1. A Hard Life

Brian Jones, a student majoring in business management, rushed to tidy up his things and then put them all in his old duffel bag.

As soon as he was sure nothing was left behind, he immediately walked out.

However, just as he was about to reach the door, someone bumped into him whether on purpose or not. The big book that Brian was carrying fell and some of the papers fell scattered.

"Huh, poor man. Didn't you notice while walking?"

Brian just glanced at the person who had bumped into him. A beautiful girl looked at him with disdain. It was Ellen Thomas, one of his classmates who came from a wealthy family. Her father was an advertising business owner. No wonder the girl became arrogant.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to, Ellen."

That's how it happened. Even though Brian did anything wrong, he was still the one who had to apologize first.

He just thought, the poor like him had to give in even though they hadn't done anything wrong. This was for the sake of making his position secure on campus.

He was just a poor son from a lower-class family who was so lucky to have a brilliant brain that he could enter the University of WestCliff which was the most prestigious campus in the city where he lived.

The campus was very famous and has very high acceptance standards. However, even though the cost of education on campus was very expensive, they also provided various scholarships for students who couldn't afford it but had very good academic abilities.

Brian Jones was one of those entitled to receive the scholarship and was currently a sophomore student. He also managed to maintain his grades so he never lost a scholarship.

"You reckless bastard!" The girl snorted loudly then walked past him.

Brian sighed, trying to be patient. Without delay, he immediately crouched down, began to pick up the things that fell.

"Need some help, Jones?"

Brian looked up and saw Jim Denver grinning at him with his arms crossed.

Before Brian had time to reply, he saw Jim intending to step on one of his papers. Brian quickly prevented him by holding Jim's feet, "No, Jim! This paper is important."

"Take your filthy hands off my feet!" Jim stared in annoyance as Brian grabbed his leg.

Brian let go and immediately took the remaining paper.

"Who allowed you to hold my feet?"

Brian did not answer and chose to avoid. However, once again he had to accept the unpleasant behavior of his classmates when Jim deliberately nudged him so that the important paper Brian was holding fell back.

"Good luck, poor!" Jim smiled mockingly and walked ahead of him.

Brian held back his annoyance and just gritted his teeth.

Oh, but he realized he didn't have much time to complain. He then took the papers again and immediately ran towards canteen C.

University of WestCliff had three canteens and canteen C was located in the south.

Brian hurriedly put down his bag and put on an apron with his name on it. A woman in her thirties breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Brian getting ready.

"Finally, you are here. I'm almost going crazy here."

"Sorry, Abbie. I'm a few minutes late."

Brian started looking at the order papers on the table.

"Are they bothering you?"

"As usual."

Abigail Smith looked concerned, "Uh, just fight then."

"Facing the rich family's kids? I'll just get into more trouble, Abbie." Brian shook his head, disapproving of Abigail's idea.

"You really only have two choices, Brian. First, you fight them. Second, let them. If you choose the second, it means you have to be ready any time to be disturbed by them."

"That's fine with me. Anyway, I just have to endure another 2 years. It won't take long."

"Well, if that's your choice, I can't do anything about it." Abigail gave up and started preparing the order. Brian took it to the person who ordered it.

The young man was so nimble when carrying out his work. Even though many insulted him for having a job as a waiter in the campus cafeteria, Brian never paid any attention to them.

All Brian needs was an extra money to help ease the burden on his adopted grandfather, Karl York, who worked as a street cleaner.

"Waiter, come here!"

Brian walked over. "Yes, would you like to add something?"

"Yes, give me two cheese burgers!"

"Okay, in five minutes they will be ready." Brian went to Abigail and said the additional order. After that, he was repeatedly called by the same customers and Brian started to get confused.

"Do you know him? Looks like he's playing a trick on you." Abigail glanced suspiciously at the young man sitting with some of his friends.

"That's Edward Stein. I only know his name but not the same major as him."

Abigail raised her right eyebrow, "Then have you ever joined in an activity with him?"

"No."

"Are you sure?" Abigail glanced at Edward who smiled mockingly a few times as he fixed his eyes on Brian.

"Never been so sure Abbie. I really only know his name."

Abigail touched her chin, "Then he probably just likes to bully the kids from the lower families. Uh, what a shame!"

"Why is so?" Brian stared in astonishment as he cleared the counter.

"His face is very handsome."

Brian rolled his eyes lazily. Next he heard Abigail rambling on and on about this rich young man until Brian's shift ended.

The hours of work were not certain, but it was certain when he was done with his class. He was also very grateful to have such a kind boss like Abigail Smith.

"Go home!"

"You kicked me out, Abbie?"

"Yes."

Brian laughed. "Okay, I'll come tomorrow."

Abigail handed the youth a bag of food. "For you and Karl."

Brian smiled gratefully, "Oh, you are very kind. Thank you."

"There's no need for that." Abigail waved her hand.

With a happy heart, Brian left the canteen area and walked towards the parking lot, where his bicycle was parked.

The southern parking area looked deserted because it was quite late in the day. Brian really liked the atmosphere because he no longer had to deal with the rich kids who often bullied him.

However, his little happiness was interrupted when he reached the parking lot. He stopped walking, looking shocked at the sight in front of him.

Not far from him, he saw a girl was kissing a young man Brian knew. That was Edward Stein was a young man from a rich family who had bullied him in the canteen some time ago.

Unfortunately, he didn't only know the young man but also the girl who became Edward's kissing partner.

"Diana, what have you been doing?"

Edward and Diana parted ways casually. Diana turned to him. "You're just annoying."

Brian was wide-eyed in shock. "Me? Annoying? What do you mean? You kissed another guy while we were dating. You-"

"Let's break up!" Diana Reid said calmly.

"Break up? But, I didn't do anything wrong. You're the one having an affair. How could you do this to me?”

Edward laughed mockingly. “Who would date a loser like you? Diana has already chosen me. Just accept it!"

Brian's emotions increased. Unexpectedly by Edward, Brian punched Edward.

"Brian! Stop it!" Diana screamed in shock.