Chapter 4
After the break, I started preparing to sign up for the debate competition.
In my last life, Caleb and I knew each other, but at school, he was in the advanced class and I was in the general studies track.
At home, he lived on the top floor, and I lived in the basement.
We were two people who were completely unlikely to cross paths.
It was precisely because of a debate competition that Caleb noticed me.
This time, I was going to shine even brighter in the debate competition.
But when I had all my materials ready, I found out that my hometown high school had no intention of signing up.
I was so furious, I grabbed my bedding and basically set up camp right outside the principal’s front door.
The principal finally caved and agreed to help me assemble a team and sign up, but the fees would have to come out of my own pocket.
Luckily, there were quite a few students at school who wanted to participate.
We prepared and competed together, having a blast.
Caleb would sometimes send me messages.
Each time, I would stop what I was doing and read every single word several times over.
Finally, with practiced patience, I’d reply with just a few words.
Before the winter break of freshman year, I led our debate team into the finals.
Caleb spotted me right away.
“Did you find another part-time job here?”
I flashed my school ID.
“I’m here for the finals.”
Caleb glanced at my ID, and his eyes went wide.
“You’re *the* legendary debater from Maple Leaf High?”
“Legendary?”
Caleb’s expression softened, his gaze burning.
“For a school like yours to make it to the finals, it was like you had divine intervention.
“Half the audience today is here to see your captain. You should introduce me to your captain later.”
Just then, a teammate ran over.
“Captain, our spot is over there! Let’s go!”
Caleb froze, and the way he looked at me seemed to change.
I clenched my fist, smiling confidently.
“See you on the stage, Caleb Donovan!”
There were four teams in the finals.
My team and another school were up first.