Ever since Ouyang Qianxue was elected the new School Beauty, the doorway of Class 6, Grade 1 had become a constant hub of activity. Almost every boy from other classes wanted to glimpse this legendary beauty—both talented and stunning. So, the moment class ended, they'd swarm over.
Even during PE, the situation didn't improve. Sakura International School's playground was spacious, often hosting multiple classes at once—including Ouyang Qianxue's.
"Eyes front!" a PE teacher barked while lining up students. But he noticed all the boys staring right. That's where Ouyang Qianxue's class stood.
"Look! Isn't that the School Beauty?"
"Wow, the sporty School Beauty is gorgeous too! That golden ponytail radiates energy!"
"You idiots! All of you boys!" the PE teacher roared. "You ignore 'eyes front,' but align perfectly for 'eyes right'? Run five laps around the playground—now!"
Yet even after this, nothing changed.
"Dude, everyone—Ouyang Qianxue's stretching!" a leading boy suddenly yelled.
The others whipped their heads around. There she was, doing a vertical split. The girls' PE uniforms—sports tops, shorts, and black tights—hugged Ouyang Qianxue's slender legs and healthy ankles, making them look incredibly alluring.
"Check out those legs!"
"I could stare for ten years!" The boys' gazes locked onto her again. But just then—
"Ouch!" They crashed into the playground fence like dominoes. Everyone had been too focused on Ouyang Qianxue to watch ahead.
"What are these guys doing?" the PE teacher muttered, covering his face.
Classrooms were affected too. Since the playground faced the teaching building, boys near windows would sneak glances outside during Ouyang Qianxue's PE classes. Even after repeated warnings, they couldn't resist. So substitutes always drew the curtains and turned on lights.
"Phew, I'm exhausted."
At lunch break, Ouyang Qianxue slipped alone to the rooftop to escape burning stares and find peace.
"Such popularity, School Beauty-sama ❤~ I heard even junior section students want your autograph?" a playful voice chimed from behind.
"Stop teasing me, Qian Wang. I never thought pretending to be a girl would be this tiring."
"Not quite—it's being a popular girl that's exhausting. But I heard you agreed to the Music Club's request for the city piano competition?"
"Yeah. Their advisor personally asked."
"Juggling studies, competitions, and School Beauty hassles... Aren't you overworking yourself?" Qian Wang's tone shifted from playful to worried.
"No. I like piano. And thinking that dressing as a girl covers Mom's medical bills and my sister's tuition... it fills me with endless strength." Ouyang Qianxue gazed resolutely into the distance.
Qian Wang was slightly taken aback. The usually timid Ouyang Qianxue showed such strength. Staring at his slender back, she found this boy—who looked so much like a girl—unexpectedly handsome.
*(He’s bearing burdens no teen should carry. How can such frail shoulders hold so much?)* Her eyes softened with sympathy and heartache.
Time flew to the city piano competition day. At Xijiang City Stadium, the event buzzed with energy. City leaders and famous musicians gave speeches.
"Wow... I’ve never seen such a grand setup," Ouyang Qianxue whispered nervously in the contestant area.
"It’s okay, Ouyang," the Music Club advisor said, patting his shoulder. "I’ve seen your talent. You’ll shock the judges."
"But—"
"No buts. Doubting my judgment?"
"N-no!" Ouyang Qianxue flushed, then blurted, "Why must I wear this dress for piano?!"
He wore a strapless white lace-trimmed gown.
"Formal wear is required. And with your fair skin, it’d be a waste not to!" the clueless teacher joked.
Meanwhile, at the judges’ table:
"Sigh, parents only care about grades now, ignoring talents."
"After so many sloppy performances—bad fingerwork, loose rhythm, no emotion—none are decent," two judges grumbled.
"But next is Sakura’s student. That school values all-round development. They won’t disappoint," a female judge assured.
"Let’s hope so."
"Next, contestant number 35: Ouyang Qianxue from Sakura International School!" The host announced. Ouyang Qianxue walked slowly onstage.
"Huh, pretty girl. But will her skills impress us?"
She sat at the piano, choosing a Debussy étude.
"Confident choice. Even Debussy said his études hover at peak difficulty."
Within moments, the judges’ eyes lit up.
"Hmm! Perfect rhythm from the start!"
As the music flowed, they sat up straight, listening intently.
"Hey—this level!"
"Yeah, even conservatory students might not match this!"
When the final note faded, the judges sat stunned by her superb skill—forgetting to score.
