Whilst browsing on his phone, scrolling through his social media, a notification suddenly appeared in front of Sebastian's vision.
[Ding! Opportunity Interception Detected!]
[The protagonist Ethan Cole attempted to pay for Bai Tian's hospitalization fees as a gesture to win favour with the heroine's family. However, upon inquiry at the hospital billing department, the family discovered that all expenses have already been fully covered by an "anonymous benefactor."]
[After some investigation, Isabelle Tian learned that you were the one who paid for everything. The protagonist's grand gesture has been rendered completely meaningless.]
[Reward: 250 Villain Points, +25 Villain Halo, $10,000 cash bonus]
Sebastian stared at the notification, and then he couldn't help but laugh.
"Hahahaha!"
The sound vibrated through his large bedroom. Sebastian clutched his stomach, practically doubling over on his bed with laughter.
"Oh my god," he wheezed, trying to catch his breath. "That's perfect. That's absolutely perfect!"
He could picture it so clearly, Ethan at the hospital, ready to play the hero and pay for Isabelle's father's medical bills. That would have been his big moment, his chance to show Isabelle that he cared, that he could provide despite his circumstances.
Only to be told the bill was already paid.
All of it...By Sebastian Fairfax.
[Current Status Updated]
===Status===
Host: Sebastian Fairfax
Combat Power: 82 (Average human: 100)
Villain Points: 1,650
Villain Halo: 200
Luck: E
Charm: E+
→ Skills: None
→ Inventory: None
====
200 Villain Halo. He was two-thirds of the way to unlocking the Exchange Mall now.
And the $10,000 cash bonus wasn't bad either. Additional pocket money was always welcome, even for someone from a wealthy family.
Sebastian's phone rang, the caller being Isabelle. Sebastian picked up, a hint of a smile on his face.
"Sebastian, I just found out... you paid for my father's entire hospital bill?!"
"No hello? Hi? Any greeting?" Sebastian teased.
Isabelle's face flushed behind the screen before immediately greeting him, then asking once again.
"It was nothing. My family has connections with the hospital, so I sorted it out. You can't pay whilst being our guests, that would be rude." Sebastian responded.
"Nothing?! Sebastian, the bill must've been over $10,000! That's not nothing!"
"How's your father doing?" Sebastian ignored the question, changing the topic.
Isabelle realising that, sighed. "He's doing really good. The doctors can't believe his recovery. He's already walking around at home like nothing happened."
"That's good,"
"But Sebastian... why didn't you tell me? I had no idea until today."
"I didn't mention it because I didn't do it for recognition."
"You're... you're really something, Sebastian...Fairfax. I don't know what to say."
"Then don't say anything. Just focus on your father's recovery. " Sebastian grinned behind the phone.
"Thank you....Really, I mean it."
Isabelle then stayed silent for a few moments, as if hesitating whether to speak or not, before finally saying, "You know... about Ethan. After what happened today in the cafeteria with Alyssa... I don't know what to think anymore.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Maybe. Not tonight though, I'm exhausted."
"Get some rest. We can talk tomorrow at school if you want."
"Okay. Goodnight, Sebastian. And... thank you again. For everything."
"Goodnight, Isabelle."
Sebastian set his phone down, still grinning like a cat that had caught the canary.
Ethan was probably at home right now, furious and helpless, watching everything he'd worked for crumble around him.
"If everything goes well, I'll surpass his protagonist halo within the month." Sebastian murmured to himself, lying back on his expensive pillows.
♢♢♢♢
The next morning, Sebastian arrived at school feeling refreshed and confident.
His limousine pulled up to the gates, and he stepped out to the usual stares and whispers. After yesterday's cafeteria incident, he was sure the gossip had only intensified.
Walking into the classroom, Sebastian immediately noticed the atmosphere. Students were clustered in groups, whispering.
Several glanced at Ethan's desk, then at him.
Isabelle was already at her seat—their seat, he supposed, since he'd claimed the spot next to her. She looked up when he entered, giving him a small, grateful smile.
Ethan was in the back, hunched over his desk, avoiding eye contact with everyone. He looked like he hadn't slept well.
Sebastian settled into his seat next to Isabelle. "Morning."
"Morning," she replied softly. "Did you sleep well?"
"Well enough. You?"
"Mhm."
Before Sebastian could respond, the homeroom teacher, Mr. Peterson, walked in with a spring in his step and a suspicious grin on his face.
"Good morning, everyone!" Mr. Peterson announced cheerfully. "Today, I have a surprise for you. One that you will love!"
A student near the front, asked excitedly, "Are we going out on a trip?"
"No, even better!" Mr. Peterson's grin widened.
"A surprise examination! As you all know, your real exams are coming up at the end of this month, and you need to prepare well for them! So, we're doing a surprise examination today, under proper exam conditions!"
The classroom erupted in groans.
"What? No way!"
"Sir, that's not fair!"
"We didn't study for this!"
Most students sighed heavily, rolling their eyes and slumping in their seats.
Sebastian, however, immediately glanced toward the back of the classroom at Ethan.
The protagonist had straightened up slightly, and there was a flicker of something in his expression.
Sebastian's eyes narrowed.
This is an opportunity for him.
In typical protagonist fashion, Ethan would probably ace this surprise exam despite all the chaos in his life. He'd score perfectly or close to it, shocking everyone and proving his "genius" status. It would restore some of his damaged reputation, show Isabelle he was still worthy, and gather positive attention from the school.
A classic comeback moment.
I have to stop it...