Chapter 17 Social Software Within the Academy
Evelyn's POV
"No, don't worry. Just change the dressing on time for the next few days, and I'll give you an ointment later. It'll definitely heal and look just like your skin before." Esko reassured me with an expression that showed he totally understood girls' concerns about their appearance.
"But, if someone's jealous of you, that means you have something they want."
Esko's words made me unconsciously touch the bird brooch at my collar, then glance at the Flamecore Jewel bracelet on my wrist. I thought to myself, "Could it be that the things Kane gave me are too flashy and made Emma jealous?"
"He doesn't like you, does he?" Esko blinked, wearing a gossipy smile.
His words startled me, and I quickly shook my head. "No, we're just really good friends."
Esko turned to organize the medicine cabinet. "Rest for a bit, and call me if you need anything!"
"Okay, thank you." I sat alone on the hospital bed, looking at the sunlight outside the window. The pain in my collarbone gradually faded, replaced by a cooling sensation.
"Kane..."
Thinking of Kane, I quickly grabbed my phone to message him, otherwise he'd be worried and looking for me everywhere.
"Looks like you want to contact your friend!" Esko pointed at the phone in my hand.
"But are you sure you only want to check messages? Students nowadays prefer using 'Nebula Chat.'"
"'Nebula Chat'? What's that? I've never heard of it."
"It's the most popular social app within Thornwick Academy. Almost everyone uses it to communicate, and of course... it's also used to spread some not-so-nice news." There was a bit of helplessness in Esko's tone.
I picked up my phone to download the app called 'Nebula Chat,' but found that it had already automatically downloaded on my screen.
When I opened it, even the registration was already completed. The crazy vibrating notifications gave me a bad feeling.
I clicked on the first post on the homepage feed, and my name was right there.
#Evelyn Clinging to Phoenix Clan
I opened the thread, and sure enough, it was full of vicious insults and attacks.
[Is this the gold digger who's been all over Kane? She should take a look at herself!]
[I heard she doesn't even know what kind of shapeshifter she is. Must be defective!]
[Look at her playing the victim. Obviously just after money, so disgusting!]
[See that new bracelet and brooch she's wearing? Looks like she and Kane have already...]
The thread had many photos of Kane and me walking together, even photos of us eating in the cafeteria. Someone had even maliciously edited and posted the video of me falling into Starlight Spring, with the caption: #Evelyn, a scheming woman staging a drowning act for sympathy!
Even worse, people in the comments were discussing my relationship with Kane in vulgar terms, as if some shameful transaction had happened between us.
I was angry about these false rumors, but I didn't really care that much.
But then humiliating comments about Kane appeared.
[That Phoenix Clan freak Kane actually got fooled by this kind of woman? They're perfect for each other.]
[Who does he think he is? A waste who can't even transform into his True Form, only fit to mess around with this kind of gold digger.]
[Just wait and see, when that woman gets tired of him, she'll throw Kane away like garbage.]
[Two pieces of trash make a perfect pair. Just don't come out and harm other people.]
These vicious words—I don't know how many times Kane has heard them, but I really felt sad for him. Kane's sincere heart was worthless in their eyes, and even the gifts Kane gave me were being called financial transactions.
I really wanted to argue with everyone who said bad things about Kane, but I couldn't type a single word.
"Don't look at those posts!" Esko had somehow walked to my side. He took my phone and placed it on the table beside the hospital bed.
"They're just useless comments of people venting. You know how people are!"
"But they're... insulting Kane..." I stared at Esko.
"He definitely knows about this app, and he's definitely seen it before, and he's definitely used to it by now. So..."
Before Esko and I could finish talking, the infirmary door was suddenly pushed open.
"Evelyn!"
Kane stood at the door, out of breath, his silver-white hair looked slightly messy, with tiny beads of sweat on his forehead. He was clutching a paper bag tightly in his hand, his deep golden eyes full of anxiety and concern.
When he saw the gauze showing at my collarbone, his expression instantly turned ice-cold. He quickly walked up to me, and said in a low voice, "What happened?"
Seeing him like this, I felt like I'd caused him trouble, and said quietly, "Something happened in Basic Potions. Someone spilled a potion on me, but Esko already treated it. It was really hot when it splashed on me, and the left side of my body went numb, so the doctor asked me to stay here for observation."
I tried to keep it simple, so he wouldn't get angry or notice Emma's deliberate behavior.
After hearing my explanation, Kane's brows furrowed. He wasn't fooled by my explanation, but instead looked at Esko beside me and politely asked, "Do you know what happened?"
Esko pointed at the gauze on my collarbone, glanced at me, then said somewhat helplessly. "Her wound was treated in time, but that potion seemed to have some corrosive components. Celia has already gone back to investigate the specific situation, but clearly this doesn't seem like a simple accident."
I felt the atmosphere around Kane turn sharp. His eyes seemed to freeze, radiating a suffocating pressure.
"Evelyn, who was it?" He turned to look at me, his voice was low.
"Let's wait for the professor to finish investigating and find out who knocked over the potion, okay?"
I tried to calm him down, but heard him laugh coldly and say, "Investigation? By the time they finish investigating, it'll all be over. And if it was deliberate, what can the school do? Detention? Deduct credits?"
"Are you sure you want to cover for the person who hurt you?" Kane's voice carried deliberate restraint.
"I'm not covering for her!" I tried to continue in a way he could accept.
"Kane, can you promise me you'll wait for the investigation results?"
Kane didn't speak.
"What's in your bag?" I pointed at the bag in his hand.
"Fine, I understand. Change your clothes first!" Kane handed me the paper bag.
I took the paper bag and opened it. Inside was a brand new misty blue hoodie paired with white casual pants.
"You went to buy this?" I looked at him in surprise.