Sakura International School

Nestled in Xijiang City, this elite co-ed boarding academy sprawled across over 500 acres. Modern facilities, top-tier education, and an elegant campus lived up to its name—every spring, cherry blossoms blanketed the grounds like pink snow.

Though technically open to the public, Sakura demanded two things: *wealth* and *talent*. With annual tuition hitting 100,000 yuan, many families couldn’t afford it. Its entrance exams were tougher than top public schools—a true academy for the privileged.

Where other schools taught academics and character, Sakura added *grace*. Even uniforms were designed by Parisian fashion masters. Step onto campus, and elegance seeped into your bones.

Under a blooming cherry tree, two impeccably dressed boys sipped afternoon tea.

"Seen that new movie yesterday?"

"Yeah. Only did well ’cause the lead actress was hot."

"Among everyone I know? Only Lady Qianxue rivals her beauty."

A flash of gold swept past them.

"Look! Lady Qianxue in person!"

"Holy crap—we mention her and she appears! Correction: Qianxue’s way prettier."

Their chatter died instantly. They stared, awestruck.

A golden-haired girl glided by—slender frame, face outshining idols.

"Good afternoon, Lady Qianxue!" Students of all genders bowed as she passed.

"Hello, everyone," she replied with a slight bow.

"Who’s *that*?" a new transfer student whispered.

"You’re at Sakura and don’t know Lady Qianxue?" His classmate gaped.

"First day here..."

"She’s our pride. Ranked #2 academically since enrollment. Masters painting, flower arranging, tea ceremony—you name it. But her *music*? Unreal."

"How unreal?"

"Every piano and violin competition? She represents Sakura. And she *always* wins."

"That strong? Wait—is she *the* Ouyang Qianxue? The ‘Golden-Haired Piano Demon’? I read about her! Crushes competitions with near-perfect scores. Xijiang City’s #1 genius?"

"Exactly."

"I’ve been her fan since that magazine feature. Can’t believe we’re classmates!"

"Don’t celebrate yet. The music room just got a new piano. Teacher asked her to test it—she’s heading there now."

"Let’s go listen!"

They rushed to the music room. Already, a crowd gathered outside. Phones recorded audio; one student even set up a DSLR.

"Bigger than the rumors," one muttered.

"Shh! She’s starting."

Ouyang Qianxue’s fingers lifted—then danced. Faster. Fierce.

"*Rachmaninoff’s First Piano Sonata!*" A music-savvy student gasped.

"Even pros struggle with that! How’s she nailing it?!"

Her playing was crystalline. Rhythms precise. She poured raw emotion into every note, mastering the sonata’s stormy soul.

"Incredible," murmured the music teacher—a conservatory graduate. "You’ve outdone yourself, Qianxue."

"Just doing my best, Teacher." With a polite nod, she slipped away under blazing stares.

---

In the school’s back garden—

"*The hell!*" A hulking boy—Ge Yunhao, karate club ace—knocked out a scrawny student with one punch. His cronies stomped the fallen boy. "You dared confess to Wang Qian? Don’t you know *I’m* chasing her?"

"Ge Yunhao’s bullying again," passersby whispered.

"Mind your own damn business!" Ge snarled, whirling on them. "Or I’ll beat you too!"

No one moved. Ge was heir to a property empire—and Xijiang’s most feared fighter.

"See?" Ge yanked the boy up by his collar. "I rule this school. Mess with my girl? You’re dead." His fist drew back—then froze mid-swing.

"*Who gave you permission to trash my territory?*" A cold voice cut through the air.

"Bai Yuxuan!" Ge recognized the long-haired boy with a neat braid and sharp features.

"Boss, let’s go! He’s the White Clan’s heir! Became Student Council President as a freshman. Single-handedly took down Sakura’s last school tyrant!"

"Rumors!" Ge shoved Bai’s hand away. "This pretty boy’s all talk!" He lunged—a brutal punch aimed at Bai’s face.

*Crack.*

Bai’s fist connected first. Ge flew backward, unconscious before he hit the ground.

"Seems my Jeet Kune Do beats your karate."

"Yuxuan-sama’s amazing!" Girls nearby squealed, star-struck.

"Top grades, insane looks, *and* martial arts genius?"

"But that icy attitude... irresistible."

"No wonder he’s #1 on every girl’s ‘dream boyfriend’ list."

Bai Yuxuan stared down at Ge’s limp form. "Remember whose school this is." With a cold snort, he strode toward the main building amid shrieking fangirls.

---

Ouyang Qianxue exited the music room just as Bai Yuxuan approached. They passed each other in the hallway.

Two girls froze mid-step.

"Look! Sakura’s Twin Stars—Lady Qianxue and Bai Yuxuan!"

"They’re perfect together! Do you think...?"

"Only two people in this school who match each other."

Neither spared the other a glance.

*(Ridiculous. How could I ever be interested in (boys) girls?)*

The thought echoed identically in both their minds.