It was the second day—not a holiday or weekend, still deep in the workweek. Xia Chuan Yuan couldn’t sleep in; he had to head to class. He pulled open the curtains. Sunlight stabbed his eyes. The sun hung high already. It was later than he’d thought.
But Xia Chuan Yuan wasn’t worried. He lived in an upscale villa district, close to school. The gate was only a five- to ten-minute walk away. As long as he kept track of time, he rarely risked being late. Classes here started later too—no frantic rush like back in China, where you had to be seated by 7:30 AM. That’s why he could afford such a relaxed morning at home.
After waking, Xia Chuan Yuan brushed his teeth and washed his face in the bathroom. Finished, he caught his reflection in the mirror. Staring at that handsome face, he still couldn’t quite believe he’d transmigrated.
He’d been here two days. Every morning, he woke feeling like he was back in his old world, like it was all a dream. But one look in the mirror snapped him awake. He’d really transmigrated.
Two days—long enough to feel short for something as wild as transmigration. The world here was so similar, so unchanged. No wonder he hadn’t adjusted yet.
After washing up, Xia Chuan Yuan lingered before the mirror. He stared hard, searching for traces of his old self—or proof this was still a dream. His past life hadn’t been perfect. No orphan backstory or family abuse like in novels. He’d been happy enough. He’d never craved a transmigration.
Why had it chosen him?
“Live well,” he told his reflection. “Live well as Xia Chuan Yuan. Live boldly. There’s nothing left to fear.”
He turned away and left the bathroom.
Dressed and ready, he locked the front door, double-checked it, then headed to school.
In minutes, he stood before the gates of Sakurano High. Every time he saw it, he was stunned. It sprawled like a university campus, not a high school. Each visit made him marvel at the school board’s wealth. Such prime real estate near downtown—land worth a fortune. It took more than money; it took influence.
Most classmates were already in the classroom when he arrived. Xia Chuan Yuan had a habit: he liked slipping in just before the bell.
Sure enough, he’d barely slid into his seat when the bell began to ring. He’d been the last to arrive. But his seat was in the back row, near the rear door. His entrance caused barely a ripple.
His spot was by the window in the last row. Perfect for gazing outside during boring lectures—a great way to kill time while daydreaming.
His height had landed him in the back. He’d asked for the window seat specifically, and the teacher had agreed.
As he sat down, a voice came from his right. He turned. Chiyo Shimotani—a stunning girl with legs that went on forever. She was taller than him, taller than most boys. That’s why she sat back here too, right beside him. Seeing him settle in, she greeted him warmly.
“Thanks for looking after me last time. You’re really kind!”
She meant the drunken incident. He’d taken care of her and her friends when they’d gotten wasted. She was thanking him for that.
“No problem. It’s what friends do, right?”
“Mhm!”
Xia Chuan Yuan felt a flicker of unease watching her.
After all…
When she’d been unconscious drunk, he’d stolen a few touches. Taken little liberties.
Facing Chiyo, clueless and smiling, he couldn’t act completely normal.
Ding-ding-ding-ding!!!
The class bell shrieked.
Xia Chuan Yuan always cut it close. He’d barely sat down before it rang.
Chiyo stopped chatting. She focused intently on her notes. Seeing her seriousness, Xia Chuan Yuan stayed quiet too. He waited silently for the teacher to start class.
