The White Clan was the wealthiest and most influential family in Xijiang City.

Their legacy ran deep, dating back before the nation's founding. Generations had attended university, making them a true scholarly dynasty.

Later, ancestors built their fortune by contracting coal mines. After securing their first major earnings, real estate cemented their status as Xijiang's top elite family.

Bai Yuxuan was the first heir of this powerful White Clan. She never failed to meet her elders' expectations.

Her looks rivaled Asian boy bands. Academically, since entering Cherry Blossom Academy, she'd held first place effortlessly. Her total score always led the runner-up by about fifty points. By fifteen, she handled company affairs for her elders. Among White Clan peers, no other heir matched her.

"Wow, it's Bai Yuxuan!" Just walking campus triggered screams from girls. An ordinary boy would dream of such glory. But to Bai Yuxuan, it meant nothing. She even hated being Bai Yuxuan. Hated being born into the White Clan.

It began with her childhood and true gender. At birth, she was named Bai Yuxuan—a genuine girl.

But the White Clan only allowed males to inherit. To secure her position, her father changed her name to Bai Yuxuan and hid her gender. He planned to reveal the truth once her power was solid.

Recalling her childhood, Bai Yuxuan clenched her fists.

The family demanded heirs stay one step ahead. First place in exams was expected. Second place made even breathing feel wrong at home. Especially during meals, facing her father's icy glare. The memory still sent chills down her spine.

This was why she despised the White Clan most. She'd never felt a trace of familial warmth. Her parents cared only about grades—how many points she led by.

Ironically, she first understood family affection by watching others.

One day, her father drove her to meet a client. As they parked, a child tripped near the car. The mother rushed over, checking for injuries. She gently brushed dust off the child and bandaged a scrape.

That small gesture pierced Bai Yuxuan's heart. For the first time, she saw how parents and children should interact. Then—

"What are you staring at? Commoners' children don't deserve your attention. Remember your identity—you're my heir, the future of the White Clan!" Her father's face was cold as iron.

Bai Yuxuan realized she was just a tool to maintain his power.

The irony struck her. Her allowance could buy any toy or snack peers wanted. But not the parental love ordinary kids had. The richest poor person—that was her.

Bai Yuxuan snapped back to reality as the classroom erupted in chatter. A transfer student was introducing herself. Golden hair framed a face outshining idol stars.

Her cheeks were slightly flushed—nervous or shy—adding to her charm.

Coincidentally, the teacher seated her beside Bai Yuxuan.

(Just a pretty face. At best, a vase.) To shake off dark memories, Bai Yuxuan grabbed a novel and flipped pages.

"Hey, class has started?" the golden-haired girl whispered.

"I've finished all high school courses. The teacher allows reading." Annoyed, Bai Yuxuan snapped back and kept reading.

She hated girls fawning over her superficial glories.

(No one truly understands me!)

The girl stopped talking after Bai Yuxuan's cold reply. This improved Bai Yuxuan's impression—she wasn't clingy like others.

The next day, her desk mate became an overnight sensation. Rumors said she'd dominated Cherry Blossom Academy's clubs, with many vying to recruit her.

(Seems she's also a caged bird. Probably raised under strict discipline,) Bai Yuxuan thought. Exceptional talent like that didn't happen by chance. As Student Council President, she knew those clubs weren't mere hobbies.

Then came a soft *plop*. From the corner of her eye, Bai Yuxuan saw her desk mate slump onto the desk. Uncomfortable with attention—just like Bai Yuxuan once was. They shared similarities. Maybe they could connect. But Bai Yuxuan instantly crushed the thought.

Her goal was clear: meet heir requirements fast, inherit the company, expand her influence, break free from her father, and live truly for herself.

(So no time for trivial distractions. Focus on studies.) She turned to her university textbook. High school lessons meant nothing to her.

Monthly exams? She didn't care. Score reports were just routine updates for her parents. Leading by fifty or sixty points never earned extra praise.