[Chapter 156]
"So you're saying you're also from Sunnydale University? I've never seen you around, though!" Dickson was smiling the whole time.
"No. I'm from Mayberry University."
Gerald knew how to stay calm no matter what kind of vibes the other people were giving him.
"Mayberry University is fine. Anyways, what does your family do? How did you make Elena fall for you?" Dickson asked.
"Well, Dickson, allow me to tell you. He came from a small village, and his family runs a tiny grocery store! How do you still not understand by the way he dresses?" Amber answered.
The highest state of ignorance was pretending someone didn't exist even when he was just right in front of you.
Although it was hurtful, nobody would actually point it out. However, Amber had been doing that to Gerald all along, and it showed how much she despised him.
"Oh, it must have been tough studying in Mayberry coming from a small village. Do let me know if you're in any kind of trouble. My father knows the dean, and I can get things settled for you. If you need a loan, you could always come to me too. I'm from Sunnydale, but I'm actually well connected! Anyways, have you taken any sort of loans before?"
Dickson soon noticed that Amber had been ignoring him…
"Yes, I did apply for a three-year loan. I used the money to pay for tuition!" replied Gerald.
Gerald initially intended to prove that Elena was wrong, but now he decided it best to keep a low profile.
There were three reasons for it:
One, Gerald did apply for a loan and did indeed pay the tuition fee with that money.
Two, even if he was trying to help Elena, there was no need to go to such an extent. Gerald realized that Elena wasn't just pretending that he was her boyfriend, but she actually wanted to develop a different kind of relationship. It wasn't him being narcissistic. He could actually feel it. Even though Gerald did fancy pretty girls and would easily fall for any one of them, he wasn't a bad person in general. Gerald had always wanted his girlfriend to connect with on a deeper level, but Elena was definitely not that person. This was because the first time they met, Elena injured his face, resulting in Gerald not wanting to date her.
Three, he did not want to expose his true identity. He was uncomfortable each time he became the center of attention. He never understood why anyone would like that.
"Damn! You had to pay your school fees with a three-year loan? You must be broke!"
"Fuck! This is big news. How could someone be so poor they had to apply for a three-year loan? I'd be embarrassed even if I had to just apply for one. I'd probably kill myself!"
Amber and the girls mocked. Ruby frowned, thinking Elena must have gone crazy to have chosen a guy like him!
Why would she choose someone like him!
"They say children from poor families are more independent. Well, it does seem right. But if you require money, you can always approach me. I'll gladly lend it to you since Elena, and I are schoolmates. We can be friends too!" Dickson smiled.
Even though it was a small gesture, it was clear they were mocking him.
Being the student president, he was clearly good with words. Every sentence that came out of his mouth subtly insulted Gerald.
"There is no need for that, but thank you anyway." Gerald smiled and politely rejected his offer. "You're always welcome. Anyways, since you're studying at Mayberry University, have you been to the nearby attractions? You should go check out Mayberry Commercial Street and Wayfair Mountain Entertainment. How could you not when you're already at Mayberry, right? Why not I show you around after this?. My father knows the CEO of a restaurant on Commercial Street. I could bring you there!"
"Hey Dickson, don't you remember what Elena's family does? Even if Gerald pays a visit, Elena could bring him!" said Amber smiled as she smiled.
"Oh, right. How could I have forgotten? I only remember that Gerald is a pretty poor pauper who hasn't been anywhere before. Well, it seems like he's been frequenting Mayberry Commercial Street after being in a relationship with Elena."
"Oops… definitely my fault for having bad memory! Hahaha!"
Dickson hit his head as he laughed it off.