After Rebirth, I Became A Millionaire

On the first day of school, the teaching assistant called me out in front of everyone, "Erica Contreras, there's an issue with your financial aid application. Come here and fill it out again."

I had heard that the financial aid process was supposed to be discreet out of respect for students' dignity.

I never expected to be called out on the first day in front of all the students and teachers.

With everyone staring, I flushed red and hurriedly filled out the form. The teaching assistant took it from me with a look of disdain on her face. "If your family is struggling, you should be out working to help them. Do you really think someone like you can afford an expensive school like this?"

"Look at you, all scrawny and dark, like a rat. You should find someone to marry while you're still young so you can earn some dowry for your parents...

"People should know their place. Kids these days are so selfish, never thinking about their parents. How many empty bottles do you think your family has to collect to pay for your education..."

Laughter erupted around me.

In my previous life, I was timid and weak because of my poverty, too scared to fight back, so I endured their rounds of humiliation.

I thought my compliance and obedience would grant me peace for four years in college.

Instead, it made them bolder.

I tried my best to please the teaching assistant, but my designs were plagiarized, my thesis was attributed to someone else, and even my internship opportunities were stolen.

I grew more and more self-conscious and timid. Later, I met a jerk who, with a bit of kindness, made me believe I'd found salvation, and my life spiraled into the abyss.

This time, I wouldn't endure it.

Facing the teaching assistant's incessant rant, I clenched my fists.

"You're right, ma'am. With your big heart, I should definitely learn from you!"

I emphasized "big heart," and her face changed immediately.

"Erica, I'm doing this for your own good. Do you still want financial aid for the next few years?" she threatened.

I was no longer afraid. "Ma'am, I was complimenting you. Do you think I shouldn't call you big-hearted or shouldn't say I want to learn from you?"

She was stunned by my retort, and her face turned pale.

If not for the crowd of teachers and students, she might have exploded on the spot.

Sensing the situation was escalating, someone came over and managed to defuse it, persuading her to leave.

I knew we'd be enemies from now on.

After the morning classes, it was lunchtime.

I went to the cafeteria alone, got the cheapest two vegetarian dishes and a bowl of free soup, and found an empty seat.

At the start of the semester, I had little money and needed financial aid to cover my tuition.

Suddenly, someone sat down next to me and pushed a meat dish in front of me.

"Just veggies won't do. Erica, I ordered too much food. Can you help me finish it?"

I looked up to see Joel Stephens, the heartthrob of our department.

Joel sat next to me, his attractive eyes sparkling with a hint of a smile.

I straightened up abruptly, my right hand clenching involuntarily.

In my previous life, Joel stood up for me when others mocked and excluded me, confessing his feelings to the ugly duckling that I was.

Just when I thought I'd found true love, willing to endure the exclusion and mockery, I found out I was just a punishment for a lost bet between Joel and his friends.

The punishment was to pursue the poorest and ugliest girl in school.

And I was that girl.

I vividly remembered the day the bet was revealed. Joel looked at me with utter disdain.

"Erica, do yourself a favor and look in the mirror. You're broke and shabby. How could I ever like you? Every second with you makes me sick!"

Laughter surrounded me, but I only felt my heart shatter.

The memory brought a flash of hatred across my eyes.

I picked up my tray. "Sorry. That's filthy."

Ignoring Joel's stunned expression, I walked away, feeling an incredible sense of relief.