Chapter 16

The opulent group dispersed across campus, their departing helicopters fading into the sky. The extravagant display of wealth, however, would be long remembered. Who would have guessed that Robert, a diligent student and summer worker, came from such a background?

Their thoughts turned to Robert: "His family is incredibly wealthy, and yet he works hard and studies hard!" They contrasted him with Barry: "Barry acts so arrogant with a little money. Does he really think he can disrespect Robert?" A sharper thought followed: "Look in the mirror and see what kind of trash you are!"

Samuel and the others, utterly bewildered by the events, stared at Robert.

"Let's go!" Robert declared, sprinting toward the school gate. He glanced back at Marilyn, their eyes meeting in a fleeting moment. He smiled unconsciously.

"Marilyn," he thought, "you thought I was poor and broke up with me. But look at me now—am I still poor?"

After escaping the school and ensuring they weren't pursued, Robert and his friends stopped. Students were gathering, the girls particularly eager to attract his attention. Samuel witnessed one girl brazenly unbutton her jacket, displaying her figure. Had they not fled, escape would have been impossible.

"Robert, you have too much money!" Samuel exclaimed, still reeling from the events.

Robert chuckled wryly. "I think it's a bit much, too."

Simon praised him: "Robert, your story will be the talk of the school for at least ten years!"

Marilyn watched Robert disappear, feeling a mix of joy and regret—happy about his newfound status, depressed about their breakup. Ignoring Kendrick, she left school, calling Linda: "Linda, I'm graduating. Let's celebrate at Elephant Bar!"

Kendrick's face turned ashen at Marilyn's actions. He overheard her mention of drinks, his eyes darkening. He made a call: "Keep an eye on Marilyn. See where she goes for drinks. Also, check the cars with license plates Yrinas A00000 to Yrinas A99999."

At 10 p.m., Robert, nearing the end of his work, received a call from an unknown number. A delicate voice greeted him: "Robert, you're so heartless! I pretended to be your girlfriend yesterday, and everyone hated me. You promised dinner, but didn't even call. I'm so sad."

The voice instantly reminded him of Naomi, her beauty and boldness. He was uncomfortable with such bold, wealthy women—a stark contrast to his upbringing.

He scratched his head, replying sheepishly, "Sorry, I was busy celebrating graduation. How about dinner tomorrow?"

Naomi retorted, "You need to contact me first. Tomorrow's too late. I pretended to be your girlfriend yesterday; you owe me a pretense of being my boyfriend today. I don't want to watch them act lovey-dovey. I'm at my family's Elephant Bar. You spent 150,000 last time; the manager will replenish your membership card."

"Your family owns Elephant Bar?" Robert was astonished.

"Yes, and I manage it. Thanks for the spending, Robert!" Naomi giggled, hanging up.