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

believe you when you say you’re moving forward," he clarified, "but grief

had almost a year now. Really, I’m better. It still hurts sometimes when I remember... but that’s

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

other news," George continued with a grin, "don’t expect me to go easy on

mean?" Nnenna

private sensei? One of the best masters in the entire Kingdom. I’m ranked no. 1 in year

raised an eyebrow, unimpressed and not the least

"Yep."

into a sly smile. "I’m looking forward

up already, like the duel had been scheduled right then and

shifting gears with ease, "let me help you study. Graduating from year four ain’t no small feat, you

blinked. She already had the best of the best as private tutors... but seeing the eager way George looked at her,

George replied, relocating to her side in less than a

said, voice firm but patient. "Year four pre clinical theory. You’ll need these

not correcting

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

chuckled.

that’s what you want to

expecting to finally stump her. But Nnenna’s responses flowed just as smoothly, subtle corrections here, an extra detail

back slowly, staring at her. "Hold on... you’ve already been through all

not to sound smug. "I’ve

bit?" His eyes narrowed in disbelief, then softened with

a small shrug.

and case studies, the kind of material he only discussed with his top peers. This time, his voice changed, no longer

case outcomes, exchanged strategies, even laughed when one of them made

Hours passed like minutes.

not just aiming for graduation, are you? You’re sprinting towards bagging best graduating

chuckled softly. "Or maybe you’re just