Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 318

Engrossed in their discussion, Ava and Frank unconsciously drew many complex gazes from the students nearby.

Countless looks of envy, jealousy, and disdain were all cast their way..

Not far from the pair, two girls engaged in a relentless whisper, their conversation a tapestry of speculation. Their gazes were anything but discreet as they remained fixated on the man seated across from Ava.

One of the girls held a book in one hand, a pen in the other, and a notebook was placed on her side. This pair was none other than the identical girls who had approached Frank earlier.

There was another girl who was sharing the table with them. Together, the three women instantly formed a gossip group.

The girl majoring in broadcasting scoffed angrily as she said, “What is the big deal? He is just taken. There was no need for him to act all high and mighty just now.”

Her female companion, who was more pragmatic, advised her as she said, “Concentrate on your studies. He might just be reserved. If he responded to your greeting, would that not be disingenuous?”

In any case, this girl felt that the man’s actions were proper. Having a girlfriend while entertaining advances from others was certainly disingenuous behavior. Pursuing one individual at a time was the only fair approach.

The girl, who was sharing the table, briefly glanced toward the couple. In a hushed tone, she asked, “Are you discussing the couple over there?”

The broadcasting major girl remained dissatisfied. It was her first time encountering a man who treated her with such indifference. Annoyed, she pursed her lips and replied, “Yeah, do you know that guy?”

She had heard of Ava’s name before, as Ava was renowned for her beauty and amiability. Besides, Ava also had many admirers. It was said that the pursuits of others did not easily sway Ava. However, she had never met or seen this specific guy before. He had even indicated he was not from their institution, implying his association with another. His handsomeness would have garnered him fame if he were from Sapphire City University.

The girl at their table retrieved her phone and shared an online forum post with the pair. The post featured a picture of Ava and the other person, Frank. The image portrayed Ava clutching a mask while the individual gently wiped her tears. The man’s gaze seemed tender, and it was laced with a trace of indulgence and anguish.

“They are a couple. There’s no doubt after seeing them together,” the broadcasting major girl asserted, preempting the need to see the photo for confirmation.

The girl at their table divulged information in a low voice, saying, “No, they are not. A student of the computer science department told me that Ava initially pursued the man but was subsequently rejected. She feigned distress, and then the man had initiated pursuit here.”

This was the nature of gossip. With each recount, the information morphed from one iteration to the next to a point where the truth became murky.

Different versions circulated among social groups, and the emotional consequences of these tales were often disregarded.

“So, she pursued them first. That explains it” the broadcasting major girl responded with a blend of scorn and disdain.

a mask settled beside them. A look of curiosity was plastered on the girls’ faces. “What’s the chatter about? Fill me in,” the

of them inquired curiously, “Are you guys as drawn to gossip as we

is not constrained by gender. It’s a human tendency. It’s more entertaining when we share information with one another,” Alex responded. Her expression indicated she was present to revel

undoubtedly oblige. The girls at the table began to recount

the group, saying, “You have all the facts wrong. Where did you pick up this misinformation? It’s

the trio of girls with a hint of amusement. She continued, half-serious and half-joking, saying, “Then, you know, our Ava from the university is quite something. She turned this person down despite their relentless pursuit. Yet, upon her return, the man employed all means to get closer to Ava. On the day of the competition, the man even arranged for a delivery rider to present Ava with 11 roses. Eleven roses, you grasp the significance, don’t you? It means utter devotion.” Alex reshaped the narrative’s protagonist. After all, speculation would thrive where truth remained elusive, Who could not concoct stories? She emphasized again. “There is no room for doubt. This is the real truth. Just look at that picture. Their gaze is rife with tenderness

Alex’s words with confusion and reluctant belief. After all, Alex had delivered her account with such precision and conviction. Alex’s version of events appeared reasonable when they

secret? It boiled down to slightly

of Ava was genuine. The episode involving the II roses was also accurate. Alex had not fabricated these details. She had only changed the

rejection yet persevered. The second is that he hailed from a city beyond Sapphire City’s borders. Curiosity spurred her to address Alex and ask. “He’s not affiliated with Sapphire City, am I right?

registered surprise. She asked,

University,” the broadcasting

Alex questioned. She found herself increasingly puzzled. The moniker sounded almost

a grin. Standing up. Alex said, “Well, that could be a well-known institution over there. Anyway, focus on your studies. I’m heading out. Oh,

departure, the trio of girls released sighs of contemplation. They pondered why such a handsome individual was not pursuing them. Their envy

Alex made a discreet exit from the library. Curiosity piqued, she messaged Ava, asking [Hey, could you ask Frank what Homeschooled University is?]

the desk disrupted her focus. She sneakily stole a glance at

it,” Frank gently said as he halted mid-lecture,

minuscule motion and expression of Ava was perceptible to Frank. Nothing eluded

up her

confusion as she thought, “What is this university? Should I approach Frank to clarify this?” Yet something

her chin on her hand. Her lengthy eyelashes fluttered gently,

prompted Frank to momentarily pause his lecture, a fleeting grin curving his lips. He sent the correct name to Ava via text.

the screen, she could no longer suppress her reaction. She placed her hand on the desk and buried her face within her

arms across his chest and reclined against the chair. Resuming the lecture could wait; the girl’s joy took precedence

in unrestrained laughter, he

eyebrow, he inquired,

her breathing remained uneven as she supported herself on her elbows, trained her gaze on the impassive Frank, and asked, “Where did you

his gaze, uttering a single word. With an

question, replying, “I’m at home every day. Isn’t that akin to attending Home-schooled