Chapter 11: I Hate School Bullying the Most
In the eyes of those bullies, Maria's timid demeanor was practically an open invitation to mess with her.
She always walked with her head down, eyes darting nervously, as if constantly afraid of being noticed. This frightened posture only ignited the cruelty lurking in the bullies' hearts.
No one expected Edward to stand up for Maria today.
In that instant, something stirred in Maria's chest—like a warm ray of light suddenly piercing through endless darkness.
But then worry crashed over her like a wave, drowning that flicker of hope. She knew Edward's intervention might bring even worse consequences down on her.
However, Edward said nothing. His expression was ice-cold as he slowly stood and walked steadily toward Mark, his gaze locked on target.
Being stared down like that sent a chill down Mark's spine, as if he'd been thrown into a freezer.
Under this suffocating pressure, he tried to hold his ground, but his voice betrayed him with a tremor. "What? You wanna go?" Though he tried to sound tough, the quaver in his voice gave away his fear.
Mark was completely rattled by Edward's intimidating presence. In his humiliation and rage, he suddenly shot up like a provoked bull.
Though he was noticeably shorter than Edward, his determination to fight was fierce. He thrust out his chin, his face set with desperate resolve.
However, in Edward's eyes, the kid in front of him was nothing more than a yapping chihuahua—all bark, no bite.
A flicker of undisguised contempt flashed across Edward's face. Then he moved like lightning, his actions swift and precise.
His hand shot out like a striking hawk, seizing Mark by the throat in an instant.
The next second, Edward's arm muscles tensed like coiled steel. With a slight upward pull, he effortlessly hoisted Mark off his feet with one hand, as if lifting a bag of groceries.
Witnessing this, the other guys froze like statues, jaws dropping so wide you could park a truck in there.
Everyone knew an average teenage guy weighed at least 120 pounds, plus whatever strength Mark was using to struggle.
Forget one hand—even most adults couldn't lift someone that easily with both hands.
For a moment, time seemed to freeze in the entire bus, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Only Mark's choked gasps broke the deathly silence, each one like a hammer blow to everyone's nerves.
That's how shocking it was to see someone lifted with one hand like that.
The other guys were scared speechless, feet seemingly glued to the floor, not daring to move an inch.
Then—SMACK, SMACK, SMACK!—Edward delivered several swift, decisive slaps without hesitation.
He grabbed Mark by the hair, his expression calm but carrying undeniable authority. "Listen up. If I catch you bullying anyone again, I'll make your life hell. Got it?"
"Y-yes, yes..." Mark nodded frantically like a bobblehead, scared out of his mind.
Edward tossed him onto the seat like yesterday's trash, then calmly returned to his own seat.
He looked completely composed, as if what he'd just done was no big deal—not even worth thinking about. Edward had always had zero tolerance for bullies.
"Thank you!" Just as Edward was quietly staring out the window, a soft voice drifted to his ear like a gentle breeze.
"No problem." Edward didn't turn his head, his gaze still fixed on the passing scenery outside, responding coolly.
"Um... can I sit here?" Maria's voice trembled slightly, carrying cautious hope.
"Sure." Edward finally turned his head, his gaze falling on Maria's striking and uniquely beautiful face.
Her features were delicate and soft, and her eyes sparkled with life, as if holding hidden depths.
"Thank you!" Maria's lips curved into a bright smile—like a flower blooming in spring, vibrant and beautiful, instantly dispelling the lingering tension and fear in the bus.
The school bus rolled onto campus. Edward followed the crowd off the bus and headed straight for the main office.
Inside, Edward found his homeroom teacher and explained Carrie's situation in detail, requesting she be excused from school.
After listening, the teacher's face showed a mix of concern and sympathy, and she nodded, indicating she understood.
After leaving the office and heading back to class, Edward returned to his desk to kill time.
Just then, Jennifer sauntered over from the other side of the classroom.
Her hair swayed with each step, and her eyes held a glint of curiosity and playfulness.
Jennifer walked up to Edward, tilted her head slightly, and asked with anticipation, "Edward, are you ready?"
Edward looked momentarily confused. "Ready for what?"
Jennifer laughed softly and playfully swatted his arm. "The concert tomorrow night! Don't tell me you forgot?"
Edward gave a sheepish grin, flashing his teeth. "Of course not."
No sooner had he spoken than Jennifer, like a playful cat, gracefully slid onto Edward's lap.
She leaned in close, her lips nearly brushing his ear, and in a voice like velvet, whispered, "I bought some new lingerie, just so you know."
As she pulled away, she deliberately blew warm breath across his ear.
Edward felt his ears burn, heat creeping up his neck and into his face.
He instinctively shifted, trying to shake off the sudden awkwardness and discomfort.
The surrounding students shot them knowing looks—some with teasing grins, others with raised eyebrows.
After all, Edward had always been the cool, composed type, and Jennifer's bold move was definitely unexpected.
Jennifer, however, seemed completely oblivious to Edward's discomfort, still smiling brightly with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"What's wrong? Look at you, all flustered. I was just letting you know, that's all." She stood up from his lap, hands clasped behind her back, head tilted as she looked at him.
The bell suddenly rang, its sharp sound like a lifeline.
Students scrambled back to their seats like they'd heard a fire alarm.
The once rowdy classroom fell instantly silent, with only the fading echo of the bell still resonating in the air.
Edward clenched his jaw, thinking fiercely to himself, "Just wait till tomorrow night, Jennifer. You're gonna regret teasing me like that."
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