Chapter 24 Encounter on Campus

After a few minutes, Jason called me back, sounding anxious and nervous. "Mrs. Harrison, why did you transfer money to me? I'll earn enough for my tuition on my own!"

"You're still a student. Studying hard is the right way. Otherwise, what will you do if you fail and can't graduate?" I lay on the bed, intentionally sounding a bit lazy.

"Listen to me, New York University is a good school. Don't waste your time on endless part-time jobs. Studying hard will open up endless possibilities for your future. After graduating and finding a job, you can repay me."

"I..." Jason seemed to choke up for a moment.

Suddenly, I felt a bit melancholic and felt like I was being a bit too cunning. I was actually taking advantage of this innocent child. Jason thought I was being kind, but in reality, I had ulterior motives.

Given Jason's background, being able to get into New York University and survive in New York requires much greater effort than others. Putting aside all the factors surrounding Lauren, I truly admire this kind of perseverance.

"Enough talking. If you're short on money in the future, just tell me. Consider it as me supporting you. Just repay me after graduation. If you really feel guilty, you can pay back a bit more as interest," I said.

This amount of money is really nothing to me. It can help me find a sense of balance in my heart, and it can help Jason as well. A win-win situation.

He must have been really desperate if he was still working part-time before school started.

After hanging up the phone, Jason collected the money and replied, "Thank you, I will definitely pay you back in the future!"

I didn't respond and just threw my phone away before going to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up early and dressed up carefully. Wearing an elegant white dress, light makeup, and carrying my cello, I had a healthy glow. Tim drove me to New York University.

Returning to the campus, I felt overwhelmed with emotions as I looked at the energetic freshmen. It reminded me of my first day at university, as if it were just yesterday.

Back then, I was overjoyed. The thought of finally getting into the same university as Charlie and becoming his fellow alumna made it even more exciting for me.

Following the route from my memories, I arrived at the concert hall of the music department. This was a place every music student would pass by, with transparent floor-to-ceiling windows and a stage in the middle.

Today, there were fifty-two alumni like me who came to perform together. We were playing "The Blue Danube Waltz," a classic piece.

The positions on the stage had already been arranged. After we were temporarily assigned our places, we took our positions. There was no rehearsal or practice; it all depended on whether we had an understanding.

However, we were all talented individuals from the New York University music department. Even after being polished by the society for many years, we still retained our skills, or else we wouldn't have dared to take on this task.

As the beautiful melody played, I felt the passion and exuberance in the music, and my whole being relaxed. More and more students gathered around to watch, and our impromptu orchestra became more spirited. We played several classic pieces in a row until noon.

The resounding applause left me extremely gratified. As my gaze scanned the crowd, I saw Jason standing there, his eyes twinkling as he looked at me. When he saw that I had noticed him, he became a little shy but waved in a friendly manner.

I smiled and nodded at him. After the performance, I walked towards him. "Jason."

"Mrs. Harrison, I didn't know you could play the cello, that's impressive!" Jason praised me generously.

"I studied the cello in college." With my cello on my back, I chatted with Jason as we walked. In this environment, I felt instantly rejuvenated, as if I had been transported back to my university days.

"I think girls who can play music have a lot of charm." Jason's facial wounds had nearly healed, but there were still scars at the corners of his mouth and eyes. Wearing a sporty short-sleeved shirt and shorts, he had a sunny disposition. I was a bit dazzled by his words.

Could it be that he has developed feelings for me?

In the next second, Jason shattered my illusion. "Lauren also studies music, but she focuses on vocal performance, not instrumental."

Isn't that the same as Yolanda? She's also aiming to become a singing star in the future.

I let out a faint sigh in my heart. It seemed that Jason had his heart set on Lauren.

Indeed, it's a bit difficult to separate the two of them because of their deep affection for each other. However, once Charlie manages to win over Lauren, I will have an opportunity to make my move. After all, my goal is to find some psychological balance, not true love.

"Jason!"

Lauren's figure appeared in front of me, also dressed in a white dress, but with a youthful aura that made her seem purer than me.

Seeing Jason and me together, she didn't seem to have any doubts. Instead, she pleasantly greeted me, "Mrs. Harrison, what brings you here?"

"I just performed at the concert hall and happened to run into Jason," I replied with a gentle smile.

"I heard there was a breathtaking symphony performance at the concert hall. Were you there too? It's a pity I missed your performance. I had some club business to attend to." Lauren's beautiful face was filled with regret, and it seemed genuine.

Jason replied, "That's why I couldn't find you, and your phone was unreachable."

A flicker of unease crossed Lauren's eyes, with a hint of tiredness. Her smile also appeared somewhat forced. "My phone was on silent mode today, so I didn't hear it."

"The beginning of the school year is indeed the busiest time. Shall we grab a meal together? My treat," I asked with a smile, addressing both of them.

Lauren shook her head. "Mrs. Harrison, thank you for your kind offer, but I need to go back to my dorm to tidy up. I'll just grab something to eat at the cafeteria. What about you, Jason?"

Jason, of course, faithfully followed his girlfriend's footsteps, even though I had just lent him $20,000 last night.

"I'll go to the cafeteria too. Mrs. Harrison, next time Lauren and I will treat you," Jason earnestly said to me.

"Alright, then I'll head back first." I didn't insist and nodded before leaving.

Tim was waiting for me. Once I got in the car, I instructed, "Let's go back."

As the car started, driving along the wide campus roads of New York University, images of myself secretly following Charlie every day flashed through my mind. Each time, I had to come up with a reason to create a chance encounter.

Suddenly, a silver Lexus slowly passed by, and if I didn't mistake, I saw Charlie's profile through the half-opened window.

Why did he suddenly change cars and appear at New York University? This car was far more low-profile compared to his fleet of luxury cars.

The only explanation I could think of was that he came to see Lauren and didn't want to draw too much attention.

No wonder Lauren's eyes had seemed so uneasy earlier, and her expression carried a hint of fatigue. It seemed that she had been harassed by Charlie these past few days. After all, such forceful interference wouldn't make anyone comfortable, especially when Lauren already had someone in her heart.

I wonder if Charlie saw me earlier, but he was completely focused on Lauren, so he probably didn't pay attention to his surroundings.