Chapter 16: I Absolutely Hate Going To School

"It's a total misunderstanding!!!"

Elias, with a face full of helplessness, looked like he was on the verge of tears. 

He had no idea that just as Luna was stabilizing and things were moving in a positive direction, Ms. Isabella would choose this critical moment to show up!

 Worried about ruining all his efforts, Elias didn't think twice. He grabbed Luna's hand.

 "Luna, listen to me, it's not what you think..."

 Luna gently pushed away Elias's hand, her tentacles already reverting back to normal.

 "No need to explain, bro." She gave Elias a deep, piercing look. "True or false, all will be clear once we invite your Ms. Isabella inside."

 She spoke calmly and then walked to the door, turning the handle.

 The door slowly opened.

 Wearing a sun hat, elegantly holding a handbag, Ms. Isabella, always graceful, faced Luna.

 "Hello, you must be Elias's sis, I've heard about you from his classmates."

 Ms. Isabella's face was adorned with a kind smile. On seeing Elias behind Luna, her expression became even warmer.

 "Elias!"

 She examined Elias's face carefully, concern in her eyes, "Are you sick again? You don't look very well."

 Elias looked at her helplessly, thinking, 'How can I look good in this situation?'

 "Isabella looks so young and beautiful!" Luna blinked playfully, "When my bro mentioned you, I thought you were in your forties or fifties!"

 "Hmm?" Isabella frowned slightly, looking displeased at Elias.

 "I'm not that old. What have you been telling your sis about me?"

 It seemed she was a bit upset. After all, no woman likes to be thought of as old.

But just when Isabella was about to scold Elias, she noticed him making faces and mouthing words at her.

 Isabella's frown deepened.

 What's going on? Why does it feel like Elias is trying to communicate something to her?

 It was all very strange...

"bro~"

 Luna turned around as if she had eyes on the back of her head, her smile more a grimace as she fixed her gaze on Elias.

 "Got something secretive to say to Ms. Isabella?"

 "No," Elias replied, his expression composed.

 "Oh? Is that so?" Luna stared into Elias's eyes as if trying to peer into his soul. 

"If you have something to discuss with the professor..." Her smile turned icy, "Then let's invite her in and you two can chat in the living room."

 Swiftly turning back, Luna resumed her deceivingly innocent demeanor.

 "Ms. Isabella, please come in!" She smiled politely.

 "Thank you, I don't mean to impose."

 Ms. Isabella stepped inside, invited by Luna.

 As the door closed slowly behind her, Elias stole a glance at the oblivious Ms. Isabella, sighing internally.

 He hadn't expected such concern from her. Even if he wanted to, it was too late to make her leave now; Luna wouldn't let her go easily.

 He fretted about what this seemingly normal visit might lead to...

 "How are you feeling, Elias? Oh, thank you..." 

 Ms. Isabella, seated on the sofa, gently accepted the drink Luna offered.

 "Not great," Elias sighed, shaking his head. "I've been too unwell to attend school, Ms. Isabella."

 "Really?" Ms. Isabella looked back at Luna, puzzled. "Why didn't your sis inform the school? Being marked absent can affect your credits and delay your graduation."

 "There was no way, professor..." Elias forced a smile, telling the truth for once, "I just couldn't leave home these past few days."

 "So sick?" Ms. Isabella's brow furrowed. "If it's that serious, you might not be able to keep up with your studies. The school won't be understanding forever."

 "Then I won't go to school," Elias said earnestly, looking straight at her.

 "What?" Ms. Isabella exclaimed in surprise. "But, you love learning, don't you? You always looked forward to school."

 "Ms. Isabella." Elias locked eyes with her. "I'm sorry, I was lying to you before."

 "I don't love studying at all."

 "I want to tear books apart, blow up schools, and being in class every day drives me crazy!"

"I absolutely hate going to school!"