The recruitment process wasn't complicated—just post job listings on major websites or hand out flyers near campuses. Suitable staff would show up in no time.

This world had no shortage of wage slaves.

After posting the final job ad, Cheng Hao headed for bed.

Just then, his phone buzzed with a @everyone message in the freshman group chat:

"Does anyone know which class and dorm this person in the photos belongs to?"

A sense of foreboding hit Cheng Hao the moment he read it.

Dozens of photos flooded the chat. He tapped to open them.

Holy shit… That was him in the pictures!

Not just his face—there were shots of Ye Xiran bringing him ice cream, their accidental nighttime walks around the track, and countless moments together.

The Ye Xiran in these photos was nothing like the aloof goddess everyone described.

Instead, she wore gentle smiles in every frame, her gaze at him brimming with affection.

Was this really the famously icy campus belle everyone knew?

This was clearly a girl head over heels in love!

As Donghai University’s darling, Ye Xiran’s every move drew attention.

And as her rumored boyfriend, he’d become a target too.

But unlike her, people focused on him for one reason only… they wanted him dead.

At first, when Ye Xiran gave him ice cream, most were just shocked.

Her reputation was ironclad: she’d declared at enrollment she wouldn’t date during college.

True to her word, she’d kept all guys at arm’s length for a year straight.

Rumors even spread that she preferred girls.

Yet she remained every Donghai guy’s goddess.

Knowing no one could have her made the pain bearable.

They’d assumed she’d stay single till graduation—until Cheng Hao appeared out of nowhere.

Ye Xiran’s icy mask melted around him. She’d smile warmly, ruffle his hair, bring him water on sweltering days.

Actions only a girlfriend would do.

They weren’t fools. No matter how many times they lied to themselves, the truth was undeniable:

The campus belle might actually be in love.

The thought of their goddess falling into Cheng Hao’s arms kept every Donghai male awake at night.

"Do you think… the campus belle’s really dating that freshman?"

"Honestly? Very possible. We’ve all seen what happened these past two days."

"But the more I think about it, the weirder his attitude seems. Doesn’t he act… off?"

The freshman group chat exploded with debate.

Some believed Ye Xiran was dating.

Bringing ice cream and water? Sharing a water bottle? That screamed couple.

Others disagreed.

Because… Cheng Hao’s behavior was too strange.

Like he was actively avoiding the campus belle.

Cheng Hao scrolled silently, too terrified to type a word. He’d anticipated this backlash—but that didn’t mean he welcomed it.

If Ye Xiran were truly his girlfriend, he’d shrug off their jealousy.

Let them seethe. Not his problem.

The catch? He and Ye Xiran had zero relationship. They barely knew each other, exchanged few words, yet he’d been branded her boyfriend—and become public enemy number one to every Donghai male. Who could handle that?

Honestly, he’d ignore it if that were all.

But… Ye Zihan might be watching these rumors from somewhere on campus. What would she think?

He’d explained the situation to her, but if they ever became a real couple, any girlfriend would feel uneasy hearing her boyfriend was tangled in scandals with another girl.

Even knowing he was innocent, discomfort was inevitable.

It might even damage their relationship—that’s what terrified Cheng Hao most.

Rubbing his temples wearily, he had no idea what to do next.

Then he spotted one comment:

"Everyone calm down. I have proof our campus belle isn’t dating anyone."

"Think about it—if she knew that freshman, why would he act so stiff around her?"

"I’m certain they’d never met before."

"Remember? Last year she swore off dating and avoided all guys. Then this freshman shows up, and suddenly she’s all smiles? Doesn’t that reek of something off?"

"After thorough analysis, I’ve concluded: the campus belle has zero intention of dating!"

"Her ‘affection’ for that freshman? It’s a shield. A decoy boyfriend."

"She publicly vowed not to date, yet suitors swarm her. Who wouldn’t get tired of that?"

"She picked a freshman to pose as her boyfriend—so no one would bother her anymore."

The chat fell silent. Then erupted.

Honestly? This analysis was spot-on!

Everyone knew Ye Xiran’s icy demeanor toward guys. Such a sudden shift *was* suspicious.

Convinced, they rallied behind the truth:

Cheng Hao was just a pawn in the campus belle’s scheme!

"I knew it! She’d never date!"

"Right? That personality whiplash made zero sense!"

"Respect to the campus belle for dodging suitors so hard."

"Pity her plan’s blown now. No more peace for her."

Cheng Hao nearly wept with relief.

Brilliant!

Absolutely brilliant!

This would contain the scandal. His college life was saved.

Truthfully, even he found the analysis convincing.

He was certain he’d never met Ye Xiran before.

Her over-the-top warmth had baffled him.

Now it clicked.

Of course. She had zero interest in him. He was just her human shield.

A grin split Cheng Hao’s face.

Soon, Ye Xiran would learn her scheme was exposed.

She’d keep her distance. Stop "harassing" him.

No more worries. Ye Zihan would drop the matter too.

Satisfied, Cheng Hao drifted off to sleep.