Urban System in America-Chapter 75 - 74: Can You Help Me Finish This?

After reading and digesting the information, he glanced at time and realized that it was time for class. So, he drove and went directly to the university. Everything seemed normal on the surface—the usual hustle of students, the familiar chatter in the hallways.

But that was only on the surface, beneath that veneer, there was a palpable tension. Because from the occasional conversations of students around him, he could tell the topic was still revolving around Clement— tones hushed yet urgent, disbelief mixed with amusement.

"...Did you hear what really happened with Clement?"

"I swear, it’s worse than we thought. Videos... actual videos."

"They say he’s in the hospital, but honestly? I think he’s just hiding."

In fact, it was even more heated now that more and more students knew the full story.

Listening to these murmurs along the way, he reached his class— the noise from within was unmistakable—chaotic, excited, raw. Absolute chaos. But the moment he opened the door, a split-second hush fell over the room, like someone had pressed pause on a phonk club.

Then it burst again as several students immediately surrounded him the moment he stepped inside.

"Bro, where were you yesterday? You missed the whole show!"

"Dude, you’re insanely lucky! You just had beef with Clement—and bam, he’s gone."

"If I didn’t know you well enough, I’d think it was your doing!"

"Did you hear what happened with that bastard Clement?"

"I’ve heard bits and pieces... but I don’t really know what happened. Can someone fill me in?" he said, making himself appear as innocent and confused as possible.

Mark, Daniel, and Bruce immediately surged forward, each trying to outtalk the other. Their words tangled together, painting a vivid picture of the drama that had unfolded—the exposure, the scandal, the hospital stay. Some of the details even he didn’t know, despite being the orchestrator behind the scenes.

Clearly the story was exaggerated quite a bit.

Soon, it was time for Clement’s class, but of course, he couldn’t come. Rex had heard Clement was still in the hospital—though whether it was real or just an excuse to avoid arrest, no one knew.

They waited. Five minutes... ten minutes...

Finally, a middle-aged staff member stepped inside, clipboard in hand and a stern expression on his face. Seeing him, the whole class quieted down.

"Ahem, as everyone may know about yesterday’s incident, Clement has been suspended and will be spending some time behind bars."

Gasps and murmurs rippled across the class.

So, until we find you a substitute, this class will be suspended until next week."

Before he could finish, the class erupted again, everyone excitedly discussing it. The atmosphere shifted in an instant—from tense and gossipy to celebratory.

Rex also nodded, not really surprised. In fact, it was better this way—he could use the time to catch up with his studies

"Stop, stop... it’s just this class. Other classes will be on schedule," the staff member added, prompting loud boos from the students.

"Okay, that’s it. Hope you have a good day," he said quickly, then left in a hurry, clearly eager to escape the energy in the room.

Students quickly scattered—some leaving, others clustering into animated discussion groups. Conversations buzzed mostly around Clement, speculation running wild.

Just as Rex turned to look at Elara, she hurriedly got up and left the room. He simply shrugged. But soon, he noticed Sophie walking toward him.

Sitting in the empty seat in front of him, smiling charmingly, she spoke.

"Well, well. Look who finally decided to show up," she teased. "Where’ve you been? We were looking for you."

"Nowhere special," Rex replied, keeping his tone casual. "Just catching up on studies."

"Oh... If you need help, I can ask our top student, Daisy, to help you out," she said, pointing toward Daisy—who happened to be looking at him.

Daisy, who happened to be glancing at him, quickly looked away, the moment their eyes met.

Raising her eyebrows playfully, Sophie continued, "So? Are you interested?"

Ahem... It would be a lie to say he wasn’t interested, but he was going to study using the Aeon glasses. And his learning speed wasn’t something he could easily explain.

"Ahem, thank you for your offer, but I already have my own plan, so I gotta stick with it till the end. Anyway, I still appreciate it."

Sophie nodded, seemingly unfazed. "Alright, Mr. Mysterious. Suit yourself." In fact, she also said that to tease him.

After talking a bit more about some trivial things, before Sophie, sensing his drifting attention, stood up and returned to her seat. She lingered for a second longer than necessary, then walked away, a slight bounce in her step.

In fact, Rex could also tell that she was a bit interested in him, but right now, his focus was definitely not on things like relationships. He still had so much to learn about this world. A stock heist was coming up, and he even had a luxury hotel to claim.

Thinking about it, he felt like he was straying far from his original goal of a leisurely life. But now wasn’t the time to dwell on that. He had already committed to these plans, so there was no use complaining. Anyways, they would be helpful for his future dream. So, gotta stick with them.

So, not wanting to waste any more time, he took out the Aeon glasses from his pocket (system warehouse) and started reading the subjects he had missed.

The world around him blurred as he plunged into past lectures, reference notes, and topic reviews—methodically absorbing each piece of content. Time slipping by without notice.

Just like that, he spent the whole period reviewing and reading previous study materials—gradually getting closer and closer to the level of ordinary students. As for top students like Elara and Daisy, he still needed some time, at least a week or two more.

Soon, the bell rang, signaling the start of another class. Students who had left earlier returned, including Elara, who kept her head down upon seeing him.

Rex half-listened to the lecture while also continuing to read past materials to understand the content better.

Then another class passed, and finally, it was time for lunch break. However, Rex remained engrossed in his reading, determined to finish the Chapter he was on. His head ached slightly from the strain, his eyes dry, but he was close. Just a bit more.

Seeing this, other students didn’t disturb him and went about their own routines.

When he finally closed the book and removed his glasses, he exhaled deeply, rubbing his throbbing forehead. His brain was buzzing, clearly overstimulated.

It seemed he needed to work on his health more—otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to properly utilize the glasses, or these glasses would fry his mind.

His stomach grumbled as he stood and made his way toward the cafeteria.

Upon arrival, he found it filled to the brim with students. Looking around, he couldn’t find an empty spot. Just then, he noticed Elara sitting alone in a corner with an empty seat in front of her.

So, grabbing a tray with random food items like meats and veggies, he made his way toward her.

"Hey, can I sit here?" he asked.

"Huh...?" Suddenly hearing his voice, Elara raised her head and brushed her bangs aside. She finally looked up and found that it was Rex.

Visibly stunned, she didn’t respond.

Seeing that, he repeated, "Can I sit here, or is it occupied?"

"N-no... no one’s sitting here. You can," she stuttered.

He sat down without ceremony, placing his tray on the table. But his eyes quickly drifted to her food. A single bowl of rice. Some watery soup. That was it.

Even though he was a bit confused and the sight unsettled him. He didn’t ask or say anything and just continued eating his food in silence.

But soon, he noticed that she was eating plain rice with soup. Looking at her—her obviously sallow and malnourished body, slightly hunched shoulders and pale cheeks.

He paused mid-bite.

And then, without a word, he stood up, startling her.

(End of Chapter)