"Hey, did you all hear?" After the monthly exams, a group of students chatted idly.

"Hear what?"

"About Ouyang Qianxue! She actually got second place in the whole grade—only two points behind Bai Yuxuan!"

"No way? You’re kidding!"

"It’s true! I wouldn’t believe it myself if I hadn’t seen the ranking board."

"Wow… Ouyang is incredible. Stunning looks, amazing at every talent, and now this scary brainpower? How can anyone be this perfect?"

Ever since the exams ended, Ouyang Qianxue’s fame had exploded again. Now, no one at Cherry Blossom Academy didn’t know her name.

"Well then, gentlemen," a boy declared in a dim classroom packed with dozens of male students. The president of the School Beauty Committee stood at the center, his badge glinting. "Didn’t I tell you my judgment was flawless? Lady Qianxue never betrays our expectations."

"She didn’t just meet them—she’s only two points behind Bai Yuxuan!"

"Unbelievable. If I hadn’t seen it myself, I’d never have thought someone as extraordinary as Lady Qianxue existed!"

"Enough praising Lady Qianxue’s excellence," the president cut in smoothly. "I gathered the committee today to confirm one thing: Does anyone object to nominating Ouyang Qianxue as our next School Beauty?"

"No objections!" the boys chorused.

"Good. Then I’ll upload the decision now."

He pressed the enter key. A post flooded the campus forum: *"The School Beauty Committee officially crowns Ouyang Qianxue as Cherry Blossom Academy’s School Beauty."*

"Now," the president murmured, "it’s time to deliver that gift to Lady Qianxue."

---

In Class 6, Grade 10, Ouyang Qianxue had barely stepped inside when classmates swarmed her, stars in their eyes.

"Ouyang, you’re amazing! Second place—only two points behind Bai Yuxuan!"

"Teach us your study secrets, please!"

"Me too! I need help!"

They pressed in, chattering excitedly, leaving Qianxue flustered.

"Back off!" A boy’s sharp voice cut through the noise. "Can’t you see she’s overwhelmed? You’ve blocked her so long she hasn’t even put her bag down!"

Only then did they notice Qianxue still clutching her backpack. Apologies tumbled out as they parted like a wave.

"It’s alright," Qianxue said gently, smiling. "I’m happy you’re all so enthusiastic."

"Even her personality’s perfect!" someone sighed.

"And thank you," Qianxue turned to the boy. "You saved me back there."

"No problem. We’re classmates."

"Mm." She walked to her seat.

*After all,* the boy whispered under his breath once she was gone, *it’s our duty as the School Beauty Committee to resolve her troubles.*

---

As Qianxue slid her bag into her desk, her fingers brushed against something unexpected.

*What’s this?*

She reached in and pulled out a silver hairpin shaped like a cherry blossom.

"Look! What’s in Ouyang’s hand—?!"

"That’s the School Beauty’s Proof!"

"The *what*?" Qianxue blinked.

"Every new School Beauty receives it," a girl explained eagerly. "It’s a Cherry Blossom tradition. We heard you passed the committee’s preliminary review. Now with this pin? You’re officially crowned!" Envious murmurs rippled through the girls.

A boy frantically checked his phone. "It’s true! The committee just announced it on the forum!"

"Congratulations, Ouyang!" Cheers erupted around her.

"Thank you, but… this is silver. It’s too valuable—"

"Don’t worry," another student cut in. "This pin has history. Years ago, the committee president made it for his School Beauty. They married later. To thank the academy for bringing them together, he now gifts this pin to every new School Beauty through his jewelry shop. The committee gets it for free."

"I see…"

"So keep it! Honestly, after Bai Yuxuan, having someone like you in Class 6 makes me feel like a total nobody."

"Same here!"

"I’m just an ordinary student," Qianxue said, cheeks flushing.

The bell rang. Reluctantly, everyone returned to their seats.

Bai Yuxuan entered then. Passing Qianxue’s desk, she paused, studying her twice. *This girl nearly dethroned me. I can’t underestimate her again.*

"Something wrong?" Qianxue met her gaze.

"Just looking at the one who almost beat me." Their eyes locked.

*(Her eyes hold no fervor like mine. No ambition. But they’re not clouded either—she’s not surrendering to her family’s control. What are you hiding, Ouyang Qianxue?)* Bai Yuxuan had read people since childhood in her powerful clan. Yet this girl remained a mystery.

"Hmph. I can’t decipher you," Bai Yuxuan said coolly. "But we’re nothing alike. And don’t think surpassing me will be easy." She turned away, reopening her university-level textbook.

"Surpass you? When did I ever say that?" Qianxue frowned. "What a strange person." She focused on the teacher’s lecture.

After that brief exchange, the two became strangers once more.