Chapter 74

Chapter 74:

Seeing Kevin standing before her, Fernanda couldn’t help but admit that he didn’t look half bad.

Unlike Ector’s lean frame, Kevin had slightly broader shoulders, giving him a sturdier appearance.

Even though he had a few years to go before being considered an adult, he was already taller than Fernanda. His modern outfit added a touch of sharpness to his look.

Of course, his overall appeal would have been even better if his expression wasn’t so intense.

“Oh?” Fernanda’s voice carried a tone of disinterest. “You’re asking me to leave p>

Kevin let out a sharp snort. “That’s right! One way or another, I’ll make sure you leave. This is my house, and I won’t forget what you pulled today p>

“Cool down, kid.” Fernanda leaned lazily against the doorframe, her arms folded as she regarded Kevin. “Why so worked up over today? Shouldn’t I be the one upset? After all, you’re the one who rigged a bucket of paint above my door p>

Kevin narrowed his eyes, his irritation rising as he wished he could wipe that smug smile off Fernanda’s face.

“Where’s your proof?” Kevin retorted icily. “If you can’t back it up, quit spewing baseless accusations p>

“And where’s your evidence to pin this on me?” Fernanda shot back without missing a beat. “Not to mention how you stormed into my room uninvited. You walked in with bad intentions, got yourself drenched in paint, and now you’re here to make a scene? What gives you the right? Your audacity p>

“You!” Kevin jabbed a finger in Fernanda’s direction. “How dare you insult me p>

Your adventure awaits at gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․c〇m

“Insult you? Oh, I’ll do more than that. Show up looking for trouble again, and I’ll knock you out,” Fernanda warned, extending her hand and curling it into a tight fist.

Her slender fingers cracked sharply as they clenched, and her grip looked strong enough that Kevin couldn’t shake the uneasy thought—she might actually twist his head off.

Kevin wouldn’t admit it, but something about Fernanda’s commanding stance unsettled him.

Instinctively, he stepped back twice, creating a small but necessary gap between them.

“Better watch it, kid.” Fernanda shot Kevin a sharp look, mimicking his own tone. “Mess with me again, and I’ll shove your head straight into a paint bucket. Let’s see how you like the flavor p>

With that, she swung the door shut. The loud bang reverberated through the hallway.

The booming closure startled Kevin, sending an involuntary shiver down his spine.

Swallowing hard, he stared at the closed door between them.

That country girl carried an unexpected air of authority. Damn it, he couldn’t believe she’d actually managed to scare him.

Moving awkwardly, Kevin turned and shuffled back to his room, the memory of Fernanda’s cracking fist still fresh. His legs felt oddly shaky.

Fernanda turned and settled back onto her bed, feeling completely calm.

She had no intention of lowering herself to Kevin’s childish antics, but if he dared to cross her path again, she wouldn’t hesitate to teach him a lesson he wouldn’t forget.

With boredom creeping in, Fernanda grabbed her device and jumped into a game match.

Midway through the game, a message popped up from Fourteen. He had been waiting for her, and the moment Fernanda wrapped up her match, he sent an invite to team up.

The second she joined, Fourteen wasted no time in launching the game.

Something felt off about Fourteen today—he was unusually quiet. Normally, he was quick to back Fernanda, always staying close to protect her. But today was different. Uncharacteristically, he picked a warrior and headed for the side lane.

His playstyle was unusually bold, charging headfirst into the fray during team battles without a second thought, fighting with a reckless determination as if he didn’t care about the outcome.

Fernanda began to wonder if someone else had taken over Fourteen’s account; it was so unlike his usual approach.

After grinding through eight matches, she finally announced she needed to take a breather.

She then asked Fourteen what was bothering him since he seemed different today.

Fourteen curtly replied,

“Nothing p>

But then, as if realizing he shouldn’t brush off someone he looked up to, he added,

“My parents yelled at me p>

Fernanda immediately understood.

He was just a fourteen-year-old kid, after all, and a scolding from his parents was bound to dampen his spirits.

Hoping to lift his mood, Fernanda switched to an alternate account to help him gain a few stars. It worked—his spirits lifted, and he started chatting mid-game, returning to the talkative Fourteen she knew.

“I’ve set up a match against the Esaham University crew in a few days,” Fourteen said eagerly. “When can you join p>

“Anytime works for me,” Fernanda answered casually.

She prided herself on keeping her word. Now that she’d promised to help Fourteen with this grudge match, she wasn’t about to back out. Still, she couldn’t help but marvel at how fixated this fourteen-year-old was on revenge. All they’d done was beat him a few times in the game, yet his determination to even the score was almost too intense.

“Awesome! I’ll set up a time with them and let you know,” Fourteen said with excitement. “You’re amazing! Honestly, you’re the best—way better than my brother p>

Fernanda hesitated, unsure how to respond. It wasn’t the first time someone had mistaken her for a guy, and she’d grown accustomed to it by now.

“If we ever meet in real life, want us to become sworn brothers?” Fourteen exclaimed enthusiastically. “I want you as my brother so no one will ever dare to bully me again p>

Fourteen’s imagination was already running wild with possibilities. With Fernanda reclaiming her throne as the top player, he saw himself as the brother of a legend—a name that would command respect across the game.

Hold on a second, not just in the game. At school, where plenty of students were also players, he could practically taste the celebrity status.

In his mind, this was the peak of existence, the ultimate win.

Fernanda couldn’t help but smile. Even through the screen, his sheer excitement was palpable.

It was heartwarming how simple joys could light up a child’s world. A little after eleven, Fernanda bid Fourteen goodnight and logged out of the game. After a refreshing shower, she noticed a message from Cristian: “Are you still awake p>

Fernanda paused briefly, then typed back, “I’m up p>

Cristian asked if it was a good time to call. When she said yes, her phone rang almost immediately.

“Keep your afternoon free tomorrow,” Cristian said, his tone warm yet firm. “Remember, you promised to come with me to the motorcycle race p>

Fernanda recalled how Cristian had helped her get to the exam venue on time. His only request in return had been this outing, and she owed him for that. A promise was a promise. Without hesitation, she replied, “Sure. What time are we leaving p>

“The race starts at four, but I’ll pick you up at two so we can head there together,” Cristian explained.

“All right,” she agreed simply. The idea of a motorcycle race intrigued Fernanda, and she found herself looking forward to it.

Cristian seemed pleased with her easygoing response, and his voice softened. “Good. Rest well tonight. I’m looking forward to tomorrow p>

“Okay.” Fernanda was about to end the call when Cristian’s voice stopped her. “Oh, wait p>

“What is it?” she asked, puzzled.

“Have you thought about competing in the race tomorrow?” Cristian asked, curiosity edging his tone.

Fernanda blinked, caught off guard. “Didn’t you just ask me to tag along p>

“Along? Does that mean I’m competing too p>

Cristian’s laugh came through the line, low and slightly raspy, carrying a charm that made her pause.

“Not as a spectator,” he clarified. “I’m asking if you’d want to join as a competitor. With your riding skills, you’d do great p>

Compete in the race? Fernanda’s eyes lit up at the thought. She had never participated in an official motorcycle race before, and the idea was… surprisingly exciting. This could be fun.