Share

Intellectual Rivals

Author: Zhuxine Xie
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-27 00:37:15

“Good morning, students,” the professor greeted as he stepped in front of the class. His voice was calm yet authoritative, instantly capturing everyone’s attention.

The new semester had just begun, and it was already January—a time for fresh starts. A new year, a new beginning, new classmates, and new challenges. But for Avyanna, it was just another phase in life, a cycle that repeated itself every few months. Things would change, whether she liked it or not, and she had long accepted that.

“Good morning, sir,” the students chorused in response, their voices blending into a collective greeting.

The professor took a moment to introduce himself, stating his name and background. However, he didn’t ask the students to introduce themselves one by one. Instead, he immediately transitioned into discussing the course syllabus and outlining his expectations for the semester.

Avyanna sat quietly at the back of the classroom, listening but not particularly excited. A new semester meant new subjects, new professors, and new faces, but for her, it all felt the same. The routine never really changed—wake up, attend classes, submit assignments, take exams, and repeat. It was an endless cycle, and she had learned to simply go along with it.

As the professor continued speaking, she let her gaze wander around the room. Some students appeared eager, their eyes filled with determination, ready to take on the challenges of the new semester. Others seemed indifferent, as if they were merely going through the motions. A few, unsurprisingly, were already looking at their phones, barely paying attention.

"Alright, let's get started," the professor announced, pulling Avyanna back to reality. She straightened in her seat, bracing herself for what was to come.

The professor turned to the whiteboard and began writing down key points from the syllabus. After a brief pause, he looked at the class and continued, “I have sent the course materials in the group chat. All you need to do is read them in advance. In our next meeting, we will be having an oral recitation.”

A soft murmur spread across the room at the mention of an oral recitation. Some students exchanged nervous glances, while others remained unfazed. Avyanna simply sighed. The semester had only just begun, and yet, expectations were already being set.

And just like that, another chapter of her academic life had begun.

Days passed by easily, just as Avyanna had expected. The routine was the same—wake up, attend classes, study, and repeat. However, some days felt rougher than others. She hadn’t visited her favorite café in a while, and strangely enough, she and Kairus had not crossed paths since that night. She had even gone to the café on his day off, only to leave with a shrug. Maybe it was just a coincidence, or maybe it wasn’t meant to happen.

For now, her focus was elsewhere. She had just wrapped up a few important tasks, and all she wanted at the moment was a strong cup of coffee to help her stay awake. Tomorrow was the dreaded oral recitation, and she knew she had to prepare well and do her best.

The day of the recitation arrived faster than she had anticipated. The classroom buzzed with tension as students anxiously waited for their turn. However, as the recitation progressed, it became clear that only two students were actively answering—her and another student whom the professor kept calling on.

“Can a verbal agreement be legally enforceable?” the professor asked.

Avyanna confidently raised her hand, but before she could be called on, the professor uttered a name instead.

“Mr. Chu.”

She blinked and turned to look at the back of the classroom. That’s when she realized—Mr. Chu was none other than Kairus.

Rolling her eyes, she let out a sigh. So, they were classmates all along? And here she was, thinking she wouldn’t run into him again anytime soon.

Kairus answered the question, his voice calm and composed, but Avyanna couldn’t help but feel dissatisfied with his response. As soon as he finished, she immediately added her own insights, determined to refine the discussion with a more precise argument.

After Avyanna finished speaking, silence filled the classroom. No one dared to answer afterward. She kept her gaze fixed on Kairus, her expression laced with irritation. It was as if he always managed to steal her chances to answer.

Last semester, this kind of situation never happened. Back then, she had full control over class discussions, confidently answering without competition. But this time, it felt different. There was someone constantly challenging her, pushing her to compete whether she liked it or not.

Letting out a deep sigh, she came to a realization—this person, Kairus Chu, was going to be her academic rival.

“I have a pair task for all of you,” the professor suddenly announced, pulling her thoughts back to the moment. “I won’t be around this coming Friday, so I need you to do the reading of ten assigned cases. The points will be based on pair performance, so make sure to study together.”

Avyanna immediately sighed. In past semesters, no one had ever wanted to pair with her. The class had 37 students, an odd number, which meant she was always the one left out—no group, no partner.

“Chu and Smith, you two are partners.”

At the mention of her name, Avyanna snapped her head toward Kairus’s direction. Of all people, why him?

“Everything is set, and everyone has their partners,” the professor continued, not giving her a chance to protest. “I expect that all of you will be prepared for the next recitation. That’s it for today. Goodbye, class.”

As soon as the professor left, the classroom erupted with chatter. Students were already discussing their study schedules, some complaining about how difficult the cases were, while others planned their recitation strategies.

Avyanna was still processing the situation when Kairus’s voice broke through her thoughts.

“Avyanna, since we’re paired up, I’ll just study alone,” he said nonchalantly, his tone filled with arrogance. “Even if you don’t study, I can carry our group.”

Her fingers curled into a fist under the desk. The nerve of this guy.

“Fine,” she said with a teasing smile, refusing to back down. “I’ll study alone too. Just make sure you do your best in the recitation. I don’t want to be dragged down by you.”

Before Kairus could reply, a classmate suddenly called out, “The professor said he wants documentation!”

Avyanna groaned, rubbing her temples. Great. That meant they actually had to work together.

Kairus, however, didn’t seem the least bit fazed.

“We can just do online study—” Avyanna started, trying to find a way to avoid spending more time with him than necessary.

“You can come to the café if you want,” Kairus cut in, his voice casual but firm.

She blinked. Did he just invite her?

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • Ruthless Lady Series #1: The Ruthless Comeback    Kairus’ World

    “Kairus!”A loud voice echoed through his apartment, sharp and demanding. He heard it loud and clear. Letting out a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair, already feeling exhausted before even turning around.He had just finished studying with Avyanna—or rather, they had barely covered two cases before she abruptly stood up and bid him goodbye, claiming there was an urgent emergency. He didn't ask for details, nor did she offer any. Just like that, she was gone, leaving the rest of the readings unfinished.And now, instead of getting a moment of peace, he was greeted by the sight of his mother standing in the middle of his living room, her arms crossed, eyes burning with irritation.“You visited without notice—” he started, but his words were cut off.“I’m your mother! And you call this an ill-mannered thing?” she snapped, her expression growing even more frustrated.Kairus let out another sigh, already knowing that this conversation wasn’t going to end anytime soon. His mother’s persi

    Last Updated : 2025-03-27
  • Ruthless Lady Series #1: The Ruthless Comeback    Avyanna’s Double Life

    While studying with Kairus in the warm, inviting ambiance of the coffee shop, the quiet atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by the sharp ringing of Avyanna’s phone. The sound cut through their focused silence, making her jolt slightly. Without hesitation, she reached for her phone and answered it swiftly."Avyanna, come here immediately," Rin’s urgent voice came through the other end of the line, his tone carrying an undeniable weight of urgency.She let out a quiet sigh, already sensing that something serious was happening. Adjusting her grip on the phone, she responded in a calm but firm voice. "What is it?"“Naoki requested you to be here. Same address. It’s an emergency,” Rin added, his voice tense, making Avyanna immediately straighten up in concern.Her eyes flickered toward her study partner, Kairus, who remained completely absorbed in his book, seemingly unaware of the call. The dim glow of the coffee shop lights cast soft shadows on his face, accentuating his sharp, stoic fea

    Last Updated : 2025-04-01
  • Ruthless Lady Series #1: The Ruthless Comeback    An Unlikely Bond

    “Kairus,” she said, her voice neutral as she watched him take the seat across from her.He sat down without a word, his expression unreadable. “I’ll eat with you, and I’ll go to class with you too…” he stated, placing his food on the table with a soft clatter.Avyanna remained silent as they ate, the quiet atmosphere settling between them like an unspoken agreement. Kairus, too, refrained from speaking, focusing on his meal. The only sounds were the occasional clink of utensils against their plates.Once she had finished, Avyanna stood up, pushing her chair back with a faint scrape. She was about to walk away when, out of nowhere, her foot caught on something. Before she could even process what was happening, she lost her balance, stumbling forward.Everything happened in a split second. A sharp gasp escaped her lips as she braced for impact—but instead of hitting the ground, she felt a strong grip catch her.Kairus had acted on reflex, his arms instinctively reaching out to steady he

    Last Updated : 2025-04-02
  • Ruthless Lady Series #1: The Ruthless Comeback    Avyanna's Origin

    "Hide, Avyanna!" her father shouted, his voice filled with fear and urgency. Avyanna could clearly hear the loud gunshots outside their room. Her hands trembled as she slowly peeked through a small hole in the wall. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw men dressed in black tuxedos engaged in an intense battle against enemies dressed just like them."Dad! What’s happening? Why is this happening? Why are there gunshots outside?" Avyanna asked in rapid succession, barely able to breathe from fear. Tonight was supposed to be one of the happiest days of her life—her quinceañera. But instead of joy and music, the air was filled with screams, gunfire, and blood."I can’t explain it anymore, please just go to the secret base! Hide, do not come out!" her father urged in panic. Suddenly, they heard loud banging on the door, making their hearts pound faster. Avyanna looked at her father, fear written all over his face. Her mother, on the other hand, sat pale and weak in a chair, looking draine

    Last Updated : 2025-03-27
  • Ruthless Lady Series #1: The Ruthless Comeback    Scholarship and Secrets

    Years passed quickly for Avyanna, and before she knew it, she was stepping into her first year of college. Though she had been through countless hardships over the past five years, this was an entirely different kind of challenge. The weight of expectations pressed down on her shoulders as she walked through the towering gates of the most prestigious university in the city.She had chosen to pursue a pre-law degree—a decision she had been hesitant about from the start. The idea of sitting in lecture halls, surrounded by students who had lived normal, sheltered lives, felt almost foreign to her. She was used to the shadows, to the underworld where survival was the only priority. Here, things were different. Here, she wasn’t Avyanna, the hidden heiress of a fallen empire. She was just another student.At first, she had no intention of ever setting foot in a college. What was the point? Her life had already been carved into something far from ordinary. But the boss had been insistent.No

    Last Updated : 2025-03-27
  • Ruthless Lady Series #1: The Ruthless Comeback    A Chance Encounter

    It was a dull day for Avyanna. She was sitting in a coffee shop across from the university with Huan-Yue and Monica, sipping coffee and chatting about random things. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, blending with the soft laughter of other customers and the rhythmic hum of the espresso machine.While her two friends were engrossed in conversation, Avyanna suddenly paused. Her gaze drifted towards the counter, where a young man wearing a coffee shop apron caught her attention. There was something about his presence—sharp eyes, an upright posture, and a sense of ease in the way he moved.Monica noticed Avyanna zoning out and smirked. “Hey, Avyanna, don’t be too obvious,” she whispered teasingly, snapping Avyanna back to reality. Quickly, she turned her gaze down to her coffee cup, taking a sip to play it cool.Huan-Yue grinned. “Hmm… You’re up to something, aren’t you?” she asked before taking a sip of her drink.Avyanna shrugged. “Uhmm, Huan-Yue… This is a Chines

    Last Updated : 2025-03-27

Latest chapter

  • Ruthless Lady Series #1: The Ruthless Comeback    An Unlikely Bond

    “Kairus,” she said, her voice neutral as she watched him take the seat across from her.He sat down without a word, his expression unreadable. “I’ll eat with you, and I’ll go to class with you too…” he stated, placing his food on the table with a soft clatter.Avyanna remained silent as they ate, the quiet atmosphere settling between them like an unspoken agreement. Kairus, too, refrained from speaking, focusing on his meal. The only sounds were the occasional clink of utensils against their plates.Once she had finished, Avyanna stood up, pushing her chair back with a faint scrape. She was about to walk away when, out of nowhere, her foot caught on something. Before she could even process what was happening, she lost her balance, stumbling forward.Everything happened in a split second. A sharp gasp escaped her lips as she braced for impact—but instead of hitting the ground, she felt a strong grip catch her.Kairus had acted on reflex, his arms instinctively reaching out to steady he

  • Ruthless Lady Series #1: The Ruthless Comeback    Avyanna’s Double Life

    While studying with Kairus in the warm, inviting ambiance of the coffee shop, the quiet atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by the sharp ringing of Avyanna’s phone. The sound cut through their focused silence, making her jolt slightly. Without hesitation, she reached for her phone and answered it swiftly."Avyanna, come here immediately," Rin’s urgent voice came through the other end of the line, his tone carrying an undeniable weight of urgency.She let out a quiet sigh, already sensing that something serious was happening. Adjusting her grip on the phone, she responded in a calm but firm voice. "What is it?"“Naoki requested you to be here. Same address. It’s an emergency,” Rin added, his voice tense, making Avyanna immediately straighten up in concern.Her eyes flickered toward her study partner, Kairus, who remained completely absorbed in his book, seemingly unaware of the call. The dim glow of the coffee shop lights cast soft shadows on his face, accentuating his sharp, stoic fea

  • Ruthless Lady Series #1: The Ruthless Comeback    Kairus’ World

    “Kairus!”A loud voice echoed through his apartment, sharp and demanding. He heard it loud and clear. Letting out a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair, already feeling exhausted before even turning around.He had just finished studying with Avyanna—or rather, they had barely covered two cases before she abruptly stood up and bid him goodbye, claiming there was an urgent emergency. He didn't ask for details, nor did she offer any. Just like that, she was gone, leaving the rest of the readings unfinished.And now, instead of getting a moment of peace, he was greeted by the sight of his mother standing in the middle of his living room, her arms crossed, eyes burning with irritation.“You visited without notice—” he started, but his words were cut off.“I’m your mother! And you call this an ill-mannered thing?” she snapped, her expression growing even more frustrated.Kairus let out another sigh, already knowing that this conversation wasn’t going to end anytime soon. His mother’s persi

  • Ruthless Lady Series #1: The Ruthless Comeback    Intellectual Rivals

    “Good morning, students,” the professor greeted as he stepped in front of the class. His voice was calm yet authoritative, instantly capturing everyone’s attention.The new semester had just begun, and it was already January—a time for fresh starts. A new year, a new beginning, new classmates, and new challenges. But for Avyanna, it was just another phase in life, a cycle that repeated itself every few months. Things would change, whether she liked it or not, and she had long accepted that.“Good morning, sir,” the students chorused in response, their voices blending into a collective greeting.The professor took a moment to introduce himself, stating his name and background. However, he didn’t ask the students to introduce themselves one by one. Instead, he immediately transitioned into discussing the course syllabus and outlining his expectations for the semester.Avyanna sat quietly at the back of the classroom, listening but not particularly excited. A new semester meant new subje

  • Ruthless Lady Series #1: The Ruthless Comeback    A Chance Encounter

    It was a dull day for Avyanna. She was sitting in a coffee shop across from the university with Huan-Yue and Monica, sipping coffee and chatting about random things. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, blending with the soft laughter of other customers and the rhythmic hum of the espresso machine.While her two friends were engrossed in conversation, Avyanna suddenly paused. Her gaze drifted towards the counter, where a young man wearing a coffee shop apron caught her attention. There was something about his presence—sharp eyes, an upright posture, and a sense of ease in the way he moved.Monica noticed Avyanna zoning out and smirked. “Hey, Avyanna, don’t be too obvious,” she whispered teasingly, snapping Avyanna back to reality. Quickly, she turned her gaze down to her coffee cup, taking a sip to play it cool.Huan-Yue grinned. “Hmm… You’re up to something, aren’t you?” she asked before taking a sip of her drink.Avyanna shrugged. “Uhmm, Huan-Yue… This is a Chines

  • Ruthless Lady Series #1: The Ruthless Comeback    Scholarship and Secrets

    Years passed quickly for Avyanna, and before she knew it, she was stepping into her first year of college. Though she had been through countless hardships over the past five years, this was an entirely different kind of challenge. The weight of expectations pressed down on her shoulders as she walked through the towering gates of the most prestigious university in the city.She had chosen to pursue a pre-law degree—a decision she had been hesitant about from the start. The idea of sitting in lecture halls, surrounded by students who had lived normal, sheltered lives, felt almost foreign to her. She was used to the shadows, to the underworld where survival was the only priority. Here, things were different. Here, she wasn’t Avyanna, the hidden heiress of a fallen empire. She was just another student.At first, she had no intention of ever setting foot in a college. What was the point? Her life had already been carved into something far from ordinary. But the boss had been insistent.No

  • Ruthless Lady Series #1: The Ruthless Comeback    Avyanna's Origin

    "Hide, Avyanna!" her father shouted, his voice filled with fear and urgency. Avyanna could clearly hear the loud gunshots outside their room. Her hands trembled as she slowly peeked through a small hole in the wall. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw men dressed in black tuxedos engaged in an intense battle against enemies dressed just like them."Dad! What’s happening? Why is this happening? Why are there gunshots outside?" Avyanna asked in rapid succession, barely able to breathe from fear. Tonight was supposed to be one of the happiest days of her life—her quinceañera. But instead of joy and music, the air was filled with screams, gunfire, and blood."I can’t explain it anymore, please just go to the secret base! Hide, do not come out!" her father urged in panic. Suddenly, they heard loud banging on the door, making their hearts pound faster. Avyanna looked at her father, fear written all over his face. Her mother, on the other hand, sat pale and weak in a chair, looking draine

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status