They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 634: Holding Back

But to cover pre clinicals and clinicals in a single year, while skipping months of lectures and practical postings? To many, it sounded impossible.

Even Carl, in his time, had at least attended his postings before daring to skip ahead. But now this barely eighteen year old girl was threatening to break his record. To most, it was laughable. To a few, though... it was worth watching.

"I see you found my spot," a male voice called out.

Nnenna lifted her head from the book in her lap. "George," she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "This is your spot?"

"Yes." He nodded, settling down against the tree across from her. "I come here a lot to study. Peaceful, you know? Guess that’s why you like it too. Which means... what I heard is true." His eyes narrowed with curiosity. "You really intend to graduate after barely two years in this academy?"

"Yes, you heard right," Nnenna replied simply.

George blinked, as if her calmness only made the revelation more shocking. Then he chuckled softly. "A lion hangs out with lions, after all. Feels like yesterday I first took notice of you, and now you’re planning to graduate the same time as me." His voice carried no jealousy, only genuine admiration.

Sensing this, Nnenna’s smile deepened. "Anyone can do it, as long as they set their mind to it," she said calmly.

George shook his head. "No. Most people don’t take things this seriously. But you... you went the extra mile. You inspire me." His gaze lingered on her.

The words caught Nnenna off guard. She was never good at accepting compliments. For a few seconds, she didn’t know how to respond. Finally, she forced her voice steady. "Thank you... I appreciate you saying that."

George nodded, leaning back against the tree with a thoughtful look. "I’m curious," he said after a pause. "Where have you been these past months?"

"I couldn’t reach you on your cell. I even went to the year two block to find Princess Ava, but she only said you were taking personal time off. She wouldn’t mention why. Then today, someone told me they spotted you in the academy." George leaned forward, eyes sharp with curiosity. "Who knew you would be here? What happened?"

"Uhm..." Nnenna hesitated, torn between what she could say and what she couldn’t. But lying wasn’t an option. She drew in a breath. "I... lost a loved one and needed time to recover," she admitted softly.

George’s expression shifted, all curiosity melting into empathy. "I’m sorry you had to go through that, Nnenna. I can’t imagine how that must’ve felt. If you need anything... I’m here for you, okay?"

"Thank you." Nnenna gave a small nod. "But don’t worry, I’ve moved on." Her voice was calm, steady, too steady.

George studied her for a beat, then shook his head. "I doubt that."

arched

forward," he clarified, "but grief isn’t

I know," Nnenna admitted quietly. "I’ve had almost a year now. Really, I’m better. It still hurts sometimes when I remember...

against the tree, his tone gentler now. "You do seem fine. I’m no psychiatrist, but I trust my gut, and my gut says you’re telling the truth.

"don’t expect me to go easy on you when exams

Nnenna

arts. And my private sensei? One of the best masters in the entire Kingdom.

eyebrow, unimpressed and not the least

"Yep."

"I’m looking forward to that day. Don’t expect me to

like the duel

shifting gears with ease, "let me help you study. Graduating from year

blinked. She already had the best of the best as private tutors... but seeing

side in less than a

his notebook with the air of a senior about to guide a junior. "Alright, let’s start with the basics," he said, voice firm but patient. "Year four pre clinical theory. You’ll need these foundations nailed down before

not correcting him.

began explaining step by step, pointing out concepts, pausing now and then like a tutor waiting for his student to catch up. But to his growing surprise, Nnenna kept answering his quick questions without hesitation, calm, precise, and with the kind of confidence you only built

George chuckled. "Lucky

her head. "If that’s

to year five clinical scenarios, expecting to finally stump her. But Nnenna’s responses flowed just as smoothly, subtle corrections here, an extra detail there. She wasn’t showing off, but she couldn’t fake

her. "Hold on...

replied carefully, trying not to sound

eyes narrowed in disbelief, then softened with

a

open to year six full clinicals and case studies, the kind of material he only discussed with his top peers. This time, his voice changed, no longer the superior tutor, but a fellow scholar.

excitement, Nnenna kept pace. They debated case outcomes, exchanged strategies, even laughed when one of them made

Hours passed like minutes.

shaking his head with a grin. "Unbelievable. You’re not just aiming for graduation,

maybe you’re