Chapter 3

Nolan grabbed the needle and inserted it into his vein with a furrowed brow.

Our classmates praised his kindness and selflessness. Clarissa's eyes were filled with nothing but sympathy for him.

Only I noticed the tiny, scabbed-over needle marks on his pale skin.

Those were traces left by long-term improper injections---ironclad evidence that he carried the virus.

After drawing half a blood bag, Nolan began feeling dizzy and unsteady on his feet.

Clarissa immediately pulled the needle from his arm and held him carefully in her arms.

Nolan insisted on standing up, declaring righteously:

"Don't anyone stop me. I must finish drawing the blood."

Then his body swayed again.

Watching his terrible acting, I could guess what he was trying to do.

Sure enough, the next second, a male student spoke up:

"We can't let Nolan draw so much blood alone! Clarissa needs more. Let's all donate---a little from each person adds up!"

His words immediately drew agreement:

"Right! We'll use this same needle to draw from everyone! We're not selfish like some people. Everyone takes turns. Quick!"

"Exactly. If Nolan isn't afraid, why should we be? This little bit of blood is nothing compared to our united friendship!"

Hearing everyone's passionate declarations, I wanted to laugh.

What good classmates indeed---willing to share a needle used by an HIV patient. Even sharing the virus together.

In this lifetime, they could finally achieve their wish to "live and die together."

When the team doctor entered and saw students about to jab a used needle into their own veins, she rushed to stop them:

"Are you all crazy? Stop it! So many people using the same needle---what if there's cross-infection?"

Far from being scared, the students frowned and said:

"What kind of team doctor are you? Who are you cursing? We're all clean. How could we get infected?"

"I advise you to mind your own business. If we delay Clarissa's transfusion and she misses her event, can you take responsibility?"

"I bet you're working with Adrian Chen, trying to sabotage Clarissa and make her miss the competition!"

The students' mockery turned the team doctor's face red and white with anger.

She stamped her foot and ran out of the room with tears in her eyes.

After the team doctor left, the students continued drawing blood.

One, two, three...

I stood outside the crowd, watching that deadly needle pierce different people's skin again and again amid "friendly" cheers.

Each blood draw was a fatal cross-infection.

The blood bag was quickly filled.

But just then, Nolan suddenly held the needle out to me. "Adrian, your turn."