Chapter 7 Sarah was a university vocal instructor. She softly sang through three songs, then said, "I think Running Waters feels more playful, and the melody has that old-school vibe. Why don't we go with this one?" Erin nodded . "Then let's go with your choice." "Are there any requirements to sign up for the audition ?" Chloe's voice suddenly came from behind. Erin paused for a second and turned around. "What did you say, Chloe "She asked if there are any requirements to sign up for the audition," Joel said as he set his pen down, looking at her with contempt "Don't tell me you're thinking about signing up too?" Sergio looked up. "Erin's been studying music since she was little. She's already released several songs. Of course she should sign up. Why are you butting in? You'd be better off focusing on your grades . Erin chuckled softly. My sister really has no self- awareness. A village girl, with that old-fashioned vibe all over her, and her accent still thick she could barely even speak proper standard letters, and she thought she could sing? "Wait a second. I haven't heard that ridiculous accent these past couple of days. "Still, that doesn't prove anything. If she's set on making a fool of herself, then by all means, let her have the chance. After a while, Erin said, "Chloe, I checked just now. There are no requirements to sign up" Chloe nodded and headed upstairs. She opened the website for the entertainment company owned by the Rhodes Group, glanced over the requirements, then grabbed her phone and tumed on the video camera. Chloe sang Moonlight. The sun is setting. And you're right here by my side. Her voice, inevitably, floated downstairs. "She's seriously going through with it? That's hilarious Joel sneered "Is she trying to embarrass herself on purpose?" Sarah froze. That voice-it was so clear and pure. But it wasn't the clarity of a young girl's voice; it carried a warmth and steadiness that set it apart "She really doesn't know anything" Erin shook her head . "If she were serious, she'd go to a recording studio. She's using a phone in her room. The mic won't even pick up the sound properly, not to mention all the background noise." "That's none of your concern. Sarah glanced at her watch. "Don't stay up late studying tonight . Rest your voice. I'll take the morning you to record in Once Chloe finished recording, she sent the video straight to the audition committee's email Then Chlor opened a freshly bought academic journal and dove right into reading. Before she knew it, it was already two in the morning. Chloe yawned, took a quick shower, and knocked out the moment her head hit the pillow. The next morning, Chloe stuffed a sandwich in her mouth and rushed to school. The bell for morning study rang the moment she stepped into the classroom "Morning" Chloe turned and saw Callum smiling at her. Seeing him. Chloe thought, Strangely enough, when he smiles, he looks a bit familiar . Not bad-looking either, except that ridiculous pink hair really messes with the whole vile. Sull, he actually said good morning to me? It's definitely not that simple. Chloe pulled out her textbook and was about to open it when a cup of milk shake appeared in her view This is for you, Callum sand, leaning on his desk with aj Chloe pushed it aside. "No thanks" She opened her scratch paper and started solving equations, quickly getting lost in her own world. Chapter 7 Vincent stared in disbelief. "Callum, you seriously bought milk shake for that arrogant girl?" Callum cleared his throat and lowered his voice. "Actually, she's got a crush on me. "W-what ?" Vincent nearly choked on his own spit. "You sure you didn't misunderstand something?" "She keeps provoking me-clearly trying to get my attention. Callum smirked . "She's a repeat student who barely scored over a hundred on SAT, yet she's constantly acting like she's this hardworking scholar. Obviously she wants me to see her differently. Vincent's mouth twitched. "Is…. is that so "Of course. Otherwise, why would she transfer our class?" Callum said with a grin. "I came up with the perfect way to get back at her. I'm gonna pretend to be into her, win her over, and when she falls hard for me, I'll dump her in front of everyone." "Callum , that's genius. Vincent gave him a thumbs-up. "She's totally gonna cry in front of everyone. Just thinking about that makes me. feel great. Right then, a cold glare swept over them. Chloe said coolly, "What are you two whispering about?" "Nothing, nothing." Callum said with a cheeky grin. "Here, add me on WhatsApp. I won't bother your studying anymore." Everyone started adding each other on WhatsApp. After a whole morning of classes, Chloe grabbed her lunch card and headed for the cafeteria. Most high schoolers moved around in groups, but Chloe had always done things alone. She liked it that way As Chloe walked out of the classroom, someone suddenly appeared next to her. Callum was walking on her right, clearing his throat. "There's a new restaurant selling steak across the street. Wanna grab lunch there? My treat." Chloe ignored him. on down "Not into steak?" Callum kept up. "Pizza, then? Or barbecue? Come on, Chloe, why are you walking so fast? Alright, fine. I'll stoop and eat in the cafeteria with you." Chloe got her food and sat down. Callum followed with his tray and sat across from her. She looked up. "What do you really want? If he was trying to mess with her, Chloe had no problem throwing a couple punches and ending it there. But Callum just kept playing nice. "Nothing" Callum flashed what he thought was a charming smile. "I just want to be nice to you ." Chloe 'God, I seriously want to punch this guy . " Hey, Chlor, what a coincidence. Erin suddenly appeared in front of them with a sweet smile. "Callum, what are you doing eating in the cafeteria? Callum looked up. "What , do I need to check with the campus beauty before I eat lunch now ? " Erin kept smiling, but inside, she was confused. Isn't Chloe being bullied by Callum? Someone even said they fought in the classroom. So why are they sitting together like this ?? Erin said suddenly, "My sister just came from the village. She doesn't know how things work around here. Callum, can you look out for her, for my sake !" Back when Erin had just started high school, she'd been voted the campus beauty. After that. Erin was swarmed by admirers every day . One time, Callum even cornered her on the track field with a cake and a love letter. Erin was engaged to Zayne, so naturally she didn't thank much of Callum, who was just a slacker. Still, since Callum had liked her, Erin figured she had a bit of influence over him. Sure enough , she heard Callum say, "So she's your sister? Well then, of course I've gotta look after her. Chloe, you're too skinny. Take the rest of my steak" p p. Chapter 7 Chloe returned the meat to his tray. Tm full. You two enjoy. With that, Chloe picked up her empty tray and walked off without looking back. Callum chuckled . She gets flustered that easily? What a lightweight He shoved one hand in his pocket and followed after her. Erin frowned. I come over and talk to Callum myself, and he just left? Isn't he into me?" B