Classmate, Your Identity Has Been Revealed!

She bit her lip and looked at me pitifully. "Thea, my throat has been sore and I can't sing. You know that. Are you trying to make things difficult for me because I didn't pour water for you in the dorm?"

Emilia stood up, her voice clear and melodious as she said, "If everyone wants to hear someone sing, let me substitute for Leila!"

...

Her pretty face and kind demeanor earned her a lot of praise.

This also made it seem like I was being petty about Leila.

I decided to mimic Leila's emotional display.

Tears welled up in my eyes.

Then I said, "I know you look down on poor people, but there's no need to fabricate stories.

"So what if I'm poor? It doesn't affect you, does it?

"I may be poor, but I also have dignity. You can't trample on that!"

As a result, the three of us became the talk of the student forum.

The post detailed the incident, and the comments were split into three groups.

One group supported the idea that poor people have dignity and human rights.

Another group thought I was overly sensitive and petty.

The last group said they were just curious onlookers.

I read the post in the counselor's office.

The counselor handed me a form to apply for financial aid for underprivileged students.

I was dumbfounded and declined.

...

The counselor, probably trying not to hurt my pride, said gently, "Thea, financial aid is meant to help you fulfill your academic dreams. There's no intention to discriminate against you."

...

I rubbed my forehead, feeling a headache coming on, and repeatedly said I didn't need it.

The counselor looked at me firmly.

I reluctantly showed her the smallest income section of my financial records.

It was from a book I wrote a long time ago, and I received the payment for it just last week.

It was about 20,000 dollars.

Counselor was stunned.

She remained silent for a while.

I could almost read her thoughts: it turns out I was the fool.

...

Back in the dorm, Leila was smugly flaunting Emilia's invitation letter to the freshman welcome party in front of me.

"Why are you so smug? It isn't even addressed to you," I said.

Leila was angry at first, but quickly recovered her smile and said, "I'm best friends with Emilia, so I feel happy for her. Unfortunately, someone, even after showing off at military training, isn't invited."

I rolled my eyes and went to my bed to write my novel.

Performing would only waste my time that I could otherwise use to make more money.

On the day of the freshman welcome party, the president of the Student Council hurriedly found me.

"Thea, why are you still here? The next program is yours."

I was shocked and confused.

"I didn't sign up!"

Without saying a word, she dragged me away.

"The invitation letter was delivered to your dorm three days ago."

"Then where is it?"

Tonight, I dazzled at the party, driven by the urge to spite my dorm mates after being disgusted.

...

We are in college now, but they hid my things away.

How childish.

The three of them looked displeased.

"Your invitation letter is lost. What does it have to do with me?" Leila snapped.

...

Emilia was also starting to lose her composure.

"Are you doing this on purpose? I've been rehearsing for this in the dorm for days, and everyone can see the effort and hard work.

"So now you've stolen my first place and earned the favor of the Music King. You are very smug, aren't you?

"Poor people are small-minded. Even without this resource, I have others.

"Kelly, the musical genius, is my good friend. If I mention your name to her, do you think there will still be a place for you in the music world?"

"Kelly? The Kelly who's as good as Glenn Gould on the piano?" exclaimed Leila, looking shocked.

...

...

Beth's breathing grew heavy, and she mocked, "Some people are born in slums, thinking that high buildings are the limit, while others are born with a silver spoon in their mouth, aiming for the skies."

With the flattery from both of them, Emilia's mood improved.

She stood straighter, looking at me with a condescending gaze, as if I were nothing.

I stared at their excited faces, feeling confused.

When did I become friends with Emilia?

But since she dared to lie, she should be ready to face the consequences.

Before I could expose Emilia, a notification letter arrived at the dorm.

It was a notice for Emilia's qualification for the finals of the Young Pianist Competition.

Leila held the notice with both hands with great reverence.

...

She said, "Emilia, you're amazing. You're the embodiment of a wealthy beauty and a talented woman. If I had half of your success, my mom would be thrilled."

Beth's face was glowing with pride, and she turned back to look at me with contempt.

...

"So what if you won first place at school? It's still nothing to be proud of. Emilia is a perfect all-rounder, unlike some who only win a minor award and act like they're on top of the world."

I sneered, "'Nothing to be proud of'? Then why were you fighting for it earlier? Are you admitting that you are insignificant too?

"Just because I haven't brought some things up doesn't mean you haven't done them. If you don't want others to find out, don't do them in the first place."

Lately, I'd noticed some weird things: detergent residue on my clean clothes, shoes that wouldn't dry after three days in the sun, and water stains on my desk soaking my notebooks.

These were minor issues, and there was no evidence, so even though I knew one of them was behind it, I couldn't say anything.

But that didn't stop me from warning them.

"You..."

Beth's eyes were wide, and she seemed ready to argue more.

Emilia stopped her.

She said, "Along with the notice, there are also tickets for friends and family. You can all come."

Her eyes were red with joy, yet she refused to show it.

She said, feigning calmness, "Feel free to bring any good friends. I have plenty of tickets."

Leila thanked her happily, then looked at me with a sly glance, and said, "Someone knows her place and won't shamelessly ask for a ticket, right?"

...

"Are you talking about yourself?" I asked with a chuckle, rolling my eyes at her.

...