Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Who Are You?
He had to say goodbye to his past life of debauchery. It was time to start fresh and live a happy, carefree life.
Seeing his determined eyes, John knew that he had finally changed for the better. So, he didn't say much and just patted him on the shoulder.
"Okay, enough being sentimental. We'll have a hearty talk later, now hurry up and go to your class—it's almost over."
Rex nodded and turned around to leave. Just as he was about to step out the door, he heard a voice from behind.
"Remember to come home for dinner whenever you're free. Your aunt misses you very much."
Recalling the enthusiastic face of Uncle John's wife, he smiled and said, "Don't worry, I will visit soon. I've also been missing my aunt's delicious food for a while."
After saying that, he briskly left the office.
John just shook his head.
"This kid..." he muttered before returning to his desk.
Stepping out of the building and inhaling the fresh air filled with the scent of flowers and grass, Rex felt relaxed, as if he had crossed a major hurdle—like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Uncle John's family had a close relationship with his own and seeing that John didn't notice the change meant he didn't have to worry about anyone else.
He had been afraid that John would notice, but since he didn't react much, Rex breathed a sigh of relief.
And his changes could easily be attributed to the shock and enlightenment from his parents' death.
Humming an unknown tune, he walked toward his class.
On the way, he carefully observed his surroundings, as he hadn't had the time to do so before.
He couldn't help but admire the beauty of this historic university, located in the heart of bustling Los Angeles.
Its lush greenery, historic red-brick buildings, and modern steel structures provided a sense of solace amidst the chaotic urban metropolis.
Walking along the pathways, he saw students from all around the world—different cultures, ethnicities, and languages blending together, each with their own dreams and ambitions.
In the distance, towering palm trees swayed gently in the soothing California breeze, casting shadows on the ground.
Many students lounged in those shadows—some studying, others gathered in groups, talking and laughing about life, while some were glued to their phones or listening to music.
Overall, it gave off a cool, laid-back atmosphere, even amidst the intense academic pressure.
Along the way, some students cast curious glances toward him, but he didn't mind.
He was too busy admiring the university's atmosphere.
Passing by the parking lot, he noticed a mix of luxury cars, common vehicles, and battered bicycles—clearly illustrating the university's social hierarchy, from wealthy heirs to struggling students with only dreams and ambition in their foyers.
As he neared his destination, he was greeted by a grand open plaza that seamlessly blended UCLA's classic red-brick architecture with sleek contemporary designs.
Wide stone-paved walkways led toward the main entrance, where brick and buff masonry formed a dynamic composition with glass and aluminum walls that reflected the California sun.
The polished, corporate feel of the building aligned perfectly with the professional and innovative spirit of the institution.
Entering through large glass doors, he stepped into a spacious lobby with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that bathed the area in natural sunlight.
The interior was decorated with warm wood panels, polished stone floors, and minimalist furnishings. The lobby buzzed with life, filled with the hustle and bustle of students coming and going.
As soon as Rex entered, the noise abruptly died down for a moment. Many people turned to look at him, curiosity burning in their eyes.
He simply nodded whenever he met someone's gaze and calmly walked toward the lecture hall, relying on his memories.
As he passed, he could hear whispers erupt behind him. A loud discussion broke out, with students pointing at him and talking among themselves.
Reaching the lecture hall, he felt both excited and a bit nervous.
This is where another Chapter of his campus life will unfold.
Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself and swung the wooden door open, revealing the vast lecture hall inside.
Hearing the door open, everyone instinctively turned their heads.
The room fell into complete silence.
"Cough."
A loud cough snapped everyone back to their senses, and immediately, an uproar erupted.
"Cough, cough."
Hearing even louder coughs, the students quickly quieted down.
A slightly bald professor, radiating an air of intellect, frowned deeply.
"Hello, student. What are you doing here? Are you in the wrong class?"
"No, I'm sure this is my class," Rex replied with a light smile.
"Oh? I haven't seen you in class before. Are you sure you're not mistaken?"
At this, everyone turned toward him with curious and confused expressions.
Rex nodded calmly. "I had to be absent due to an emergency."
"Oh? What's your name?"
"My name is Rex Lee."
The moment his name was spoken, the room exploded into chatter.
"Is he really that Rex?"
"There's no way! Even though he was handsome before, he wasn't this handsome!"
"Right?! I think so too!"
"But damn, he's too handsome now."
"Woooow! He's mine! No one's allowed to snatch him from me!"
Hearing the commotion, the professor's frown deepened.
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"Enough! Quiet down!" he snapped, his voice filled with displeasure.
Turning back to Rex, he said sternly, "Go find a seat and don't disrupt my class."
Rex simply nodded, unfazed by the professor's attitude, and walked toward an empty seat with a calm smile.
As he passed, students continued to stare at him as if they still couldn't believe he was the same Rex.
On his way to his seat, his gaze happened to land on three beautiful girls sitting together. He paused for a brief moment but then continued walking, eventually sitting two seats away from them in the lower right corner of the lecture hall.
Thinking about those beauties with their distinct styles, he couldn't help but admire them—especially Daisy. As a semi-otaku in his previous life, he was almost stunned by her two-dimensional beauty.
She looked just like an anime heroine, with big, lively eyes and an irresistibly cute appearance.
Of course, as a classmate, he already knew about them. They were the famous "Beauty Trio" of the university.
Normally, girls at their level of attractiveness would be rivals, but instead of hating each other, they had become best friends—something that had been a hot topic in the university since classes started.
His previous self had been almost a nerd. Despite being handsome, he spent most of his time buried in studies.
At first, some girls had tried to pursue him, but he rejected them all without exception. Over time, they lost interest and gradually forgot about him.
As for the boys? They hated him.
Even though he rejected those girls, they still flocked around him, trying hard to win his affection. Of course, watching the girls they chased after pursuing someone else made him a public enemy.
Still, since he never actively interacted with them and focused solely on studying, they eventually stopped caring.
Shaking off his messy thoughts, Rex focused on the professor's lecture.
Meanwhile, the three beauties were also in shock—but for different reasons than the others.
"Hey, Daisy, Hannah, are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Sophie nudged Daisy excitedly.
Daisy, still dazed, turned to Hannah. Seeing her nod, she knew it was real.
They didn't expect to see that handsome guy again—and even more shocking, he was their classmate.
From a distance, they hadn't seen his face properly, and with the changes in his appearance, they hadn't recognized him at first.
Of course, they had known about Rex—the handsome guy who spent all his time studying.
They had always had a good impression of him. Unlike other guys who messed around with girls, he had always shown good manners and remained polite and distant.
In fact, in America, it is very common for students to date multiple people throughout university life.
Compared to Asian countries, people here are much more open-minded about relationships.
Of course, there were still exceptions—just like those three beauties, who didn't have a boyfriend, at least not yet.
Some people even spread rumors that they were lesbians.
Naturally, those rumors were immediately shut down—especially by the male students, who absolutely refused to accept that their goddesses could be anything but straight.
(End of Chapter)