Part 3The Desk Mate Investment

I didn't see Liam in the cafeteria for several days in a row, thinking he brought his own lunch.

Then one day, my stomach felt uncomfortable and I didn't want to eat, so I slept on the desk.

Waking up, I happened to see Liam eating cabbage from a battered tin lunch box. There wasn't even a speck of meat in the dish.

I realized belatedly that he might not even afford the cafeteria, let alone tasted what I called pig swill.

From that day on, I also joined the bring-your-own-lunch party.

When the nanny was cooking, I nagged beside her:

"Auntie, make two portions, put more meat, I'm growing!"

At lunch time, I took the lunch box out of my bag, feigning surprise:

"Oh, Auntie is really confused, how come she packed me two portions."

"Liam, do you want to eat?"

He froze for half a second, then shook his head.

"If you don't eat, I'll throw it away. Sigh, what a waste."

Holding the lunch box, just as I was about to get up, Liam suddenly stopped me.

"Never mind, give it to me. Thanks."

I thought he would open the lunch box and eat with me, but unexpectedly, he stuffed the lunch box into his backpack and ate his own.

Did he want to save it for dinner?

I was curious but didn't know how to ask, afraid of hurting him.

"I'll wash the lunch box and bring it back to you tomorrow," he said.

The next day, I repeated yesterday's operation.

Thinking he would accept again, who knew he exposed me directly.

"Bella, why are you helping me?"

My brain spun:

"Not helping you. I want you to teach me, so I'm flattering you. You don't know how annoying my parents are nagging about grades all day."

"I bring you good food, you teach me. How about an equal exchange?"

Seeing him hesitate, I quickly added:

"Hey, alright alright, it's settled. Thanks, desk mate."