Ethan tricked me into filming a sex tape. The next day, the video spread all over campus. He even publicly posted a price: $10, and you could sleep with me once. When I confronted him, I overheard him talking to a woman. "My family won't let me marry you, so I'll bring home Summer. Someone lowborn and with a ruined reputation. With her as a contrast, my parents will definitely agree to our marriage right away!" After hearing this, the woman kissed Ethan. "Aren't you afraid Summer will take revenge on you for doing this?" A contemptuous smile curved at the corner of Ethan's lips. "Revenge? She's just a poor girl from the slums. What could she possibly do?" So he spread those lies about me just to make another woman look more noble by comparison. It seemed my gamble had failed too. I didn't cry or make a scene. I called my childhood friend who was far away in London. "I lost. I choose to marry you." Summer POV My name is Summer, a commoner girl admitted to the elite private school NYU through an exceptional entrance program. Because I was poor, I didn't fit in with my classmates who were all either rich or well-connected. I became known as the cold, aloof ice queen, consistently ranking first in my grade year after year, yet always keeping to myself, never getting close to anyone. Until one day, a post suddenly appeared on the school forum with the title. "How much does it cost to knock an ice queen off her pedestal?" The post laid out every cost in detail. $100,000 to hold her hand. $500,000 to kiss her. $1,000,000 to take her to a hotel. And at the bottom was a price list. "Private photos of Summer. Unlock for just $100 each." "Latest private video of Summer. Unlock for $1,000." As soon as the post went up, it exploded across campus. The download count for the attachments kept increasing by hundreds per second. The comments numbered in the thousands. The filthy language in the comment section made my whole body tremble, my ears filled with buzzing, my mind completely blank. In the dorm, my three roommates huddled together, gossiping about me. "I thought she was so high and mighty. Turns out she's just a money-grubbing opportunist!" "Putting on that untouchable act every day. Who knew she'd be this wild behind closed doors? No wonder she hides every inch of skin." "Hmph. Probably been with so many guys she's used up." They didn't even try to whisper, like they wanted me to hear. My face flushed deep red. I stood up abruptly and left the dorm. I ran across campus, the wind drying my tears, but my heart refused to believe that the person who made that post was my boyfriend, Ethan. It was him! He's the one who talked me into filming those photos and that video! I arrived at the club where Ethan spent most of his time, about to push open the door. "Ethan! The download count has already hit three thousand! My god, you're ruthless. Our school only has like five thousand people total. Summer's definitely done for. She'll definitely lose her full ride to the PhD program." "That's not even all. She doesn't even know that Ethan only pursued her because of Sophie. He never actually liked her. He wouldn't even sleep with her when they shared a bed... If she finds out, she'll absolutely lose it!" "Too bad your family and Sophie's family are business rivals, otherwise you and Sophie could have been together ages ago. Summer never would have had a chance!" After saying this, the person elbowed Ethan. "Ethan, didn't you promise Summer you'd take her to meet your parents next week for the engagement? Is that for real?" Ethan held a cigarette, his eyes flickering in the smoke, a careless smile playing on his lips. "Of course it's fake. My family won't let me marry Sophie, so I'll bring home a lowborn woman with a ruined reputation. Let's see where they'll hide their faces then." The person suddenly understood. "No wonder you released Summer's private photos and videos. If your parents find out you want to get engaged to a woman like that, they might just give in and let you marry Sophie." "Ethan, aren't you afraid Summer will cause trouble? What if she tries to get revenge?" Ethan curled his lip in contempt. "Revenge? She's just some broke scholarship kid from the slums. What does she have to get back at me with?" "People like that are dogs. Throw them money and they come running. Kick them to the curb when you're done. If they get upset, buy them something nice and they'll shut up and do whatever you want. But I'm warning you all. Not a word of this gets back to Summer before the engagement party!" "Don't worry, our lips are sealed! Consider it an early congratulations..."
Summer POV Outside the door, my whole body felt like it had fallen into an ice cave, my blood seeming to freeze. Every word they said was like an arrow piercing straight through my heart. I stared blankly at the cold, aloof Ethan with his indifferent expression, unable to connect him with the person who had once pursued me so passionately. I came to NYU carrying my grandmother's hopes and all our savings, and I still owed tens of thousands of dollars in student loans. So I didn't dare slack off in my studies, determined to get a scholarship every year. I didn't dare socialize to save money. I didn't dare date and waste money, all to lighten my grandmother's burden... Until that day in the pouring rain when I accidentally fell. My pants were torn by a sharp stone, leaving a huge hole. I couldn't stand up, but I couldn't stay on the ground either. When I was at a loss, Ethan held an umbrella over me and lent me his jacket to tie around my waist. The next day, I washed the jacket clean and returned it to Ethan, only then learning he was the most popular boy in school. After that, Ethan began pursuing me relentlessly. Flowers and gifts never stopped coming, but I refused them all. I rejected him many times, but couldn't resist his increasingly intense and direct pursuit. He noticed when my shoes gave me blisters and brought me band-aids. He noticed which dishes I liked and specifically asked the cafeteria chef to save me a portion. When everyone avoided sitting next to me, he sat by my side without hesitation... So when Ethan confessed again, I inexplicably agreed. After we got together, Ethan treated me like a princess. Holiday flowers and gifts, romantic candlelit dinners became countless. I told him I didn't need these things. But Ethan told me that because he loved me, he was willing to spend money on me, wanting to give me the best. I never imagined that all of this would become weapons he used to hurt me deeply, all for another girl! I had only ever wanted his love, not his money! I wanted to rush in and confront Ethan, but my throat felt blocked. I couldn't make a sound. He was right. I was just a commoner girl. How could I possibly get revenge on him?! I ran off in a daze, tears mixing with rain as they hit the ground. I ran aimlessly into the library. In the glass reflection, I saw my own wretched appearance. I smiled bitterly and opened the library computer, logging into my email. The first email was an acceptance letter from an Ivy League school. This full scholarship spot was specially created by the school after learning I'd received an Ivy League acceptance, hoping to keep me there to prepare for future research positions. I replied to the email accepting the offer. Then I took out my phone and texted my professor. "Professor, I've decided to give up the full scholarship spot and study out of state." Next, I called Ethan's mother and said simply. "I don't care about your money, but I promise you I'll break up with Ethan." Ethan's mother on the other end laughed coldly. "Enough with the act. I've met too many poor people like you. You just think it's not enough money, right? Don't worry, I'll add another five hundred thousand. One million total. I'll mail you the check." Before I could object, she hung up. Just then, my professor also replied to my message. "Alright, Summer. I respect your decision. I'll report your response to the school." "By the way, when are you planning to leave?" I typed out my reply word by word. "Next week."
Summer POV I had just turned off my screen, not yet having time to put my phone in my pocket, when someone suddenly grabbed my wrist. My whole body stiffened. I looked up sharply to find a completely unfamiliar man's face. "So you're the most popular girl." The man's surprised expression turned to delight when he saw my face clearly. Before he finished speaking, I tried to pull my hand free. "Let go of me!" But a malicious smile appeared on the man's face. He tightened his grip, leaving a red mark around my wrist. "Let you go?" His evil gaze traveled over my pale wrist. "You're selling your private photos and videos, so you must really need money, right? I have money. But with your current reputation, asking a million isn't reasonable!" As he spoke, he backed me into a corner, using his larger frame to pin me down. "I like the library. Is ten thousand enough?" My eyes turned red and I bit my lower lip hard, about to bite down on him when I saw a figure swiftly pull the man away and punch him hard. Ethan's face was ice cold as he kicked the man hard in the stomach without hesitation. "Get lost!" Then he looked at me, his eyes clearly filled with concern. He lifted my wrist, his face full of distress. "I went to your dorm looking for you. Your roommate said you weren't there. I guessed you'd be here. Is your hand okay? Do you want me to take you to the infirmary?" Looking at his expression, no different from usual, I yanked my hand back and turned to leave without a word. "Summer!" Ethan panicked and grabbed me. "Are you angry about that forum post?" "This is my fault. My friend took my computer to play around. He's irresponsible. I didn't think he'd upload those things online. I already yelled at him and told people to delete the post immediately. Don't be angry, okay?" I shook his hand off forcefully and turned around, my eyes no longer holding any love. "Ethan, let's break up." Just as the words left my mouth, the library door opened. A rain-soaked figure ran inside. When Sophie saw Ethan and me holding hands, her face instantly turned deathly pale. The accusation she was about to blurt out turned into a trembling voice. "Ethan, are you and Summer... together?" As she spoke, a tear fell from her eye, mixing with the rain as it traced down her cheek. She turned and ran back into the rain. When had Ethan ever seen Sophie so fragile and helpless? His heart felt like something had slammed into it hard. Full of guilt and compassion, he couldn't spare a thought for what I'd just said. He dropped my hand and chased after Sophie. He used so much force that I crashed into a pillar and fell to the ground. By the time I slowly stood up and walked out of the library step by step, I saw on the distant sports field. Ethan gripping Sophie's wrist with one hand, his face drenched by rain, shouting loudly at her. "Yes, our families are business rivals. So what? Even if it means defying my family and hurting Summer, even though the world is so big and there are so many women, I only want you." In the pouring rain, Sophie's tears mixed with rainwater as she stood on her toes and kissed his lips. Then Ethan cupped her face with both hands and kissed her back forcefully. I stood quietly in the rain watching the two of them kiss in a scene as beautiful as a romantic movie. My heart felt torn in two, my eyes cried until they were dry. I returned to the dorm soaking wet, showered, changed into clean clothes, then climbed into bed. I didn't sleep all night. The next day, I went to class as usual. But unexpectedly, when I reached the classroom, I found a crowd gathered around my desk. Seeing me walk in, some troublemaker whistled at me, half-joking, half-contemptuous. "Summer, what are you selling this time? A ten-million-dollar check."
Summer POV I froze for a moment, immediately understanding. I rushed forward, trying to snatch back the check that Ethan's mother had sent me. "Who gave you permission to touch my things?" I pushed into the crowd. They seemed to have coordinated to toy with me. The check passed back and forth between several tall students. No matter how I reached, I couldn't grab it. A girl spoke sarcastically. "If you can sell private photos, what wouldn't you sell?" "Your stuff? Tch, it's probably dirty anyway." Another girl chimed in. "Yeah, you don't think we've all seen that post, do you? Everything about you had a price tag on there!" "This ten-million-dollar check. Did you get it from hooking up with some billionaire?" Her words stirred up a storm. Everyone seemed to suddenly understand. "So she found herself a loaded sugar daddy!" "I heard Summer's family situation is bad, and she owes quite a bit of debt! No wonder she's selling herself." "All of you shut up!" I was shaking with rage, using all my strength to shout that sentence. The air went quiet for a second, then the mocking and sneering grew even more wild. "Class is starting. What are you all crowding around for!" The professor had arrived without my noticing, frowning as he told them all to return to their seats. After class, I searched everywhere for that check. I needed to return it to Ethan's mother. Until I heard a familiar male voice. "Looking for this?" I looked up to meet Ethan's dark gaze. In his hand was his mother's check. Seeing I didn't speak, a cruel, mocking smile curved at his lips. "So you're breaking up with me for this money?" His voice was very soft, spoken right next to my ear. My whole body stiffened. I shook my head hard. "No, I'm not." "Slap!" Before I could finish, Ethan slapped me. His eyes were filled with coldness, looking at me like I was ice to the bone. "Summer, I didn't think your appetite would be this big. For money, you really can do anything." I had no way to defend myself. Explain what? This money was indeed Ethan's mother's breakup fee for me, but I never intended to take it! "Ethan, this money-" I opened my mouth, but before I could explain, a female voice interrupted. "I heard student Summer was admitted under hardship status? The school even helped you apply for an extremely low-interest student loan?" Sophie, dressed in high-end custom clothing with delicate features, walked gracefully to Ethan's side, her eyes staring straight at me. My breath caught. The next second, Ethan's eyes turned cold as frost. He threw the check in my face, the disgust in his eyes unconcealed. "I'll suggest to the school that they audit your student loan." That light sentence felt like a boulder crushing my heart, making me panic instantly. I grabbed the corner of his shirt, my eyes reddening. "Ethan, what are you doing?" He pulled his shirt away, frowning as he took out a handkerchief to wipe the spot I'd touched, then casually tossed it on the ground. "I don't like people who are only after money touching my things." "Student loans are for people who really can't afford school. Someone like you doesn't deserve it." With that, Ethan and Sophie turned and left side by side without hesitation. My arm fell to my side, my palm still seeming to hold the cold touch of his body, making me tremble slightly.
Summer POV That afternoon, the school posted an announcement on the campus website and bulletin board suspending my student loan. I stood in front of the campus bulletin board, hands clenched into fists, biting my lower lip hard. Without the student loan, scholarship money alone couldn't cover my tuition and living expenses, plus the $100,000 my grandmother had borrowed from neighbors to support my education. It was the height of summer, but I felt cold all over, the chill seeping from my skin into my bones. Behind me, gleeful classmates passed by, whispering. "Still playing the victim! Shameless!" "She sold so many things to make money, but still pretends to be a needy student to scam financial aid. What an eye-opener!" Various insulting words filled my ears. I collapsed, covering my ears and running away. Ethan saw my crying figure running away from a distance. His foot lifted slightly, his palm unconsciously tightening. Sophie beside him took in his expression. "Are you worried about Summer?" Ethan was silent for a moment before a cold snort came from his nose. "How could I be? She's just a money-grubbing woman." I sat by the campus lake for a long time, writing an appeal letter on my phone and sending it to the school office. Just then, a figure rushed up to me, shouting. "Summer! Your academic advisor Mr. Cooper is looking everywhere for you! You need to go to his office right away!" My face changed dramatically. Why would Mr. Cooper be looking for me? I casually wiped the tears from my face and went to the office. Inside, Mr. Cooper looked grave. Sophie stood to one side, eyes brimming with tears, looking aggrieved. Seeing me arrive, Mr. Cooper questioned me sternly. "Summer, confidential data was stolen from the school lab. The school checked the access records. Only you and Sophie entered the lab yesterday. Sophie says she never touched the data." His tone became heavier. "You need to understand, this experimental data relates to the school's research progress, to the competition between NYU and Columbia. This cannot be lost. If the school finds out who did it, it won't just be a disciplinary mark. In serious cases, the school will pursue legal action!" My brow jumped sharply. I clenched my fists and answered firmly. "I did enter the lab yesterday. The professor asked me to record some key data for him. But I absolutely did not leak any experimental data. And-" As if remembering something, I took out my phone and showed Mr. Cooper my chat history with my professor. "When I entered the lab yesterday, I specifically started a video call with my professor. If you just contact him, you'll know that after I finished recording the data, I shut down the computer..." Mr. Cooper looked at the clear time stamps in the chat history. The balance of suspicion in his mind tipped toward Sophie. "Sophie, what were you doing in the lab? The computer backend keeps records of all operations. We just need to check and it will be clear who it was!" The stern words made Sophie's face turn deathly pale, her hands and feet going numb. I also breathed a slight sigh of relief. Just then, the office door was pushed open forcefully. A familiar figure walked in holding a flash drive, his voice clear and cold. "Mr. Cooper, No need to check." Ethan strode to Sophie's side, shielding her behind him, and handed the flash drive to Mr. Cooper. "I already found this flash drive with the lab's confidential data in this girl's backpack. I can testify for Sophie. Yesterday I personally saw Summer holding this flash drive, acting suspiciously while making some kind of deal with someone. I kept an eye on it and intercepted the flash drive." Mr. Cooper opened the flash drive. Inside was indeed the missing experimental data! I froze in place, looking at him in disbelief. After I returned to my dorm yesterday, I never left. How could I have made a deal with anyone?
Summer POV I suppressed the unease and grievance in my heart, my voice trembling. "Mr. Cooper, my professor can vouch for me. I've been working on this experiment with him the whole time. Some of the confidential data was even calculated by me personally. There's no reason for me to copy it..." Mr. Cooper's brow furrowed tightly, his suspicious gaze falling on Sophie again. Ethan stepped to the side, blocking Mr. Cooper's sharp gaze. He took out the ten-million-dollar check from his pocket, raising an eyebrow with a contemptuous tone. "No reason? Summer, didn't you sell the data for money?" "This check is the payment from the person you made the deal with. Everyone in class can testify to this." Then several of my roommates crowded at the door and added loudly. "That's right! Yesterday we saw Summer run out alone with a flash drive, and this morning she got this check. She's definitely the one who leaked the data! She's desperate for money. The school suspended her student loan. She can't even afford to stay in school!" I felt like I'd fallen into an ice cave, cold all over, watching helplessly as Ethan took out his phone and added the final straw. "Mr. Cooper, look at this post and you'll understand. Everything about Summer can be bought and sold for a price." His cold eyes cut my heart to pieces like a knife. "Someone like this. For ten million, what wouldn't she do?" My whole body trembled. Every word he said was like a resounding slap across my face. Mr. Cooper's gaze toward me instantly grew cold. He directly determined that I had sold confidential data for money, gave me a disciplinary mark, and canceled my eligibility for all honors for the year. Holding the disciplinary notice, I didn't know how I left Mr. Cooper's office. My mind echoed with those words of extreme disappointment. "Even if your grades are good, if your character is bad, you'll only harm society when you leave!" I was like a soulless shell, watching Ethan approach step by step. My heart was dead, and I asked him in a very soft voice why. He knew that check was from his mother. He knew I never spent money carelessly and could never afford an expensive flash drive. Ethan just said casually, "Sophie needs to apply for a full scholarship. She can't have any blemishes. You have money anyway, isn't that enough?" As he spoke, he pressed the check into my palm. I looked down at the crumpled check in my palm and laughed softly. One check had buried my reputation and my future. In Ethan's eyes, could money settle everything? I tore the check to shreds like a madwoman and threw the pieces at him forcefully. "Ethan, take your filthy money and get lost!" Ethan looked at the scattered check fragments before him, slightly stunned. "What, not enough?" "Slap!" I raised my hand and slapped him hard across the face. Tears fell uncontrollably from my eyes, my fingertips trembling. "Ethan, I really regret it! I regret agreeing to be your girlfriend! If I could do it over, I would stay far, far away from you!" With that, I turned and left without hesitation. Still in shock, Ethan stood frozen. An inexplicable anger rose from the depths of his heart. But before he could speak, he saw me fall straight down. When I woke up again, I was in a hospital room. A nurse was changing my IV bag. "You're awake?" "You fainted from a high fever. Your classmate brought you to the hospital. By the way, he's quite good-looking. Is he your boyfriend?" "Who?"
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