James

On Monday morning, a new student showed up at the university. He was a tall guy in a regular uniform.

This is James, introduced by his teacher . He will be studying with you temporarily. Please help him get settled in.

James nodded silently, unsmiling. He didn't introduce himself or return the greetings. He walked to an empty desk by the window, carefully placed his briefcase on the floor, and took out a notebook and pen—everything very simply, without any frills.

During recess, several kids tried to talk to him.

Where did you transfer from? asked one.
“It doesn’t matter ,” James answered shortly, without even looking up.
Maybe we should have lunch together? a girl from a parallel class suggested.
“No,” James replied, not even looking at her.

But everything changed when Lisa, the mayor's daughter, approached him. James suddenly straightened up, smiled slightly, and even pulled out his chair, inviting her to sit down.

Lisa, right? I heard you do historical research. That's interesting.

They started talking calmly, politely, almost friendly.
The other students looked at each other: why was he so polite with Lisa, but like a wall with the others?

The pattern repeated itself throughout the week.
With ordinary guys there is coldness, short answers, lack of interest
with children from influential families
restrained politeness, a willingness to maintain a conversation, even a hint of interest

James was an excellent student, answered questions clearly and to the point in class, but never sought out social interaction. His backpack remained ordinary, nothing out of the ordinary, just books, notebooks, and a pen.

You were walking down the hallway and bumped into James.