At the graduation dance.
Adam's gaze lingered more on Karen.
Both Jennifer and Karen's faces were ones Adam had admired in his past life. Both were his type.
However, compared to the fiery and glamorous Jennifer, Karen—wearing glasses and dressed plainly with a slightly rustic vibe—was far more intriguing to Adam.
"Top-tier men admire legs, second-tier men seek safety, third-tier men judge faces."
Adam didn't see himself as third-tier, nor did he deliberately strive to be top-tier. He was just an ordinary second-tier man.
Of course, these traits weren't mutually exclusive. A true goddess embodied all three, and Karen, with her understated style, was clearly a hidden gem. Meanwhile, Jennifer, who appeared to be hot and seductive, was more of a dazzling storm in disguise.
"Are you two here for the party?"
"We just moved here. Starting next semester, we'll be classmates."
Jennifer stepped forward, blocking Adam's view of Karen. She smiled seductively and said, "We'll be classmates then, Adam."
"The lead singer of *Hard Candy*! Of course, we know you."
Jennifer's voice was sultry. "Your performance was amazing~"
Adam mentally confirmed his earlier guess and silently thanked Juno for encouraging him to keep playing in the band.
"Hi, I'm Emmett, the drummer and backup vocalist of the band."
The commotion had already drawn the attention of many people, Emmett included. He quickly slid over and, with a flourish, introduced himself to Jennifer and Karen.
Jennifer glanced at him briefly before pulling Karen closer. "This is my best friend, Karen. You should get to know each other better."
"It's about to start."
Seeing that Emmett was about to run his mouth again, Adam decided to cut the conversation short. He understood Jennifer's intent but wasn't foolish enough to offend her now, even though he preferred Karen.
Jennifer's smile blossomed like a flower.
Adam pulled Emmett back to the stage and began rocking out.
"They don't seem like good people," Karen muttered as she stood beside Jennifer, watching her gaze intently at Adam on stage. "Especially Adam. He looks like a player."
Jennifer's body swayed to the music as she tossed her hair and laughed lightly. "That's what makes men like him interesting~"
Karen stood there, stunned, her glasses reflecting light like flames.
Her vision blurred, and reality seemed to detach from her.
**Jennifer belongs to me!**
**You're all bad people!**
"Come on, let's go to the bathroom."
Karen suddenly grabbed Jennifer and dragged her toward the restroom.
Jennifer looked bewildered. But at that moment, Karen, usually so gentle, displayed such strength that Jennifer couldn't resist. Karen pulled her straight into the restroom.
"I know a way out," Karen whispered as she kicked open a bathroom window and began climbing out. "Hurry, come with me."
"You're crazy—completely insane!"
Jennifer shouted, yanked her hand free, and stormed out of the bathroom, leaving Karen frozen in place.
In the center of the room, Sheldon and Missy were dancing while everyone else cheered them on.
Unlike Sheldon, who was stiff and awkward, Missy had started to enjoy herself. She eventually let go of Sheldon and mimicked the dance moves she'd seen on TV, moving freely and confidently.
She regretted not wearing her angel dress because she truly felt like an angel tonight.
As the music ended, Jennifer approached the stage and batted her eyes at Adam.
Adam signaled Emmett to play the prerecorded track and took a break. He smiled at Jennifer and asked, "By the way, where's Karen?"
Jennifer's face froze momentarily, but she quickly forced a smile. "She doesn't like events ."
Then, leaning closer to Adam, she whispered, "She's a hopeless prude and a little... off. You wouldn't like someone like her, right?"
In America, being a "prude" was often looked down upon as it suggested a lack of appeal. Conversely, having experience and confidence was something to be proud of.
**So this is what they call "best friends."**
"A little off?" Adam raised an eyebrow but focused on the key detail.
"Yeah," Jennifer said, clearly eager to elaborate. "She's always had issues. Just now, she dragged me to the bathroom and tried to get me to escape through the window. Can you believe that?"
"You're joking, right?"
Adam shook his head, giving Jennifer a peculiar look. Was this the infamous *protect against your best friend by stabbing her first* tactic?
"What do you think?" Jennifer stared at Adam, her gaze unwavering.
Adam felt a chill. He suddenly remembered where they were—a quirky, lively America. With exes like Crazy Amy and Juno, another eccentric wasn't entirely out of the question.
Considering Karen's reputation as a prude, Adam hesitated for a long time. Although it was a pity, he decided to give up on her.
He wasn't a heartless player.
Adam's principle was clear: **No playing with feelings.**
Karen was indeed a hidden gem, but she was too innocent. Regardless of whether Jennifer's claims about Karen being mentally unstable were true, Adam could only step away. For original chapters go to NoveI(F)ire.net
Famous people once said: **Players belong with players!**
Adam thought: **Just as the Zack vowed not to Wash hand until all beings were saved, I vow to redeem all female players with my flawed self. If they persist, I won't marry.**
"Am I not better than Karen?" Jennifer asked, dissatisfied.
"Of course, you are," Adam said with an inward sigh, dismissing thoughts of Karen and focusing on Jennifer. With his sharp perception, he quickly saw through her.
Without a doubt, Jennifer was a female player.
"Do you know how to fix cars?" Adam asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"Fix cars?" Jennifer was puzzled. "A little. Why?"
In America, where driving was essential, most car owners—men and women alike—knew basic car repairs.
Adam gave her a thumbs-up, genuinely impressed.
"You don't know how?" Jennifer laughed. "Call me next time you need help. I'll fix it for you."
"Deal!" Adam beamed, wondering if he could mess with his dad Bob's pickup truck later as an excuse.
The two chatted and laughed, hitting it off.
From a distance, Karen watched, her eyes dark and lifeless. Adam's smile seemed grotesque and demonic to her.
On the stage, Juno sat quietly in a corner, frowning.