"Is this how rich people talk?"


    "Donating ten thousand dors like it''s nothing? My living expenses for three years don''t evene close to that!"


    "So this is what it means to be a wealthy kid. I can''t even imagine living like that."


    Hearing the murmurs, I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I wasn''t trying to unt my wealth, but I couldn''t exactly pretend to be poor in this setting either. It would feel disrespectful to the other students and the recipients of the charity.


    The host sighed and remarked, "It seems Mr. Whitees from a rich family. Yet, there are plenty of wealthy people who don''t donate. Can I ask why you chose to do it anonymously?"


    His questions were overwhelming.


    I gave an honest answer. "To be fair, I knew a donation of ten thousand dors would attract attention. I really don''t like being in the spotlight, so I thought staying anonymous was the best choice."


    The host looked surprised. "Why don''t you want attention?"


    I shook my head helplessly. "Some people enjoy insulting others, belittling them and trampling on their dignity for fun. I try to keep a low profile to avoid them, yet I still seem to attract their attention."


    As soon as I finished speaking, the crowd turned to re at Louis and Zack. After all, their loud and arrogant insults earlier had caught everyone''s attention. "Mr. White is clearly talking about them—what a pair of lowlifes!"


    "They were so bold in criticizing him. I thought they must''ve donated a lot, but it turns out their contribution was only ten percent of his!"


    "They''re such lowlifes. Even at a charity event, they''re trying to put others down. People like them are trash!"


    "These two are a match made in heaven. One clings to her boyfriend to get on stage and refuses to leave, while the other is just a spineless jerk. How disgusting!"


    Louis'' and Veronica''s faces turned bright red with embarrassment. They would have left if they weren''t waiting for an interview. Zack, on the other hand, pulled his hat down to avoid being recognized.


    Honestly, I didn''t harbor much resentment toward them anymore. After living in the same dorm as Louis and Zack, I had grown used to their ridicule.


    However, they crossed the line when they humiliated Felicia.


    I couldn''t let that go unpunished.


    Clearing my throat, I spoke up. "You''re right. Charity is supposed to be a warm and uplifting activity. Some people shouldn''t use them as a tform for self- promotion or as a way to trample on others'' dignity. If they do, they''re insulting the real good-hearted people like Georgina and Martin!"


    As soon as I finished speaking, the audience erupted into thunderous apuse.


    The students pped while shooting contemptuous res at Louis and the others. The three of them couldn''t hold their heads up any longer.


    I felt that the point had been made, so I turned to the host. "I have something to take care of, can I leave now?"


    The host quickly nodded. "Of course, if you have something to do, you can go. Now, let''s wee..."


    Just as I took Felicia''s hand and started to leave the stage, a piercing voice suddenly shouted, "William! When are you going to stop pretending?"


    Startled, I looked up to see Lucas and Lina standing in the crowd, ring at me sharply. It was Lucas who shouted just now.


    He dragged Lina onto the stage, grabbed the microphone from the host and yelled hysterically, "Don''t be fooled by this guy! The ten thousand dors he donated isn''t even his own-it''s prize money from an entrepreneurshippetition he entered! He''s not some wealthy kid. He''s just faking it!"