Early morning, golden sunlight bathed the earth.

A warm breeze gently brushed everyone's cheeks.

Yet on such a lovely day, no one felt cheerful. All because... the grueling military training was about to start again.

Right now, all freshmen rested in place. Even after two days of boot camp, they still couldn't adapt to the intense drills.

Their only hope was for this torturous training to end quickly.

Of course, beyond the physical strain, the real pain came from watching couples feed each other water, seniors holding milk tea and watermelon from afar, and... some guy getting ice cream from the campus beauty.

"Sigh, isn't that guy rumored to be the campus beauty's boyfriend?"

"Yeah, I saw his post on Tieba yesterday. Didn't expect him to show up here today."

"Don't spread rumors. He already clarified it—she's his distant cousin. The boyfriend stuff is all made up."

"Figures... what idiot would dare chase the campus beauty on day one?"

Cheng Hao's rumor-denying post from yesterday had worked.

Few still believed he and Ye Xinran were dating. Most accepted he was her distant cousin.

Still, some doubted it.

Ye Xinran's behavior was too unusual. Who strolls the track with a distant cousin while acting shy and reserved? That screamed trouble.

Luckily, her many admirers refused to believe their goddess was taken. They forced themselves to accept Cheng Hao as her cousin.

Feeling stares from all directions, Cheng Hao felt immense pressure.

Thank goodness he and Ye Xinran weren't actually involved. Otherwise... his fate would be grim.

He'd explained things to her yesterday. She seemed to agree to keep her distance.

Soon, everyone would forget this. He wouldn't be gawked at like a circus monkey.

Thinking this, Cheng Hao sighed in relief.

"Attention! Rest where you stand!"

At the drill instructor's command, the freshmen exhaled in relief.

Cheng Hao slumped down wearily. He pulled out his water bottle, ready to hydrate.

Then he froze—someone had drunk all his water!

"No way... they stole my water too?"

Cheng Hao's lips twitched. He'd heard rumors about thirsty recruits stealing water.

He thought it was just a joke. Especially at Donghai University, full of high-quality students.

Turns out, he'd been naive.

"Damn it! Who drank my water?"

"Mine's empty too! Show yourself—I promise not to kill you!"

"Holy crap, they stole the bottle too?"

Watching the angry crowd, Cheng Hao felt oddly comforted. He wasn't the only victim.

Just as he stood to report to the instructor, Cheng Hao froze again.

Nearby, a familiar, stunning figure walked slowly toward him.

"Hey, isn't that the campus beauty?"

"Probably bringing water for her cousin again. Wish I had a sister like that."

"Damn, I'm so jealous!"

Ye Xinran instantly drew every eye.

She wore a pure white dress. Sunlight kissed her fair skin. Her jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall. Her cheeks were faintly flushed, making her look utterly adorable.

Everyone stared, wide-eyed.

Not because she was unusually beautiful—she always was.

But they'd never seen her so gentle and sweet.

Her smile was mesmerizing. Her caring gaze pulled you in, unforgettable.

They knew it wasn't for them.

But just seeing this side of the campus beauty felt like a blessing.

Like yesterday, Ye Xinran strolled leisurely toward Cheng Hao.

Obviously, she was bringing him water.

But after learning he was her cousin, the crowd felt no resentment.

Instead, they admired her as a responsible older sister.

Cheng Hao was now the world's most envied cousin.

As Ye Xinran drew closer, Cheng Hao's heart pounded in his throat.

His face flushed red. His palms sweated. His hands fumbled awkwardly. Inside, he screamed:

"Don't come over!"

Sadly, Ye Xinran couldn't hear his thoughts. Smiling playfully at everyone, she raised her water bottle toward him.

Cheng Hao nearly cried.

He forced himself calm. Things weren't hopeless yet. He had to avoid becoming every guy's enemy. No more rumors with Ye Xinran.

Right—he'd clarified their distant cousin status on Tieba yesterday.

She must have seen it. Or, being smart, she'd understand his hint.

Before Ye Xinran reached him, Cheng Hao stepped forward.

Scratching his head, he grinned at her. "Ah, Cousin, you brought me water? So much trouble for you."

He subtly winked, hoping she'd catch his meaning.

But Ye Xinran tilted her head, looking utterly confused. "Huh? When did I become your cousin?"

Silence crashed over the field. The air froze solid.

Every eye locked on Cheng Hao, burning with murderous rage.

That bastard!

He'd lied to all of them!