The front garden of Hua Ming's Dragon Hall was quiet, lanterns casting a soft glow over the stone path. Lu Jiannan leaned casually against a bench, his phone pressed to his ear.
"Hi, Mom. How are you and Dad?"
On the other end, Mrs. Lu's voice was warm and full of pride."We're both doing well, dear. And your studies? Oh, I don't even need to ask—I know my son is brilliant. Your father and I never worry."
Jiannan chuckled softly, though his brows arched with suspicion. "Mom, why do I feel like you're circling around something? Just say it."
Her light laugh came through the line. "Ah, my child, you know your mother too well. Fine, I'll come to the point. My best friend has just returned from Country A with her daughter—"
"Sorry, Mom." Jiannan cut her off gently, his tone firm. "I don't have time this weekend. I'm preparing for the Finance Competition at the end of the month. You and Dad can handle the visit."
"Hold on, Jiannan, don't hang up yet!" Mrs. Lu's voice sharpened. "I'm not asking you to accompany me."
Jiannan smirked, teasing, "Really? You're not trying to set me up again? Then fine, I'll postpone dinner for a bit."
"You little punk!" she huffed, half laughing, half scolding. "Always making excuses whenever I mention girls. But listen carefully—my friend's daughter has enrolled at Hua Ming. She's in her final year too, just back from abroad. She doesn't know anyone. I want you to help her settle in and guide her. Do you understand?"
Jiannan's voice softened, though still reserved. "…I'll try, Mom. Love you. Bye."
Before she could say more, he ended the call, slipping his phone into his pocket. A faint sigh escaped him as his gaze drifted toward the glowing windows of Dragon Hall.
He rose from the bench, stretching lightly—and froze.
At the main gate, a girl stepped inside.
She was striking. A light blue miniskirt hugged her slim frame, paired with a crisp white top. Her long, silky black hair was tied high in a ponytail, swaying with each step. Lantern light touched her oval face, highlighting smooth, fair skin and deep brown eyes that flicked across a parchment in her hand with sharp concentration.
Confidence radiated from her.
With her other hand, she tugged a matching suitcase behind her, moving briskly, as if the world waited for no one.
For the first time in years, Lu Jiannan's heart faltered, beating unevenly. Could this be the girl his mother had mentioned?
Straightening instinctively, he stepped forward, anticipation sparking beneath his cool exterior.
But before he could call out, the girl folded the parchment, lifted her chin, and strode past him, suitcase wheels clattering against the stones. She didn't spare him so much as a glance. Her destination: the gleaming gates of Jade Pavilion.
The most admired boy of Hua Ming Senior High—untouchable, flawless, the dream of every girl—stood momentarily invisible.
A faint, incredulous smirk tugged at Jiannan's lips, but his eyes darkened. So… that's how it is.
At that moment, Chen Yuhan strolled out of Jade Pavilion, sleeves casually rolled. He was adjusting his watch when a soft thud jolted him—someone had bumped into him on the stairs.
He looked down.
For a long second, the world seemed to hold its breath.
The girl in white and blue looked up, her high ponytail swaying. Deep brown eyes met his. Chen Yuhan had met countless beauties, both within Hua Ming and beyond, but this girl… she was different.
His gaze lingered unguarded, rare for him.
Then the girl pressed lightly against his chest, flustered."Sorry, Mr… I was in a hurry. I didn't see you."
Yuhan snapped out of his daze, recovering with a grin."No need to be so polite, Miss Beauty. Welcome to Jade Pavilion. Are you the new transfer? Planning to stay here?"
Tang Rui glanced around, her eyes landing on the gilded sign. Her cheeks flushed."This is… Jade Pavilion? Oh no, I made a mistake again…" She pressed her parchment tighter, embarrassment flaring. "I should be at Phoenix Hall. Could you tell me where that is?"
Instead of answering, Yuhan clutched his chest theatrically, his face painted with exaggerated heartbreak."Ah… so you're not staying here? That's cruel. You've shattered my heart within seconds."
Tang Rui's lips curved despite herself. His act was ridiculous, but oddly charming."You're a terrible actor, you know that?"
Grinning, Yuhan straightened, offering a hand. "Chen Yuhan. And Phoenix Hall is over there, opposite Dragon Hall. You can't miss it."
As he gestured, his eyes locked onto the figure in the garden. Lu Jiannan stood there in silence, his expression unreadable. A sharp current passed between them—a silent recognition, predator to predator.
Tang Rui bowed politely. "Thank you, Mr. Chen. I'll be going then. See you next time."
"Wait!" Yuhan protested, leaning forward. "You didn't answer any of my questions!"
She glanced back, her voice calm but firm. "I'll answer them next time we meet."
Her suitcase wheels clicked softly as she walked toward Phoenix Hall. Yuhan cupped his hands around his mouth, shouting after her playfully:"At least tell me your name, Miss Beauty!"
She stopped, looked over her shoulder, and answered clearly:"Tang Rui."
Then she disappeared into the night.
From a distance, Jiannan had seen it all. His expression, hidden by shadows, betrayed nothing—but the storm in his eyes was undeniable.
Yuhan hopped down the last step, walking over with a mischievous grin."What's with that look? This is the first time I've seen you stare at a girl that long. Is she your type?"
The grin faded instantly. Jiannan turned his head, his gaze like sharpened steel.
Yuhan raised his hands in mock surrender, lips sealing shut under that silent, cutting warning.
Chen Yuhan shoved his hands into his pockets, rocking back on his heels as he studied Lu Jiannian. The tension between them still lingered in the night air, heavy and unspoken, but Yuhan—never one to tolerate silence for too long—decided to shatter it in his usual careless way.
"Alright, Mr. Ice Face," he drawled with a lazy grin. "Enough glaring at me like you're about to pierce my soul. Let's head to the canteen before the chefs pack up for the night."
Jiannian gave no reply. His gaze remained fixed on the stone path where Tang Rui had vanished moments ago, his expression unreadable, his thoughts hidden deep beneath that frosty composure.
Yuhan clicked his tongue in mock annoyance and stepped closer, lowering his voice as if coaxing a stubborn child."Don't tell me you're planning to skip dinner just because some girl wandered into the wrong dorm. Even you need food to keep that brain of yours sharp for all those perfect scores."
At that, Jiannian finally shifted his eyes. His face was calm, untouched by any flicker of emotion, as though Tang Rui's sudden appearance had left no impression on him at all."You talk too much, Yuhan," he said coolly.
Yuhan smirked. To anyone else, that tone would sound like rejection, but to him, it was as good as a reluctant agreement. Without hesitation, he slung an arm over Jiannian's shoulder, ignoring the slight stiffness in his best friend's frame at the casual gesture.
"Good. Let's go," Yuhan declared triumphantly, steering him toward the path.