In the dormitory, the girls glanced at each other, their eyes urging until one finally spoke up.
"Jane Eyre, this weekend, could you have your boyfriend treat us to a meal? Its been quite some time, and you should introduce him to us," Myrtle Wilson said with a smile, standing by the bed where Jane lay.
Jane hesitated; she wasnt sure if hed even be willing to have a meal, given that Mr. Gatsby was more likely to eat her alive. She was still on thin ice with him after her recent deceptions.
As one person broached the subject, others joined in, circling around the topic.
"Graduation is near, and well be scattering. Our times together will become fewer. Lets get together this weekend!"
"Youre not afraid well steal your man, are you? Were not the type to snatch someone elses guy."
Their words were laced with sarcasm.
Jane smirked, realizing these women were subtly insulting her. She gritted her teeth and dialed Mr. Gatsbys number,Asked gently, "Are you available this weekend?"
"On a business trip," Mr. Gatsby replied succinctly, hanging up the phone abruptly.
Jane was left with a mouthful of words unsaid, facing the reality that Mr. Gatsby was giving her the cold shoulder.
"Is it inconvenient for him?" Myrtle asked sweetly, her tone gentle but eager for a spectacle.
Another added, with a hint of mockery, "An old man in his fifties probably has to spend the weekends with his grandkids, so it must be inconvenient to come out." Realizing the bluntness, she quickly added, "Haha, just a joke."
Myrtle chimed in, "Were all best friends, just teasing. Youre not upset, are you?"
Jane gritted her teeth, "Right!" Not wanting to lose face in front of these women, she had an idea and, after a moment of contemplation, said composedly, "Who said its inconvenient? Its very convenient! This weekend it is, Ill make the reservation."
Womens friendships are like plastic flowers; they look good, but theyre fake. While they appear attractive, they also compete in subtle ways.
That night, Jane called her best friend Scout Finch, pleading, "Princess, I need your help. Im being targeted by a bunch of women, and you have to assist me! Come and pretend to be my boyfriend to dazzle them with your charm!"
"Arent you already with a handsome guy?"
Jane curled her lips, "Hes unreliable, so Im turning to you."
"Im a woman!"
"Look in the mirror and have some confidence! You look masculine, you dress androgynously, and youre flat-chested鈥攁bsolutely manly!"
"..." Scout wanted to tear her words apart, "Jane Eyre, are you asking for help or looking for trouble?"
They arranged to meet on Saturday. Scout arrived at the caf茅, spotted Jane, and her eyes brightened, "Jane, you have to help me too."
Jane brushed her hair back, thinking silently that today she was the one seeking help, and yet their roles seemed reversed.
Scout ordered two cups of coffee and began to vent, explaining the situation with Augustus and herself: "Augustus uses me as a shield; all his outside affairs have come knocking on my door. Some are sending bed photos, some are sending high-definition uncensored videos, and some are sending audio files... Im fed up! Jane, could you pretend to break up with him on my behalf?"
Jane nearly choked on her coffee, rolling her eyes, "Can breakups be done as a stand-in too?"
Scout dismissed the concern with a wave of her hand, "Our engagement is a business arrangement; we rarely meet or talk. He wont recognize my voice."