Conflict

"So, you ended up like this just because you pressed the alarm when those bikers were stealing from your workplace?"

On the way to the classroom building, Simon learned the reason behind Wallace being tied up.

"Yeah! I don't get it. What did I do wrong?" Wallace showed a helpless expression.

Simon patted his shoulder and comforted him, "It's not your fault. The fault lies with society."

"Don't think too much. Just enjoy life at your new school." After saying that, Simon bid Wallace farewell.

As he walked through the hallway, Simon approached a group of chatting girls, wrapped his arm around a blonde beauty's waist, and kissed her.

After the passionate kiss, Simon asked, "Meg, what were you guys talking about?"

Meg Manning, Veronica's good friend and Simon's current girlfriend—a petite beauty who looked strikingly similar to Jo from Supernatural.

"We were talking about what happened at the school gate. Aren't you afraid those bikers will come after you?" Meg asked worriedly.

Simon stroked Meg's hair and reassured her, "Don't worry! Navarro wouldn't dare mess with Dom. Out of respect for him, nothing will happen."

Eli Navarro, nicknamed "Weevil," was the leader of the local biker gang.

The ones who stole from Wallace's workplace were Navarro's men.

"Honestly, I'm more worried about Veronica," Simon added.

In the past, as long as Veronica's father, Keith Mars, was still the sheriff, Navarro wouldn't have dared to cross her.

But now, Keith was just an ordinary private detective, and Navarro had no reason to show him any respect.

"Simon, you'll find a way to help Veronica, right?" Meg asked out of concern for her friend, seemingly forgetting that Veronica was once Simon's girlfriend.

"Of course!"

"Great! I knew you wouldn't let me down." Meg smiled happily and kissed Simon.

"Of course! By the way, tonight—"

Just as Simon was about to say something, the school bell rang.

Shrugging, Simon said, "Let's talk during lunch!"

"Okay!"

---

Time flew by, and soon it was noon.

"There's a race tonight. Do you want to come?" Simon asked Meg while carrying a tray with a steak.

Hearing this, Meg's eyes lit up. "Wow, of course, I wouldn't miss something like that!"

"Deal. I'll pick you up at your house tonight," Simon said cheerfully.

"OK!"

As they talked, they unknowingly walked outside the cafeteria.

Since it was lunchtime, most of the tables outside were already occupied.

"There's Veronica… and the guy who was tied to the flagpole this morning! Come on, let's go over." Meg, with her sharp eyes, spotted Veronica and Wallace.

Without waiting for Simon's response, Meg quickly walked toward Veronica.

Seeing this, Simon shrugged and followed.

"Veronica, are you okay?" Meg asked as she sat down beside her.

Looking at Meg and Simon, Veronica smiled. "Meg, why would you think something's wrong with me?"

"You looked like you were hypnotized earlier. Are you sure you're fine?" Simon asked.

"Of course!" Veronica glanced at Simon and replied indifferently.

"OK." Seeing her attitude, Simon didn't press further.

"So, are you guys friends?" Wallace asked, looking at Simon.

Simon glanced at Veronica across the table and nodded. "Yes, we used to be very good friends."

Hearing that, Wallace wisely chose not to ask further.

"By the way, thanks for getting me down from the flagpole," Wallace said gratefully.

"Oh, it's nothing—"

"Shit! Weren't you supposed to wait for me at the flagpole? Didn't I make myself clear?"

Before Veronica could finish, a bald man approached Wallace and interrupted.

The bald man was none other than Eli Navarro, the leader of the biker gang.

"Alright, got it. This is… interesting. I think we're now, you know…" Wallace stammered, clearly intimidated by Navarro's aggressive demeanor.

"Know what, boy? You're just a toy, got it?" Navarro growled.

"Hey, that's enough!" Simon couldn't stand it anymore. "I was the one who let him down. If you have a problem, take it up with me!"

Seeing Simon step forward, Meg anxiously clung to his side.

Gently patting Meg's back, Simon stood up and looked directly at Navarro. "Navarro, it was your guys who crossed the line first. Lamb avoiding trouble doesn't mean you were in the right."

"Hah, are you trying to stand up for him?" Navarro glared at Simon, expressionless. "Or are you speaking on behalf of Dominic and declaring war on us?"

"Ha! Navarro, you should've gone into politics instead of leading a biker gang. Your skill at twisting the truth surpasses most politicians," Simon sneered.

Annoyed by the mockery, Navarro snapped, "Kid, are you asking for a beating?"

Simon crossed his arms and calmly looked at him. "Want to fight? I'm ready anytime."

No matter how arrogant Navarro was, he didn't dare to start a fight on school grounds. That was precisely why Simon was so confident.

And even if it came down to a fight, Simon didn't believe he'd lose.

"Vato, let's teach this punk a lesson!" One of Navarro's men stepped forward, unable to hold back.

Fortunately, Navarro was quick to react and stopped him.

"What's going on here, Navarro?" Vice Principal Clemons suddenly appeared, having been alerted to the situation.

Patting Navarro and his men on the shoulders, Clemons continued, "Alright, gentlemen, it's time to leave."

Hearing this, Navarro and his men said nothing and left with Clemons.

Before leaving, Clemons glanced at Simon and Veronica and sighed, "Simon, Veronica… why is trouble always circling around you two?"

Leaving those words behind, Clemons walked away.

---

"You shouldn't have confronted Navarro like that!" Veronica suddenly spoke after the group had left.

Hearing this, Simon replied calmly, "I think if I weren't here, you would've done the same thing, right?"

Veronica shrugged in response.

"Since you would've done it, why shouldn't I?" Simon asked.

"Because I can guarantee Navarro won't bother Wallace again. But you? You'll just hide behind Dom like a coward."

With that, Veronica turned and left without looking back.