Potential allies

The next day, Maxene informed her professor about her candidacy to finalize it. The entire time, she has been participating in class so that she would be recognized, and she succeeded. In some group activities, she started to take the lead. Due to her ability to delegate the majority of the work to her team members without them realizing it, Maxene enjoys her role as group leader. In this manner, she only needs to supervise them and still receives the most credit from her professor.

Maxene also tried her best to get close to everyone else to gain their favor. Actually, it wasn't that hard. Everyone was so easy to please. But at the same time, she had to make sure that she spent time with Lianey. She wants to preserve the relationship she has with her; after all, Lianey is one of her keys.

"It seems like we can't go to the coffee shop again today," Lianey said in a sad tone.

Maxene turned to her and tapped her shoulder. "That's okay. We can do it next time. This weekend maybe? Since the due date is still next week, we have to prioritize the group work we have this week," Maxene responded and smiled at her.

Unfortunately, the two have different groups, so they won't be working together, which is why Lianey is gloomy. She doesn't have a close friend in her group, and she hates that.

"I just wish we had the same group," Lianey murmured, and Maxene heard that.

"Maybe it's time for you to make good friends there. You never know. Besides, you don't really have to get close to them. You just have to socialize a little," Maxene uttered, trying to cheer her up.

Lianey gave her a faint smile and replied, "Alright, I'll give it a try."

Maxene beamed after hearing what she said. If Lianey makes friends, it will be to Maxene's advantage because she knows that Lianey will ask them to support Maxene in the upcoming election.

Furthermore, in her few days here at this university, she found out that a lot of students from different classes wanted to be friends with Lianey. Obviously, it was because she's the only daughter of the influential multibillionaire Genier Falcon and the sister of the famous heartbreaker, Rigder Falcon, who's one of the most handsome male students at Royale University.

They just can't approach Lianey because she's aloof, but that could all change if she tries to be more approachable now. If she could do that, Maxene might get the upper hand in the election. But if that doesn't work, Maxene has another plan in mind because she'll do what it takes to win this election.

When the classes ended, Maxene and her groupmates decided to finish their work in the student lounge inside the main campus.

"Did you guys bring your laptops?" she asked them when they arrived at the lounge. Maxene opened her laptop after setting her bag on the table. They were making a presentation for their report, and they have to finish this today so they can practice tomorrow.

Kenzy sat in front of her and said, "Yeah, we do. Thanks for reminding us earlier. Maxene created a group chat for them, and she could tell that they were not so bad as groupmates compared to the other groupmates she had in her other classes.

Maxene considered them to be potential allies because they were all engaged students and did not appear to be influenced by the university's social hierarchy. Since they aren't influenced by Rosie, she could easily win them over; in fact, they seemed to like her.

Marcus sat beside Kenzy and opened his laptop. "I actually finished my part last night. Here," he said, turning his laptop around so Maxene could see the screen.

"Wow, that's great, Marcus. Let me see," Maxene replied, pulling the laptop close to her. She checked it, and as expected, it was neatly done and all the information needed was there. "Well done, Marcus. Just as I expected," she told him and beamed sweetly. "I love how every claim you put here has concrete evidence," she commented while scanning his work.

"Thanks," Marcus replied, looking down in embarrassment. He seemed like the shy type who was focused on academics, which is why Maxene knew he would produce exceptional work. Maxene also did some research on him and found out that he was supposedly the heir to their family business. Unfortunately, he didn't want to take the business program, which is why he's in fine arts. It's a good thing he has a younger sister who took on the responsibility. However, he's still in a bad relationship with his parents.

Even though Marcus doesn't seem like a loner, he has several friends on campus. And the best thing about it was that they were all achievers, which is why Marcus is on Maxene's list. If Maxene could take him on her side, her influence would grow at the university.

However, it's still important that she have influence over the socialites. But the only person close to her who is a socialite is Zeke Valle, the candidate for Secretary on the Wild Cat Party list.

Maxene learned through Lianey that Zeke is famous too because, aside from being a conglomerate prince, he's also a well-known model. He was part of the previous council too and had experience leading.

Even though it's a given that Zeke would support him, it would be better if the students saw them together as friends. This way, she could gain the favor of the socialites.

Meanwhile, Dennis, Maxene's other member, seemed like he was having a hard time doing his work. He's the chill member of the group, and he seemed like the average student. However, for Maxene, although he's less useful when it comes to academics, he's the most useful in her candidacy.

"Argh, I didn't know that we needed to put evidence here! Now I need to redo everything!" he uttered in frustration and heaved a deep sigh.

He was sitting next to Maxene, so she took that chance to get close to him. Maxene chuckled and responded, "Let me help you with that."

Dennis looked at her as if his eyes were shining in happiness as she became his last chance of hope. "Really?" he asked.

'Yeah, let me see," she said, turning the laptop slightly towards her. "This needs a little work, but it's all okay," she told him while scanning his work.

"Goodness, I thought I'd have to redo everything!" he said, sighing in relief.

Dennis is a varsity student and the captain of the university's basketball team. He's quite well-known, and for that reason, Maxene sees him as someone useful, which is why she needs to be on his good side. This group report really is a good opportunity for her.

–

At the same time, Rosie and Melinda's afternoon class finally ended. A lot of students were inviting them to go to the mall, but Rosie rejected their offer, saying she had other things to do, which is a lie. Rosie just wanted to head home and rest. She's too embarrassed to go to the mall after what happened.

Rosie hated what happened last time, especially because of Maxene. She doesn't know why, but she hates her, as if her instincts are saying Maxene is someone she should look out for.

Meanwhile, Melinda looked at Rosie, confused. "Why did you reject them? Aren't you running for VP? You need to win their favor," she reminded her when she was assured that no one was around as they walked down the stairs of their department building.

"You know I don't have to. I've already won their favor a long time ago," Rosie replied monotonously. "Besides, I don't think someone can win against me," she added.

Melinda nodded her head and said, "You're right. You are literally the most popular student at Royale University. But you know what? I heard a ridiculous rumor."

Rosie looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Melinda knitted her eyebrows and replied, "Someone said they saw Maxene having a meeting with the WCP and thought that she'd be running as their VP since it's the only vacant position left in their party."

"What?" Rosie uttered and chuckled because of what she heard. "How could she compete against me? That's really the most ridiculous rumor I've ever heard. And even if she does, she won't ever win," she stated and smirked.

Melinda laughed and remarked, "I know, right. What could a transferee with no influential family like her do? No one would ever consider her as a VP. Not in a million years."

"Just ignore stupid rumors like that, Melinda. It's not worth our time," Rosie uttered as they left the building.

--

End of chapter 16