Chapter 20 How Much Do You Want?
“Hey, have you heard? That Naomi from our department has been targeted recently!”
Finished
These past few days, every time Shane walked through the academic building, he would overhear such whispers. At first, he didn’t pay much attention, but as he heard it more and more, his brows gradually furrowed, and he began listening carefully,
“What? You mean that guy, Alex, from her class? I heard he deleted Naomi’s assignments, making her love face in public!” another voice chimed in.
“Not exactly! Later, Naomi dragged Alex to the rooftop and gave him a good beating! And from what I heard, the real person going against Naomi isn’t even Alex–it’s Shirley!”
“Why? Doesn’t Naomi get along with everyone?”
“I heard it’s because of Professor Sh–Shh! Professor Shane is coming!” The two who were gossiping quickly fell silent as Shane approached.
This wasn’t the first time I had overheard such discussions.
His thoughts immediately drifted to the time when Shirley had confronted him about Naomi.
Could it be that Naomi was being targeted because of me?
His gaze darkened with contemplation as he stopped the two students.
“Hey, you two! Wait a minute! You just said Naomi was being targeted–who’s behind it?”
The two girls panicked upon seeing the professor himself. They wanted to flee but were forced to respond. “Uh were not sure.”
Seeing their hesitation, Shane’s frown deepened.
Just then, a clear, confident male voice sounded from nearby, “It’s because of you, Professor Shane.”
Shane’s expression darkened slightly as he followed the voice. Leaning casually against the corridor wall was Leon, one of Naomi’s classmates, speaking in an amused tone.
The two girls seized the opportunity to nod quickly before slipping away.
“Leon? You know about this?”
“Know about it? I even took pictures of Naomi teaching Alex a lesson! Professor Shane, do you want to see? Leon smirked.
Shane raised a brow, intrigued. Leon immediately pulled out his camera, flipping through the photos as he explained, “I stumbled upon it by accident. I was worried she might get hurt fighting a guy like Alex on the rooftop. But Naomi–man, she’s incredible! She took him down in just a few moves! Then, she even arranged to meet Shirley, saying she wanted to clear things up!”
One of the photos captured the exact moment Naomi grabbed Alex by the hair. His miserable expression was in stark contrast to her imposing stance.
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Chapter 20 How Much Do You Want?
I had always known Naomi was fearless and willing to bag down.
But now I realized she was bolder than I thought–daring to handle a troublemaker like Alex all on her own.
He asked. “Do you know where Naomi and Shirley are meeting?
Leon thought for a moment before replying, “This afternoon, on the rooftop.”
Shane’s eyebrow lifted slightly. The stage was set. It would be a shame to miss this spectacle.
Finished
That afternoon, Shirley arrived on the rooftop as expected and immediately spotted a trembling Alex.
Annoyed, she said, “Alex, what’s so important that you couldn’t say over the phone? Why did you have to drag me to this creepy place? Just spit it out already!”
Alex hesitated, his gaze flickering nervously behind her. After a long pause, he muttered, “L. Naomi, she…”
“I
“I get it. You want money, don’t you? Well, too bad. You haven’t even made her afraid to come to school yet. If you actually take care of her, then of course, I’ll pay you…”
Before she could finish her sentence, a cold and mocking voice sounded from behind her.
Instead of having this useless fool handle me, why dont you do it yourself? Wouldn’t that be easier?”
Shirley stiffened for a moment. Then, she turned around, feigning nonchalance. Only to see Naomi standing there, arms crossed, smiling faintly.
At the sight of her, Shirley’s eyes flashed with rage. “Naomil You wretch!”
Sensing trouble, Alex immediately made a run for it, leaving the two girls alone in a tense standoff. A breeze blew past, carrying a chilling sense of hostility.
“Wretched? I don’t recall doing anything to deserve such a title from you, Ms. Shirley.”
Naomi smirked, as if she didn’t take Shirley seriously at all.
“Playing dumb? Naomi, you’re still pretending? Alex must have told you already, Shane is my boyfriend! Our families have been engaged for years! How dare you seduce your own professor?!”
Shirley’s furious gaze burned with hatred, her face contorted in anger.
“Me? Seduce Shane?” Naomi chuckled as if she had just heard the most ridiculous joke.
She couldn’t help but laugh. “I was only discussing a project with Professor Shane. That’s why we’ve been meeting frequently. Who knew some people’s minds were so filthy that they’d immediately assume the
worst?
The more nonchalant Naomi appeared, the angrier Shirley became.
Shirley raised her sharp nails, lunging toward Naomi’s face. “You vixen! Stop lying! My people saw you two meeting at the café every afternoon! If that’s not seduction, then what is? Why don’t you just drop out? Why don’t you just die?!”
Naomi caught Shirley’s wrist effortlessly with one hand stopping her in her tracks.
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Chapter 20 How Much Do You Want?
With a slight force, she pushed Shirley back, making her stumble a few steps, nearly falling.
What a joke. I wasn’t even afraid of fighting guys–did Shirley really think she could scratch my face?
“You… You actually dared to hit me?! I’m going to tell the professors! I’ll tell Professor Shane!”
Finished
Shirley’s expression shifted to disbelief and grievance as she pointed at Naomi, her eyes welling up with
tears.
“This is my final warning,” Naomi said coldly. “I’m not someone you want to mess with. If you dare come after me again, don’t blame me for making your life at Woodcreek Academy miserable.”
Her arched brows and icy tone carried an unmistakable threat, sending a chill down Shirley’s spine.
Seeing that intimidation wouldn’t work, Shirley suddenly softened her demeanor.
Her eyes turned misty, glistening like a pitiful rabbit’s, she whimpered, “Naomi, that’s not what I meant. I just… I just love Shane. I want him by my side. If you’re willing to stay away from him and never see him again. I’ll pay you any amount you want.”
Naomi was momentarily stunned by how quickly Shirley’s attitude changed.
Just moments ago, she had been ready to claw at her face. Now, she was trying to buy her off?
Naomi couldn’t help but find it amusing.
Did Shirley really think I’m stupid enough to fall for her tricks?
Still, I was curious, just how far was Shirley willing to go for Shane?
