Chapter 4The Replacement Upgrade

Early the next morning, as soon as I stepped out, I saw Asher.

He stood there quietly. I didn't know how long he’d been waiting.

I looked at Mason’s house. He said he’d accompany me yesterday, but I was afraid he wouldn't be there again, so I left with Asher.

Compared to yesterday, I wasn't afraid of Asher at all today.

I couldn't help whispering to him about the TV drama I watched last night.

Asher’s face remained cool, but surprisingly, he talked quite a bit.

He listened for a few sentences, then softly agreed with me.

"Really? That's terrible."

"Really? That's great."

"Yeah, I won't watch that actor's shows anymore either."

I talked more and more happily until we entered the classroom and I realized how fast time had flown.

Asher put my bag on my desk and whispered a reminder.

"Remember to find me if you need anything."

Chloe’s teasing voice sounded from behind.

"Asher, you left before dawn. Where did you go?"

Asher ignored her and went back to his seat.

My eyes widened. Did Asher wait at my door before the sun even came up?

During a long break, I looked at a math problem on my test paper and wanted to ask Carter.

Carter was good at math. I always asked him.

So I walked over and handed him the paper.

Carter chuckled lightly.

"This is simple. Sit down, I'll explain it."

Before I could sit, Chloe appeared.

She smiled sweetly.

"Carter, my earring just fell on the playground. Can you help me find it?"

Carter’s face turned red instantly.

"Ah? Sure... sure."

He followed Chloe like he’d lost his soul.

I stood there, at a loss.

"Bring it here. I'll help you."

Asher’s voice sounded behind me. I turned around, startled.

He was amazing. He wrote out three different ways to solve it in an instant.

"Didn't I tell you? Ask me if you don't understand something."

He handed the paper back to me, looking a bit resigned.

I picked at my fingers.

"I was afraid of bothering you."

He placed his hand on the desk and tapped lightly. It sounded nice.

"Didn't Chloe tell you? I'm the one she compensated you with..."

I blinked. The tips of his ears were red again.

"Playmate."

"Don't feel like a burden. You can find me for anything."

Then, he quickly lowered his head and wrote out a fourth solution.

I was dumbfounded.

"You're so smart!"

Smarter than Carter and Mason combined.

Asher’s ears turned even redder.

"What are you guys doing? Lily, do you even know him? Why are you sitting next to him?"

A stern question rang out. I looked up and saw Mason standing nearby.

He had clearly just returned from the restroom, glaring death at me and Asher.