Junior Li Ming was the typical popular top student, while Xu Peng was an average guy with a tough exterior but a soft heart. If they ever met, it would definitely lead to many interesting encounters.
At least, that’s what Senior Bailin thought.
Xu Peng longed for someone to understand and accept him. This wasn’t special—it was a common feeling for boys his age. Li Ming happened to be deeply caring toward others, unlike Bai Ling, who treated everyone equally.
Senior Bailin could already predict it: when Li Ming and Xu Peng met, their first encounter wouldn’t be friendly at all.
Bai Ling couldn’t claim to read hearts perfectly. But for her beloved junior Li Ming and her old subordinate Xu Peng—who’d followed her over a year—she could see this much clearly.
“That freshman… is he really that good?”
A flicker of unease crossed Xu Peng’s mind. He suddenly felt he needed to know what kind of person that freshman was—the one Senior Bailin would almost certainly recruit into the Secretarial Section.
“A newcomer who earned Wu Shaoze’s praise? What do you think—is he good?”
“If even Director Wu praised him… yeah, he must be impressive.”
Wu Shaoze, head of the Daily Life Department, was famously stiff and serious. He’d even openly defy Senior Bailin. Xu Peng respected him but wasn’t fond of him.
He admired Wu’s well-organized work ethic—the entire department ran smoothly. But Wu’s slightly arrogant attitude rubbed Xu Peng the wrong way.
If Wu Shaoze praised him, that freshman was at least deputy-director material. That alone proved his excellence. Xu Peng felt a sudden sense of crisis welling up inside.
“True. No matter what, he worked with me back in middle school—a guy who could hold his own. Xu Peng, you might get along with him if you get the chance.”
At the mention of Li Ming, Senior Bailin’s gentleness melted like honey. Her genuine joy was palpable. Only then did her aloofness vanish—the unattainable goddess became a beautiful woman with mortal warmth.
Xu Peng’s simple mind couldn’t decode the depth behind her beaming smile. But instinct told him: Senior Bailin and that junior shared a deep bond.
Ignoring Xu Peng’s increasingly complex gaze, Bai Ling checked her phone. 1:40 PM. In half an hour, student numbers would surge.
Qianning High School’s afternoon classes started at 2:50 PM—three periods total. Most core subjects were taught in the morning, when energy was high. Afternoons were for minor subjects, meant to relax students.
Evening self-study was usually independent work, with major-subject teachers answering questions. Near midterms or finals, it turned into test practice.
Privileged students were rare. Someone like Senior Bailin—blessed with every privilege—was rarer still. The school board had approved only one. Most students had a love-hate relationship with exams.
“Time’s about up. My ride should be here soon. Xu Peng, remember to pass my message to Xiao Ye this afternoon. Barring surprises, I won’t be back today. Stay and rest if you like—but lock the office when you leave.”
Bai Ling tucked stray hairs behind her ear, put away her pen, and double-checked for forgotten items. She stood, pushing her chair in neatly.
In her hurry, Senior Bailin didn’t notice Xu Peng’s gloomy expression. And Xu Peng, equally downcast, missed the chilling smile curling at Bai Ling’s lips as she left the office.
Senior Bailin was never a simple person…
Click!
The office door shut. To Xu Peng, the once-warm room turned icy and unfeeling without her.
He felt a pang of loss. Moments ago, he’d felt closer to Senior Bailin than ever. Yet another feeling whispered: she was drifting away.
But what did it matter? He and Senior Bailin were from two different worlds. Without the Student Council, they’d never have crossed paths.
Xu Peng stood, pushing his chair back. A file on Senior Bailin’s desk caught his eye—not from Discipline or Arts and Sports Department, but from Daily Life.
Surprised, he picked it up unconsciously. By the time he snapped out of it, he’d flipped it open. It detailed Li Ming’s brilliant performances since the semester began. Compared to that, Xu Peng’s own record was pathetic.
Stunned, he stared at the file. It felt heavier than a thousand pounds.
[Senior Bailin… is it because of him you’re happy…]
Intense bitterness flooded Xu Peng’s heart. His body moved before his mind—he bolted out the door. He had to catch Senior Bailin, demand who Li Ming really was. Desire devoured reason.
He didn’t consider his right to confront her. Or the consequences. He just had to do it!
Sprinting, Xu Peng’s athletic reflexes kept him from stumbling.
Can’t see her! Can’t see Senior Bailin’s back!
This chase mirrored his chaotic heart. No matter how hard he pushed, Bai Ling’s shadow stayed out of reach. Even when glimpsed, the distance never closed.
Gasping at the school gate, Xu Peng saw a car stop before Senior Bailin. A butler-like man stepped out, opening the door respectfully. Bai Ling slid in naturally.
While Xu Peng stood stunned, the car drove away.
“That was the Student Council president, right? Tsk, rich kid—Bentley pickup. Makes my mouth water… millions of dollars!”
“Rich, sure. But she’s no nouveau riche. A true heiress. With the stunts she pulls in high school? Without power backing her, she’d be dead by now.”
“Rich and powerful… sigh. A lifetime of struggle can’t match a golden birth.”
The security guard’s words stabbed Xu Peng like knives. He realized the gap between him and Bai Ling wasn’t just a million-dollar Bentley—it was an illustrious family legacy…
