Chapter 7: University Canteen
Third person POV
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Shortly after the professor discussed the syllabus, the class was dismissed.
"Hey Mich, wanna join us for lunch? You don't mind me calling you that right? By the way, let me introduce my friends. These are Lara Chua and Steven Sy. Lara, Steven, this is Michelle." Andy who was such a sweetheart introduced.
Michelle looked at Andy trying hard not to give him a raised eyebrow. 'Mich? Really? Doesn't sound that nice. Then again, a nickname from him means that we're close. Not bad being close friends with the future nation's husband, so why not?' she thought.
"It's ok." Michelle replied as she smiled back.
Then, Lara smiled at Michelle, "hi Michelle, it's nice to meet you." She said as she offered her hand for a handshake.
'I can't say the same to you though.' was the first thing Michelle wanted to say in response, but of course, that's not what she said.
"It's nice to meet you too, Lara." Michelle replied as she took her offered hand. At the back of her mind, she was thinking 'Ugh! Fine, she's really a classic example of a perfectly nice and sweet lady, I should like her, but I just can't. She's like my husband's ex and though I know that what I am feeling is irrational, I can't help it. I'm jealous!'
Steven just took a glance at Michelle, then proceeded to ignore her. He did not even say anything to her at all.
Michelle stared at him, 'What's your problem? Hubby, your future wife, and I mean it literally, is standing here, and you're acting like such a prick. Should I be offended? Though you did tell me before that you were a cold iceberg in college. Oh well.'
Andy apologized on his behalf. "Sorry about my friend, he's just not used to interacting with people he met for the first time. So, want to have lunch with us? We're just gonna head to the canteen. What time is your next class by the way?"
"Sure, my next class is at 12:30 so I have…" Michelle turned to look at her watch and saw the time. 11am, "an hour and a half before then. Thanks for inviting me." she finished.
This way, the 4 of them took their walk towards the canteen. Inside, as it was almost noon, a lot of students were present, and it was quite crowded.
Michelle was familiar with the view as she experienced this before so there's no culture shock for her. Many people from different social class join the university and it's nothing strange. That doesn't mean that when she first had this encounter she had the same thoughts or reaction.
"Haha! I didn't know that it would be this crowded. Really so different from high school. I think it would be difficult to get seats!" Andy voiced his observation.
"I don't like to eat here. It's disgusting." Steven who did not talk at all before that moment said.
Michelle hearing him speak for the first time recognized his voice. 'Ah! His voice is still as nice as the way it sounded during our older days.'
Then it dawned to her what his opinion was, 'oh my, what a snob. Hubby, is that really you? Don't be so pretentious alright? I know deep inside you like street foods and cheap stuff. Still, if you're keeping in character with being the rich heir you're acting as, good job! That was exactly my sentiment when I stepped foot in this place the first time.'
"How about we eat somewhere else?" Lara suggested hearing what Steven said.
"But we won't have enough time before our next class. Come on Steven, you have to get used to this. It's not like this won't be the daily routine from this day onwards." Andy dissuaded.
"I don't care." Steven replied, then he turned away from the 3 to walk out.
Lara gave an apologetic smile to Michelle. "I'm sorry about our friend. Please excuse me, I'll try to talk to him. Again, it's nice meeting you."
Michelle wondered why Steve or Steven whatever his name right now was, was acting that way. She wanted to ask but she knew that she was not in the position to do so. They just met.
"I guess it's just you and me now." Andy said as he smiled awkwardly.
"What's up with him? Is he usually like that?" Michelle asked.
Andy laughed, "Don't mind him. And yeah, he's been like that since forever. You do know about the Sy family, right? He's the only son and heir to that corporation, so don't be surprised if he has a prince complex. I'm surprised about you though. As the princess from the Lui family, you sure are taking the culture change in strides."
"I should say the same to you Prince Peng, for being the heir to the Peng industries and a rising star to boot, you sure are adjusting pretty well."
Andy chuckled. "Touché. But hey, I'm not a prince."
"Your fans sure dub you as one." Michelle teased. 'He's such a nice guy, I thought that he'll be a snob, but the media have not been lying. He's humble and down to earth just like the screens portrayed.'
Andy shook his head, "I guess, joining the entertainment industry did me some good. I was able to immerse myself with people from different walks of life, so I'm more aware that there's more to life than just being in our circle. Anyway, should we go find a table?"
"Okay." Michelle replied as she nodded her head.
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TBC