Chapter 2

In my previous life, I had walked Melanie to the parking lot today, and right on cue, Marcus blocked our way. He started touching Melanie right in front of me. In a fit of rage, I threw a punch. The fight ended with me getting two broken ribs, spending months in a hospital bed, and watching my grades slip.

This time, Melanie ignored Leo and glared at me. "Are you seriously not coming?"

"I'm busy," I said. "Let Leo walk you. Don't you guys park in the same lot anyway?"

"Yeah, totally," Leo chimed in eagerly. "We haven't walked out together in forever."

Even though Melanie always pushed Leo away the moment she was done using him—relegating him back to the "friend zone"—he still came running back like a loyal golden retriever.

Melanie stared at me suspiciously. "Are you scared of Marcus? Wow, I didn't realize you were such a coward."

Such a low-grade guilt trip didn't move me at all. But to high school kids, this was a massive blow to one's pride. Leo looked at me expectantly, clearly waiting for me to lose my temper.

I just shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, I'm terrified. You guys have fun."

Melanie stamped her foot in frustration. "How can you be so spineless!"

Hearing this, Leo immediately joined in to condemn me. "Exactly, Ethan! Where are your manners? Do you even know how to treat a lady?"

I looked up at Leo. This guy spent every waking hour trying to slide into Melanie's DMs, acting like her knight in shining armor. I couldn't help but offer him a piece of genuine advice:

"You know, Leo... You’re a 'Nice Guy.' But in Melanie’s eyes, nice guys finish dead last, even behind the dogs. And guys like me? We’re just the simps who pay for her lifestyle while she runs to the bad boys."

In my past life, I wasn't any better than Leo. But at least now I was awake.

Both of them froze.

They might not have fully grasped the slang, but they weren't stupid. They knew I was insulting them.

Leo’s face flushed bright red. He was visibly shaking with anger, but to maintain his "gentlemanly" persona, he couldn't even bring himself to curse.

What a loser.

"What is wrong with you?" Melanie hissed, glaring at me. "Don't regret this, Ethan! I was actually planning to give you a chance, but since you don't appreciate it, forget it!"

With that, she turned around, her high ponytail whipping through the air, and stormed out of the classroom.

"Melanie, wait! Don't be mad, maybe he really has some family emergency," Leo called out, rushing after her.

Melanie glared at him. "Leave me alone! I can handle it!"

Leo gave a weak, placating smile but kept following her. I stood by the classroom door, watching their retreating backs, a cold smirk playing on my lips.

In my last life, I risked my life to protect her from that bully, which was the only reason she agreed to be my girlfriend. In return, she murdered me. In this life, I would never repeat that mistake.

I remembered how, in college, Melanie constantly gave me the cold shoulder, replying with single-letter texts while hooking up with frat guys and orientation leaders.

Back then, I thought I was just a bad conversationalist and felt incredibly insecure. Under her masterful gaslighting, I became an obedient, desperate simp.

Not this time.

My first step was to get into a top-tier university, and during the summer break, make my first pot of gold!

As I was planning my future business while walking toward the school exit, a loud commotion broke out near the parking lot.

"Yo, finally got you alone. I've been waiting forever. Come here and keep me company!"

Near the school gates, Marcus was leaning against a car, blocking Melanie’s path with a sleazy grin.

To be fair, Melanie's appearance was highly deceptive. She had fair skin, a great figure, and eyes that always looked deeply emotional. It was no wonder a brainless jock like Marcus was obsessed with her.

I was actually curious. Without me stepping in this time, how would this play out?

I bought a cold soda from a vending machine, found a shaded spot nearby, and sat down to watch. Her getting bullied had absolutely nothing to do with me. I was just here for the free show.

Marcus immediately started getting handsy, pulling at her backpack straps and grabbing her jacket. Melanie looked on the verge of tears, looking utterly helpless and pitiful.

But the more she resisted, the more excited Marcus seemed. He grabbed her arm, dragging her toward the secluded alleyway near the parking lot.

"Stop right there!" Leo suddenly yelled. He actually stepped up, blocking Marcus.

Oh, the drama was getting good.