Jeki was on campus. He was completely focused on his studies. For his mother’s sake, he would never neglect college.
The man was considered extremely quiet on campus. He had no friends or close companions, merely exchanging greetings with people.
Jeki did it to protect his privacy. He wanted people to see him as a poor, quiet teenage boy.
"There’s the boiled-peanut-and-corn vendor. He’s getting more ripped every day."
"Of course he is! He’s poor, so he’ll do any kind of work."
Jeki stood up to leave and avoid the man. But someone shoved him back down until he was sitting again.
The man slammed Jeki’s head against the wall. "You’re looking for trouble, aren’t you? You couldn’t even write a paper that easy for me! You embarrassed me in front of everyone earlier."
"If it’s so easy, why don’t you do it yourself?"
"Talking back? You little poor rat!"
Jeki could only lower his gaze. Without realizing it, he had already injured his forehead, leaving a red stain of blood.
"Ugh, you! If I weren’t merciful, I would’ve kicked you out of this campus a long time ago."
"Please, I’m sorry."
"If you cause trouble one more time, you’ll pay for it."
"Got it, Rocky."
"What?"
"Yes, I understand."
Wham!
The man struck Jeki’s head again. Jeki was always a target for certain people’s bullying. That was why he chose not to have any friends. To him, all rich people were the same.
For Mom’s sake ... I have to keep fighting my way through college.
After the powerful man left, Jeki also got up and went to see his mother.
After spending quite some time getting there, Jeki finally arrived at the hospital. In his hand was a package of delicious pastries for his mother. He hadn’t bought them with money from selling himself, but with his savings from selling boiled peanuts and boiled corn.
Jeki furrowed his brow when he saw a woman sitting in a chair. He slowly stepped inside, then was shocked to find Inara there with his mother.
"Miss."
"Jeki, what happened to your forehead, honey?" his mother asked.
The middle-aged woman hugged her son when Jeki approached her. She wiped away the blood running down his forehead.
"What happened? Bullied again?"
"Huh! You’re being bullied?" Inara furrowed her brow.
"Miss, what are you doing here?" the man asked.
"Answer my question first. Where were you bullied?"
"Jeki is a quiet, shy boy ... That’s why people like to judge him."
"Quiet? Shy? But he—"
"Miss." Jeki deliberately cut her off and slowly shook his head, signaling that Inara didn’t need to continue.
"This isn’t just bullying anymore. It’s violence. If it happens so often, why haven’t you reported it?"
"Miss ... Like I said, Jeki is quiet and timid. I’ve also told him that if he couldn’t take it anymore, he could just quit college. But he wants to achieve his dreams for my sake."
This naughty young stud is so damn confusing, Inara thought.
"Miss, why are you here? What do you want with Mom?" Jeki asked, growing curious. "Do you know each other?"
"Just since today ... Inara already told me that you helped her when she was mugged. Mom’s proud of you."
"Wait, Mom."
Jeki pulled Inara by the arm and led her out of the room. They even went outside the hospital into the garden area.
"You could’ve done that more gently. Do you realize how big your hand is? That hurt."
"What do you want, Miss? Why did you lie to Mom?"
"So ... you wanted me to tell her you’re a gigolo? Is that it?"
"Fine ... What do you want now, Miss? You said you didn’t want to work with me anymore. Miss seeing my body?"
"Gross! I’m not interested in you anymore. I came to see your mother."
"Liar! Just admit you’ve fallen head over heels for me. You’re curious about my skills in bed, aren’t you?"
"Bring up anything adult one more time, and I’ll slap you."
"With the twins?"
Inara raised her hand, but Jeki was faster and caught her arm.
"Ow! That hurts, Jeki!"
"You’re the one who tried to slap me, but I’m the one who got hurt. What a drama queen!"
"What did you say?"
"Miss Drama Queen."
"You damn gigolo."
"Enough, Miss. I’ve heard you say that over and over. Even my customers have never called me that."
"But I’m not your customer."
"Just wait. I’ll make you fall head over heels for this gigolo."
"Oh, really? Hahaha ... Jeki, Jeki, you little thing."
Jeki clenched his fists as he watched Inara walk away. He was furious with the woman. Then he reached into his pants pocket, pulled out his phone, and sent her a text using the number printed on Inara’s business card.