At the graduation dance.
"Hi."
Adam's gaze lingered more on Karen.
Both Jennifer and Karen's faces were ones Adam had admired in his past life. Both were his type.
However, compared to the fiery and glamorous Jennifer, Karen—wearing glasses and dressed plainly with a slightly rustic vibe—was far more intriguing to Adam.
As Lu Xun said:
"Top-tier n admire legs, second-tier n seek safety, third-tier n judge faces."
Adam didn't see himself as third-tier, nor did he deliberately strive to be top-tier. He was just an ordinary second-tier man.
Of course, these traits weren't mutually exclusive. A true goddess embodied all three, and Karen, with her understated style, was clearly a hidden gem. anwhile, Jennifer, who appeared to be hot and seductive, was more of a dazzling storm in disguise.
"Are you two here for the party?"
"We just moved here. Starting next sester, we'll be classmates."
Jennifer stepped forward, blocking Adam's view of Karen. She smiled seductively and said, "We'll be classmates then, Adam."
"You know ?"
Adam smiled.
"The lead singer of *Hard Candy*! Of course, we know you."
Jennifer's voice was sultry. "Your performance was amazing~"
"Thanks."
Adam ntally confird his earlier guess and silently thanked Juno for encouraging him to keep playing in the band.
"Hi, I'm Emtt, the drumr and backup vocalist of the band."
The commotion had already drawn the attention of many people, Emtt included. He quickly slid over and, with a flourish, introduced himself to Jennifer and Karen.
"Hello."
Jennifer glanced at him briefly before pulling Karen closer. "This is my best friend, Karen. You should get to know each other better."
"It's about to start."
Seeing that Emtt was about to run his mouth again, Adam decided to cut the conversation short. He understood Jennifer's intent but wasn't foolish enough to offend her now, even though he preferred Karen.
He wasn't a child.
"Let's talk later."
"Sure."
Jennifer's smile blossod like a flower.
Adam pulled Emtt back to the stage and began rocking out.
---
"They don't seem like good people," Karen muttered as she stood beside Jennifer, watching her gaze intently at Adam on stage. "Especially Adam. He looks like a player."
"I know, right?"
Jennifer's body swayed to the music as she tossed her hair and laughed lightly. "That's what makes n like him interesting~"
Karen stood there, stunned, her glasses reflecting light like flas.
Her vision blurred, and reality seed to detach from her.
**Jennifer belongs to !**
**You're all bad people!**
"Co on, let's go to the bathroom."
Karen suddenly grabbed Jennifer and dragged her toward the restroom.
"What the hell?"
Jennifer looked bewildered. But at that mont, Karen, usually so gentle, displayed such strength that Jennifer couldn't resist. Karen pulled her straight into the restroom.
"I know a way out," Karen whispered as she kicked open a bathroom window and began climbing out. "Hurry, co with ."
"You're crazy—completely insane!"
Jennifer shouted, yanked her hand free, and stord out of the bathroom, leaving Karen frozen in place.
---
Back at the dance.
In the center of the room, Sheldon and Missy were dancing while everyone else cheered them on.
Unlike Sheldon, who was stiff and awkward, Missy had started to enjoy herself. She eventually let go of Sheldon and mimicked the dance moves she'd seen on TV, moving freely and confidently.
She regretted not wearing her angel dress because she truly felt like an angel tonight.
As the music ended, Jennifer approached the stage and batted her eyes at Adam.
"That was amazing."
"Thank you."
Adam signaled Emtt to play the prerecorded track and took a break. He smiled at Jennifer and asked, "By the way, where's Karen?"
Jennifer's face froze montarily, but she quickly forced a smile. "She doesn't like events like this."
Then, leaning closer to Adam, she whispered, "She's a hopeless prude and a little... off. You wouldn't like soone like her, right?"
In Arica, being a "prude" was often looked down upon as it suggested a lack of appeal. Conversely, having experience and confidence was sothing to be proud of.
**Ha!**
**So this is what they call "best friends."**
"A little off?" Adam raised an eyebrow but focused on the key detail.
"Yeah," Jennifer said, clearly eager to elaborate. "She's always had issues. Just now, she dragged
to the bathroom and tried to get
to escape through the window. Can you believe that?"
"You're joking, right?"
Adam shook his head, giving Jennifer a peculiar look. Was this the infamous *protect against your best friend by stabbing her first* tactic?
"What do you think?" Jennifer stared at Adam, her gaze unwavering.
"Huh, maybe…"
Adam felt a chill. He suddenly rembered where they were—a quirky, lively Arica. With exes like Crazy Amy and Juno, another eccentric wasn't entirely out of the question.
Considering Karen's reputation as a prude, Adam hesitated for a long ti. Although it was a pity, he decided to give up on her.
He wasn't a heartless player.
Adam's principle was clear: **No playing with feelings.**
Karen was indeed a hidden gem, but she was too innocent. Regardless of whether Jennifer's claims about Karen being ntally unstable were true, Adam could only step away.
Famous people once said: **Players belong with players!**
Adam thought: **Just as the Zack vowed not to Wash hand until all beings were saved, I vow to redeem all female players with my flawed self. If they persist, I won't marry.**
"Am I not better than Karen?" Jennifer asked, dissatisfied.
"Of course, you are," Adam said with an inward sigh, dismissing thoughts of Karen and focusing on Jennifer. With his sharp perception, he quickly saw through her.
Without a doubt, Jennifer was a female player.
"Do you know how to fix cars?" Adam asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"Fix cars?" Jennifer was puzzled. "A little. Why?"
In Arica, where driving was essential, most car owners—n and won alike—knew basic car repairs.
"That's impressive."
Adam gave her a thumbs-up, genuinely impressed.
"You don't know how?" Jennifer laughed. "Call
next ti you need help. I'll fix it for you."
"Deal!" Adam bead, wondering if he could ss with his dad Bob's pickup truck later as an excuse.
The two chatted and laughed, hitting it off.
From a distance, Karen watched, her eyes dark and lifeless. Adam's smile seed grotesque and demonic to her.
On the stage, Juno sat quietly in a corner, frowning.
---
(End of Chapter)
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