Under the scorching sun, the only shade on the rooftop lay beneath the eaves.

A boy and a girl sat close together in that shadow.

At first glance, they might seem like a couple on a date.

But in truth, this was a one-sided lesson.

Ye Qiuxue flipped through Hu Ming’s test papers, pausing briefly on some pages before moving on.

Her expression shifted from confident to ashen—a change Hu Ming watched closely.

If not for the mood, he’d have burst out laughing.

"Han Huming, with grades like these... how did you even get into the key class?"

Ye Qiuxue knew he struggled, but she’d never imagined he’d be this far behind.

Even in a regular class, he’d rank at the bottom.

He clearly hadn’t tried at all!

Annoyed, she looked up at him. He rested his chin on one hand, watching her as if waiting for an answer.

"President, if it’s too much trouble, just give up. Anyone would find my grades hopeless. Besides, I’m not exactly eager to study. No need to waste effort on me."

The moment he finished, Ye Qiuxue pinched his cheek.

Her face flushed with anger, scolding his self-sabotage.

"Who said I can’t teach you? Even if you’re a lump of coal, I’ll scrub you clean!"

She pulled study materials from her bag and dumped them before him.

"These are my notes. First, we solidify your basics. Once those are firm, we tackle advanced problems. And every school day, you memorize ten English words!"

"Must it be so strict?"

"Han Huming, if you don’t want to kill me with frustration, you’ll follow my plan!"

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, locking eyes with him. Her gaze screamed seriousness.

"President, you’re this kind to me... could it be you like me?"

Hu Ming tilted his head, studying her.

Ye Qiuxue’s lips curled into a lovely smile—then she twisted his ear.

"Flirting with the discipline committee head? You’ve got a death wish."

"Ow, I’m sorry!"

She huffed and released him.

Rubbing his ear, Hu Ming asked quietly, "President... am I really no match for Han Shuyi?"

"Why say that?" Ye Qiuxue blinked, reading the hurt in his eyes.

She knew Han Shuyi well—he was in the student council too, with stellar grades and a spotless reputation.

Truly outstanding.

Most people would favor him over Hu Ming without hesitation.

"Look, Han Shuyi’s handsome, acing his classes, and beloved by everyone. With the Khan Family’s status backing him... isn’t he perfect? Like a novel’s protagonist."

Ye Qiuxue sighed, smiling wryly.

"I’ll agree with the first part. But who decides who the ‘protagonist’ is? Hu Ming, you’re the hero of your own story. Stop belittling yourself. Change starts with you—and slowly, others’ views will shift too."

She patted his shoulder and slid a test paper toward him.

"I compiled these questions last night. Do them now. I’ll review your mistakes after."

Hu Ming glanced at the paper. These were ultra-basic problems—stuff schools rarely assigned.

He looked up at Ye Qiuxue. Dark circles shadowed her eyes. She yawned, studying his answers with tired focus.

She’d clearly worked hard last night.

Hu Ming didn’t understand why. To her, he wasn’t important.

Was she really just saving a wayward student, as she claimed?

"Stop staring. What’s so interesting?"

Noticing his gaze, Ye Qiuxue crossed her arms, exasperated by his lack of focus.

Hu Ming chuckled, scribbling answers. "Don’t you know you’re pretty? Half our class wants to date you. I heard someone even sent you a love letter."

"Focus on self-improvement instead. And yes, I know my looks attract them. But beauty fades—who’ll care in a few years? Don’t let romance blind you."

"Sounds like preaching to me."

"Good. You caught my meaning. Now, finish that test!"

Hu Ming turned back, his pen dancing across the paper.

As if on cue, clouds veiled the sun. The stifling heat eased.

A cool breeze swept by—the only comfort in this tedious study session.

Hu Ming couldn’t recall the last time he’d sat down to learn. These concepts were trivial to him; one glance at a problem, and he knew the answer.

To stay in character, he slowed down, deliberately messing up easy questions.

This way, no one would suspect him.

Then, a weight settled on his shoulder.

Hu Ming glanced sideways. Ye Qiuxue leaned against him, her long hair spilling like a waterfall. Strands tickled his neck. Her face was small, pale, with delicate brows. Her eyes were closed, lashes long as tiny brushes.

The dark circles under her eyes proved her effort.

She breathed evenly, utterly at peace.

Hu Ming smiled softly.

He let her rest on his shoulder, writing one-handed.

Time slowed. The world narrowed to just the two of them.

A breeze lifted the girl’s bangs. The boy held her steady with his strong shoulder.

Together, they seemed to weather every second of this world...