Chapter 126
Chapter 126:
“Fourteen-year-old?” Fernanda interjected, raising an eyebrow.
“Well, his username suggests he’s fourteen,” Levi explained. “We don’t actually know if that’s true. We ran into him during a match, and things escalated. The kid even insulted Esaham University, calling us trash. Like anyone could let that slide!”
Fernanda suppressed a twitch of her lips, finding the coincidence almost too hilarious.
The gamer, Fourteen, whom she knew, had a grudge against her friends. She recalled how Fourteen had once complained about being crushed in the game by students from Esaham University, pleading with her to step in. So, her friends were the ones he’d mentioned.
Fourteen had even asked her to help him get revenge, and she’d agreed. But a sprained ankle from a motorcycle race and a flurry of other commitments had caused her to forget entirely. A twinge of guilt gnawed at her for breaking her promise.
Alex continued talking to Levi. “That kid kept saying he’d bring a gaming pro to put us in our place. It’s been ages, and nothing’s happened. He was bluffing. No way does he know a gaming pro.”
“Even if he does, who could possibly outshine Neal?” Levi dismissed the thought with a wave of his hand. “Unless… Unless it was either the leaderboard’s top player or the very person standing beside them—Fernanda.”
But Levi wisely kept that observation to himself, unwilling to ruffle any feathers.
Shifting the focus, Levi turned to Wendy with a curious smile. “Since you’re Fernanda’s roommate, I guess we’re all friends now. By the way, what’s your major?”
“Archaeology,” Wendy said.
Alex’s eyes widened in excitement. “Whoa! So, you’re training to be one of those archaeologists who explore ancient ruins?”
Wendy gave him a quick glance and responded, “Not quite there yet.”
“But you will be!” Alex said, his enthusiasm undimmed as he rubbed his hands together. “Imagine the treasures you’ll find—priceless antiques! Archaeologists always hit the jackpot.”
The thought seemed so appealing that Alex looked ready to change careers on the spot, clearly envisioning himself as Wendy’s assistant.
Fernanda, however, turned her attention to Neal, who had stepped out onto the balcony. Something about his demeanor seemed off. Usually outgoing, Neal now appeared unusually subdued, as though something weighed heavily on his mind.
Leaning toward Levi, Fernanda whispered, “What’s up with Neal?”
Levi exchanged a mischievous glance with Alex, and they both stifled a laugh.
Leaning closer to Fernanda, Levi murmured, “Too much attention from a lady. It’s been driving him crazy!”
At Levi’s words, Fernanda couldn’t help but think of the sweet girl who always stood out in Neal’s livestreams—the one who only spoke through adorable emoticons. Without thinking, she asked, “Is it that girl from the livestream?”
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