"Well then, without further ado, let me meet that legendary all-capable School Beauty," Ning Caiwei thought. After the second class ended, she eagerly headed toward Class 6, Grade 1, where Ouyang Qianxue was.
Just then, a boy with a cold expression and a small braid walked straight toward her. Ning Caiwei was instantly captivated by his melancholic eyes and handsome looks. This boy was none other than Bai Yuxuan.
"Wait! You there!" Ning Caiwei immediately blocked Bai Yuxuan's path.
"What do you want?" Bai Yuxuan asked coldly.
"I want to know your name. I'm Ning Caiwei—you must have heard of me..."
"Ning Caiwei? Never heard of you. I'm Bai Yuxuan." With that, Bai Yuxuan brushed past her to leave.
Ning Caiwei stood frozen in shock. No one had ever dared to ignore her like this. Yet, his indifference oddly sparked her interest.
"Wait!" She hurried after him.
"I've heard about you. My classmates say you're amazing at sports, always top of the grade, and now I see you're handsome too. I approve of you. How about becoming my boyfriend?"
"Huh?" Bai Yuxuan stared at her like she was an idiot. Unaware, Ning Caiwei assumed he was just startled and explained further.
"As an idol, I have to sing love songs. But since my debut, I've never been in a relationship, so my songs feel hollow. The moment I saw you, I felt my heart skip. You're perfect in every way. Be my boyfriend! Having a cute idol like me as your girlfriend would boost your status, right?"
"Hmph. Clever plan," Bai Yuxuan said with a faint smile.
"Then—" Ning Caiwei began to smile too, but his next words slapped her like a physical blow.
"Your plan might be clever, but I, Bai Yuxuan, have no time to waste on someone like you." He walked off again.
Ning Caiwei remained rooted to the spot, unable to believe her ears. After a long pause, she chased after him.
"How dare you speak to me like that! Do you know how honored you should feel? An idol like me lowering herself to be your girlfriend! You not only refuse but insult me!" she yelled furiously.
"Wake up to reality. You're just a social media star. At Cherry Blossom Academy, where wealthy families abound, you're nobody. Some students' parents are former top-tier celebrities. Do you really think their praise is genuine? Don't be naive—they're just flattering you out of politeness."
Bai Yuxuan unlocked the Student Council office door with his key.
(Impossible! No boy could resist me unless... Ah, I get it!)
"Wait!" Ning Caiwei grabbed his shoulder.
"Your harsh words are all because of Ouyang Qianxue, aren't they? You like her, don't you?"
At the mention of Ouyang Qianxue's name, Bai Yuxuan's body visibly trembled.
"Ah, I knew it! That Ouyang Qianxue—first she made my classmates ignore me in class, now she's caused me this humiliation. Just wait, I'll make her pay..."
Before she could finish, Bai Yuxuan yanked her into the Student Council office. He locked the door with one hand and pinned her against the wall by her wrist with the other.
"W-what are you doing!" Ning Caiwei's arrogance vanished, replaced by panic. Bai Yuxuan's icy glare made the air feel colder. It was like a sharp blade pressed to her throat. She knew he'd do something terrible if she didn't satisfy him.
"What did you mean by 'make her pay'? What will you do to her?"
"I just meant taking her School Beauty title! How can you manhandle a girl? Let me go!"
"Oh, is that all?" Bai Yuxuan released her wrist.
"Someone half-baked like you challenging her for School Beauty? I almost pity you."
"We'll see! I'm a current idol, while she's just an ordinary student. In terms of charm, I'm definitely superior!"
"Is that so? Go ahead and try. I hope you still have that confidence after seeing her true strength. Let me tell you this now: at this school, the only one worthy of being her rival is me."
"Hmph. Just wait. After I defeat Ouyang Qianxue, you'll see my charm. You'll regret rejecting me and treating me so rudely!" Ning Caiwei stormed out, slamming the door.
Watching her leave, Bai Yuxuan smiled faintly.
"If you, Ning Caiwei, are a star in the night sky, then Ouyang Qianxue is the sun. Do you know why stars vanish in daylight? The sun's brilliant light drowns out their faint glow. Only at night, without the sun, do stars become visible. A dim star like you trying to outshine the sun will be swallowed by her radiance. I can't wait to see your devastated face after she crushes you."
Meanwhile, Ning Caiwei arrived at the door of Class 6, Grade 1.
"Which one of you is Ouyang Qianxue?" she asked the students.
"You mean Ouyang? She's helping a teacher. If you need something, we can pass on a message."
"Fine. Tell her this: I, Ning Caiwei, challenge her to a showdown for her Cherry Blossom Academy School Beauty title!" Ning Caiwei turned and left.
At the doorway, she brushed past Qian Wang without a word. But Qian Wang had overheard everything. She quickly found a quiet spot, pulled out her phone, and dialed a number.
"Hello, Auntie? Something's wrong. Idol Ning Caiwei suddenly transferred to Cherry Blossom Academy, and she's challenging Qianxue for the School Beauty title."
"Really? Let her try. Qianxue is my masterpiece. A social media star like Ning Caiwei can't compare."
"But she's somewhat famous. Shouldn't we be cautious..."
"No need. Let them compete. This is a perfect chance to test how far Ouyang Qianxue's strength has grown."
