NOVEL NEXT Chapter 69 Vacation Plans
As the year-end approached, exams at Edith Academy gradually ended, and students began to relax. Many were discussing where to go for fun. The Twilight Orchestra's activity room became lively as well.
The air conditioning hummed as it fought against the sweltering summer outside, keeping the room pleasant and cool. Clusters of students sat in various spots around the activity room—some engaged in card battles, others exchanged thoughts about their recent studies, and a few leaned back on sofas, watching the latest popular TV series while munching on puffed snacks.
"So, people just gathered here without me realizing it, huh?" In a corner of the activity room, Tilan touched her forehead lightly, feeling that the development of events was not as she had expected.
She had originally thought that, in a place where the elite converged at Edith Academy, everyone would be keen on their studies or have refined hobbies, devoting themselves to certain endeavors. However, in private, these people weren't so extraordinary; they enjoyed eating, drinking, and having fun just as much. Stay updated via empire
Perhaps her initial concept was too perfect, too lofty, the girl thought, then walked out of her usual small room. Right, she had a private office and generally, others wouldn't enter at will, which was one of the rare markers of the club president's authority. However, the room's primary use now was for Tilan to take her naps, thanks to the advancement of materials and technology that provided excellent soundproofing, ensuring the noise outside didn't disturb the tranquility inside.
"President Tilan." Two boys playing a card game stood up as the dark-haired girl passed by.
To this, Tilan didn't quite know how to respond. Directly acknowledge their greeting? That seemed rather boastful and too showy. Deny it? That was too humble and meek. Thus, she could only respond with a look, nodding her head before continuing forward.
Afterward, several more greetings occurred. Even Yalian, whom the girl considered an 'old fox,' stood up as well.
"Good afternoon, President Tilan."
"Why are you the same as them?" The girl spoke somewhat helplessly, knowing that the person in front of her wasn't one to blindly admire others. He probably thought it was amusing and decided to follow along and tease her a bit.
"Hahaha, my respect for President Tilan comes from the heart, please don't take it to heart," said the golden-haired and handsome young man, performing an impeccable gesture with one hand to his chest and the other behind his back as he bowed.
To this, Tilan simply continued nodding helplessly and then shifted her gaze beyond the people beside her, looking at three girls chatting in the corner—Ruby, Deloris, and Efnie.
Since that day shortly after the training field battle, others who trained with her had also joined the Twilight Orchestra, citing admiration for her grace among other things. But the girl definitely didn't believe that. She had overheard Yalian 'preaching' among them, saying that joining the club would earn them guidance from the beautiful and adorable dark-haired club president and that they could learn many powerful and rare secret techniques. While talking, the others training with them became interested, thinking that joining the club had no downside, so they all followed suit.
As for why Yalian did this, it might have been for fun, or perhaps as a strategy to bring more people in to cover his back, making him seem less out of place in the club and, consequently, slacking off more effectively.
"...so it's really annoying, they always do this. If you get mad, they'll be even happier, claiming you're giving yourself away," grumbled Ruby, holding her drink while sipping on a straw and complaining about weird colleagues she had encountered before at work.
"Actors, especially actresses, tend to be jealous of each other because if you get famous and succeed, you'll steal their opportunities, like roles in dramas, big-brand endorsements, or even the attention of men," she explained.
"On the surface, they're all warm, but who knows how many thoughts they hide. It's so exhausting dealing with those people." After finishing her words, she twisted her purple-red dyed hair around her finger. Seeing Tilan approaching, she raised a hand to welcome her.
"President Tilan, this way~"
The dark-haired girl was already heading towards the trio. The other two turned around as well; Deloris, as usual, gave Tilan a slight smile and a nod, their familiarity not needing much verbal communication, while Efnie seemed a bit more awkward. She appeared to want to greet her, but didn't quite manage it naturally, ending up just nodding without saying anything.
In her previous life, Efnie had always been the center of attention, accustomed to a slightly proud and cool demeanor. After joining the club, given everyone's status and abilities were not inferior, she lost her previous spotlight, which made her somewhat uncomfortable. She was used to passively receiving greetings from others, but now that she had to actively show goodwill, it made her a bit distressed and unaccustomed.
Luckily, Tilan was understanding and, coupled with her Songstress Talent, easily sensed Efnie's mood. So she didn't take offense but instead smiled and reassured her not to be so tense.
The Tilan from six months ago probably felt similar, often sitting in a corner, frequently feeling constrained and inferior, thought the girl.
After sitting down, Ruby first shared what she had been discussing earlier, then the topic shifted to Tilan.
"Do you like watching TV series, President Tilan? Do you have any favorite characters?"
"I'll occasionally go with friends. I can't say I have a favorite character, but there are some actors who I think perform very well." Tilan used to be anxious about getting into a suitable high school and worried about life in general, so she didn't have much energy for fandom. It was only with Lina and others that she had watched a few movies.