Chapter 2

This path was undeniably challenging, but regardless of how tough it might get, I was determined to give it a shot. I had faith in myself!

I overheard Yvonne boasting to someone, "Oh, come on, Nash is just a guy others hype up. In reality, he doesn't know anything; he's just a bit of an art geek.

"On that note, if it weren't for the fact that he's participated in so many competitions, his reputation, and the fact that he's reasonably good-looking, who would be willing to be with him?"

A fellow classmate chimed in, "Cut it out, Yvonne. If you're going to brag, at least be realistic. He's a top student. Do you really think he'd be interested in you? You're probably just a fun distraction for him because you have the reputation of being a campus hottie."

Yvonne snorted, "You guys are just jealous. Who cares if he's a top student? I can win him over anytime.

"To prove whether he's genuinely interested in me or not, that's simple. Just wait and see."

The classmate added, "I heard he's about to participate in an international art competition. If you're as talented as you claim, why don't you try to stop him from going?"

I sat right beside her, fully aware of how crucial this competition was for Nash and how much effort he had invested in it.

As expected, even without my interference, the pivotal moments from my previous life were unfolding once again. In my previous life, I knew that Yvonne was dating Nash casually.

I tried dropping hints to Nash a few times, but he always believed I was trying to stir trouble and ruin their relationship. So, after much hesitation, I chose to inform his parents.

Due to their intervention, things escalated significantly. Nash and Yvonne were compelled to break up. Nash's mother kept a watchful eye on him during the competition, but due to his less-than-optimal condition, he missed out on the first-place prize.

Not long after, his parents sent him overseas.

He harbored a grudge against me for many years, a grudge so deep that he was willing to destroy me in that manner.

As I regained my composure, Yvonne was already standing directly in front of me. She casually rested her arm on my shoulder and asked, "Wendy, you're not going to rat us out, are you?"

I lowered my head, opened my book, and made a solemn promise, "Don't worry, I didn't catch a word of it."

In my previous life, Nash himself imparted a lesson to me: to let go of playing the hero and to respect the destinies of others.

The first time I encountered Nash after my rebirth was right at my doorstep. It marked our initial meeting since my reincarnation. Reflecting on his actions towards me in my prior life, my palms couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

I suppressed my revulsion and glanced down. Empty cans were scattered on the ground, and he still held an unfinished beer can in his hand. When he noticed me, he swiftly rose from the ground, his eyes bloodshot, and he clutched my shoulder.

"Wendy, aren't you in the same class as Yvonne? Could you do me a favor and get in touch with her? She wants to break up with me.

"I can't bear to let her go. She doesn't like me drawing, and I can give up drawing. Please convey to her that I'll stop drawing. Can you do that for me?

"I'm really out of options. I love her, and I can't bear to lose her. I'm willing to sacrifice anything for her."

I silently gazed at the disheveled young man before me, reeking of alcohol. He had lost the radiance he once had. He appeared different from the Nash I remembered.

His hands had always been well-proportioned and well-kept; he cherished them dearly. He once said he was grateful to the heavens for blessing him with hands capable of crafting captivating works of art. He took great pleasure in the process of turning landscapes and people into art with his adept touch.

However, now his hands, once meticulously maintained, were smeared with dirt, and yet, he remained oblivious to it all.

In his eyes, no one could hold a candle to Yvonne anymore.

I couldn't help but shake my head.

Indeed, the unattainable Nash that I used to admire could only exist in memories; even if the actual Nash himself were to appear now, it wouldn’t work.