Chapter 44: The Arrogant Coastal Folk

1:35 PM, Trelan Junior High School – Cafeteria Area.

"Hey, Chen Kong, we’re classmates, aren’t we? How come you won’t even buy the class a few bottles of Blue Melody Shan Cheng Juice? You clearly don’t respect your peers."

"Yeah, yeah! Dekola’s right—just a few bottles of Blue Melody Shan Cheng. It’s not like it’s gonna break the bank. What’s the big deal?"

"Man… it’s clear some people only say they see us as friends. But in their hearts? We’re nothing."

As the snide remarks echoed around him, and the smirking, mocking eyes of his classmates bored into his back, Chen Kong—quiet, reserved, and tongue-tied—knew they were wrong. But he couldn’t think of a single thing to say in reply.

So he just lowered his head, silent, cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Only this morning, he’d thought these classmates were so warm. They’d rushed to greet him the moment school let out, asking after his well-being, some even offering to be his friends.

In a world where he’d been ignored and pushed aside at Yujin Base, this sudden wave of attention had felt like sunlight after winter. Without hesitation, he’d accepted—eagerly becoming one of them.

But reality had a brutal way of revealing itself.

It turned out their idea of “friendship” was just using him as a personal errand boy.

At lunch, they’d already made him queue for food. And worse—when the bill came, they’d made him pay for their meals using his own money.

He’d been burned once before. But still, he’d clung to the hope that maybe this was just their way of helping him integrate—of making him feel included.

Until now.

Now, being forced to buy drinks for the entire class was the final straw.

There was no logical reason for him to spend his own money just to “keep up appearances” for a so-called friendship.

He knew the malice behind Dekola’s words. He felt it.

But instead of fighting back—instead of standing up for himself—Chen Kong just swallowed the humiliation, silent, stoic.

And that only made things worse.

Because Dekola, the so-called “prince” of Coastal District, loved watching people like Chen Kong squirm. The sight of a nervous, flustered kid—out of his depth, desperate to please—was pure gold to him.

It fed his ego. It made him feel superior. Proud to be a “Coastal Man,” born to privilege.

But Dekola wasn’t a fool. He knew when to push and when to hold back.

In the morning, before he’d figured out Chen Kong’s limits, he’d played the role of the noble, polished aristocrat—polite, distant, the perfect gentleman.

Until he’d learned the truth.

Chen Kong hadn’t come to Trelan Junior High as a wealthy transfer. No family connections. No political ties to Coastal District’s elite.

He’d been sent here only because he was top of his class—his school’s way of showcasing academic excellence.

And that revelation changed everything.

So this is the kind of dirt-farmer who’s come to our district to beg for scraps?

With that knowledge, Dekola dropped the act.

No more fake smiles. No more pretense.

And now, seeing Chen Kong floundering under the pressure, he couldn’t resist.

With a dramatic sigh, he leaned forward, feigning generosity.

"Oh, I thought you, as a fellow exchange student, had a monthly allowance like the rest of us—maybe five, six thousand per month? That’s why I asked you to treat the class to drinks, to help you bond with everyone."

"But now… I see I misunderstood. My apologies, Chen Kong. I’ll buy the drinks myself. A proper welcome gift for our new classmate."

Before Chen Kong could even open his mouth, Dekola’s entourage sprang into action—like well-trained hounds.

"Wow, Dekola, you’re so generous! Unlike some poor kid who can’t even afford a few drinks."

"Yeah, yeah! He made it into Trelan’s elite school—yet can’t afford a little juice? Either he’s broke… or he just doesn’t want to be friends!"

Dekola chuckled, playing the role of the magnanimous noble.

"Oh, come on now—don’t be so harsh. I’m sure Chen Kong isn’t stingy. He’s just… broke."

"Ha! Right! Dekola’s totally right!"

"Of course! My bad—I forgot—Kong’s just poor, that’s all!"

Watching Chen Kong endure the barrage, completely frozen, the audience outside the Dimensional Screen could barely contain their outrage.

"Wait—again? You got bullied in the Ashes, and now you’re getting bullied here? What’s the point of surviving the Ashes if you’re just gonna get kicked around in a high school cafeteria?! ANSWER ME!"

"Chen Kong: kick me? You’re just kicking a pillow."

"Main character? More like a doormat."

Just as the viewers were ready to scream in frustration at Chen Kong’s passive, timid demeanor—another voice cut through the silence.

"Hey, miss, I’m asking you—this is our school’s cafeteria, right? You’re not gonna stand there zoning out, are you? Hello? Hello?"

The screen snapped instantly from Chen Kong’s miserable face to the cafeteria entrance.

There stood Tian Dao—his signature small sunglasses perched on his nose, expression one of dry amusement as he stared at the girl in front of him, clutching snacks, eyes locked on him like a deer caught in headlights.

She was clearly stunned—unresponsive.

And yet, Tian Dao didn’t flinch. Just raised an eyebrow.

In the world of the show, he wore the same blue-and-white uniform as everyone else.

But somehow—thanks to the production team’s obsessive attention to detail—his design stood out like a star among common clouds.

Every strand of hair, every subtle curve of his face—perfection. The kind of face that screamed “This is the one the creators love the most.”

Even in a plain school outfit, he looked like a celebrity. A god.

The contrast was ridiculous. And the fans knew it.

The show’s bias toward Tian Dao—the so-called “#1 fan favorite”—had become so blatant, it was now part of the joke.

But the girl finally snapped back to reality.

Blushing, she stammered, “Y-yeah… this… this is the school cafeteria.”

Tian Dao grinned.

"Good. I wasn’t lost after all. Thanks, classmate!"

He stepped inside—unbothered, confident.

Watching him go, the girl suddenly lit up. Without a second thought, she sprinted toward her classroom, practically vibrating with excitement—eager to share some huge secret with her friends.

And just as Tian Dao entered the cafeteria, fate—perhaps even the script—delivered him straight into the middle of the storm.

There, surrounded by a ring of smirking classmates, stood Chen Kong—head down, silent, broken.

Tian Dao didn’t even pause. He ignored the thick tension in the air, walked straight up, and grinned.

"Nice one, Kong. Already made friends with the whole class? Impressive."

Chen Kong’s eyes widened. A spark of hope flared—like a lifeline in the dark.

And across the crowd, Dekola’s face twisted.

He didn’t know who Tian Dao was. Had never seen him before.

But the moment he laid eyes on him—on that face, that effortless confidence, that aura—a cold shiver ran down his spine.

This guy… he’s trouble.

He didn’t know what Tian Dao was. But he knew this wasn’t someone he could intimidate.

And that pissed him off.

Because he hated people who looked like they belonged in a different world—someone who didn’t need to prove anything.

But Trelan Junior High was his turf.

Even if he didn’t know Tian Dao’s background, he would make him pay.

For the sheer audacity of that face.

Tian Dao saw the shift in Dekola’s expression. And inside, he laughed.

Perfect.

The audience’s frustration—his frustration—had been building for too long.

Now? He’d take it all back.

Not for glory. Not for fame.

Just because he hated regional bullying.

And let’s be real—what’s so special about “Coastal folk” anyway?

Because honestly?

He was the Tian Dao Siming.

Strictly speaking? He wasn’t even from this planet.

And if anyone wanted to play “where are you from?”?

Well, welcome to the party.

You’ve just picked the wrong guy.

At this moment, Tian Dao couldn’t help but praise the Stellar Region’s matchmaking system.

Because whenever he needed a little boost—when his popularity dipped—Chen Kong, the so-called “main character,” always showed up with a perfect setup.

A scene. A moment. A chance to shine.

And Tian Dao? He appreciated it.

He truly believed in Chen Kong as the true protagonist.

Because if anyone else were in that role, he wouldn’t have such easy access to this kind of attention.

It was perfect.

So keep going, Chen Kong.

Keep being the quiet one.

Because you make me look good.

And hey—if you’re reading this, don’t forget to hit follow and vote for the monthly award! 😊

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end