Autumn James turned toward the voice—it was Daniel Grant.
When Daniel wanted to treat someone well, he could be unbelievably devoted, even to the point of turning against the world for that person.
When they were kids, if she was ever bullied, he was always the first to notice and the first to defend her.
He had always been polite and gentle, yet for her, he could throw that aside and confront even the younger students.
And now, it seemed that his protectiveness hadn't changed one bit.
Sure enough, the moment Anna Hawthorne acted hurt, he showed up.
Autumn turned her head away, not meeting his eyes. "It's nothing. I've transferred to the science A class and just came to move my things."
"Then move them," Daniel said casually, "but don't be harsh to Anna. Apologize to her."
His words were calm and matter-of-fact, as if it was only natural to say so.
Summer Lin, standing beside Autumn, was dumbfounded. Once she came back to her senses, she immediately stepped in front of Autumn protectively, her posture close and defensive.
"Excuse me, senior," she said bluntly, "don't you think you should figure out what happened first?"
"You didn't even ask, and you're already telling Autumn to apologize? Are you serious?"
Summer's mouth was faster than her brain; by the time she realized what she was saying, the words were already out.
It was the first time Daniel had been spoken to so rudely. His brows furrowed slightly.
"Do I even need to ask? If Autumn hadn't bullied Anna, then why would Anna be upset?"
Standing behind Summer, Autumn—who was taller by a head—could clearly see the impatience in Daniel's eyes.
"Daniel," she said hoarsely, her voice a little rough as if she'd caught a cold, "I just came to move my things. Why do you have to stop me?"
Daniel frowned even deeper.
He'd already heard about her transfer earlier, and he didn't doubt it was true.
"No one's stopping you," he said coolly. "Move your stuff if you want. But why be so harsh with Anna? That attitude of yours is honestly unpleasant."
Daniel came from an old military-political family. He'd known Autumn since childhood because they lived nearby, growing up together like siblings.
It was different from how William Moore had appeared halfway through her life—Daniel had always been there, like another older brother.
But now, hearing you're unpleasant come out of his mouth, even if she pretended not to care, it still stung.
Autumn merely frowned slightly.
"If you think I'm unpleasant, fine. Whatever," she said dryly. "Since you won't let me move the stuff, I'll just wait here. When the teacher arrives, we'll see who's in the right."
Anna, being just a young girl, tensed when she heard that. Her grip on Daniel's sleeve tightened.
Right, once the teacher came, everything would be out in the open—Autumn's transfer included.
Then she might get blamed for causing trouble.
But then she relaxed.
After all, she wasn't the one blocking Autumn—Eric Shaw, the class monitor, was. She had only asked a question.
Daniel's frown deepened. The normally gentle face he carried now showed rare irritation.
To him, everything Autumn was doing looked like another one of her attempts to get his attention.
She'd done things like that before, and now, she still hadn't changed.
He'd only come to the senior floor to take care of something—and happened to see this.
Seeing how many people were around, he couldn't help imagining what might've happened when no one else was there.
Maybe Anna had been bullied even worse.
So perhaps it was good that Autumn was transferring to the science class. At least then she wouldn't have the chance to hurt Anna again.
And as for Liam Carter, Daniel thought, maybe he'd better warn him to stay away from Anna, too.
Just then, a sharp, authoritative voice cut through the tension.
"What are you all doing here?! Don't you know class is about to start?!"
Ms. Nicole's voice arrived before she did, with Adam Cooper following beside her in quick steps.
Anna's heart skipped. She quickly spoke first, putting on her most innocent tone.
"Teacher, I heard that Autumn is transferring to the science A class—is that true? She came to move her desk, but we weren't sure, so we didn't dare let her take it."
Her words sounded soft, full of confusion and innocence.
But Daniel turned his head slightly to look at her.
Wasn't she the one who had told them about Autumn's transfer earlier? And now she was pretending she didn't know?
Anna felt his gaze and grew nervous.
For a second, she worried that her little act might annoy him.
But when she didn't hear the "system alert" indicating his affection points had dropped, she relaxed.
It seemed Daniel really didn't care about Autumn anymore.
The thought made her secretly gloat.
See, Autumn James. No matter how amazing you are, the person you care about doesn't want you anymore.
Ms. Nicole frowned slightly at Anna.
Anna was a good student—her grades were excellent, and she got along well with others—but something about her always felt… off.
She seemed to have a particular habit of targeting Autumn.
Still, Ms. Nicole chalked it up to immaturity—Anna was young and just needed guidance.
Unfortunately, the truth was that some people were simply born manipulative.
Ms. Nicole sighed. "Yes, from now on, Autumn James will be in the science A class. Everyone should congratulate her."
She glanced around. "Also, the midterm results are out. Eric Shaw, come to my office after class. For now, everyone disperse. Go do what you're supposed to. If you're free, you can help Autumn move her things."
Eric's face went pale. He instinctively released his grip on Autumn's desk.
Head down, voice trembling, he murmured, "O-okay, teacher."
Anna bit her lip, glancing at the silent Daniel before forcing out a smile.
"Autumn, it's my fault for not understanding the situation and wasting your time. Let me help you move your things."
Before Autumn could reply, Summer spoke up in her usual sarcastic tone.
"Oh no, how could we trouble you? You're so tiny—I'd be afraid you'd faint halfway through carrying a desk. Better stay in class and rest."
Anna's face darkened.
Sure, she was younger and smaller—but so what? She had a system on her side!
With its help, these ordinary people could never beat her.
After mentally reassuring herself, she forced another sweet smile.
"Alright then, I'll head back and get ready for class. Bye, Autumn."
Autumn kept her hands in her jacket pockets and didn't respond. She only rolled her eyes before turning to leave.
Summer caught up quickly, looping her arm through Autumn's.
"Hehe, you're in our class now! If you need help with anything, just ask me! I'll introduce you to a few friends later!"
Autumn's lips curved into a faint smile.
Walking back toward the classroom, she felt lighter than she had in a long time.
"Thanks, Summer. Lunch is on me."
"Really? The sweet-and-sour ribs in Canteen 2 are amazing! You have to try them!"
Autumn chuckled softly, slowing her steps to match Summer's pace as they walked side by side.