In the morning.
The sun's warm rays entered through the curtains of Ryan's bedroom.
The sun rays fell across his face.
His eyebrows twitched slightly before he slowly opened his eyes.
"...Morning."
Ryan stretched lazily while staring at the ceiling wall for a few moments.
"I was really tired last night...due to that I forgot where I am now."he didn't move then he sighed.
Then reality returned.
He had been reborn into the world of Summer of Youth.
He reached toward the bedside table and picked up his phone.
The moment he unlocked the screen—
His eyes widened slightly.
99+ Notifications
"...What happened?"
Curiously he opened the writing platform where he had uploaded his novel.
To check how much hyped this novel is because in his previous world this book got 345 million readers.
After checking the data of the novel, his heartbeat quickened.
[Title -: The Dragon's Path.
Published Chapters: 50
Total views -: 1.2 Million
Followers -: 186,000
Comments -: 41,300
Average Rating -: 9.8/10]
Ryan blinked twice.
"...One point two million readers?"
He had expected the novel to become popular eventually.
But...
Not this quickly.
He scrolled through the comments.
["I've never read a fantasy story like this before!"
"The world-building is incredible."
"Author, please upload more chapters!"
"Upload at least 4 chapters a day."
"Take my money! Just don't stop writing!"]
A faint smile appeared on Ryan's face.
"So it worked."
Stories that had captivated millions in his previous world were completely new in this one.
His plan was beginning to take shape.
Now he has a new identity and source of earning money and connection. They will grow stronger as before he completed his graduation from University.
This was only the first step he took; there are many plans that do not exist in this novel world.
Ryan closed his phone, put it on the table and stood up from bed.
"I'll check the rest tonight."
He walked toward the bathroom.
After taking a shower his mind becomes fresh. He stands in front of the mirror.
He was wearing a Westbridge International University uniform and adjusting tie.
Twenty minutes later he came down to have breakfast.
Dad and mom were sitting already on the table.
He then sat beside his father.
Mother asked with a smile and teasing tone.
"Have you found a girlfriend at last night's party?"
He was eating something that stuck in his neck when he heard what mom was saying.
Quickly take a glass of water and after drinking take a relief.
"What are you saying mom?"
"Not act innocent, these types of parties where young people get to know each other, sometimes girls get boyfriends and boys get girlfriends." She explained to him.
"No, mom, that was not group dating." He replied in a hurry because his mom misunderstood.
"Really?" She asked with a disappointed expression.
Dad was sitting in the head chair, eating breakfast and listening to their conversation.
He noticed that Ryan's situation was getting difficult, so he said it calmly.
"You're getting late for University."
He looked at the watch in his hand to check time and grabbed his package.
"Oh, I'm leaving."
He waved his hand and walked towards the exit of the door.
His mother smiled warmly.
"Have a good day."
His father nodded.
"Focus on your studies."
Ryan smiled.
"I will, dad."
Outside, the Carter family's sedan was already waiting.
The driver opened the rear door respectfully.
"Good morning, Young Master."
"Morning."
The car quietly departed for Westbridge International University.
Westbridge International University
The University was lively as students arrived for another day of classes.
Inside them was new energy and lively mood.
Ryan got out of the car and was walking to the building when he saw the University's center fountain.
At the centre fountain he met Lucas and Jack after chatting a little bit, three of them gone to attend their own class.
As he rounded a corner...
He noticed a familiar figure ahead.
Long black hair.
Elegant posture.
Calm, graceful steps.
Sophia Laurent.
She was walking toward the same building as him.
She also took business as Major subject.
Ryan hesitated for a moment before smiling politely.
"Good morning."
Sophia turned slightly.
When she recognized Ryan, she gave a small nod and replied like a noble lady.
"Good morning."
There was no awkwardness.
No exaggerated surprise.
Just a simple greeting between classmates.
They started walking side by side with each other.
The morning cold wind rustled the trees lining the pathway.
For a few moments...
Neither of them spoke.
Finally, Ryan broke the silence.
"Where is your friend? She is not coming."
She replied calmly. "She went to another party after dropping me home."
"Oh, she's going late."
"Did you finish yesterday's reading assignment?"
Sophia looked at him.
"I did."
"You?"
Ryan smiled sheepishly.
"I spent half the night at the party but I finished yesterday morning."
She looks at him for a few seconds then look away.
Before Sophia could ask another question, they arrived outside their classroom.
Students were already entering.
Ryan held the classroom door open.
"After you."
"Thank you."
Sophia walked inside first.
Ryan followed.
The lecture hall gradually filled with students chatting before class.
As usual...
Ryan edged towards the front row.
He liked to sit near the professor.
Sophia took the middle row where she could see the board but wouldn't seem so obvious.
A few students took note of who had arrived.
A few whispers spread through the classroom.
"Wasn't that Sophia Laurent?"
"I am an illusion, my goddess was walking with a freshman."
"Btw who's that guy? He is really worthy to walk side by side with her."
"I think he's Ryan Carter... the one who challenged Ethan Vale for a basketball match and lost."
"What do you mean lost? Ethan acknowledges his skills and invites him to join the basketball club."
Ryan ignored the whispers and opened his notebook.
Sophia also took out her laptop and organized her materials.
Neither of them paid attention to the curious glances around them.
Outside the classroom, the bell rang.
The professor entered carrying several textbooks.
Another day at Westbridge International University...
Had officially begun.