"Phew, finally done." Ouyang Qianxue was walking back to class from the music room. Ever since he won the city piano competition last time, the Music Club advisor kept summoning him to "guide" club members—though in truth, the teacher just wanted to hear him play again.
"I hope nothing else goes wrong today." But the moment he reached his classroom door, his classmates swarmed around him.
"What’s going on?" Ouyang Qianxue asked urgently.
"Don’t you know? The active idol Ning Caiwei just sent us to deliver a message: she challenges you to stake your School Beauty title against her!"
"Active idol Ning Caiwei?"
"You really don’t know? The breakout star from that idol show last season? She transferred to Cherry Blossom Academy today—Class 4!"
"Why would a celebrity idol pick a fight with me?"
"Obviously she’s after your School Beauty title! Ouyang, you have no idea how powerful that title is. Past School Beauties get snapped up by top film academies before graduation."
"So she’s competing for my title..."
"Don’t worry, Ouyang! We’ll support you over some internet celebrity any day!"
"Yeah!" classmates chorused.
"Qianxue!" A figure pushed through the crowd.
"Qian Wang? What are you doing in my class?" Ouyang Qianxue stared in surprise.
"I need to talk. Come with me." Qian Wang dragged him to the rooftop.
"What’s so urgent?"
"People are at your door, and you’re asking why I’m worried? Do you even know how formidable Ning Caiwei is as an idol?"
"I don’t follow that stuff..."
"Then watch this." Qian Wang pulled out her phone and played a video.
"This is her finale performance from an audition show two years ago."
The girl on screen looked young but radiated pure, sweet charm. Her dancing and vocals were flawless. When she finished, judges flashed high scores.
"Amazing. Her rhythm sense is incredible—perfect timing in both singing and dance. And... she’s so cute."
"Die!" Qian Wang stomped hard on Ouyang Qianxue’s foot.
"What was that for?!" He rubbed his foot, teary-eyed.
"She’s your rival! Yet you’re dazzled by her looks?! And after all this time with me, you’ve never praised me that seriously!"
"S-sorry..."
"Just remember: this opponent isn’t easy to beat."
"Can’t I refuse the challenge? It sounds troublesome."
"No! People will think you’re scared of an idol. Your popularity could drop—and your School Beauty title might be at risk."
"What should I do then?"
"My aunt said if you lack motivation, I should remind you: haven’t you forgotten your seriously ill mother and your middle-school sister? Losing the School Beauty title means failing your mission. Think carefully about the consequences!"
The moment Qian Wang finished, Ouyang Qianxue’s lazy expression vanished, replaced by sharp focus.
"She also said your talent is unmatched. With your professional training, you’ll never lose to some audition-show idol. She expects you to believe in yourself."
"Tell your aunt—I won’t let her down." Ouyang Qianxue turned away, all traces of hesitation gone from his eyes.
Watching his retreating back, Qian Wang sighed inwardly.
*Just as Aunt said... you only get this serious when fighting for others—for Mom, for your sister.*
Ouyang Qianxue soon stood outside Class 4.
"Isn’t that Lady Qianxue, our School Beauty?" His arrival sparked immediate attention.
"No way! Why is Lady Qianxue here?!"
"Ah, she’s as stunning as ever!" Cheers erupted as Class 4 students spotted him.
"Is Ning Caiwei here?"
"Ning Caiwei! The School Beauty is here for you!" someone shouted from the doorway.
Ning Caiwei had been chatting with classmates. Hearing Ouyang Qianxue’s name, she turned toward the door—and froze.
The girl standing there had a slender frame, golden hair flowing to her waist, and flawless pinkish-white skin like strawberry swirl in a milkshake. But her most captivating feature was her fairy-tale face: long lashes framing almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, and peach-blossom lips.
*Damn it... My mind went blank trying to describe her beauty! Is this Cherry Blossom’s School Beauty?!*
Then Ning Caiwei noticed something even more shocking: Ouyang Qianxue wore no makeup. As an idol herself, she could spot cosmetics instantly.
*She’s this gorgeous with zero makeup?!* Doubt crept into Ning Caiwei’s heart.
*Can I really surpass her popularity and take the School Beauty title? No—I’m Ning Caiwei, a top idol! Why am I awed by someone else’s looks?!*
She forced herself to calm down.
*She’s just an ordinary student who happens to be pretty. I have nothing to fear.* Ning Caiwei strode forward.
"I’m Ning Caiwei. The one challenging you to stake your School Beauty title."
"But the title is decided by the School Beauty Committee. Even if I lose and hand it to you, they might not accept it."
"Doesn’t matter. Once I defeat you, the Committee will see who truly deserves it."
