November 19th, Thursday, Morning

Student Council President Ouyang Muxia sought out the Head of the Sports Department. This person oversaw refereeing for the main events and managed on-site equipment at the sports meet. She was Zhao Ji, a mysterious girl from Class 2, senior year—rarely seen, like a dragon whose head appears but tail is hidden. Clearly, she hadn’t skipped this time. Otherwise, her position might have been seized. So who exactly was Zhao Ji?

Students from nearby classes might have heard of her. They might know what she did during freshman and sophomore years, or how famous she was. But in senior year, she vanished suddenly. She skipped major events and club activities. She rarely handled Sports Department affairs, delegating everything to the new Vice Head, Qinmu. Even her classmates seldom saw her in class. Yes, she didn’t attend school at all.

Thus, Zhao Ji’s past was slowly forgotten. Even if she’d been famous in sophomore year, or had excellent grades, it was hard to confirm without personal investigation. Under such unclear circumstances, her role as nominal Head of the Sports Department was a big mystery. This had long troubled Qinmu. He’d never seen such a shameless head who did nothing. So why keep the title?

That morning after school, Zhao Ji appeared at school as promised. She walked leisurely from Building 1 to Building 2, unhurried. No one recognized her anyway. Who she was didn’t matter to others. Her pink shoulder-length hair drew many boys’ stares. Her tall figure, beautiful and captivating face, ample bust, and confident smile all signaled she was no ordinary person.

"Little Muxia, open the door," Zhao Ji said patiently as she knocked. Shangguan Jingheng immediately opened it, then silently returned to his seat.

Seeing her, Ouyang Muxia showed no surprise or delight. She simply said, "Busybody, you still remember to come? I thought you’d forgotten the whole school."

Zhao Ji sat on the sofa, legs crossed calmly. "How could I refuse when Little Muxia calls? Just tell me what to do. I’ll pass it to the Vice Head later."

Ouyang Muxia chuckled coldly. "Being your Vice Head must be exhausting. Harder than being Head. Why not just give him your position? You do nothing anyway. Why block his future?"

Zhao Ji didn’t get angry. "I’ve thought about it. But only after I fully leave school."

Ouyang Muxia showed no interest in her thoughts. "Chongqing University wants to recruit you early, skipping the national college entrance exam. Quite lucky."

Zhao Ji smiled. "Thanks to you, Little Muxia. I get credits even when absent. I owe you, cousin."

Ouyang Muxia remained cold. "Don’t credit me. Your classmates sign you in. That’s why your attendance is perfect. Clubs and departments cover for you too. You’re just lucky, cousin."

"Pass this plan to your Vice Head. He needs to see it. Have him come to my office later. I have instructions." Muxia hadn’t expected Zhao Ji to do anything. She’d only called her to meet.

"So you made me come for nothing? Could’ve just given it to him." Zhao Ji’s tone held slight dissatisfaction.

"Did you think I called you just for this? You’re not easily fooled. That’s why you came. University A only has three spots for our school. You don’t count since you weren’t admitted through exams. Father wants you to give a talk this week. Share study and application tips for students. You won’t refuse, right?" Muxia’s tone softened a little.

"I can do it. But I won’t guarantee it’ll match their current problems. Getting into University A wasn’t just about good applications or grades. Without talent and connections, our school has plenty of candidates." Zhao Ji smiled, clearly pleased with herself.

"Don’t get too proud. Fewer shady methods are better. For sophomores and seniors, hard work is what matters. Skip the underhanded tricks and shortcuts. If universities are full of people like you, it’s truly worrying." Ouyang Muxia’s dislike was plain.

"Little Muxia, I’m your cousin. How can you say that? Smart people have smart methods. Even without them, I’d still get into Chongqing University. Don’t forget—I was top student school-wide in sophomore year. Many forgot, but I haven’t. No real skill, no handling delicate tasks." Zhao Ji spoke lazily, still proud of her past glory.

Ouyang Muxia repeated, "Caution brings safety. Flaunting invites trouble. Understand?"

Zhao Ji stood up, displeased. "Done talking? I’ll give this to him. Handle the rest yourselves. I have zero interest in the sports meet."

She grabbed the plan and left, slamming the Student Council room door shut. Shangguan Jingheng sighed from his seat. "She’s still so full of herself."

Ouyang Muxia had almost forgotten he was there. "Can’t help it. People like her, overconfident in their talents, do as they please. But don’t spread this. Bad for reputation."

Shangguan Jingheng showed no expression. "Understood. I’ve printed the forms. Check them." He handed the documents to Muxia.

Muxia set them aside. "Later. I need a break first."

The room had good lighting and half a classroom’s space. Bookshelves, sofas, desks, and personal items filled it.

Qinmu worried about tomorrow’s sports meet. But the Sports Department was unusually full. Girls organized participant lists. The printer never stopped. Boys set up equipment on the field, marking lines and cleaning tracks.

Soon, Zhao Ji strolled into the Sports Department room. "Qinmu, dear junior, you’ve gotten prettier. Such a lovely face. Makes me want to be your girlfriend."

Qinmu kept his reply proper. "Head, what brings you here today? What needs doing?"

Zhao Ji gently patted his head. "Just here to see you, junior."

Qinmu knew her act well. "Senior, no riddles."

Zhao Ji smiled, her expression uncomfortably fake. Qinmu didn’t notice. "Such a good junior. Here’s the Student Council’s plan. Review it. Then meet them later."

Qinmu took the plan. "Understood. Will you stay or leave?"

Zhao Ji clearly intended to go. "No, I have class matters. Sorry to leave you busy."

Qinmu watched her leave, suppressing his resentment. *She’s despicable. All talk, no action.*

At the Student Council, Muxia discussed matters with members who arrived after class. Tables and forms filled the room with busy energy. Yesterday, the council had been lifeless—everyone did their own thing. Only Muxia and Jingheng handled school affairs. Their skills made others seem unnecessary. Some just chatted or drank tea. But the day before the sports meet couldn’t be like that. Without everyone, the workload would overwhelm just two people. Worse, Ouyang Muxia might explode. Then all absent members would lose their credits.

Qinmu carefully reviewed the plan. He discussed adjustments with same-grade girls and juniors. Boys assigned changes faced hard work—erasing and redrawing lines they’d just finished.

By 2 PM, Qinmu finally headed to the Student Council. He dreaded the awkwardness. After all, the president had treated him terribly before. He knocked nervously. Someone opened the door. Ouyang Muxia recognized him instantly. *The boy who looks like a girl? Could he be the Sports Vice Head?*

Qinmu introduced himself to the room. "I’m Nangong Qinmu from Class 13. Vice Head of the Sports Department. I came as notified."

Ouyang Muxia’s suspicion was confirmed. Her face showed no change. "Sit. We’ll continue the meeting. Share your thoughts after."

Nangong Qinmu glanced around shyly. Silent Shangguan Jingheng. Stern President Ouyang Muxia. Smiling Chu Cheng—the rumored top student. Flustered Vice President Yin Wenqi. Two unfamiliar faces. But no Qi Yao. *Where is he? Expelled from the council? Possible.*