Lunch Break

"Excuse me, is Qianxue here?" Ning Caiwei asked, standing at the doorway of Class 1-6.

"What? Still not satisfied after that crushing defeat? Coming to cause trouble for Ouyang again?" Several Class 6 students stepped forward, blocking Ning Caiwei’s path.

"No, you’ve misunderstood. I just came to invite Ouyang to lunch. We’ve made peace and are now friends," Ning Caiwei said nervously, facing the agitated crowd.

"Who are you fooling? Yesterday, you hassled her over the School Beauty title. Ouyang’s not just excellent—she’s kind and helps us whenever we struggle. Someone like you, chasing selfish desires, isn’t welcome here. Not even as an idol!" The girls started pushing Ning Caiwei out.

"Wait!" A voice called from behind. Everyone turned to see Ouyang Qianxue.

"She’s right. We reconciled and became friends," Ouyang Qianxue said. The crowd parted for her.

"So that’s it. Ning Caiwei provoked her first, yet Ouyang forgave her without grudges. Truly magnanimous."

"Um, Qianxue, mind if we eat together?" Ning Caiwei asked softly.

"I can, but I’ve plans with Qian Wang. Do you mind?"

"Not at all. I’d love to meet Qianxue’s friend."

After buying meals, they headed to the rooftop.

"Qianxue, why avoid the cafeteria?"

"Because…" Ouyang Qianxue recalled her first cafeteria visit and shuddered. She remembered sitting down, only to have every eye lock onto her.

"Hey, is that the legendary transfer student?"

"Such a stunning beauty."

"Yeah, she swept through Cherry Blossom Academy’s clubs after day one."

"Not just gorgeous—so talented too. Truly flawless."

"Even her table manners are ladylike!"

Chopsticks paused as curious stares fixed on Ouyang Qianxue.

She felt like a zoo panda, every move watched. After that, she ate on the rooftop with Qian Wang to enjoy lunch peacefully.

"I get it. High popularity isn’t always good," Ning Caiwei said sympathetically.

"We’re here," Ouyang Qianxue said, opening the rooftop door.

"So slow…" Qian Wang had been waiting. Seeing Ning Caiwei, she froze.

"Hi, Qian Wang. I’m Ning Caiwei."

"Oh, the big star. Sit if you don’t mind eating with ordinary students," Qian Wang replied, displeased.

"You’re joking. Idol’s just my outside identity. Here, I’m ordinary like you. Treat me as one," Ning Caiwei smiled.

They spread a picnic cloth and sat.

"Ning Caiwei, days ago you dismissed Qianxue and tried stealing her School Beauty title. Why the sudden change?" Qian Wang challenged first.

"I hadn’t seen Qianxue’s charm then. Now, I’m utterly infatuated!"

"Caiwei, that’s exaggerated—infatuated with me?"

"I am! I couldn’t wait to be friends and know everything about you!" Ning Caiwei grew excited, grabbing Ouyang Qianxue’s hand.

"Stop!" Qian Wang shoved between them, forcing them apart.

"What? I was sharing friend feelings with Qianxue."

"How long? Food’s getting cold."

"And Qianxue, what’s wrong?" Qian Wang whispered. "Aren’t you scared your secret leaks if you get too close to her?"

"Sorry, I didn’t think," Ouyang Qianxue said guiltily.

"Drop it. Eat—lunch break’s short!" They dug in. While Qianxue focused on her box, Qian Wang and Ning Caiwei exchanged hostile glares.

After school, Bai Yuxuan headed to the Student Council office. A figure stood at the door.

"Ah, thought it was someone else. Just the shut-out idol," Bai Yuxuan sneered, recognizing Ning Caiwei.

"Right, it’s me," Ning Caiwei stepped close.

"This defeat showed you Ouyang Qianxue’s power. She’s beyond trendy idols like you."

"Yes, I see her strength. But I also see why you fell for her," Ning Caiwei said, amused.

"Fallen? Ridiculous. She’s just my rival," Bai Yuxuan brushed past to open the door.

"Really? Ouyang’s mature but clueless about emotions."

"Keep this up, and she’ll drift from you."

Bai Yuxuan froze.

"Just as I thought. She’s more than a rival to you," Ning Caiwei whispered.

"What do you want?" Bai Yuxuan glared.

"I tested your obsession. My feelings for her aren’t just friendship."

"I said she’s only a rival."

"Qian Wang and I are both girls—I won’t lose to her. But you, as a boy, are different. Handsome, skilled… I even fluttered seeing you. I thought you were the threat. Guess I overworried."

Ning Caiwei turned and left.