True to form, Ye Zihan sent nothing but ellipses after that.
Most guys would’ve groveled to win her back. Not Cheng Hao.
Not because he lacked patience or affection—he simply knew better. When Ye Zihan was angry, no message would get through.
Besides, her moods never lasted more than two days. No need to fuss.
Sleep had fled completely now. His roommates were gaming at the internet café. Boredom settled in.
*"Might as well go for a run. I haven’t even explored campus properly. Who knows—I might bump into Zihan."*
She’d once told him: *This year, I’ll appear before you. Recognize me, and I’ll accept your confession.*
Cheng Hao had etched those words into his heart. Yet after two days of classes, he hadn’t spotted a single girl resembling his childhood friend.
*Maybe the timing’s not right. Or maybe she’s waiting for me to find her by chance.*
Shaking off the thought, he threw on casual wear and left his dorm.
Donghai University’s track was huge. Couples strolled hand-in-hand along the lanes. Students sprawled across the central lawn—some strumming guitars for crushes, others shouting confessions into the twilight, a few simply leaning close, sharing warmth.
College love stayed pure here. Uncomplicated. If two hearts beat as one, nothing could stop them.
Watching this vibrant campus scene, Cheng Hao felt a quiet ache.
*"Being a college student… life’s good."*
He walked a slow lap first—warming up.
Then he started running, scanning faces for Ye Zihan’s.
His stamina held strong. Two full laps without heavy breathing. Just as he slowed to rest, a girl approached from ahead.
Night blurred her features, but her silhouette and style promised someone attractive.
Most importantly… *she wore black stockings!*
*"Could it be… Zihan?"* Cheng Hao’s pulse spiked.
Her footsteps grew louder. His breath hitched. He stared, unblinking, at the approaching figure.
She stopped before him. Clear now.
Stunning—though not as breathtaking as Ye Xinran. Still, Cheng Hao, who prided himself on high standards, would’ve scored her 90/100.
But she looked nothing like Ye Zihan.
Girls changed over time, sure—but surely *some* resemblance should remain?
Most girls would’ve flushed under such a long stare. Not her. She smiled easily, leaned forward just enough to reveal a plunging neckline, and locked eyes with him:
"Hey cutie, can I get your WeChat?"
Cheng Hao froze.
*Are college girls this bold?*
He knew he was good-looking, but high school had banned dating. Shy girls rarely approached him—and when they did, they’d stammer. This senior’s confidence felt… predatory. Like a wolf eyeing a lamb.
Her mature makeup and outfit screamed upperclassman.
*Just like the campus queen today… Is it true? Do seniors always chase freshmen?*
"Sorry, I—" Instinct pushed him to refuse. But then he noticed onlookers gathering.
Girls cared deeply about face, however bold they acted. Rejecting her publicly would humiliate her.
Sighing helplessly, he forced a smile and pulled out his phone.
The moment his screen lit up, the entire track fell silent.
Ye Xinran had arrived with her roommates for an evening stroll—and every eye snapped to her.
"What’s happening?" asked Liu Piaopiao, Xinran’s roommate.
"Econ Department’s goddess is asking for a guy’s WeChat. We’re just watching."
"Boring. Let’s go," Liu muttered.
But when they turned—Xinran was gone.
"There she is! Why’s she stomping over like that?"
Xinran clenched her tiny fists, storming toward the couple.
She’d almost ignored the scene—*asking for WeChat? Please, I get that daily*—until she recognized the boy.
*Cheng Hao?!*
*"Dare to steal my man? You’re dead!"* she seethed inwardly.
All eyes followed Xinran, waiting.
What happened next left everyone stunned.
"Fancy meeting you here, little junior," she chirped, stepping squarely between Cheng Hao and the senior. Her smile was sweet. Her glare, murderous. "Care to walk with me?"
Her three roommates gaped.
The crowd froze mid-thought.
*Did… did the campus queen just ask a guy out?*
*And why’s she glaring like she wants to murder that senior?!*
