Chapter 11 The Campus Belle Ivana Pearson

Sherman effortlessly blocked the punch and said calmly, "I'm just here to find someone, not to cause trouble." The nearby students were shocked to see him easily fend off the burly young man's attack. "Whoa, that guy is really strong! He just blocked Tobias' punch like it was nothing." "That can't be right. Tobias is an eighth-degree black belt in martial arts. I've seen him take down five or six adults at once." "Must've been a fluke." Tobias Fuller, stunned and enraged, struggled against Sherman's grip but could not break free. His face turned crimson from exertion, and he shouted angrily, "You punk, let go of me! Are you trying to die?!" Sherman released his hand, maintaining a composed demeanor. "I'm sorry, I'm only here to find someone. Could you step aside?" Sherman had a unique respect for fellow students, having never attended school himself. He did not want to hurt them unless absolutely necessary. However, to Tobias, this calm expression felt like mockery. His face twisted in fury as he roared, "What are you all waiting for? Get him! Beat him up!" Tobias' lackeys immediately charged, fists and feet flying toward Sherman. A cold glint flashed in Sherman's eyes. He had already shown restraint, but since they were ungrateful, he saw no need to hold back. With the power of a Level 9 martial artist, handling these ordinary people was as effortless as squashing ants. The students watching did not even catch his movements. One after another, Tobias' lackeys fell to the ground, groaning in pain. Tobias and the bystanders froze in disbelief, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Sherman dusted off his hands as if he had done nothing remarkable. Walking past Tobias, he casually patted his shoulder. Tobias immediately let out blood-curdling screams, collapsing to the ground, writhing in agony. His body felt as if it were being bitten by countless ants, an excruciating pain he could not endure. Gritting his teeth, Tobias shouted through the torment, "Stop right now if you know what's good for you! I'm guarding this place under Young Mr. Diller's orders. Crushing you would be as easy as squashing a bug for him!" Sherman smirked, unfazed. He had always been the one to crush his enemies, not the other way around. The scene left the surrounding students wide-eyed and speechless, their gazes locked on Sherman's retreating figure. "Wow, he's so cool!" "Is he some kind of martial arts master?" "Quick, hurry! Ivana's dancing inside!" ... The saying "a word awakens the dreamer" could not be more fitting here. The male students gathered outside had clearly come to admire Ivana's dancing. When Sherman stepped into the dance studio, his eyes lit up at the scene before him. The room was filled with youthful, beautiful female classmates, each with a graceful figure. Some wore tight pants, while others donned mini skirts, moving with elegance, like butterflies in flight. The air was alive with a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. At the center of it all was a girl who instantly captured everyone's attention. She wore a pair of fitted jeans and a crisp white shirt. Her face was breathtaking, the kind that could inspire poetry and wars. She stood tall at about 5'10", her figure perfectly balanced and slender. Her long black hair flowed like silk to her waist, tied back with a simple ribbon. Her skin was radiant, almost glowing under the light. Her eyes, like polished black gems, sparkled with life, and her sweet smile was enough to make hearts skip a beat. In comparison, the other girls in the room faded into the background. Off to one side of the studio stood a male classmate with a refined and noble air about him. His gaze was fixed on the girl at the center, filled with infatuation and longing. However, the serene look on his face shifted when he noticed Sherman walk in. His expression darkened immediately. "What's this? That useless Tobias actually let someone in!" The boy's name was Reggie Diller. He came from an influential family with a powerful background. With his exceptional looks and status, he had always been surrounded by admirers since he was young. However, the moment he laid eyes on Ivana, he was utterly captivated. He swore he would win her heart and marry her someday. In his relentless pursuit of Ivana, Reggie had tried countless strategies, all to no avail. Ivana remained indifferent to his efforts. If it were not for Ivana's own equally impressive family background, Reggie might have resorted to less honorable means to claim her by now. To improve his chances of being alone with Ivana, Reggie had his subordinate Tobias and a group of thugs follow her around, ensuring that no other males could approach her. When Sherman unexpectedly walked in, it felt like an open challenge, intruding on what Reggie considered his territory. Despite the anger brewing within him, Reggie concealed it well, the flash of displeasure in his eyes quickly replaced with a composed demeanor. Standing up, he gracefully approached Sherman. "Excuse me, this is the dance studio. Did you perhaps come to the wrong place?" Reggie asked with feigned politeness. Sherman, seeing the refined-looking guy in front of him, responded with a friendly smile. "No, I'm here to find someone. Do you know if Ivana is here?" "Do you have some business with her?" Reggie probed. "Kind of," Sherman replied vaguely. The matter of the Medicine King Bead was too important to disclose casually. "Ivana isn't here. You must have come to the wrong place. She just left," Reggie said with ease. "Is that so?" Sherman felt a twinge of disappointment but did not dwell on it. He had no reason to doubt this stranger, thinking there was no grudge or reason for deception. "Okay, thank you. I'll leave now." Sherman turned to exit. Just then, the group of girls finished their dance. One of them, holding a bottle of mineral water, ran toward the most striking girl in the group. "Ivana, are you tired? Here, have some water," she said warmly. Ivana wiped her forehead with a soft smile that could melt hearts. "Thank you!" Sherman stopped in his tracks and turned back to look at Reggie. "You're quite dishonest, aren't you? You lied to me." Reggie maintained his composure, offering a faint smile. "You must have misheard. Now, leave." Sherman ignored his words and focused his gaze on Ivana. Reggie's expression turned cold. To him, Ivana was practically his possession, and Sherman's behavior had crossed the line. His voice was low and threatening as he issued a final warning. "Leave now, or there will be consequences." Sherman frowned. "Why should I? Is this school your private property?" Reggie's smile disappeared. "It may not be mine, but I am Reggie Diller. Surely, you understand what that means." Anyone familiar with the local hierarchy would have been stunned into silence. The Dillers were practically royalty in this area, with wealth and influence that could crush most people. However, Sherman, having just arrived, had no knowledge of the Dillers' power. Even if he had, he would not have cared.