Military training began as scheduled.

The drill instructor didn’t ease the demands despite the harsh weather.

Everyone stood at attention under the blazing sun. Sweat poured down like rain. Even on the verge of collapse, they could only grit their teeth and endure.

Cheng Hao stood in the center of the formation. An overwhelming stench of sweat surrounded him.

He realized—the worst part of military training wasn’t standing at attention. It was doing so while smelling others’ sweat.

His gaze drifted toward the girls’ dormitory building.

Not because of pretty seniors to ogle. He stared there, wondering if Ye Xinran would show up today.

To others, the campus beauty’s attention was bliss.

But Cheng Hao felt nothing of the sort. Quite the opposite—he found it utterly shitty and miserable.

If he could, he’d wish he’d never met Ye Xinran.

He hoped yesterday’s senior’s analysis was right. Ye Xinran had zero interest in him. She just wanted him as her shield.

Beyond Cheng Hao, Donghai University’s entire student body watched this drama.

The playground buzzed with people. Freshmen trained alongside curious seniors.

Their reason was obvious: to see if the campus beauty would bring Cheng Hao water again.

Ever since Ye Xinran first gave him an ice pop, dating rumors had spread like wildfire.

No one understood how this “utterly ordinary” freshman won the heart of the dazzling campus beauty.

Unfathomable.

Totally incomprehensible.

Just as everyone believed she was dating, well-reasoned analysis shifted opinions.

If she was really dating, why did Cheng Hao act so stiff?

If she was dating, why had she always seemed so averse to guys?

That’s why the crowd gathered—to see if Ye Xinran would bring water today.

“Do you think… the campus beauty will come today?”

“I doubt it. That senior’s group chat analysis made sense. She probably knows her plan failed. No need to bother with this freshman anymore.”

“Such a pity… he’s actually handsome. But she’s using him as a tool. Hope he doesn’t spiral after this.”

The crowd chattered like a bustling market. Outsiders might think it was a school event.

Then, silence fell instantly. The playground plunged into dead quiet.

All because… a graceful figure suddenly appeared before them.

Yes—Ye Xinran was back!

She wore a short pink capelet jacket, accentuating her perfect figure. A light yellow velvet skirt reached her knees. Black knee-high boots completed the look. Jet-black hair flowed over her shoulders. Bright pupils, curved eyebrows, and long lashes trembled slightly. Flawless skin held a faint blush. Lips soft as rose petals—her beauty defied description.

Everyone stared, dumbfounded. Half-dazed, as if struck by a blow.

They’d said she wasn’t dating. That she used Cheng Hao as a shield.

Yet now… unaffected by rumors, she kept bringing him water.

Was the campus beauty really dating?

Was yesterday’s analysis completely wrong?

Were they the clowns all along?

Ye Xinran walked lightly toward the formation. She ignored the onlookers completely, treating them like air.

Cheng Hao noticed her approach. No excitement—just a desperate urge to burst into tears.

What’s wrong with this senior?

Where did I offend you?

Why cling to me like this? Are you trying to drive me to death?

Cheng Hao was on the verge of tears. But he couldn’t cry in public.

He took a deep breath. Forced calm as Ye Xinran neared. Managed a strained smile.

“S-senior… you’re here again.”

“What’s wrong? Your tone sounds unwelcoming.” Ye Xinran puffed her cheeks. Glared at him. Punched his chest with little fists.

This coquettish anger was nothing like the aloof campus beauty everyone knew!

“That’s not it. I brought my own water. No need to trouble you anymore.” Cheng Hao looked away awkwardly. Hoped she’d spare him.

“Nonsense. I had someone—wait, your water was probably stolen. In this heat, you’ll get dehydrated without fluids.”

???

Cheng Hao sensed something off. Glanced at his water spot. Sure enough—it was gone.

“Senior… why did you have someone pour it out?”

He stared at her, near tears. No wonder his water vanished—the culprit stood before him.

“You… don’t accuse me! I’d never do something so uncivilized.”

A trace of panic flashed on Ye Xinran’s face. She turned away, avoiding his eyes.

“No… you slipped it out yourself. And that guilty look—doesn’t it prove it?”

Cheng Hao’s face twisted. His mouth twitched. This senior loved to act—she should’ve been an actress.

Ye Xinran stamped her foot. Pouted. Dimples appeared as she scowled. “No, no, no! I said no!”

Seeing her act, Cheng Hao sucked in a breath.

Senior looks so cute like this!

No! Talk properly—why flirt with me for no reason?

“Fine… whatever you say, senior.” Cheng Hao covered his forehead weakly. His wit was no match for her thousand-year cunning.

“Hmph! Better.” Ye Xinran lifted her chin proudly. Raised a pink thermos. “I cooked sweet soup inside. Drink it all. Understood?”

Not just Cheng Hao—everyone present widened their eyes in shock.

Heaven! Sweet soup made by the campus beauty?! One sip and you’d ascend to immortality!

“I can…” Cheng Hao felt murderous glares from all sides. Tried to refuse.

Before he finished, Ye Xinran fixed him with an iron gaze. “No! You! Can’t!”

In the end, coerced by Ye Xinran, Cheng Hao drained the entire thermos.

“How was it? Delicious?” Ye Xinran clasped her hands. Stared with expectant eyes.

Delicious my ass… how much sugar did you dump in?

Cheng Hao swore he’d never tasted anything so sickeningly sweet. He suspected she aimed to kill him with sugar.

But seeing her hopeful gaze, he couldn’t disappoint her. Lied through gritted teeth.

“G-good… delicious. If possible… I’d like another thermos.”

“Really!” Ye Xinran’s voice thrilled with excitement. Clearly pleased. She beamed.

“Since you like it, I’ll cook it for you every day!”

???

Senior, no! I was joking!

One thermos nearly killed me. Daily doses would give me diabetes in a week.

Cheng Hao rushed to speak. “Too much trouble, senior. I think—”

“I don’t care what you think. I care what I think. Settled. Daily servings for you. Hehe (*∩_∩*)”

A sweet smile curved her lips. Fair cheeks flushed faintly. Her eyes sparkled like starlight—dazzling as the sun.

“I’m off now. Behave in training, okay?”

Ye Xinran giggled. Pinched his sweaty cheek without hesitation. Then left.

Cheng Hao stood frozen, utterly lost.

Perfect.

This time, even jumping into the Yellow River… couldn’t wash away the suspicion.