"As long as I defeat you, the School Beauty Committee will see who truly deserves to be School Beauty."
Ning Caiwei struck a confident pose.
"I see. So you're set on settling this with me. Before, I wouldn't have cared about the School Beauty title. But now, it means everything. I'll give it my all!"
Ouyang Qianxue stood equally resolute.
"Good. That's what makes it fun. I'll show you the gap between an active idol and an ordinary high school student like you."
"Bring it on. How do you want to compete?"
"I've heard Cherry Blossom Academy's School Beauty excels in everything, especially talents. Let's settle it in three rounds: singing first, dancing second, and popularity among students third. Tomorrow after school—sound good?"
"Accepted. But what about venue, audience, and judges?"
"I'll handle all that!" A voice cut in.
Bai Yuxuan strode in from the classroom doorway.
"Use the school gym. As Student Council President, I'll arrange it. Judges? I'll ask advisors from relevant clubs. Audience..." He glanced at the surrounding students.
"We'll be there! It's the School Beauty versus an idol!"
"Yeah, totally!" Students chimed in eagerly.
"Anyone who wants to come, go ahead. Spread the word too. A showdown like this needs a roaring crowd."
"What are you doing here?" Ouyang Qianxue glared at Bai Yuxuan, annoyed.
"Because it's fun," Bai Yuxuan grinned mischievously.
"You're so naive. She's betting her School Beauty title, yet you're not asking for anything. She's using her idol status and industry experience to bully you—a student with zero real-world smarts." He sighed, rubbing his forehead.
"I'm not bullying her!" Ning Caiwei shot back.
"Then bet something too. She's risking her title. Don't expect a free win."
"Fine. If she wins, she can ask anything of me—as long as I can do it."
"Perfect. It's settled!" Bai Yuxuan smiled.
That night, a post titled "School Beauty vs. Pop Idol" flooded Cherry Blossom Academy's campus forum. Clicks hit 999+ instantly—the hottest thread since Ouyang Qianxue became School Beauty. Comments poured in:
"Is this real?"
"Absolutely! I'm from Class Four. They agreed right outside our classroom, with Bai Yuxuan there too."
"Think it's over Bai Yuxuan?" Gossipy students replied.
"Probably. He's crazy handsome and talented."
"Stop guessing. I heard it's for the School Beauty title."
"Oh? Who do you back for tomorrow?"
"Lady Qianxue, obviously. I've never met a real-life woman as perfect as her—beauty and talent combined."
"But the idol's no pushover. She's actively famous."
"That's why it'll be epic. I'm skipping club activities to watch."
"Same here!"
"Me too!" Replies flooded the thread.
Meanwhile, in Ouyang Qianxue's dorm.
Qian Wang stepped out of the bathroom after showering—and froze. Ouyang Qianxue's head pressed against her leg, arms tightly hugging her feet.
"What are you doing?"
"Dance is in tomorrow's match. I'm stretching early. Haven't practiced in ages."
"Wow, your flexibility's insane. I'm not that limber. Are you really a guy?"
"Of course. I'm a real man."
"Somehow, that lacks zero convincing power."
"Ugh."
"Haha, joking. Honestly, carrying your whole family alone? That's manly. But..."
"But what?"
"Don't just live for others. Live for yourself too. I'm sleeping. Don't overdo it." Qian Wang climbed into bed.
"Live for myself..." Ouyang Qianxue murmured. He'd never pictured his future. When his mom recovered and he finished his aunt's task... where would he go? Unknown.
"But one thing's clear now: I must shoulder my responsibilities." He resumed stretching.
The next day after school, Cherry Blossom Academy emptied. Main paths stood deserted. Club rooms were vacant. Everyone crammed into the gym.
All wanted to see who'd win: the School Beauty or the idol.
"Welcome to the School Beauty versus idol showdown!" Bai Yuxuan approached the podium mic in hand.
"Look! It's Bai Yuxuan!"
"His looks never get old!" Girls screamed; boys shot jealous glares.
"Before we start, meet today's judges." All eyes turned to the panel.
Advisors from Street Dance Club, Dance Club, and Music Club sat there. Cherry Blossom hired strictly—most graduated from top art schools. Their standards were sky-high.
"And we have a special guest judge!"
A stylish woman entered the gym.
"Wait—is that..."
"No way! They got her!" Students gaped, stunned.
"Exactly! The hottest singer right now: Bai Yuting!" Cheers exploded. Fans screamed, parting a path to the judges' seats.
Bai Yuting sat down and gave Bai Yuxuan a slight smile.
"You really know how to boss your sister around. I ditched an exclusive interview for this, little bro. You owe me big time."
Turns out, Bai Yuting was Bai Yuxuan's cousin.
"What? They're siblings?!" The crowd gasped, shocked.
"No problem. When I make my comeback in the White Clan, I'll repay you."
