Chapter 39
Hina blinked, looking at Clifford in confusion.
dadn’t he said they should keep their relationship under wrapst Yet, right now,
amilur..
his actions—no matter
-no matter how oblivious Nina was–felt unusually
Sur Clifford didn’t seem to notice at all.
With a warm, gentle smile, he said. “You’ve got grease on your mouth. Don’t get it on your clothes–use the wet wipe”
Oh! Thanks, Mr. Suce
Nina took the wet wipe from Clifford’s hand.
No problem”
Their exchange seemed completely platonic, a simple act of politeness. The other students, watching closely, started to wonder if they had Overreacted.
Still, many couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy
“I always thought Mr. Snee was the stoic, aloof type, someone who kept his distance from women. Who knew he could be so friendly?”
“Nina’s got all the luck! She gets special treatment from Mr. Snee just for eating beef jerkyTM
Maybe Mr. Snee is actually a nice guy. I feel like we’ve all been misled by rumors!”
“Ugh, do you think it’s too late to go get some beef jerky now!
Jessica, sitting next to Oliver, watched the interaction with a jealous fire in her eyes.
Damn Nina, she cursed inside.
over her face to attract Mr. Snee? So manipulative! I was wrong to underestimate her. She’s anything but stupid
‘She’s purposely getting grease all ov
But amidut all this, only Oliver seemed to notice something strange.
Technically, Clifford and Nina didn’t know each other.
But every once in whide, Oliver couldn’t shake the feeling that they were more familiar than they let on. Is it just my imagination! he wondered.
Clifford didn’t linger by Nina’s side for long. With his positjon, staying too long would only draw attention
Before leaving, though, he pulled Oliver asiste to sprak quietly.
“Oliver, Nina’s a bus naïve. She could be easily tricked by someone with the gift of gabi, like Mike, You’re her classmate, so if something like this happens again, take sure you warn hier. Don’t let her gei fooded.”
This time, Oliver didin respond immediately
He looked Clifford over carefully before suddenly asking, “Clifford, did you know Nina before?”
At dus Clifford’s dark eyes flickered.
Bai he quickly organ, andling as far alok his hi d. “No, I don’t know her. Why do you think
Curprised. I always thought you weren’t the type to care nuush for women, but now you’re looking out for Nua?“–
ek smoodily. “Tuna’s impressive Laduire bet, au I’ve been paying a linte extra attention to her. What? Are you jealous that I
“Of courer nud” Oliver exclaimed, gooseinnipas beraking out all over hals armu
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Chapter 39
He scratched his head and let out a relieved sigh, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on Nira. She’s pretty reckless. If I don’t, she’ll end up getting tricked by someone like Mike again.
He could still hardly believe she kissed Mike, Just
a thinking about it made him want to crack open her head and see if there was anything inside besides fighting and food.
Clifford studied Oliver for a moment, his expression unreadable.
Then he gave a small, almost imperceptibile smile. “But don’t get too close to ları, okay? She’s got a lot of mysteries. The more you get involved, the more 1 worry about you getting hun.
Oliver nodded, grinning confidently. “I’ve got it covered. But she’s got secrets. You just wait—I’ll figure them out eventually”
Clifford didn’t offer further advice, just a faint curl of his lips. “Take it easy. Don’t push her too hard.”
After Clifford leh. Nina, who had been standing at a distance, immediately darted over with her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Oliver, what were you two talking about! You kept glancing this way! Don’t tell me you were gossiping about nie?”
Because Clifford had asked to speak with Oliver privately, Nina hesitated to eavesdrop. She decided to wait until they were finished before approaching
Sering Nina’s wide–eyed curiosity,
v, Oliver couldn’t help but feel playful. He grinned and asked, “Want
“Dub! Why else would I ask?”
Nana put her hands on her hips, her tone daring.
01
know?”
Oh: Oliver replied casually, then flashed a mischievous smile. “But I’m not going to tell you. What are you going to do about it?”
Nina’s blood pressure shot up.
If he weren’t Clifford’s nephew, she’d have already slapped him!
But fior, she decided not to stoop to his level
Without another word, Nina turned on her heel and walked off
Oliver froze for a second, then quickly grabbed her arm. “Hey, what’s going on? You were practically begging to know a minute ago, but now you’re walking awar
Nina slanugged off his hand, rolling her eyes. “You wouldn giving me the stinkd–eye, and Tim noi about to make it worse.
me, so why should I keep asking? And don’t touch me like that Jessica’s already
approached Oliver, jessica had been glaring at her like she was a thief.
The whole thing reminded Nina of how Oliver had yelled at hier
was definitely holding a grudge and wasn’t in the mood to play nice with Oliver.
Oliver blinked, looking toward Jessica.
Uliver glance at her, she immediately jogged over, her eyes wide with concern as
as she asked, “Oliver, what were you
THY VISIT
Oliver tried to walk away, but jessica grabbed his are “Where are you going?
Carking. “Mouldnt The asking you that Oliver, don’t you
you like me? Why are you chasing after Nuia now? Do you like
Chaptersto
Oliver frowned, shaking his head. “Clifford just told me Nina’s a little naive and could get tricked cauly, anche asked me to keep an eye
Jessica’s eyes widened. “Mr. Suer asked you to look after Nihat Are they closer
“No. They’re not close. It’s just that Nina’s impress
showing some ment
out, all while
Jessica said nothing, but inside, she was seething. “Well played, Nina. You hurt my leg before the training, making sure I couldn’t stand sa you stole everyone’s attention–including Clifford’s What a devious little snake:
Hack with the team. Ninas
spotted Mike and immediately brightened ups, heading toward him.
“Hey!” She slapped Mike on the back.
Mike turned around, his handsome face lighting up with a grin. “Nina, what’s up?”
Nina leaned in with a playful smile. “You said you’d kiss me–so, are we doing this or what??
In Nina’s mind, a kiss would seal the deal–they’d be a couple, and that would check off the “experience romance” box for her!
Mike uuded Nina’s innocent, pretty face for a moment, then shook his head, grinning. “Actually, never mind. I’ll pass.”
“Why not?” Nina’s face Tell, her excitement disappearing.
Mike shrugged with a laugh. “Didn’t you notice! Mr. Suce looks really
“Mr. Snee’s upset with you?”
Nina was confused. “When did that happen?” she wondered.
“Geez, how’s
- me. I don’t want to mess with you anymore!
́s your EQ so low?” Mike shook his head as though he were dealing with someone hopelessly naive.
Leaning down, he whispered in Nina’s ear, I swear, Mr. Spee’s into you, I could practically feel him getting jealous when I was about to kiss you.
“Jealous!!“_
Nina’s jaw dropped, eyes wide in shock.
Veal Mike grimmed like a mischievous cat
Nina gave him a serious look, full of sincere concern. “You know, your sense of perception might be a little off. Maybe you should go to the doctor
es emotional
A heavy sigl escaped Mike’s lips as he realized he was talking to a brick wall. “I guess you just can’t reason with someone who lacks Intelligence, he thought to himself, feeling a sense of frustration
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