It was now May, and the summer heat was intense.
William had not formally started school, nor did he have a formal job.
Since coming back last night, he had been lying in the comfortable chair in the yard, gazing at the plane tree and the stars in the sky.
The longer one lives, the less one wants to die.
This wonderful world is full of unknown novelties waiting for him to observe and explore.
William had not yet reached a point of seeking death. Even though he knew nothing now, he was eager to integrate into this era and continue his comfortable life as soon as possible.
The morning light was faint, and William was dozing with his eyes closed, vaguely feeling someone blocking the light around him.
“Are you William?”
William slowly opened his eyes at the sound of the voice. Standing in front of him was a young girl.
The girl exuded a youthful spirit, her straight and proportionate figure more evident in the morning light. However, her gaze at William was a bit scrutinizing.
“Who are you?” William slowly sat up, he, who had lived for who knows how many years, certainly wouldn’t be swept off his feet at the sight of such a girl for the first time.
“Hello, my name is Lila Carter, my grandfather asked me to give this to you.” The girl took out a yellow envelope from the bag she was carrying. The opening of the envelope was sealed with wax.
William took the envelope and nodded, “The granddaughter of Anthony Carter?”
“Yes!” Upon hearing William address her grandfather by his full name, Lila raised her eyebrows slightly.
William, who didn’t seem very old, was disrespecting the old man by calling him by his first name.
But her good upbringing stopped her from lashing out on the spot.
After all, before leaving, her grandfather had stressed not to offend William, and she was to go alone to meet William with the items, fulfilling any requests from him unconditionally.
It was surprising for Anthony to say such things given his status.
The most important part was the latter part.
No matter what the request, she had to fulfill it unconditionally?
This reminded Lila of the worst possible scenario.
An arranged marriage?
“Please wait a moment.” In front of Lila, William opened the envelope. Inside was an driver’s license, a black bank card, a letter, and an admission notice from Hudson University.
William’s learning ability was always quick, he took a glance at the driver’s license.
Then he looked at the letter Anthony had written to him. Besides expressing his loyalty, he told William that there was ten billion in the bank card and provided the password. He also mentioned that Lila could do anything for him, even live with him if necessary.
“Lila, right? A purple flower. A nice name.” When William mentioned Lila’s name, he couldn’t help but think of a certain emperor’s daughter from the Middle Ages who shared the same name.
William smiled and handed the bank card and driver’s license to Lila, saying, “Could you return the bank card to your grandfather, please? Also, help me make a copy of this driver’s license. I don’t have any money on me. I’ll pay you back when I get my salary next month.”
“…” Lila took the bank card and driver’s license, her hand slightly stiff.
The bank card that William handed over was under her grandfather’s name, and she didn’t know how much money was in it. But what she did know was that her grandfather giving this card to William carried a significant meaning.
Gritting her teeth, Lila asked, “Do you know how much money is in this card?”
William smiled slightly, “That’s not important. Also, please tell your grandfather, I don’t need financial aid.”
Lila almost burst out laughing in frustration, “Didn’t you just say you have no money?”
William arched an eyebrow, saying, “Just because I’m without money, doesn’t mean I’m in need. You can go and make the copy of my driver’s license now. I’ll need it today. Thanks.”
What an assertion—having no money doesn’t equate to being needy.
You don’t even have the money to photocopy an driver’s license!
How poor can one be?
“Wait here!” As Lila turned around, she couldn’t resist rolling her eyes. What kind of person had she met?
If her grandfather indeed mentioned a marriage arrangement with someone like him, she truly considered running away from home.
Ten minutes later, Lila returned with a stack of ID photocopies, her face strained with impatience, “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“If you have time, could you please guide me to the school? I’m unfamiliar with the routes and the enrollment process.” William handed over his Hudson University admission letter. He had roamed the city the previous day, learning a lot, and at least he no longer sounded like an ancient person.
Lila was at a loss about how to describe her current feelings. She stared at William for a long time. Had this guy just come from the mountains?
“I have time!” Lila responded tersely, nodding her head firmly. Her chest heaved, almost popping the buttons on her blouse.
Her grandfather’s words still echoed in her mind: she had to fulfill any of William’s requests unconditionally.
William’s requests weren’t unreasonable, and even though he appeared a bit shabby, he was much better than the wealthy second-generation students at the school.
Those rich kids always gave her an aggressive vibe no matter how well they tried to hide it. ｂ𝚍ｎｏｖ𝚕．ｃｏｍ
Hmm?
Was William’s gaze a bit too indifferent?
An inherent coldness, as if it stemmed from his bones.
Lila couldn’t help but stare into William’s eyes.
He looked very young, only twenty years old according to his driver’s license, but why did Lila sense an inexplicable feeling in his eyes?
They were serene and ancient, like an age-old tree, devoid of any ripples.
Noticing Lila’s intense stare, William met her gaze and asked, smiling, “What are you looking at?”
“Nothing… nothing!” Lila didn’t even understand why her heart suddenly began to race, leaving her flustered under William’s gaze.
His eyes were very special, clear, and deep. It was as if in that fleeting moment of eye contact, everything hidden deep within her was seen through.
“When should we head to the school?” William squinted.
“Right now, I guess. Grandpa has already completed all the necessary procedures for your admission,” Lila paused before asking, “Hudson University is quite far from here. Do you plan to stay in the dorms or here?”
“Either works.” William asked in return, “Do I get the dorm room to myself, or do I share it with others?”
“How can you have it all to yourself? Hudson University’s dorm rooms are shared by four students. If you wish to stay in the dorm, I can arrange it for you,” Lila took a deep breath. This person must be from outer space. How could there be a single occupancy dorm room at a university?
Without hesitation, William replied, “Let’s go for the dorm. I will come here occasionally.”
To better integrate into this new society, William naturally wanted more interactions with others. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have chosen to study in the first place.