Aurora ascended the stairs, overhearing everyone on the floor discussing the recent sports car.
“My goodness, that car looks so cool; I bet it’s worth millions,” a girl exclaimed.
“Millions? That’s a limited edition supercar. The base model alone would cost $30 million, and that’s before any extra features,” another car enthusiast replied.
“Thirty million? I could never make that much in my lifetime! Was the guy handsome?”
“He must be a wealthy businessman!”
The chatter was incessant, but Aurora ignored it as she returned to her dorm room, where the excitement was still palpable.
“Aurora, you’re back! Gemma was just asking about you,” Penelope exclaimed, surprised to see Aurora.
Their dorm room housed four, but many were often absent due to internships and thesis preparations in their senior year. Only Penelope and Gemma were regulars.
Gemma, who had been flirting with Julian downstairs, initially thought Aurora lived nearby because she never stayed overnight. Despite her unfashionable attire, returning from the U. S. meant she couldn’t be really poor, and Aurora’s looks prevented further speculation about her activities outside.
“We have an exam tomorrow; I’m staying in to study today,” Aurora said, pushing up her glasses and dusting off her desk.
“Aurora, did you see that car just now? I bet that guy came to pick up his girlfriend. A cool car and a handsome guy like that will definitely be the talk of the school.”
“Oh.” Aurora’s response was cool and indifferent.
Seeing her disinterest, Penelope frowned and her bangs and glasses obscured her face, which visibly disappointed her. She rolled her eyes behind Aurora’s back.
“Aurora, I just saw you hugging Ian. You know Ian has been pursuing Gemma. What are you trying to do?” Penelope’s tone was clearly provocative.
Ian pursuing Gemma?
Aurora, always so busy, could hardly keep up with such gossip. Confused by the question, she responded, “Oh, I just lost my balance and he steadied me.”
“I saw you throw yourself into his arms; you almost kissed. Are you always that clumsy?” Penelope pressed.
Just then, Gemma entered and saw Aurora in the room. Her expression filled with disdain.
“Why are you here? Was that handsome guy looking for you, Aurora? What do you owe him that he’d come all this way for you?”
Gemma approached Aurora aggressively, grabbing her arm, which Aurora disliked and swiftly withdrew.
“What did he say?”
“He said he came to collect a debt. Aurora, do you know that handsome guy?” Gemma asked eagerly, obviously keen to connect with him.
“Yeah, I owe him ten dollars,” Aurora replied nonchalantly without looking up.
“What, ten dollars? He came all the way to school for ten dollars? That wouldn’t even cover his fuel costs,” Gemma said, shocked.
“Do you really believe that car is his? I’ll tell you, he rented it to impress girls.”
“But I thought…”
“This morning I needed cash for the bus, so I borrowed ten dollars from him,” Aurora put down her textbook and said earnestly.
Gemma’s face showed she was beginning to believe Aurora, who internally chuckled and added, “I was in a hurry and didn’t leave my phone number. I really never expected he’d come to school just for ten dollars.”