The classroom buzzed with noise during lunch break.

"Congrats, Lixiaochun! You finally hit 18th on the world healer class ranking!"

"Seriously amazing, Lixiaochun! In China’s server, you’re now top 20 nationally—you’ve joined the pro ranks. And as a Songstress? Third place in China!"

"Oh, stop it, everyone. Don’t flatter me like that. I’ll get shy," said the girl surrounded by students, her voice sweet as honey.

"Making world rankings at sixteen? Even in our nation’s top gaming school, that’s rare, Lixiaochun."

"But you’re incredible. Besides seniors, who in our freshman year can do this? And as a support class like Songstress, no one here matches you."

"Please, stop flattering me. I owe it all to Senior Ying’s help," giggled the girl at the center—Lixiaochun.

"Ah~ We forgot Senior Ying! Second-year Senior Ying. Ranked 37th globally in Swordsman class. Fifth in China. A female Sword God, a warrior goddess! Achieving this in gaming’s most crowded class? She’s our nation’s pride and school’s pride!"

"Yeah! Senior Ying’s so cool!"

"I’ve watched her combat videos. Her female Swordsman feels like a totally different class!"

"Lixiaochun, you game with Senior Ying often, right?"

"Exactly! Senior Ying carried me to where I am today," the surrounded girl said shyly, cheeks flushed.

The crowd parted slightly. From my corner seat, I finally saw Lixiaochun. Big, sparkling eyes. Cherry-red lips. Pink hair flowed into twin ponytails. An ice-blue butterfly hairband stood out on her head. Delicate cheeks, fair skin, a petite sailor uniform. Petite, lovely, adorable.

Her full name was Lixiaochun. Our class flower. Freshman year’s belle. School beauty.

"Senior Ying’s amazing, but… her brother’s different."

"Ah, that waste? Can’t even log into games. Why’s he still here? This school breeds gaming talents!"

"Senior Ying and that waste’s parents own this school. Probably kept him to spare her the shame of her brother getting kicked out."

"Just born lucky. A lazy waste waiting to die."

The group around Lixiaochun suddenly turned their mockery toward someone. Their loud whispers reached that person too.

*Heh.* You’re wrong. Senior Ying wants me gone more than anyone. I turned my head away. Didn’t look. Didn’t argue.

I’m used to it…

"Hey! Stop it! Don’t badmouth Xiaotian!" Lixiaochun pouted, glaring at them.

"Sorry, sorry. We won’t say it."

"We’re sorry, Lixiaochun." But their glances at me dripped with contempt.

No choice. In this game-ruled world, I’m a waste. I hate myself. I hate this curse: holographic motion sickness. My parents build games. My sister dominates them. I can’t even play.

Like a painter losing sight. A musician losing sound. A pianist losing hands. An athlete losing legs. The world’s cruelest tragedy.

I wouldn’t argue. But I couldn’t bear their words either.

I stood from my back-row seat. Turned. Walked to the classroom door. Reached for the handle.

*Click~*

The door opened—but not by me. Someone outside had beaten me to it.

"Seeing your worthless face first thing? Total mood killer!" She froze at the sight of me, then snapped. A girl, yawning, messy golden ponytail sticking out. Tomboyish. Thug-like. But undeniably pretty.

Proof that for girls, looks trump attitude.

"Good afternoon, Ghoul Xueling," I greeted politely. Her surname—Ghoul—fit her delinquent vibe perfectly.

In real life, she was a delinquent. In-game? Same.

"Get lost, trash! You bring bad luck!" She shoved me aside and swaggered into class.

"..." Speechless, I watched her back. Then turned and left.

Honestly? I kinda like her. She dares to insult me face-to-face. Better than backstabbers whispering behind my back.