Chapter 9
Yasmine’s desk mate hummed in response, quickly losing interest and ending their conversation.
Used to moments like this, Yasmine lowered her head, focusing hard on her notes.
When lunchtime came, Yasmine reached into her cloth bag to grab her lunchbox. As soon as she stepped outside, she spotted Xavier playing on the playground. He was in the middle of a shooting contest with the school’s only gym teacher.
With his long legs and arms, Xavier easily lifted the basketball, his muscles flexing as he flicked his wrist–a perfect three–pointer.
The gym teacher gasped, “Wow, incredible!”
Xavier didn’t respond. He suddenly turned and spotted Yasmine standing there alone, clutching an aluminum lunchbox. He walked over and asked, “Lunch?”
“I forgot to bring your lunchbox” Yasmine sniffled, feeling a bit guilty. She opened her lunchbox, keeping the lid and handing the container to Xavier. “You can use this,”
Xavier almost said, “Aluminum hunchboxes are toxic, but stopped himself. He took the box and said, “Alright”
The school cafeteria was tiny–barely eighty square feet. A few large aluminum pots lined up, filled with overcooked mushy peas, soggy fish and chips, lumpy shepherd’s pie, and a big bowl of grayish stew.
Honestly, it doesn’t even look like a stew. More like dirty dishwater, Xavier thought.
Yasmine served herself a portion and then led Xavier to sit on the steps outside their classroom. She split her food in half and offered him a portion.
In the past, Xavier would have thought this stuff was nothing better than trash. But now, he found it hard to refuse.
Yasmine found a twig, stripped off the bark, and rinsed it with water, turning it into makeshift utensils for Xavier.
Xavier took a couple of bites and couldn’t help but curse inwardly, ‘Damn it. This is absolutely terrible!
He glanced over at Yasmine, who hadn’t started eating yet. Instead, she was slipping a few boiled eggs into her pocket.
“What’s that for? Xavier raised an eyebrow.
Yasmine replied, “For my grandpa.”
Xavier felt a pang in his heart. “Man, her life is really tough. Her grandpa is a total and even depended on her to save food for him.
Yasmine paused and added, “I’m saving an egg for you.”
Xavier caught his breath ‘Oh, she is so sweet!”
Yasmine continued, “You city guys love to eat eggs, right? So, she saved one for him.
Xavier’s breathing steadied, but he couldn’t shake the thought–Yasmine was incredibly adorable.
Meanwhile, the online viewers were buzzing, shocked by what they were seeing. Yasmine is seriously… amazing! Just amazing!
How lazy could Xavier be? After Yastnine left for class, he made a beeline for Josepli’s office to catch some sleep. Volunteer work in the reading corner? No way.
The viewers were left speechless.
[Without Yasmine, it’s just boring 1
[That’s okay. I could stare at Xavier sleeping for days)
I wonder how things are going with Jessica.]
10:07 AM
Chapter 9
Totally forgot about her. Xavier’s stuff is so captivating. I’ve been watching without even realizing it.]
Johnny Sheppard Xavier’s father, was finally home. He was handsome and gentle, and unlike Rachel, he resembled a refined scholar more than a businessman.
“Jessica, right? Sorry, Rachel and I have been pretty busy lately. How are you settling in here?” Johnny smiled warmly.
Even though Jessica was only nine, she had the mind of an adult. In her past life, she had to cling to rich men to maintain a luxurious lifestyle. But those clueless folks didn’t compare to Johnny.
Seeing such a charming and wealthy man made Jessica blush, and her heart raced a little. She whispered, “I’m good here. Thanks for your concem, Mr. Sheppard.”
Johnny smiled, saying. “We’ve never had a girl in our family. It’s nice to finally have a little lady around.”
Jessica wondered if that was why Yasmine had been adopted in her past life, and she blurted out, “Why didn’t Mrs. Sheppard have any?
Didn’t she want to?”
johnny looked at her, stunned.
Jessica realized she had overstepped that was way too much for a little girl. Quickly, she tried to recover. “I have a magic wand. I could make a baby for Mrs. Sheppard.”
Johnny stared at her for a moment before chuckling. “Let’s pass on that. Xavier is enough to give her a headache, Do you know who Xavier is!”
Jessica acked shyly. “Is he my brother?”
Johnny hesitated a moment, then said, “Kind of
T’ve seen the awards hanging on his wall. He has so many! He’s really impressive. Why would he give Mrs. Sheppard a headache?” Jessica tried to compliment Xavier. After all, what parent wouldn’t appreciate hearing good things about their kid?
But Johnny wasn’t swayed by her sweet comments. His expression shifted slightly. “You went into Xavier’s room?”
Jessica’s heart skipped a beat, and she stammered, “I–I’m sorry. Francis said I could walk around if I was bored, so I just…”
Johnny’s expression sofiehed a bit. “Well, that’s not your fault. But please don’t do it again.
Jessica clenched her fists. She didn’t expect to mess up like this.
“Xavier doesn’t have a great temper. If he finds out someone was in his roont he’ll get really mad–even Rachel and I can’t stop him,” Johnny said helplessly.
Jessica had hoped her family could get along well with Xavier. If she got adopted, living under the same roof might even make her marry him. But now, knowing that he had a bad temper and that Yasmine had won him over, her mind changed.
If only I were older. I could give Johnny kids. If he wants a daughter, I’ll give him one; if he wants an obedient son, I’ll make that happen too, she thought, biting her lip in frustration.
She figured that people like Rachel really cared about their health. The Sheppard family probably only had one child because Rachel didn’t want more.
Would you like some coffee, Mr. Sheppard?” Jessica asked, pushing her thoughts aside as she eagerly poured Johnny a cup.
[Jessica is such a charmer.]
[Who wouldn’t love a sweet little girl like her!
[Am I the only one who thinks she’s acting a bit weird today?]
[Same here, she’s acting like a… uh, bitch ]
Are you all serious? It’s just a little kid, and you’re calling her bitch?
2/3
Chapter 4
The viewers exploded as the scene switched to Xavier. When the bell rang to mark the end of school, he finally woke up from his nap. He stretched his long limbs and headed out to pick up Yasmine.
As the other kids spotted Xavier, they quickly moved back, keeping their distance from him. By the time he met Yasmine, no one dared to come within three feet of him.
Xavier didn’t mind the space. He walked out of the classroom with long strides, while Yasmine struggled to keep up with her shorter legs.
W–Wait for me! Yasmine called out, breathless.
Xavier bent down and lifted her up, carrying her like it was no big deal.
Yasmine blinked in surprise and finally found her voice. “Why were you so mad today?”
“It’s because they were rude to you. You carefree little thing, why aren’t you even a bit upset about it?” Xavier said, shaking his head helplessly.
Yasmine remained calm, her voice firm. “But that’s their issue. Just because they call me a bitch doesn’t mean I am one. So, I won’t get
angry
Somehow, the dirty words coming from her lips sounded surprisingly clean. Xavier couldn’t help but laugh. “Who knew? You’re quite
the little philosopher.”
Yasmine tilted her head, her messy hair bouncing. What’s that? Is it eatable?”
“Definitely not.”
“Okay.”
Once again, the viewers were left in shock.
[Thanks. As an adult, I needed that reminder. My life isn’t defined by what others think let the rumors fly away.]
Is this really the Yasmine everyone says is awful? Hmm, I’m starting to have doubts.]
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