let me see what amazing book it is that you’re so engrossed in reading it upside down.”

Grace Bennett: “???”

Chapter 11 I Can ‘Reluctantly’ Marry You

What is called social death, this is it.

Grace Bennett wished she could crawl into a crevice in the ground.

So embarrassing.

Ethan Cole grinned, feeling very cheerful.

Maybe this is what they call peaceful times.

At about nine-thirty, while reading the book, Ethan Cole dragged Grace Bennett away.

On the road.

Ethan Cole advised Grace Bennett, “You just need to serve the meals.

If a guest gets drunk, you should find me first.

Some more generous customers will give tips.

This is your own money, you can keep it, don’t need to give me any.

And you can’t refuse.

Because that would make them think you look down on them, do you understand?”

“Oh, I see.” Grace Bennett nodded obediently.

Only Karen Cole and two waitstaff were in the restaurant.

Robert Cole had gone to talk with the landlord.

“Ah... Hello, Auntie, I’m Grace Bennett. Sorry for the intrusion.”

Seeing Karen Cole, Grace Bennett immediately bowed ninety degrees.

“Oh, don’t be so formal, come in.”

Karen Cole pulled Grace Bennett in with a big smile on her face, expressing great enthusiasm.

“Here, let me explain thing