Chapter 57 Evelyn's Insult
Shortly after, James and the others arrived at the school gate.
"Paul, over here!" At that moment, a girl in a white T-shirt and denim shorts waved at Paul, calling out cheerfully.
James glanced at the girl, knowing her as Evelyn, whom Paul had been pursuing. James wasn't certain if they were together.
Evelyn wasn't conventionally beautiful, more of a girl with enduring looks. Yet, her stylish attire adorned with designer labels gave her a youthful and attractive appearance.
A high school mate of Paul's, Evelyn currently studied at the Lumina School of Arts. Whenever there was no class, Evelyn would visit the University of Lumina to hang out with Paul, thus James had come across her before.
However, James didn't hold a favorable impression of Evelyn. He knew that she only sought out Paul at the University of Lumina when she ran out of money at the end of each month. Once she received more, she vanished completely.
To James and Tyler, Evelyn's true intentions were transparent. However, Paul was oblivious to her real motives.
Not wanting to expose the issue, James and Tyler chose to ignore it.
"Evelyn, you're here." Paul enthusiastically greeted her at the school gate.
"Yeah, why did you take so long? I've been waiting here for over an hour," Evelyn pouted teasingly.
"I just finished class and rushed right over!" Paul hurriedly explained, worried about displeasing Evelyn.
"Fine, I'll let it slide this time since you were in class," Evelyn replied, then continued, "Let's go. My roommates should already be there. Don't keep them waiting too long."
"Okay," Paul nodded and started walking towards the Stellar Lounge near the school with determined steps.
Suddenly, Evelyn turned to look at James, her expression one of extreme disdain. "Paul, why is the delivery guy still tagging along with us? Quickly get him to leave. It won't look good if my roommates see him. I don't want them to know I associate with a loser."
Paul was taken aback and extremely embarrassed by Evelyn's blunt and tactless remark. The awkwardness enveloped Paul, Tyler, and James instantly.
"Why are you talking like that, Evelyn? Show some respect," Tyler retorted, looking displeased.
"I'm not referring to you. Why are you so worked up?" Evelyn replied nonchalantly. "Besides, I'm meeting my roommates with Paul. This delivery guy is just awkward. I prefer not to bring a delivery guy to the bar. Is that alright?"
Tyler was momentarily speechless, unsure how to respond. After a brief pause, he leaned in and whispered to James, "Let's go. Enough of this."
"Alright." James, who already disliked the noisy environment of bars, especially when it seemed Evelyn didn't welcome his presence, decided it was time to leave.
"James, Tyler, wait!" Paul halted James as he was about to depart. Today, he had intended to introduce James to a potential girlfriend through Evelyn's roommates. If James had left now, the outing would have lost its purpose.
"Paul, Evelyn's words are quite hurtful! If she looks down on James like that, we shouldn't go to the bar," Tyler protested, his voice tinged with agitation.
Paul turned even more awkward and pleaded, "Evelyn can be blunt in her speech. Please overlook it and consider it a favor for me, would you?"
Observing Paul's sincerity, Tyler hesitated.
Ultimately, despite their reservations about Evelyn's behavior, they couldn't disregard Paul's invitation.
"Paul, why did you bring along this delivery guy? We're embarrassing ourselves," Evelyn remarked disdainfully, casting a scornful glance.
"Evelyn, please refrain from speaking like that!" Paul felt embarrassed and approached Evelyn, pulling her aside. "Evelyn, come with me. I need to talk to you for a moment."
"I won't bring this delivery guy to the bar today. If my roommates find out, they'll mock me," Evelyn insisted unpleasantly.
"James invited us to the bar today. If he doesn't go, no one will foot the bill," Paul asked helplessly.
"He invited us to the bar for drinks?" Evelyn sounded surprised and puzzled. "This broke guy can't afford drinks. Also, didn't you mention introducing my roommate to your friend? Your friend isn't James, is it?"
"Yes, it is James." Paul nodded.
"Paul, are you insane? This penniless guy? My roommate would never be interested in him," Evelyn scoffed arrogantly. "Make him leave. We're already losing face here."
With this revelation about the supposed roommate being James, Evelyn turned furious. Her loud voice showed no consideration for James' feelings, attracting curious looks from passing students.
"Can you lower your voice, Evelyn? James is my best friend. I just want to console him after his recent breakup," Paul awkwardly whispered to Evelyn.
"Why would you be friends with a penniless loser like James?" Evelyn questioned, utterly puzzled.
"You've crossed the line today, Evelyn," Tyler couldn't resist anymore and raised his voice, addressing Evelyn.
"I was just stating the facts. James is just a delivery guy." Evelyn remained haughty. "I won't participate. If James goes to the bar, I won't. Nor will I introduce my roommate to him!"
"Paul, why don't you all go without me?" James, who had been silent all this while, finally spoke up.
With this statement, James briskly walked away without looking back.
