Chapter 20: 20 Just a Game

Calvin looked at Bastian with deep respect. Slowly, his confidence began to grow, although nervousness still crept into his thoughts from time to time.

"Alright, sir. I'll try to apply this in my presentation later."

Bastian nodded, satisfied with Calvin's response. "Good. You can review it again later. If you need any help, feel free to contact me."

The man handed Calvin his phone number, and Calvin quickly saved it. "Thank you so much."

"No problem!"

Calvin left the classroom with a smile on his face. From Bastian's advice, it seemed he now had a clearer idea of what he needed to do next.

As he walked through the campus hallway, he saw his fellow students busy with their own activities. A group of students gathered in front of the announcement board, which displayed various campus events such as entrepreneurship seminars, debate competitions, and business innovation exhibitions.

What caught Calvin's attention the most was a program titled "Young Entrepreneurs Talk," where a young, successful entrepreneur would share his business experiences—from building a startup to achieving great success. Calvin thought this could be a golden opportunity to learn firsthand from someone who had faced numerous challenges in the business world.

With newfound enthusiasm, he noted the event date on his phone and decided to sign up. He wanted to use this chance to expand his network and gain new insights to help him prepare for the competition.

Calvin glanced at his watch. It was still too early for work, and he had no additional classes. His rumbling stomach convinced him to head to the cafeteria and grab some food. Sitting comfortably by the window, he enjoyed his "Spicy Chicken Wrap," his favorite meal that he could only afford when he had extra pocket money.

For as long as he could remember, Calvin had been saving most of his money. Living frugally had become second nature to him since childhood. It was all thanks to his mother, Maria, a wise woman who managed their finances carefully. She always had savings to deal with emergencies—something Calvin deeply admired.

Letting out a sigh, Calvin started to miss Maria. But his thoughts were interrupted when a young girl suddenly approached and sat across from him.

"Hey, Calvin! Eating alone?" Julia greeted him with an oddly cheerful smile.

"Do you see anyone else here?" Calvin replied sarcastically, raising an eyebrow.

"Me!" Julia answered proudly and placed her food tray in front of him.

Calvin let out a long sigh. "There are plenty of empty tables over there. Eating with a poor guy like me doesn't make you nauseous?"

"Not at all! Eating with a poor guy makes me even more grateful for my wealth!" Julia replied smugly with her signature smile.

Calvin stayed silent, observing Julia as she eagerly dug into her expensive meal—the most luxurious option in the cafeteria. She took a bite and glanced at Calvin.

"What? Do you want me to treat you to the same meal?" she teased, chewing leisurely.

"Forget it! I’ve lost my appetite!" Calvin said in frustration, standing up abruptly.

"Hey, wait! Sit down for a moment!" Julia stopped him.

Reluctantly, Calvin sat back down and studied Julia. "What do you want?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Nothing, Calvin! I just wanted to eat with you. I saw you're joining the business proposal competition. How's everything going?" Julia asked with genuine curiosity.

"Everything's fine in my end. Why?"

"Nothing, just asking. You seem so suspicious of me," Julia said with another smile.

Calvin scoffed, not bothering to respond, and continued eating his food.

"Next week, there's the annual dance party! Be my date!" Julia suddenly blurted out.

"Cough!" Calvin almost choked, his eyes widening in disbelief at what he had just heard.

Without hesitation, he shook his head firmly. "No way! You're probably just planning to humiliate me there! I know your tricks!"

"Hey, don’t you see that I’ve changed? I'm more... uh, down to earth now!" Julia said, trying to convince him.

"Oh, so you mean you're the sky, and I'm the muddy ground? Forget it! I’m not going!" Calvin snapped and stood up to leave.

Seeing that Calvin was determined, Julia quickly followed him, not even caring about her half-eaten meal on the table.

"Calvin! Come on!" Julia pleaded.

"Forget it, I'm not going!"

"I'll buy you an expensive suit and shoes! You'll be the most handsome guy on campus!" Julia coaxed him again.

"You think I accept donations? You think I'm a Barbie doll you can dress up?" Calvin retorted sharply.

He kept walking, rejecting her over and over, until Julia clung to his arm, forcing him to finally stop.

"What do you want, Julia?" Calvin snapped.

"I want to be your friend!" she replied.

Hearing the word friend made Calvin pause for a moment. The girl who used to bully him now seemed to genuinely want to get to know him as a friend.

"Are you sure?" Calvin asked.

"Yes! I'm absolutely sure!" Julia replied with a serious expression.

Letting out a deep sigh, Calvin finally gave in. "Alright, I'll come! But I'll wear my own clothes!"

"Okay! No problem! You have to promise me!" Julia said, beaming with joy.

"Yeah, yeah! Now go back and finish your food, don't waste it!" Calvin scolded.

Julia nodded and walked back to the cafeteria like someone who had just won the lottery—she looked so happy.

Calvin smiled. Maybe people could change. Becoming friends with someone who once treated him badly wasn't such a bad thing after all. That was what Calvin thought.

However...

As soon as Calvin left, Imelda approached Julia at her table.

"What happened? Did you manage to convince him?"

"Of course! Do you doubt my ability to charm a guy? You better get that car ready! If Calvin shows up at the dance because of me, you'll have to pay up!" Julia laughed smugly.

"Hey, Missy! Don't be too confident. There's no guarantee he'll actually come that night! You had better prepare to buy me a new car," Imelda shot back.

Turns out, Julia's kindness was just part of a bet with Imelda. The girl was truly cunning.