Chapter 12: A New Friendship Amidst Envy

Anran suddenly felt a chill run down her spine on the basketball court, stopping her mid-motion. She looked up, her gaze fixed on the top of the tall building—the clock tower. It was empty, with no one in sight.

How strange. Just moments ago, she could've sworn she felt an intense gaze.

But from such a height, even if someone were there, they wouldn't be able to see clearly, right? It must've been her imagination, Anran thought.

As the PE class ended, everyone headed to the locker room.

Anran had worked up a sweat, washing away the discomfort she'd felt since arriving in Rosetown. Naturally outgoing and straightforward, Anran had always been popular among friends. Growing up in her father's martial arts school, she was used to blending in with the other martial arts students. The attitude of the people in Rosetown had been a real downer.

"Anran, can we be friends?" a soft voice asked at the locker room entrance.

Anran was startled. The girl standing there had such a faint presence that Anran hadn't noticed her until she spoke.

"Who are you?" Anran asked.

The girl with thick glasses and blunt bangs looked up, her eyes full of hope. "I'm Zhang Ning. We're in the same class."

Anran tried to recall but couldn't remember seeing her in class. Zhang Ning's presence was indeed nearly invisible. Then Anran noticed the sharp, hostile gazes directed at Zhang Ning and couldn't help but feel amused. It seemed Zhang Ning, like her, was an outcast among the girls. But unlike Anran, Zhang Ning was met with a kind of disdainful contempt.

Anran understood the threat in those stares. She knew the class's hostility toward her was just that of a newcomer. But if she befriended Zhang Ning, she'd likely face the same treatment. However, Anran wasn't one to be easily intimidated. Without hesitation, she said, "Zhang Ning, are you sure you want to be friends with me?"

Zhang Ning's eyes widened, and she nodded enthusiastically.

Anran extended her right hand and smiled. "Alright, we're friends now."

Zhang Ning's expression turned to one of surprise, but her eyes sparkled with excitement, barely contained behind her thick glasses. She quickly shook Anran's hand, finding it remarkably warm.

Anran hadn't expected to make a friend today. Though Zhang Ning was quite different from her usual circle, she was still Anran's first friend in Rosetown, and it made her happy. Yet, she was also curious.

"Zhang Ning, are you from Rosetown?" Anran asked as she slung her bag over her shoulder and started walking.

Zhang Ning kept her head down, walking quietly beside Anran. At the question, she looked up and replied, "Yes, I am."

"Then why do the other students isolate you?" Anran couldn't understand.

As a transfer student, it made sense for her to be ostracized, but Zhang Ning had been living in the town all along. Why was she treated the same way?

Zhang Ning bit her lip, exuding an air of loneliness and insecurity, which might've contributed to her faint presence. After a long pause, just as Anran thought she wouldn't answer, Zhang Ning finally spoke. "It's… because… I've had contact with the Morris family…"