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Novel Catalog
It was a hectic day for the new students. By the time Carlisle had completed the enrollment procedures and settled into his dorm room, evening had already fallen.
The room was stifling. Despite the two ceiling fans, the air felt like a heavy steam, making it nearly unbearable. Carlisle had originally planned to take a cold shower to cool off, but when he saw the long line outside the shared bathroom, he abandoned the idea. Instead, he stripped off his shirt and jeans, slipping into his beach shorts. He collapsed onto the bed, exhausted.
He grabbed his phone and sent a message to Sweet_like_candy. “What’s up? What are you doing?”
Three minutes passed without a reply. Carlisle assumed she must still be busy with her enrollment.
Closing his eyes, he began to drift into a light nap.
Suddenly, the door flew open with a loud voice. “Hello, everyone!”
Kelvin barged in, carrying a suitcase in one hand and a large plastic bag in the other. The bag clinked with the sound of cans.
“Let me introduce myself. My name’s Kelvin, and from now on, we’re roommates! Let me treat you to some chilled Coke!”
He set down his suitcase and handed out the cans of Coke to the group. Everyone responded enthusiastically.
“Thanks, man!”
“You’re too kind, Kelvin!”
“Thanks a lot!”
The roommates expressed their gratitude with wide smiles as they accepted the drinks.
Soon, Kelvin walked over to Carlisle’s bed. As he approached with a Coke in hand, he stopped, his gaze narrowing slightly. “Carlisle, do you remember me? I’m also from Rainville High School.”
Carlisle blinked in surprise. He paused, then smiled. “Of course I remember you. You’re Kelvin, the class monitor from Class 3C.”
There had only been three classes in their high school, so it was natural for Carlisle to know all the class monitors. Still, he was surprised that Kelvin had recognized him.
Kelvin seemed to notice the confusion on Carlisle’s face and chuckled. “I’m sure you’re wondering how I recognized you, huh?”
Carlisle quickly figured it out. “It must be because of Sarah, right?”
“Haha, you’re right!” Kelvin laughed, tossing Carlisle the Coke can with a playful grin. “Here, enjoy!”
Carlisle caught the can but hesitated. “Thanks, but I’m not thirsty…”
Just as he was about to decline, he caught the cold, calculating glint in Kelvin’s eyes. Something about him didn’t sit right. Carlisle’s instincts told him they might not get along well in the future.
Kelvin didn’t seem to notice Carlisle’s discomfort as he plopped down on the bed beside him, his tone suddenly turning serious. “Carlisle, I need a favor. I’ll pay you fifty bucks for it.”
Carlisle’s brow furrowed. “What’s the favor?”
“Could you spread a message in the class group chat?” Kelvin asked, lowering his voice. “Tell everyone that someone spotted Wanda checking into a hotel with a man…”
Carlisle’s stomach dropped. His mind raced. Wanda? A hotel? With another man? This didn’t make sense. Wanda was shy, well-mannered, and from a respected family. She would never do something like that. It had to be a lie.
His eyes widened in shock, and his face turned pale as he swatted Kelvin’s hand away. “Kelvin, that’s wrong! You can’t spread lies like that!”
Kelvin smirked, seemingly unfazed. “Who says I’m lying? I saw it with my own eyes last night. The man was the owner of the Four Seasons Hotel.”
Kelvin reached into his wallet and pulled out a crisp $100 bill. “If you share the news in the group chat, this is yours.”
The roommates, watching from around the room, began to murmur. They were from ordinary families, and $100 was a small fortune to them. Most of their monthly allowances were less than $300.
“Damn, Kelvin, you’re loaded!” one of them exclaimed.
“Kelvin, I’m with you. I’ll help you out!” another chimed in eagerly.
Carlisle felt disgusted. “Put your money away! Not everyone is as shallow as you are.”
He refused to believe the story about Wanda. There was no way she’d check into a hotel with some random man. She came from a respected family. She was different.
Just then, his phone beeped, pulling him from the conversation. He picked it up and saw a message from Sweet_like_candy.
“I’ve just finished everything. Have you decided how you’ll answer my question from yesterday?”
Carlisle stared at the screen, his mind racing. What question?
But then his heart sank as he read the next part of the message: “Stop pretending, Wanda! I know it’s you!”
