Chapter 31 – The Fierce New Student
“Pretty girl, how about hanging out after school?”
“Not interested.”
“Lovely lady, my family’s full of musicians—my mom’s a professional! I’ve got a good voice, too. Do you like music?”
“Don’t like it.”
“Miss—”
“Don’t bother me!”
As more and more people came to register, Erika became increasingly noticeable.
She swiftly rejected one group of flirters after another. Each time one group left, a new one came in, leaving her thinking she just needed to finish registration and get out of there.
“Out of the way!”
Just as Erika kept turning people down, a boy with short blond hair elegantly walked toward her from not far away, brushing his bangs with a deliberately poised gesture.
Yet the moment he appeared, the other boys quickly made their way, whispering among themselves.
“I knew it. With such a beauty joining Wode Academy, Andy wouldn’t let it slide.”
“Sigh, we’ve got no shot. That Andy is from the Clappen family. Who knows how many girls he’s already messed with. Hopefully he fails this time.”
These comments were hushed, but Erika still heard them.
She glanced at the blond-haired boy approaching her. He looked handsome and dashing, in the prime of his youth, and at least a head taller than her.
He wore a high-end formal suit—it was clear he was from a wealthy family.
Andy noticed Erika’s gaze and grew excited, taking large strides forward.
“My beautiful little princess, in this vast sea of people, I spotted you at first glance. I’m Andy Clappen. I believe you’re also drawn to me right now—this must be our shared destiny.”
With that, Andy gracefully bent down, extending his hand for a kiss of greeting.
Unfortunately, Erika didn’t understand such customs. She kept her hands behind her back and didn’t move. She already had a poor impression of this pretentious guy.
Besides, his pick-up lines were so outdated.
Not returning the gesture, Erika smacked her lips.
Andy was a bit embarrassed by her lack of response, but he straightened up and smiled, saying, “I was simply expressing my affection for you, beautiful miss. I must admit, your beauty has enchanted me.
I approached you because you look so much like a little princess I once knew.
You remind me of the love I shared with her.
If you ever feel lost or sorrowful, in need of a shoulder, I’ll be there for you.”
Ugh...
Hearing this made Erika even more disgusted. She nearly threw up—how revolting.
What nonsense was this guy spouting? It was so old-fashioned.
Screw your affection—who asked for it?
Not wanting to stir up trouble, Erika blinked and tilted her head, looking at him with a blank and innocent expression as if she didn’t understand a thing.
Andy froze for a moment.
“You don’t understand?”
“Ah... aba aba ababa...”
“Are you messing with me?”
Now Andy’s expression soured. “Playing dumb? I just saw you talking to others.”
“You started the joke.”
Wanting to quickly get rid of this thick-skinned pest, Erika bluntly retorted, “That whole thing about looking like your old lover—so cliché.
Also, you’re disgusting. I don’t even know you. Could you stop with the whole ‘affection’ act? Please don’t disturb me while I’m lining up for registration.”
With those words, the entire scene fell silent for a moment like someone had hit pause.
Even the students ahead of Erika turned around to look at her.
The next second, laughter and whispers began to spread among the crowd.
“Did you hear that? The little beauty said Andy’s disgusting—haha...”
“Pfft, I can’t take it! She’s got such a fiery personality. She’s the first girl at Wode Academy to talk to Andy like that.”
“Serves Andy right! This is gonna be fun.”
“She looks so young. Do you guys know which family’s little princess she is?”
“No idea, maybe she’s an outsider.”
...
Amid the laughter and gossip, Andy’s face turned red.
They weren’t wrong. With Andy’s background, every girl he flirted with at Wode Academy had always known who he was. Even if they wanted to reject him, they’d do so politely.
None had ever called him disgusting to his face like Erika just did.
Thinking she’d scolded him into leaving, Erika was wrong. She had underestimated his persistence.
Unable to bear the mockery of the crowd—especially with a few of his underlings watching—Andy couldn’t afford to lose face if he still wanted to show himself around Wode Academy.
Shedding his fake gentleman persona, Andy decided it was time for force. His expression darkened as he put on a stern look.
“Little girl, you’d better show some respect. There’s no woman I can’t have here. After registration, you’re coming with me, or you’ll regret it.”
What was this guy trying to do? Was he really going to hit her just because she insulted him?
Erika began to doubt this guy’s character. But she wasn’t afraid. After a moment of thought—
“So, after I register, we’ll talk?”
“Good.”
Andy nodded in satisfaction, thinking she had caved. It seemed like the force was working after all. He continued, “Now tell me your address. I, Andy Clappen, have taken a liking to you. When I get the chance, I’ll visit personally with gifts.”
“No thanks. I hate you. My family definitely hates you too.”
“Huh?”
Andy looked amused. He thought this little girl must be a clueless bumpkin and arrogantly declared, “Let me tell you something, little girl—do you know who I am?
I can guarantee you—there isn’t a single family in the Imperial Capital that dares hate me.
I’ll visit your home and I bet your family will welcome me with open arms.”
“Huh?”
This time, Erika gave him the same look in return.
She was almost amused by how shameless this guy was.
Her family was just Gladys, and she couldn’t even imagine such a scenario.
Gladys welcoming someone like this with a smile? What a joke!
“Shoo, stop flattering yourself.”
Erika waved impatiently. Even if this guy was some noble, she had no intention of sucking up to him.
“Stop bothering me. Go hit on someone else, okay? I’m not the only new student here.”
Andy was stunned.
“You little brat! You’ve got a fiery temper, huh? Looks like unless I get serious, you’ll never understand who I, Andy Clappen, really am!”
Seeing things escalate to this point, Erika was speechless. She just wanted to register—this guy was way too dramatic!
Maybe... she should just slip away?
Guess registration could wait. She could line up again later...
She didn’t want to play along anymore and decided to bolt.
But just as Erika was about to run, Andy’s hand shot out, grabbing her arm tightly to stop her.
“Let go of me.”
Erika frowned slightly—she had put up with this guy long enough.
“Heh, trying to run? Today, you’re not—”
“Ugh—!”
Halfway through his sentence, Andy’s lips curled inward, his eyes bulging with a slightly ridiculous expression.
Erika’s small leg had just landed a solid kick between his legs.
That’s right—right in the groin.
And she hadn’t held back at all—like she was aiming to ensure he’d never have kids.