Chapter 11: The Influence of the Morris Family

After her graceful shot, Anran landed lightly and watched as the ball circled the rim before dropping through the hoop. A smile spread across her face—perfect score!

"Beautiful move! New student, what's your name?" the PE teacher praised, clearly impressed by Anran's performance.

Since Anran was a transfer student, she hadn't received her uniform yet and was wearing her own sportswear, making it obvious she was new.

"Yes, I'm Anran."

"Have you played basketball before?"

"Yes, I was on my middle school basketball team," Anran replied, her expression brimming with confidence.

Instantly, the girls in the class turned their attention to her, their eyes filled with a mix of envy and jealousy, much like when they had discussed Aixue earlier.

Anran's radiant smile and self-assured demeanor left the PE teacher momentarily stunned. Somehow, this new student gave off a distinctly different vibe.

It was true—most young people in Rosetown had pale complexions, making Anran's healthy, rosy cheeks stand out. Her vibrant energy was rare here. The teacher couldn't help but ask, "Anran, you're not from this town, are you?"

Anran felt a slight pang of unease at the question, but she brushed it off, assuming the teacher was asking because she was a transfer student.

"No, my grandmother is from Rosetown, but I grew up in another city. I've only recently moved back," she replied casually.

The teacher nodded and then asked, "Anran, would you like to join the school basketball team?"

"Teacher!" someone exclaimed, as if hearing something unbelievable.

Another girl chimed in immediately, "Even the teacher can't just let anyone join the basketball team! Don't forget, the team captain is from the Morris family."

The teacher paused, momentarily caught off guard. She had almost forgotten this critical detail. Quickly regaining her composure, she said sternly, "Of course I'm aware of that. I'm merely recommending Anran for the team. As a teacher, I believe I have the authority to do so."

No one dared to challenge her after that, but their faces still showed clear resentment.

Anran found the exchange between the teacher and her classmates odd. Why had she suddenly become the object of jealousy? What was this Morris family they mentioned? It seemed they held more power than the teacher, and the name sounded foreign.

The envious glares from her classmates made Anran uncomfortable. It was just a teacher recommending her for the basketball team—was it really worth such a reaction?

The PE teacher's hopeful gaze lingered on her. Anran knew she was more athletic than the average person, but her basketball skills were just decent. Besides, she hadn't forgotten her purpose in Rosetown—to spend time with her grandfather. Joining the basketball team would likely require frequent practice, and she didn't want to sacrifice her free time for that.

"Teacher, I'm not interested in joining the basketball team," Anran replied.

The teacher seemed disappointed but didn't press further. Her earlier offer had been impulsive, and she had momentarily forgotten that the Morris family held the real authority over the team.

Hearing Anran's refusal, the girls' attitudes softened, but Anran paid no mind to the earlier episode and continued her practice, sweating freely.

Meanwhile, in the clock tower at the top of the tallest building, a man dressed in black stood motionless.

Originally reclining, the commotion from the basketball court had caught his attention. Though he wasn't one to seek excitement, this time, he couldn't help but rise to his feet. His dark purple eyes narrowed as they focused on the court.

On the basketball court, a petite, lively figure leaped and moved, shining like a beacon, drawing everyone's gaze, including his. He licked his lips, feeling something unusual—a sense of vitality emanating from that human, the sound of a healthy heartbeat echoing in his ears.

Thump… thump…