Chapter 60: The Classic Korean Drama Love Triangle

Lin Xiao opened the system interface to check the materials required for forging equipment. With his current capabilities, he could only wear cloth armor. To form a complete set, it would be best to forge five more pieces, making it more convenient to wear. Cloth armor required cotton fabric—the finer the quality, the better. Luckily, he had gotten three thousand dollars from Stefan today, and his source power was sufficient. Everything was ready.

After a restful night, Lin Xiao got up early the next morning, prepared breakfast, called everyone to eat, and, once breakfast was finished, the family went to work and school separately.

Lin Xiao drove Will to school, passing by Jessie’s villa. The campus beauty was dressed exquisitely, carrying her backpack in one hand and a black handbag in the other.

She opened the back door and got in, handing over the black handbag. Lin Xiao motioned for Will to take it. Opening it, they found it packed with green bills—five thick bundles.

“Five thousand dollars, your hero’s reward for saving the damsel. I’ll settle the protection fee with you every week. Is that alright?” Jessie asked softly. For her, money wasn’t an issue; the issue was that this man only cared for money, never even sparing her a glance.

He had no idea she’d gotten up at six to dress up, spending the whole morning on her appearance, only for him not to look at her once—his eyes fixed solely on the green bills. She began to suspect his orientation.

“That’s fine. I’m not that picky. As long as you pay, everything’s negotiable.” Lin Xiao replied with a smile. With this additional five thousand, he now had eight thousand in hand, enough to buy the finest fabrics to craft a complete set of gear, greatly improving his defense and attributes.

He believed that once he was fully equipped, even if Stefan’s brother Damon came looking for trouble again, he could handle him without resorting to a sneak attack.

They arrived at school, and Lin Xiao parked in the lot. Before he could get out, a familiar figure approached—the persistent Barbara, who had lately been a frequent nuisance.

“Hey, Jonathan, there’s a book club tonight. Want to join me?” Barbara stood at the door and asked. Lin Xiao opened the car door, but before he could answer, Jessie stepped out and sneered,

“Sorry, he already has plans, Barbara. I suggest you go home and look in the mirror. See if you’re qualified to pursue Jonathan. Stop making a fool of yourself.”

Barbara’s pursuit of Jonathan was almost common knowledge at school; Jessie had heard about it as well.

“It’s you, Jessie Kardashian! Why are you in Jonathan’s car?” Barbara demanded angrily, feeling seriously threatened.

Jessie was voluptuous and alluring, her father a billionaire—she had every advantage. If she fancied Jonathan, Barbara didn’t stand a chance.

Just as Lin Xiao was about to reply, Jessie stepped forward, grabbed his arm and pressed it against her ample chest, saying to Barbara,

“Of course it’s because I’m dating Jonathan. He’s my boyfriend now, so please stay away from him and stop bothering him, OK?”

Barbara looked thunderstruck, her face full of disappointment, waiting for Lin Xiao’s response.

Lin Xiao hesitated, torn between not wanting to hurt Barbara and knowing things couldn’t go on like this. For a moment, he was caught in a dilemma.

Seeing Barbara’s disbelief, Jessie boldly embraced Lin Xiao, stood on tiptoe, and offered him a fragrant kiss.

A crowd of students gathered, some whistling, others snapping pictures for the school newspaper. It was sure to cause a sensation.

The campus queen, Jessie Kardashian, actually fancied Jonathan Byers. A wealthy heiress falling for a poor boy—such a story would always create a stir.

Barbara broke down in tears, turned, and ran out of the school. Lin Xiao was about to stop her, but Jessie held him tightly.

“What are you doing?” Lin Xiao pushed Jessie away, displeased. Although he wasn’t willing to accept Barbara, he didn’t want to hurt her feelings—after all, she had saved his life and he couldn’t be that ruthless.

“I know you don’t like her; you’ve been enduring her harassment. I helped you get rid of this trouble. Go on a date with me, just once, how about it?” Jessie giggled, seeing Lin Xiao’s conflicted expression. She was a veteran of romance, pursued by countless boys, and believed she understood Lin Xiao’s mind.

Lin Xiao was speechless. Deep down, he did want to end Barbara’s entanglement, but outwardly he replied coldly,

“I don’t need you meddling in my affairs. I said before that things between us are settled—neither of us owes the other anything.

I’m not interested in you, and you’ve already seen my world. It’s not something you people can touch. I can’t protect anyone extra; take care of yourself.”

With that, he led Will to class, leaving Jessie bewildered.

“Hmph! You think you can scare me off? After what happened last night, do you think I’m still timid? I won’t give up so easily.” Jessie tossed her golden hair and sashayed to class.

When Lin Xiao entered the classroom, Stefan was already there, surrounded by swarms of girls—not just from their class, but from others, and even a few middle school girls had come to flirt with him.

“Hey, Byers,”

Stefan greeted him. Lin Xiao replied briefly, sat down, took out paper and pen, and began planning his gear—calculating the source power required and the enchantments needed, finally confirming what he should forge.

The day’s lessons ended quickly. At dusk, as Lin Xiao was packing up, a figure suddenly pushed open the door and strode to his desk—it was Barbara, the girl who had left in a rage earlier.

“I want to know, why won’t you accept me, Jonathan?”

The classmates all looked over, whispering and snickering, especially the girls around Stefan, who mocked Barbara.

Jonathan might be boring, as stiff as a board, but he wasn’t ugly—why would he like someone like you? You have no self-awareness and only annoy others.

“I’m sorry, Barbara. Feelings can’t be forced. I’ve told you many times—I have no feelings for you. Please stop looking for me.”

Lin Xiao was exasperated. He had thought she’d given up, but here she was again. He had to admire her persistence; she wasn’t this relentlessly clingy in the original story.

“Why? Is it because I’m not pretty enough, or my figure isn’t as good as Jessie’s?” Barbara cried, wiping her nose and tears. Her figure wasn’t great—she was a bit too sturdy.

“The clown is back, pretending to be pitiful, trying to steal my boyfriend. Do you think you’re qualified?” The classroom door was pushed open again. Jessie strutted in, glaring at Barbara with disdain.

A group of girls were stunned. Since when had the campus queen become Byers’ girlfriend? How could such a strange boy catch the eye of a rich girl?

“I don’t think I’m your boyfriend, Kardashian. Stop spreading rumors about me, or face the consequences.” Lin Xiao shot Jessie a look, packed up, and walked straight to the door.

Jessie, left at a loss, quickly caught up, continuing to chatter—she wasn’t about to waste the advantage two hundred dollars a day brought.

Watching them leave, Barbara wiped her tears. Jonathan’s rejection of Jessie rekindled a glimmer of hope in her heart. Maybe he was just refusing to admit it, maybe he actually liked her—otherwise, why reject Jessie?

The key question was, what method should she use to make him accept her?