Strings Attached (Sequel)

Humiliated

February 26th

Faye Calinao

Sitting in my one business class I had with Doaming Si, Meizuo, Lei, and Ximen, I sat a few rows in front of them to keep my distance. The strange part was Lei was still not in school and was apparently still feeling unwell this entire time. It was now a Thursday afternoon and I would only have an occasional call with Lei once a day confused why it felt like he was hiding.

The school's talk about my personal life was now in full swing and I became the talk of the school. I didn't like the pointing, the staring and many encounters with students as it made me feel small and like an outcast. When I walked alone, I had to face everyone on my own. I'm not surprised the news did not spread outside of campus, but I am thankful for that, because I have yet to schedule an interview my manager has requested to tell my fans of the news. I have been told to keep quiet and to focus on my health for the time being.

"And I'd like to list who is partnered with who for this final project," Professor pointed out and I sighed as the rest of the class groaned at not being able to pick their partner. I tuned out slightly and drew music notes on my paper when he began listing who would be with who.

Possibly today after school I could finally see Lei in hopes he wasn't staying at Meizuo's house like he has most of this week. I truly did not understand why he couldn't have stayed in his own house while he rested.

"Faye Calinao..." I looked up and waited to hear who he decided to partner me with. "... with Ximen Yan." Whispering broke out and I turned slightly to look towards Ximen in fear he'd make this another scene. When I looked up, I saw an angry Ximen with a disapproving look as he stood from his seat getting the professor's attention. Doaming Si's jaw was tightened and Meizuo happened to be worried for my sake.

"Professor..." Ximen called out and every student turned to him. "Wait..."

"Yes, Mr.Yan?" The Professor looked up from his list.

"I don't want to be partner with Miss.Calinao," He spoke like he usually did. Here was to more disappointment and embarrassing moments to come. Some of the class erupted into laughter and some began whispering.

Ximen must hate her now or something

"And why is that Mr.Yan?" Thé Professor asked. I felt my face flushed and looked towards Ximen who was now glaring at me. "I thought you two were friends?"

"We certainly are not." Never went easy on the heart. "I can't stand being around her Professor. I'd rather partner with anyone else for this final project." Ximen did not fail to upset me when it came to his words. It felt like cold, sharp ice was attacking my heart.

"That isn't up for discussion Mr.Yan."

"Fine, I'd rather work by myself. I don't want to be her partner. I'd rather take a zero." Tears were already brimming and I felt my heart breaking hearing him talk to the Professor about me like this. "She's not worth my troubles." The first tear fell as I painfully listened to his cold words. He looked over towards me. "Really Faye? You can't expect me to work with you. Not after your boyfriend, who broke my arm, because of you. Where is he anyway? Missing class all week for a busted lip and bruised cheek? Did you ask the Professor to partner with me?"

"Ximen!" Meizuo stood and gripped his friend's sweater before Ximen shoved his hand away.

"This is your fault," Ximen pointed to me. "I should have never introduced Lei and Meizuo to you. It was a mistake. I wish I could have listened to Geng all of those years." Hearing him say this only made me feel humiliated he'd ever go this far. I shakily stood from my seat and took my jacket. Doaming Si now stood watching intently of my next move. I didn't expect him to grip Ximen. Everything happened so fast, a sob escaped my lips and I made my way to the aisle to leave not wanting to be here any longer.

I rushed out of the classroom and left the business building to get as far away as possible from here. Students around me in my direction as I continued for the science building to get away from him. I reached for my gloves and put them on. I then put my hat on before putting my coat on and zipping the coat as I opened the door of the business building and took my phone out to call for Ximen's driver, Mr.Min in hopes Ximen did not have my number blocked.

"Miss.Calinao?" Mr.Min answered surprised to hear me. "Oh dear, I apologize for what Ximen has caused."

"H-hello M-Mr.Min. I'm s-Sorry to bother you," I spoke into my phone. "I hope it's alright if I ask for help."

"Of course Miss.Calinao. How can I help?"

"Can you bring me somewhere?"

"Of course. No problem Miss.Calinao."

"A-and can you please bring Leo with you?"

"Not a problem Miss.Calinao. I will swing by the house to get Leo and should arrive on campus in about twenty minutes. Which entrance should I pick you up?" I looked around knowing I was closest to the music building now.

"The West entrance."

Huaze Lei

Coming to an abrupt stop, I put my violin down when my phone started ringing. I hung my violin on the stand and placed my bow on top before reaching for my phone. I see Senior Yu Yin calling me and I wonder why she would call at this time.

"Senior," I answered.

"Ximen is an absolute asshole!" I heard Senior yelling and I had to take my phone away for a moment not expecting her to be yelling. "Lei! I can't with this guy, he is a nightmare to deal with when it comes to him and Faye interacting at all."

"They interacted today?" I questioned worriedly. The entire week I'd have phone calls with Faye and she seemed to be doing alright.

"Yes and now we can't find her," she spoke with a mixture of anger and worry.

"What do you mean you can't find her?"

"Meizuo came barging into the lab I was teaching freaking out asking if I had seen Faye." I could hear Meizuo in the background trying to say something.

"Let me talk to Meizuo." It took a moment as I waited for Meizuo to speak.

"He humiliated her in front of our business class today," a pissed off Meizuo said. "He and Faye were assigned for the final project and Ximen had the nerve to make a scene the way he did." Worry consumed me as I thought about poor Faye.

"And you haven't seen her since the class?"

"She left in the middle of class. She was clearly upset and embarrassed she has to go through the humiliation. She took her coat and just left in the Midst of Si grabbing Ximen and punching him in the face this time. Doaming Si went after Faye and I went to get her things before apologizing to the Professor before heading straight to the science building to see if that's where she went."

"And you haven't found her?"

"We told Weiyi, Cha, and Jinjin," Senior said. "Weiyi, Meizuo, and I have already search all over campus."

"We've already tried calling her and sending texts," Meizuo said. "She's not responding to any of us. We're on the way to pick you up." As I talked with Senior and Meizuo, I sent Faye a few messages wondering if she would answer me.

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Next update: February 19th, 2022