Chapter 226

"Zuri, I'm so jealous of you. I can't believe Owen is your brother. You have no idea how much I like him—I'm a total fangirl! If I had a brother like that, I'd be the happiest person ever."

Shen Menglai chattered away casually, not at all concerned if her presence was a bother or whether she was even welcome.

Zuri's expression remained indifferent as she quietly opened her book.

Xu Zexi glanced at her, smiling faintly, and followed suit by opening his book as well.

Seeing that neither of them paid her any attention, Shen Menglai grew a bit irritated, but she didn't dare show it. Instead, as if something occurred to her, she raised her voice, "By the way, Zuri, why is it that you don't share the same last name as Owen? Why are you called Zuri?"

Hearing this, the other students around them turned their curious gazes toward her.

Xu Zexi frowned slightly, "Shen Menglai, that's a bit too personal. Why are you so interested in her family affairs?"

"I was just curious, that's all. If Zuri doesn't want to talk about it, then she doesn't have to. I was just asking offhandedly," Shen Menglai pouted innocently.

At that moment, a commotion began outside, with the noise growing louder as it approached.

"Isn't that An Ruoxi? What's she doing over here?"

"Could she be here to find Zuri?"

"No way, is she here to cause trouble again?!"

The murmurs from outside drifted into the classroom as An Ruoxi entered, bringing with her a pungent, sour smell of food. The students inside immediately backed away from her.

"Oh my god, what is that smell on her?"

"She's definitely here for Zuri."

"What's her deal? Is she here to bully Zuri again?"

The students' chatter grew louder as An Ruoxi ignored the disdainful and disgusted looks aimed her way, walking straight to Zuri's desk.

Zuri raised her eyes to meet hers. "What do you want?"

Taking a deep breath, An Ruoxi spoke, "Zuri, I was wrong. I'm willing to apologize, but please, can you stop?"

Zuri raised an eyebrow. "Stop? What are you talking about?"

Seeing Zuri's innocent act, An Ruoxi's anger flared, "Just look at me! All of this is because of you. People have been throwing bugs in my food, tossing dirty things at me on the street, and my belongings keep disappearing. Are you really going to tell me this has nothing to do with you—or your brother?"

Zuri almost burst out laughing at her accusation.

"I know I was wrong. Please, just leave me alone. I promise I'll avoid you from now on," An Ruoxi pleaded with a pitiful expression.

Zuri put down her pen and looked at her coldly, scrutinizing her from head to toe, causing An Ruoxi to feel utterly bewildered.

"Are you running a fever?" Zuri blinked in confusion.

"How dare you insult me?!"

"Insult you?" Zuri chuckled. "I was just asking if you were sick. Otherwise, why would you be spouting such nonsense? You must be feverish to say something so ridiculous."

An Ruoxi's face darkened. "So you refuse to leave me alone?"

"Enough!" Zuri couldn't hold back any longer and stood up. "Tell me, do you have any proof that those people were sent by me? If you can prove it, I'll order them to stop right now."

"When you provoke others and they retaliate, instead of reflecting on your actions, you come running to me for mercy? You're not asking for forgiveness—you're asking for protection."

Zuri didn't hesitate to expose her true intentions.

She wasn't here to ask for forgiveness; she was here seeking protection.

Protection?!

Zuri scoffed.

"Do you think, after everything you've done, you're worthy of my protection? There's a saying: 'Return good for evil,' but tell me, 'What do you return for good?'"

"I, Zuri, have always distinguished clearly between gratitude and grudges. You think you deserve my protection?"

This wasn't just aimed at An Ruoxi, but also at Shen Menglai.

An Ruoxi was left speechless.

As the bell for class rang, Zuri looked at her and said, "If you want to stay for the lesson, take a seat at the back."

An Ruoxi didn't move, instead raising her voice, "You could solve this with just a word, so why won't you let me go? You haven't been hurt at all, so why are you holding onto this?"

"I'll tell you why!"

Suddenly, a voice as clear as a mountain stream echoed from outside the classroom.

Everyone inside was captivated by the sound, their eyes turning as one towards the doorway. A tall, imposing figure came into view.

The newcomer was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, walking with long strides. His mid-length hair occasionally brushed over his brows, and behind the lenses of his gold-rimmed glasses were sharp eyes that seemed to see right through you.

Even with glasses on, nothing could hide his chiseled, handsome features. His aura was different from Owen's seductive charm or Nolan's cold detachment—his was a unique blend of elegance and nobility.

Every student, male or female, was entranced by the striking man as their gazes followed him.

The man walked straight towards Zuri.

An Ruoxi, staring at the stunning man before her, swallowed nervously.

Shen Menglai and the others had a question flashing through their minds—who is this man?

But as he got closer, someone recognized a familiar likeness beneath the glasses.

One of Owen's fans gasped, "Owen, it's Owen's brother!"

This exclamation was like a trigger, sending the classroom into a frenzy, especially among Owen's fans who were desperate for him to stay.

"Owen, please don't leave the industry!"

"We'll miss you!"

Adam looked at the hopeful faces around him, his thin, alluring lips curving into a slight smile as he said five words, "I'm not Owen."

But no one believed him.

"Owen oppa, don't think we won't recognize you just because you're wearing glasses. We'd know you anywhere, even if you were reduced to ashes! No one in this world is as amazing or charming as you." A fan excitedly gushed.

Every Owen fan nodded in agreement.

Adam: …(These fake fans!)

Zuri: …

Zuri smiled at the man before her and announced to everyone, "This is my second brother, Adam."

Adam's lips curved up in pleasure when he heard Zuri call him 'second brother' again.

Second brother!!!!

Everyone was stunned.

Shen Menglai stared at Adam with infatuation, suddenly realizing that he was even more attractive and charming than Owen.

Love at first sight—it was exactly what she was feeling right now.

An Ruoxi, snapping out of her daze, tried to leave, but Adam blocked her path.

He narrowed his eyes, the cold glint behind his glasses fixed on the girl before him.

This girl was unbelievably audacious.

Once wasn't enough—she dared to come back for more!

"You wanted to know why? I'll tell you why!"

Adam's voice was firm as he said, "Because you're not worthy!"