Chapter 173
Chapter 173 One Word Outshines a Decade of Hardship
“Leander?” Victor’s eyes narrowed sharply, and his face twisted in surprise.
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Finished
He had recently achieved a record–breaking SAT score, making him the top scorer. Teachers, relatives, and even the media showered praise on him, making him feel like he was on cloud
nine.
He came up with the idea of having this gathering. Officially, it was to reconnect. Actually, all he wanted was to bask in the attention and praise of everyone as the star of the show.
However, he had mixed feelings when Leander walked in through the door. He had not expected to see Leander again, much less here.
It was something the other classmates also noticed. Whispers swept through the room, and their eyes grew wild.
“Is that Leander p>
“No way. It’s been almost nine months since he left p>
I’ve heard that he fled Highcliffe and dropped out. What is he doing back here p>
Everyone looked around. Leander had once been the golden child of Ravenridge Senior High, after all. He had the all–time high monthly test score, stunned everyone with his performance at the school celebration, and defeated Crestgate High School’s karate team on his own.
He had even overshadowed Victor, now a provincial champion.
The legendary figure had now reappeared as nostalgia filled the room.
Evidently taken aback by Leander and Liam’s arrival, Jade got to her feet, her face rigid but attempting a smile.
She maintained a courteous tone as the previous class monitor, greeting them with a smile. “Leander, it’s been a while! Lots of classmates have been curious about your whereabouts, Have
a seat p>
Nodding slightly, he sat next to Shirley and Liam. A couple of girls who had once harbored feelings for him glanced over, their eyes displaying an odd mixture of interest and sorrow,
Back then, Leander had outshone every other boy in school. Even the campus belles, Madeline and Yvette, had been close to him.
He was the ideal man because of his good appearance, intelligence, and mystique.
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Chapter 173 One Word Outshines a Decade of Hardship
Who wouldn’t be moved?
Finished
It was such a pity that his admirers could only reminisce about the past. In their eyes, Leander was no longer the same person he had been, as he had been gone for too long.
Nine months were more than enough for them to forget how brilliant he was.
Leander greeted a few classmates he used to talk to. Then, he kept to himself, quietly sipping his drink and chatting with Liam and Shirley.
He ignored the rest.
Meanwhile, Victor was enjoying the attention. His classmates continued to salute him. Liam even raised his glass for a little cheer, but Leander refrained from participating.
Leander just poured his own beverage, causing Victor to turn to him.
“Leander!” He lifted his wine glass and glanced at Leander. His eyes were filled with calm and a downward gaze, long since the initial fear had faded. “To be honest, I don’t admire many people. But you p>
He continued, “Back in school, you’re the only one I ever looked up to. I was ranked first in our grade for two and a half years straight. You crushed me during our bet p>
Although Victor was talking about losing, there was not a trace of humility in his voice. In fact, he sounded proud.
“That loss was a turning point. It woke me up. I put everything else aside, including hobbies, sports, and other distractions, and gave my full attention to my studies. I might never have become the top scorer if it weren’t for that loss. I should truly thank you for that.
“This is for you.” Victor dramatically raised his glass and finished the drink in one go.
Leander could hear the arrogance dripping behind the so–called gratitude, so he only grinned.
It was a power play, not gratitude–a means for Victor to brag about his accomplishments from a higher position.
Without even looking at him, Leander patiently swirled his glass and took a sip.
Victor couldn’t be bothered. He saw Leander’s silence as nothing more than a pout from a sore loser. Putting down his glass, he sighed. “What I regret the most is you dropping out. I really wanted us to go head–to–head on the SAT p>
Shaking his head, Victor added with mock sadness, “It’s such a shame. You were so gifted. If
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Chapter 173 One Word Outshines a Decade of Hardship
you’d stayed, maybe you’d be at a top–ranked university now. But… here we are p>
Although he appeared to feel sorry for Leander, he was actually making fun of him.
Finished
A few classmates nodded, while some boys quietly chuckled.
Leander, the former school legend, had become yesterday’s news. Winners were remembered, and losers were forgotten–that was the way the world operated.
Years from now, nobody will care who scored the highest on the mock exam. They’ll remember the guy who made headlines – the top scorer.
A few girls who still had feelings for Leander quietly let go of their hopes, their eyes growing colder.
Unbothered, Leander continued eating and drinking.
However, Liam was furious. Staring at Victor, he asked, “What do you mean, Victor? We’re all classmates, but you seem to be making fun of Leander. Did you forget your bet back then? You dropped out of the elite class without a word when he scored that decent score p>
Victor kept his cool.
With a slight smile, he explained, “Don’t take it personally, Liam. I feel really sorry for Leander. We have options in life, yet with one wrong turn, our paths changes forever.
“Leander could have accomplished a lot with his talent. However, he was at the height of his abilities when he left school. Isn’t that a waste? I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that way p>
Once he finished his words, a few bootlickers dove in. “Exactly. Being good in the past is meaningless now. The result is what counts p>
“Right? Victor was accepted into Stanton Academy’s prep class. All the nation’s brightest minds are there. If Leander even hopes to catch up, he might have to redo the whole year p>
They were all Victor’s sidekicks. Despite his constant attempts to act refined, Victor would never get over his grudge toward Leander. He would take the chance to openly mock Leander.
Once idolizing Leander for being the only one to defeat Victor, Jade remained silent since Leander was now a distant memory.
“How could you…” Liam could not hold it in anymore. He had invited Leander to have fun, catch up, and enjoy the night.
He never thought Leander would be the target of mockery. Just before he exploded, Leander
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Chapter 173 One Word Outshines a Decade of Hardship
stopped him gently.
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Then, he glanced at Victor, turning his head slightly. “Victor, you think being the top scorer and joining some elite prep class makes you better than me p>
Victor grinned. “Well, you’re not qualified to be on the same level as me anymore, at the very least p>
“I see?” Leander shook his head and laughed a little.
“This is supposed to be a class gathering. I don’t want to compete with you. Since you’re so ready to upstage me and crush me, I’ll tell this to your face.
“Believe me when I say that even if you worked your *ss off, you would not hold the same influence as me p>
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