Celine snorted derisively. Melody had been causing Halley problems for days, and Carly was likely involved. Were they planning to humiliate Halley tomorrow? The target hadn't been determined yet.

Celine returned to the female hostel. Halley was leaving, Declan's black jacket in her arms, when Celine stopped her.

"Hailey, wait a minute."

Hailey, planning to take the jacket to the dry cleaners, stopped.

"What is it, Celine?"

Celine produced a colorful candy. "Hailey, this is for you."

Hailey, a lover of sweets, happily took the candy and popped it in her mouth. "Thank you Ah! It's bitter!"

Celine quickly covered Hailey's mouth. "Don't spit it out! The most bitter medicine is often the most effective. Swallow it!"

Hailey swallowed the candy. "Celine, what's this? Why is it so bitter?"

Celine looked at Hailey's face, her gaze lingering on a birthmark, and winked mysteriously. "It's a secret. You'll find out tomorrow."

"I'll get going then." Hailey ran off.

Hailey dry-cleaned Declan's jacket, bagged it, and went to the classroom to find Declan.

"Hey there. I'm looking for someone," Hailey told a male student.

The student looked at her. "Are you looking for Declan?"

Hailey was surprised. "How did you know?"

The student laughed. "Many girls come to our class looking for Declan. We're all used to it."

Was Declan that popular? Even though Declan and Ewan were Yorhine University's two best-looking men, Declan was more low-key than Ewan and rarely seen on campus. Despite this, many girls sought him out.

"Is Declan around? I have something for him."

The classmate shook his head. "Declan hasn't been to school for days. He must be working."

Hailey was stunned.

"You should know about Declan's family. His father passed away long ago, his mother is blind, and he has a younger sister starting junior high."

"Declan's grades are excellent. He was the district's top scorer on the college entrance exam, and Yorhine University gave him a full scholarship."

"But he still has to support his family, so he started working early."

"If you're looking for him, try his home."

Hailey had only heard rumors that Declan's father was a drug dealer; she didn't know about his mother and sister.

"Can you tell me where Declan lives?"

"Third Shanty."

"Thank you."

Hailey planned to find Declan, but first, she bought expensive supplements at a supermarket before taking an Uber to Third Shanty.

Third Shanty was a slum, dark and damp. It was Hailey's first time in such an area; she lived in Francis Court, Mercity's most expensive housing. The difference was stark.

Hailey clutched a luxurious gift box as she searched for his address. It had rained, and the muddy alleyways soiled her skirt and leather shoes. Usually meticulously clean, she suppressed her urge to wipe the dirt off. Finally, she found Declan's home.