NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 89.5
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To everyone's surprise, it was Dionysius from Class 1 who defended her!
The reason? Dionysius had casually remarked, "If it's just a rumor, let's not spread it..." When Hera heard this, she took it as him speaking up for her!
Moved beyond words, Hera made sure to broadcast this act of chivalry, highlighting Dionysius's sense of justice and gentleness. It validated her belief that she hadn't misjudged him. While others mocked her as the "Fart Queen" and spread gossip, Dionysius maintained his grace and dignity.
Such a good man, she thought, if she could, she would marry him on the spot! She didn't even care about a dowry and would come with plenty of gifts herself. What guy could refuse such an offer?
Unfortunately, her clownish behavior made her even more unpopular among the girls. But since she was a day student and didn't live in the dormitory, she never experienced the pain of being isolated by an entire dorm.
One must admit, when someone has thick skin, no matter how embarrassing their actions might be, they remain unfazed by others' looks. Such a person is indeed invincible.
Which ironically advantageous for her.
Hera's unpopularity among the girls did not extend to the boys. Despite her average looks, she knew how to dress up and was bold in her behavior, often engaging in playful physical interactions. Coupled with the aura of being a "rich girl," she managed to captivate some boys.
After changing seats, she now sat in front of Kenny, the sports committee member of Class 3. This arrangement was, of course, made by their homeroom teacher, Emmanuel.
Kenny, despite being a teenager, looked like a sleazy middle-aged man. His average height and above-average grades made Emmanuel think he was mature-looking and suitable for the role of sports committee member. In reality, Kenny wasn't particularly athletic, but no one said a sports committee member had to be a sports star.
Typically, the sports committee member had some presence only during gym class, leading warm-ups and such. Otherwise, the position was quite marginal, similar to the role of the arts committee member.
Kenny got along well with Hera. They often flirted during breaks, and even after Hera earned the nickname "Crazy Laughing Fart Queen," Kenny didn't mind. Instead, he showed her even more concern.
However, his warm gestures failed to impress Hera. Nothing he did could compare to that one sentence Dionysius had said.
Kenny believed he had won the favor of the "rich girl" Hera. To him, Dionysius, the "school prince," was as distant as a star on the internet, merely an idol Hera admired. He didn't take it seriously.
After all, not many boys would mind their crush idolizing a celebrity, right?
Hera thought Kenny's concern was only natural since she had "tamed" him, much like she had done with a boy named Samuel El Diseanios in middle school. With such "henchmen" around, she felt more confident in bullying others.
With the school sports meet approaching and having "tamed" the sports committee member of her class, Hera's scheming mind went into overdrive!
She had never forgotten her grudge against Xanthia. However, in class, Xanthia was always protected by Luciel, so she hadn't found a good opportunity yet.
But with the sports meet coming up, the most grueling event was undoubtedly the long-distance run!
For boys, it wasn't too bad. Their physical strength, especially those who enjoyed sports, allowed them to grit their teeth and finish the race. Finding a boy to represent the class wasn't hard; there was always someone willing to stand up for the collective honor.
But for girls, running 3000 meters was both a mental and physical torture!
Few girls were willing to volunteer for this event. Often, those who participated would give up halfway. Running 400 meters around the track seven and a half times was daunting just to think about!
Many girls would start walking halfway through, finishing the race reluctantly without placing, only to be comforted and encouraged by their classmates for their bravery.
According to tradition, each class must send at least one participant for the 3000-meter run, no matter what.
Hera envisioned Xanthia's frail figure and laughed sinisterly, convinced that the 3000-meter run was perfect for her!
Once Xanthia was "voluntarily" made to participate, she would surely fail halfway, embarrassing herself and the class!
These were just added bonuses. The key point was that Xanthia's body would be severely strained, and if she fell ill afterward, Hera would feel even more satisfied!
She couldn't wait to see Xanthia's misery!
To execute this small "conspiracy," Hera spent a lot of effort winning over Kenny, the sports committee member. But she believed it was worth it and wouldn't be in vain.
What Hera didn't know was that as she planned her scheme, Xanthia's "Malice Notebook" lit up with a red exclamation mark...
Xanthia quietly read the "Malice Notebook," thinking, "Is that all?"
She had planned to sign up for the 3000 meters herself, but because of Hera's "conspiracy," she decided to play along and participate as a "victim," appearing "forced" to join the dreaded event.
When Hera thought she had succeeded, she would be surprised to find that she had become the best assistant, providing Xanthia with ample opportunities to accumulate more "pain points."
Xanthia couldn't help but find Hera amusing. After exchanging pain points for the "Malice Notebook," she needed more people to fill in. Volunteers like Hera were a godsend!
The "Malice Notebook" was indeed useful, not only detecting malice but also allowing her to identify and exploit the best "tools" for gaining pain points. All she had to do was use various pranks on them!
With Hera's unwitting help, Xanthia felt at ease. Otherwise, explaining why she wanted to participate in the 3000 meters might have raised suspicion. Luciel, concerned for her health, would have tried to dissuade her.
Explaining her real motive of upgrading her abilities would have been too troublesome. So, Hera's actions were actually a big help!
Soon, the lighthearted atmosphere in the classroom was interrupted by the stern-faced homeroom teacher, Emmanuel, entering through the front door. He saw Sunny holding a ball, about to rush out, and immediately scolded, "Sunny! Today's activity class is for cleaning, where do you think you're going?"
The spirited "Soccer Boy" Sunny instantly wilted. Even if he sneaked out, he wouldn't find anyone to play with, as all classes were scheduled for a big clean-up.
Playing soccer alone was no fun, unlike basketball, where one could practice shots and layups alone.
Reluctantly, Sunny put his "soccer baby" back in the small room behind the classroom and dejectedly returned to his seat.
Emmanuel began assigning specific cleaning tasks: some were to clean the windows, others to sweep and mop the floors, and some were even assigned to the flower beds outside. After all, a campus-wide clean-up wasn't just about tidying the classroom.
Once tasks were assigned, everyone tidied their desks, placing chairs on top to clear the floor for sweeping and mopping.
Xanthia was assigned to sweep the floor of the fourth group, a relatively easy task.
With the whole class participating in the clean-up, each student's workload was minimal.
Driven by the system task to earn her maid outfit, Xanthia worked diligently, becoming the best maid ever, sweeping the floor and closely monitoring her task progress bar.
She not only cleaned her assigned area but also took care of the area in front of the podium and the back of the classroom, ensuring her progress bar increased.
Her earnest cleaning was noticed by her classmates, motivating some to work harder, contributing to her task progress.
After completing her assigned area, Xanthia helped other students, ensuring a thorough clean-up.
Several boys with mops, including class monitor Ryan and another student, Troy, waited. Troy remarked, "It's easier to mop today. Xanthia did such a detailed job sweeping. Unlike other times when we'd still pick up trash while mopping."
Ryan nodded appreciatively, watching Xanthia's hardworking figure. He hadn't realized she had such a strong sense of collective honor; she was truly likable.
Dematero was cleaning the windows, his gaze often drifting to Xanthia. Seeing her so healthy and energetic reassured him.
These past days, he had not only "transcribed" his short story for magazine submission but also started a rebirth-themed web novel on web novel site. Writing on his phone didn't slow him down, as he had plenty of material in his head, making writing smooth.
He expected to hear back from the magazine within two weeks. As for signing a web novel contract, he was confident it would happen. How could a "reborn" person like him fail?
Main characters from regression novels succeed in the end, right?
He eagerly awaited earning his first manuscript fee, ready to show off. Treating Glen, Xanthia, and a few close dorm mates to a big meal would be a great start.
In high school, a little money could make a big impact. Treating friends at the convenience store to chicken chops and drinks could earn playful "father" jokes, forming bonds. It was the joy of friendship.
Xanthia was unaware of Dematero's excitement and thoughts. After a thorough clean-up, she saw her "housekeeping" task progress exceed 60% in the system, making her very happy.
She continued cleaning as the overall cleanliness score approached 100%.
Teacher Emmanuel assigned Xanthia and two other girls to sweep the flower beds outside the classroom, giving her more opportunities to earn points.
Luciel, a class leader, helped with organizing and recycling, while Xanthia didn't stand out much but worked steadily, becoming an unexpected yet effective "motivational leader."
After the big clean-up, Emmanuel stood on the platform, announcing, "Today, I'll announce the participants for the school sports meet. Class monitor Ryan will read the names."
Ryan walked up with the list. He had visited each classmate, asking for their preferred events, and compiled the final list after discussions with Emmanuel.
However, as he read the names for the 3000-meter girls' run, Xanthia, who had asked to be "forced" into the event, took her place on the list.