Part 3The Three-Point Curse

When Caleb returned to the classroom, the news from the office had already spread.

The classmates turned on me instantly.

"Liam, what is your problem? You dragged our Caleb down! Because of you, Caleb gave up the Early Admission Program!"

"I didn't expect you to be so selfish. Giving up a guaranteed spot just to prove yourself? You've studied yourself stupid."

"Exactly. No matter how hard you try, you're still the eternal second place."

"Just drop out. You're an embarrassment."

Caleb lowered his eyes, the corner of his mouth ticking up in an imperceptible smirk.

He wanted to use peer pressure to force me into submission, to force me to join the program so he wouldn't miss the opportunity.

But how could I let him have his way?

I pushed up my glasses, hiding the gloom in my eyes. "Since everyone hates me so much, I'll just drop out. Then I won't have to take exams anymore, and I won't fight Caleb for first place."

Hearing this, Caleb panicked. He grabbed my hand. "Liam, they're just joking. Don't give up on yourself. I believe if you try hard, you can surpass me."

Caleb knew that if I was absent from an exam, his true form would be revealed immediately. His carefully maintained façade would crumble.

I didn't stop packing my bag. "Caleb, don't comfort me. I'm just a grinder. How can I beat a genius like you?"

Caleb thought I was serious. He slammed the table and stood up. "Liam, I beg you, don't drop out."

The classmates looked at him strangely, surprised by his reaction. Realizing he lost his composure, he quickly covered up. "I mean, Liam, give yourself another chance. If you drop out because of me, how can I ever be at peace?"

Unmoved, I shouldered my backpack and pushed through the crowd.

"Liam Scott, stop right there!" Caleb rushed out and shouted, "If you drop out, I'll drop out too!"

I gave a contemptuous smile, too lazy to reply, and waved my hand as I walked out the school gate.

I knew that if I entered that program with him, I would never shake him off. Through college, maybe even grad school, he would haunt me, always staying one step ahead.

I would live in his shadow forever.

Even if I accused him of using a system to cheat, no one would believe me. They'd just think I was crazy with jealousy.

I needed a foolproof plan to kick Caleb out of the game permanently.