NOVEL NEXT Chapter 46: A Mind Full of Thoughts
Dionysius was momentarily bewildered when he received Marcus's message and saw the photo of Xanthia.
However, he quickly replied to Marcus, reassuring him that he had done his best that day to make Xanthia happy, essentially helping Marcus to mend the situation.
Seeing this response, Marcus felt a slight sense of relief.
After returning home that day, the more Marcus thought about it, the more foolish he felt. Xanthia's background was already tragic enough—her mother had passed away, her father was distant, and the Papadoupolus familia largely ignored her.
Yet, he couldn't help but gossip about the details, inadvertently touching on her sore spots. Why else would Dionysius have given him that "death glare"?
Putting himself in Xanthia's shoes, Marcus could easily understand the suffocating sadness she must feel. The only solace seemed to be her younger brother Dionysius, who was about her age and cared deeply for her.
This led Marcus to respect Dionysius even more, appreciating his actions.
As a high school student, Dionysius still had a sense of justice and passion. If he were in the same position, Marcus would also want to protect Xanthia, who was now alone and without support.
"Why did Sister Xanthia suddenly undergo such a transformation? Is she in love?" Marcus sent another message.
"That's not the case at all," Dionysius replied firmly.
Dionysius was certain of his statement, having spent the entire long holiday with Xanthia. He was an observant person—
Though he had never been in a relationship himself, he had seen plenty of couples within his social circles, where early dating was common.
Xanthia, who seemed to have left her past behind, was carefree, always looking for fun and excitement—nothing like someone who had fallen in love.
"Alright, stop guessing. I think she just wants to have fun. As long as she's happy, that's all that matters. You're in Class Three, so keep an eye on her for me. If any pests try to bother her, handle it," Dionysius instructed.
"Got it... But Brother Dionysius, what if Sister Xanthia really likes a guy?" Marcus couldn't resist pushing his luck.
Dionysius fell silent at this question.
After a long pause, he replied nonchalantly, "If she likes someone, so be it. Maybe a sweet romance could heal her heart. But if that guy dares to hurt her, well..."
Dionysius was notoriously vengeful. Anyone who dared to hurt Xanthia would face the "iron fist of the tycoon"!
Marcus shivered. Clearly, Xanthia was the untouchable treasure of this "big brother", actually younger brother. Luckily, delicate beauties like her weren't his type.
Suddenly inspired, he asked, "What if girls fall for Sister Xanthia, and she wants to date them?"
Dionysius: "..."
After replying with a string of ellipses, Dionysius didn't bother to continue the conversation.
Close friendships between girls were pure and innocent. If asked whether he supported it, he certainly did. Sweet friendships could heal the heart even more effectively and without the risk of heartbreak.
Dionysius hadn't yet taken a close look at the candid photos of Xanthia. Marcus sent over a few high-definition images, showing his thoughtfulness.
As Dionysius began to examine the photos, he admired how stunning Xanthia looked in her JK uniform. However, he felt a twinge of grievance—
Xanthia, you heartless girl. You freeloaded off me all holiday without showing this glamorous transformation. Now, you make me look like a fool!
Of course, Dionysius was more than willing to be the fool. Seeing his "sister" looking more beautiful and radiant made him genuinely happy.
A new look signaled a fresh start.
In that moment, Dionysius's mind was flooded with thoughts. He believed this change was a good thing. Locking oneself in the past would only cause headaches.
"Wow! Dionysius, turns out you're into cute girls too! Caught you red-handed!"
A teasing voice broke through Dionysius's reverie, startling him from his admiration of the photos.
The one daring to tease Dionysius was, of course, another notable figure with an impressive background.
This boy was Santos El Zanthos, a strikingly handsome young man who exuded the aura of a princely flower boy. He dared to mock Dionysius because they shared a close relationship.
Or rather, Santos, a typical scion of a financial tycoon, held high standards for making friends. Only those of his own class could pique his interest. Unlike the approachable Dionysius, Santos wasn't as well-liked due to his aloof demeanor.
Santos was the epitome of an over-the-top narcissist, with a flair for the dramatic—
He believed himself to be the most handsome, intelligent, and talented person in the world. Consequently, no girl could ever match his standards, nor would he ever fall for one.
His friendship with Dionysius stemmed from two reasons. First, they shared a common passion for music. Santos was a skilled violinist with a fervent love for rock music, often exchanging guitar techniques with Dionysius. He had long dreamt of forming a band with Dionysius, though his invitations were consistently declined.
Second, Dionysius could tolerate Santos's narcissistic and dramatic tendencies. As long as Santos was entertained, he was a fun and worthwhile companion to have.
Dionysius, caught admiring photos and being teased by Santos, remained unruffled. He responded calmly, "I'm a man in my teenage years. What's wrong with being interested in girls?"
Santos, however, grinned widely. "It seems my resolve is stronger than yours, King Dio! You've succumbed to mortal desires, destined to be trapped in the inferno of emotions, tortured by the blade of love, ahahaha!"
Dionysius's eye twitched. "Santos, you delusional narcissist, have you been reading too many telenovelas? Stop bothering me!"
Just moments ago, Dionysius had been enjoying Xanthia's photos, but now Santos's antics had soured his mood.
"Come on, Dionysius, share those pictures with me. I want to test my own resolve. The emotional tribulation you can't overcome, I surely can!"
"Fine, I get it. You're just curious. I'll send you the original photos."
Dionysius knew Santos too well. If he tried to hide the photos, Santos would pester him endlessly. By acting nonchalant, Dionysius knew Santos would lose interest.
The candid photos of Xanthia weren't anything inappropriate. Though taken at ordinary angles, the JK uniform-clad beauty radiated a unique, pure charm that would captivate anyone with a matching preference.
Santos quickly received the photos. After a brief glance, he smirked, "This is it? She doesn't even compare to our middle school flower, Evelonia La Melodia. King Dionysius, what kind of taste do you have?"
"Alright, you'll regret that, Santos," Dionysius's eyes flashed coldly.
"Wait, wait... I was just speaking without thinking. I understand the saying 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'!" Santos immediately backed down, knowing how ruthless and cunning Dionysius could be when it came to retribution.
Despite his retreat, Santos couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity about the girl in the photos.
