What Chenghai Meixi said about the club member did surprise Xia Chuan Yuan a little.

Standing at the clubroom door was his classmate, their class monitor—Yingye Yingkong.

Xia Chuan Yuan never expected her to be the member they meant! He’d assumed it was some other student, not a class officer at all.

But honestly, the hints were obvious enough. When they mentioned this member going home to shower, Xia Chuan Yuan should’ve realized it was one of the class officers.

Since it was his classmate, the pool narrowed down. Going back to shower meant she hadn’t bathed yesterday—which pointed to a girl. Boys wouldn’t care about skipping a bath, but girls would.

Wasn’t that clear proof the mysterious member was one of those seven class officers?

Take Yingye Yingkong: she hadn’t gone home last night, staying at Xia Chuan Yuan’s place instead. Drunk, she’d skipped bathing all evening. With girls being so particular about cleanliness, her rushing off to shower made perfect sense.

Xia Chuan Yuan felt his deduction skills needed work. At least he should’ve narrowed it down to those seven.

But he couldn’t figure out why Yingye Yingkong was hanging out with Chenghai Meixi and Guanyue Yamei!

"Ah! X-Xia Chuan Yuan, what are you doing here!"

When Xia Chuan Yuan turned toward the door at the sound, Yingkong saw him. She gasped in surprise! Her face flushed slightly, a trace of red sweeping across her cheeks. She lowered her head for a moment, eyes flickering and darting around. Then, suddenly, she lifted her chin and locked a firm gaze on him.

Xia Chuan Yuan didn’t get why she’d ducked her head only to raise it again. But as usual, even though they knew each other, he introduced himself.

"Even if you recognize me, I’ll introduce myself properly. I’m Xia Chuan Yuan, 17 years old, male. I’ve got lots of hobbies—too many to list. Really happy to join the Culture Club and hang out with everyone!"

He extended his hand toward Yingkong.

Yingkong hesitated, her eyes shifting left and right. A flicker of something passed through them before she reached out too. They shook hands, and she introduced herself.

"Hello, I’m Yingye Yingkong. Also 17. I love reading novels. I’m class monitor for Class 1 and part of the student council. Very pleased to meet you!"

After the introductions, an awkward silence hung between them. Thankfully, Chenghai Meixi stepped in. She came forward, hand outstretched.

"Since you’ve both introduced yourselves, I’ll do the same! I’m Chenghai Meixi, same age as you. I’m in Class 2—class monitor there too. I’m into all kinds of trendy stuff, and I adore novels. I’m the club president. Thrilled to meet you both! Thanks for joining!"

"Ah! Yeah, I’m really happy too!"

Xia Chuan Yuan froze for a second at her outstretched hand but quickly snapped back. He shook it, surprised by Chenghai Meixi’s warmth. The world felt oddly surreal!

Could this... be the power of handsomeness? Had he unlocked an invincible force?

Good looks really were a blessing!

Of course, Xia Chuan Yuan didn’t hold their hands too long. Two seconds max—he let go first. No girl would like it if he lingered; better to leave a good impression.

After he released Chenghai Meixi’s hand, she nudged Guanyue Yamei forward. Yamei’s eyes widened in surprise. She stepped up, hand extended.

"Senior Xia Chuan, I’m Guanyue Yamei. I’m 16, Meixi-nee’s friend. So glad to befriend you, Senior! You’re incredibly handsome—super adorable! Thank you!"

She bowed her head right after, her hair hiding the blush on her cheeks. She deliberately avoided looking at their about-to-clasp hands. Xia Chuan Yuan just smiled.

"Mm, nice to meet you too, Yamei-chan. You’re stunning—total goddess material!"

Since Yamei had complimented him, he returned the praise.

Hearing that, Yamei seemed delighted. Her hair swayed gently, like a kitten being petted.

Now, four members stood in the clubroom: Xia Chuan Yuan, Chenghai Meixi, Yingye Yingkong, and Guanyue Yamei. Xia Chuan Yuan found it odd. Didn’t it take five people to form a club? One was missing—but they’d said they had four.

He deduced this fifth person must be someone he knew well. Someone from his year, who’d been in a club with him before.

Because of the diary, they’d mentioned an old clubmate had found it. Xia Chuan Yuan guessed that person had joined this club—otherwise, why hand it to them?

He asked Chenghai Meixi about the fifth member. She replied:

"Well, of course there is one! But she’s away on business right now. Won’t be at school for a while. You’ll meet her when she’s back—don’t be shocked!"

Just as he thought. Hearing that, Xia Chuan Yuan confirmed it: this mysterious fifth member was definitely an old clubmate.

Watching the lively scene in the clubroom, Xia Chuan Yuan felt his upcoming days would be fun. He was already looking forward to them!

He glanced at his fist—so powerful, so strong. A premonition stirred: his life was about to turn extraordinary. His easygoing days were over! (End of Volume 1)