Ethan, enraged and without thinking, shouted:
“What are you even changing for? You’re just showing off your wealth! Wasting money left and right–thousands on tattoos, constantly switching hairstyles. Why don’t you donate that money to people who actually need it?”
He pointed at me with trembling hands, eyes filled with contempt.
“You’re a selfish egoist, and honestly, you disgust me. If I were you, I’d feel too ashamed to live. People like you shouldn’t even exist! And your parents–they’re just scum too! Instead of using your money for charity, they-”
“Pa!”
I didn’t let him finish.
My palm connected with his left cheek so hard it echoed through the dorm.
Still unsatisfied, I slapped his right cheek just as hard.
Then I grabbed his jaw, forced him back against the door, and stared into his eyes with burning fury.
“Our company has its own charity division. We help thousands every year. What right do you have to speak about my family?”
My voice dropped, low and dangerous.
“Stop acting like you’re entitled to someone else’s money. You’re nothing but a parasite.” I tightened my grip.
“If I hear you insult my parents again, I swear I’ll rip out your tongue.”
Ethan froze, eyes wide, fear spreading across his face.
“I–I didn’t mean it that way… I was just trying to help you…” he stammered.
My roommates, who had been quietly watching, scoffed and stepped in.
“How someone spends their own money is none of your business.”
“You get perms and tattoos too, but when someone richer does it, you start moralizing? Get over yourself.”
I finally let him go.
But instead of learning his lesson, he glared and snapped:
“If you dare to hit me again, I’ll make sure Sophie never talks to you again!”
I smirked.
“Perfect. That’s exactly what I want.”
Without another word, I turned and began packing my things. I’d had enough.
I was moving into an apartment near campus.
Liam and Noah, who couldn’t stand Ethan any more than I could, quickly offered to join
11:19 Mon, 28 Jul
- me.
In the past, I tolerated staying in the dorm for morning classes and the occasional late–night talk with them. But now?
I couldn’t stand being under the same roof as that psychopath for even one more second. Before leaving, I quietly planted a small listening device in my cabinet.
Not long after we walked out, Ethan exploded inside the dorm.
Crash!
He kicked over a chair and roared, his voice laced with panic.
“Damn it! Damn it all! My imitation index was at 20-20! Even the system thought I was close! But now it’s dropped to 10! If it hits zero, I’ll fail the mission–and get punished!”
He called Sophie in a panic.
“Sophie, you have to help me. Please, get Julian to come back to the dorm. I need to observe him–watch what he wears, what he buys–I have to stay close and imitate everything!”
Sophie’s voice purred through the speaker.
“Okay… but Ethan, how are you going to reward me?”
Disgusted, I shut off the monitoring. I didn’t want to hear another word of their sick little
game.
But one thing was clear now.
If I wanted to break free from that disgusting system–and reclaim control over my fate–l needed Ethan to fail his mission.
I needed the system to recognize that he could no longer imitate me.
And I had just the plan to make that happen.
While finalizing the details with Liam and Noah, my phone rang.
It was Sophie.
Her voice was gentle–sweet, even. Nothing like before.
She said everything I used to love hearing.
Apologies, compliments, fake affection.
It made my skin crawl.
But I played along–for now.
I agreed to return to the dorm.
Back in the room, Ethan’s attitude had done a complete 180. He even apologized.
“Julian, I was wrong. I really was. I’m just a dumb kid from the countryside–I didn’t know
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11:10 Mon, 28 Jul
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“Julian, I was wrong. I really was. I’m just a dumb kid from the countryside–I didn’t know
any better. I shouldn’t have tried to guilt–trip you. I promise I’ll change. Can you forgive me?”
I casually flicked a bit of dust off my nails and answered with a calm smile.
“Of course.”
He was so surprised by how quickly I agreed, he choked on his next words and changed the subject in a hurry.
