"Huh?" Ning Caiwei only realized what she’d blurted out after the sound escaped her lips.

"Just like that." Ouyang Qianxue smiled faintly.

"Your passion for idol stardom and relentless effort made you who you are today. Denying yourself now means denying that love and hard work."

"But... I still lost."

"Then find the reason. Which helps you grow more—rejecting yourself after failure, or learning from it? The answer’s obvious."

"Learning from failure..." Ning Caiwei’s eyes widened in realization. "I get it now, Ouyang Qianxue. Is this why you’re so strong? You work harder than me, and your heart is far more steadfast."

"I finally understand why Mom said coming to Cherry Blossom Academy wasn’t just about polishing my resume. Being around someone as exceptional as you shows me my flaws—what I still lack."

"But I’m curious about one thing..." Ning leaned in slightly. "Earlier, you mentioned something precious that drives all your effort. What is it?"

"That’s confidential."

"Oh... What a shame." Disappointment tinged Ning’s voice.

"Let me ask something else then! Ouyang, have you trained in martial arts? The way you handled those thugs earlier was incredible!"

"Hmm... some self-defense and combat training." Ouyang’s expression darkened. Ever since Wang Shimin adopted him, she’d enforced strict "ladylike" rules—banning boyish hobbies like soccer. Only martial arts earned her full approval.

*"You’re too adorable,"* Wang had explained. *"Men might lose control around you. Since I can’t assign bodyguards during our missions, you must protect yourself."*

He’d thought she was joking—until today’s thug switched targets from Ning to him the moment he saw Ouyang. *I’m a boy!*

*Ugh.* The thought of being more tempting than a female idol made his masculine pride crumble.

"You really know martial arts?!" Ning’s eyes sparkled like stars.

"Ouyang Qianxue, how can anyone be this perfect? Classmates say you master every art, top your year academically, *and* fight—what *can’t* you do?"

"It’s not that impressive." Ouyang gazed out the window, melancholy. *If I were truly capable, Mom and my sister wouldn’t struggle so hard.*

"Ouyang? Are you okay?" Ning asked, noticing his distant look.

"Just... remembering things you said." He offered a tight smile.

"You seemed troubled just now."

"I’m fine. It’s late—let’s go?" They paid and stepped outside. Night had draped the sky in stars.

Since Ning wasn’t a boarding student, their paths diverged.

"Guess this is goodbye."

"Mm." Ning’s voice dropped to a whisper, her eyes dimming with unmet hope.

As Ouyang turned to leave, he caught her legs trembling under the moonlight. *She’s still shaken from earlier.*

*Sigh.* "I’ll walk you home. Might as well finish what I started."

"But you live on campus! My place is far—you’ve done enough already." Ning protested, though relief softened her shoulders. "After today, I’m just grateful."

"I can’t leave you like this. Could you honestly walk these dark streets alone after what happened? I wouldn’t let any girl do that."

"T-thank you," she murmured, barely audible.

*What a terrible brother I am,* Ouyang thought guiltily. *I worry about Ning... but my sister walks home alone every day.*

Under the dim streetlights, Ning found herself pressed close to Ouyang’s side. *Oh no—I’m clinging to her! Does she think I’m annoying?* She stole a glance. Moonlight gilded Ouyang’s pale skin and golden hair, making her look like a goddess descended to earth. Ning’s breath hitched.

"If I were a boy... I’d move heaven and earth to marry her," she whispered.

"What was that?" Ouyang turned, not quite catching the words.

"N-nothing! I just... wondered how someone as beautiful as you exists. Even as an idol, I’m envious."

*Crack!* A sound like shattering glass pierced Ning’s ears.

"Beautiful enough to make an idol envious... but I’m..." Ouyang’s gaze went vacant, words trailing off.

"Ouyang? What’s wrong?"

"I’m fine." His smile looked brittle.

Soon, they reached an upscale apartment complex.

"My building’s ahead. You can stop here. But it’s late—you shouldn’t walk back alone either. Stay at my place tonight?"

"N-no need! I’m perfectly capable." Ouyang waved dismissively, panic rising. *If she discovers I’m a boy...* "Even ten thugs couldn’t touch me."

"What a shame..." Ning fidgeted. "But... can we be friends?" Her eyes pleaded.