Liming—Li as in the poet Li Bai, and ming as in "to engrave"—had just become a freshman at Qianning High School. His goal was to graduate successfully, get into university, and broaden his horizons. For this, he never slacked off in his studies.

Today was the first official day of high school. If he could ignore the fierce glare of the horse-faced principal and the unsettling smile of freshman dean "Smiling Tiger" Liu, Liming would have called his start at Qianning perfect.

After washing his face, Liming took a deep breath. The lingering water droplets sent a chill through him. Using cold water on this early autumn morning was a bit too much bravado.

But the cold water banished the last trace of sleepiness from his mind.

His warm breath fogged the mirror, blurring his reflection. Liming couldn't help but frown slightly. He disliked things being unclear.

He rubbed the mirror haphazardly. It revealed a youthful boy in a stiff, neat shirt and Qianning High uniform pants. Tall and slim, with messy hair covering his eyebrows—he was the picture of adolescence. With glasses and a briefcase, he'd resemble a 1980s rural cadre heading to the city.

Liming was gentle-natured. He didn't mind classmates joking about his looks. Sometimes, he even laughed at himself.

Compared to peers, he excelled academically and had strong social skills. In middle school, he'd been indispensable. This carried to high school. His newly graduated homeroom teacher appointed him vice-class monitor. Notably, the class monitor spot was vacant. If he performed well, his "vice" title would soon vanish.

"Come to think of it, she's probably at Qianning too..."

He recalled a perfect senior just one year older. School duties kept her often by his side. She wore an impeccable smile, gently correcting his every mistake. She'd brush stray hairs from her face, insisting he call her "senior." But if he ever slipped up...

Clatter!!

The toothbrush he'd unconsciously grabbed clattered against the sink tiles. Liming's pupils contracted unnaturally. His breathing quickened. He shook his head hard, banishing the chaotic thoughts.

Perhaps at Qianning, he'd run into her again. Though gentle and reliable, Liming couldn't help acting timid around her. This contradiction had long troubled him.

Beneath the sink, a spider spread its sticky web, waiting patiently. An excellent hunter, it wove a large net—no escape once caught.

———

After breakfast, filled with anticipation, Liming tied his tie. He adjusted his Qianning High uniform one last time and stepped out. His home was a ten-minute walk from school. Dawn was breaking. Students in uniform hurried along the road, some near, some far.

Feeling breathless, he loosened his tie—it was too tight. Liming set off on his own two legs.

"Hey~~! Ming, don't walk so fast~~!"

A cheeky voice called from behind. Liming's calm face turned exasperated. He slowed, waiting for his best friend.

It was Zhangqianxing, his childhood buddy. At Qianning, he was a smooth-talking gossip collector, changing girlfriends as often as clothes—a campus celebrity.

"You're up early. I thought you'd still be in bed. What made our handsome Zhang change his ways?"

Zhangqianxing lived up to his name—bold and dazzling like a thousand stars. His handsome face charmed countless girls. Especially with those flirtatious eyes, his targets couldn't resist him. Miraculously, he always parted amicably with each girlfriend.

Though curious how he managed it, Liming preferred to stay clear. He was conservative and chaste, shaped by his upbringing.

"Ooh~~ that hurts! I woke up early to experience Qianning High life. Look at your dark circles—you were too excited to sleep, right? Absolutely~ absolutely~! Was some beauty making our pure-hearted Ming fall for her~~?"

"Seriously, I'm not like you. Don't judge me with your perverted mind."

"Hey hey! I'm thinking about your future, and you insult me? That really hurts~ my~ heart~, you heartless man!"

"Shut up...!"

Seeing Zhangqianxing start singing, Liming clamped a hand over his mouth. In his haste, his strength was surprising—he almost suffocated his friend.

Personal feelings were Liming's taboo, and Zhangqianxing knew it. Today, he'd deliberately provoked him. But this was normal for them. Both attracted the opposite sex—Zhangqianxing with his looks, Liming with his gentle nature.

Youth brimmed with energy. Laughing and chatting, they reached a crosswalk steps from school. Red light, stop; green light, go—a good habit.

Liming had just steadied himself when Zhangqianxing's excited whisper froze him. His pupils contracted slightly.

"Huh...! Look, it's Senior Bailin!"