After Bai Yifan sat down, Xia Chuan knew there was nothing he could change.

Although Xia Chuan had a terrible reputation at school, teachers saw him as a good student. His grades kept him in the top ten. His classmates hid their isolation of him from the homeroom teacher. If the teacher knew, he would help. He was a just and righteous man.

Speaking of the homeroom teacher—Xia Chuan’s was Liu Yuantao. His name made it clear he was male. No beautiful female teachers here. Why was he so righteous? First, he was a retired soldier. His strong muscles and sharp gaze radiated power. Rumor said he was once a high-ranking officer, demoted after offending a powerful official. But his deeds mattered more. When he first arrived, students scoffed. "What does a soldier know about teaching?" Yet he proved himself. He carried sick girls to the infirmary. He defended bullied boys. He even mended torn uniforms. Slowly, the class grew to respect him. Now, everyone called him "Old Liu" affectionately.

Thus, Xia Chuan knew Old Liu would help if told about the isolation. But Xia Chuan chose not to. Liu Yuantao would help, yet Xia Chuan believed his problems were his to solve.

After Bai Yifan settled, Liu Yuantao began class. Despite being a retired soldier, Old Liu taught the most tedious subject: math. And he taught it well.

As class started, Xia Chuan reached for his textbook. A rustle from next door caught his attention. He turned to see Bai Yifan slowly sliding his desk closer.

Huh? What’s he doing? Why move over? Could he have fallen for me at first sight? Does he like me? Xia Chuan glanced at Bai Yifan’s slightly flushed face. Yep, that must be it. But… I’m not into guys…

While Xia Chuan spiraled, Bai Yifan had already moved his desk close. His lips trembled, as if about to speak. Is he confessing? No! I won’t accept! No matter how cute, I like Yixia! Wait—that logic’s flawed. If I didn’t like Liu Yixia, would he have a chance? Chance my ass! He’s a guy! Xia Chuan’s mind churned wildly.

"Sorry, my textbook hasn’t arrived yet. Can I share yours?" Bai Yifan asked, his face faintly red.

Huh? Xia Chuan was utterly bewildered.

…So it’s just this? Why blush? Right? RIGHT?! Xia Chuan screamed inside. Well, his overactive imagination didn’t help.

Snapping out of it, Xia Chuan silently shifted his book to the middle.

"Thanks," Bai Yifan whispered, sitting down.

Xia Chuan calmed himself and focused. But soon, he grew restless. Since the last incident, he rarely interacted beyond close friends. Now, sitting beside this "boy," he couldn’t concentrate. He caught Bai Yifan’s fresh hair scent easily. Seeing his fair, un-boyish skin, Xia Chuan felt he was nearing pervert territory. Save me!

Finally, the saving bell rang. Xia Chuan stuffed his books away. Spotting eager students stirring, he bolted from the classroom.

Bai Yifan watched him leave without a word, feeling a trace of confusion. But enthusiastic classmates soon swarmed him with questions, leaving no time to dwell.

This was why Xia Chuan left. If he stayed, no one would approach Bai Yifan. He didn’t want Bai Yifan isolated because of him. By leaving, he gave them space to interact. Soon, they’d reveal his "true nature." Bai Yifan would request a seat change, drifting away. That was fine. At least Bai Yifan wouldn’t suffer isolation. Besides, for a fleeting moment, he’d had a deskmate. Xia Chuan consoled himself with imaginary tears. He expected this outcome—but reality proved otherwise.

What’s going on? Xia Chuan wondered under Bai Yifan’s gaze. He returned just before class. The crowd had dispersed, yet Bai Yifan stared at him, eyes shining.

"What?" Xia Chuan finally asked.

"Brother Xia Chuan, you’re my idol! I heard you once defeated two thousand high schoolers from our school alone! So amazing!"

Two thousand? Ha, joking, right? Our whole school doesn’t have two thousand students! Even if it did, their spit alone would drown me! Then Xia Chuan saw it—pure adoration! This isn’t how it was supposed to be!

"No, actually—" Xia Chuan started, but Bai Yifan cut in excitedly.

"But I know that’s trivial for you! I heard you robbed banks, bombed plazas, kidnapped presidents! And you often peep in girls’ changing rooms!" Bai Yifan gazed worshipfully.

I felt blood trickling from my mouth. What rumors have you spread?! And the last one doesn’t match! One minute I’m a terrorist, the next a pervert? Bai Yifan, you actually believe this? Are you God’s agent to ruin me? From his eyes, Xia Chuan knew he believed every word. What an innocent kid. Not.

"They say you’re violent and I should stay away. But I know real men like you are true heroes. Please take me as your disciple!"

Heh, what a twist.

"Master, honestly, I’ve always felt too girly. I want to be a man like you. Please accept me!" Seeing Xia Chuan’s stunned face, Bai Yifan pressed on, thinking he was refusing.

You don’t need to lie—we think so too. And "master" without asking? Besides, begging won’t help. Wanting to be a man is a flag; it’ll only push you further down the cross-dressing path.

But seeing the determined look in Bai Yifan’s eyes, Xia Chuan decided to "help."

"It’s impossible. You’ll never be a man," Xia Chuan said, patting his shoulder. Yes, helping him give up on manhood.

"Eh?" Bai Yifan’s face fell instantly.

Kid, walk further down that path. Coach can only help so much. Xia Chuan felt ahead of his time, waving the era’s flag! Yes! The world belongs to cute boys!