After military training ended, Cheng Hao hurriedly fled the school.

He could clearly sense the hostility radiating from everyone today—far heavier than before.

If he didn’t escape fast, those seniors might really beat him to a pulp.

*Ding-ding-ding…*

His phone buzzed with an incoming call.

Without hesitation, Cheng Hao answered.

"Hello? I saw your online job post," a crisp, sweet female voice chirped. "Are you still hiring?"

"Yes, we haven’t filled the spot yet. Are you applying?"

"Mhm. When’s a good time for an interview? I’m free anytime."

"If you don’t mind, come now. The address is the flower shop in the listing."

"Got it. I’ll be there in ten minutes."

After hanging up, Cheng Hao hailed a taxi to the shop.

He’d never interviewed anyone before. But as a low-key rich kid, he knew the basics.

This wasn’t a corporate gig—just a regular shop assistant.

The "interview" would be simple: a few casual questions, some instructions, then straight to work.

The flower shop was close to Donghai University. With no rush hour traffic, he arrived in under five minutes.

The interviewee hadn’t shown yet. Cheng Hao didn’t wait outside. He slipped inside and waited quietly.

Pouring himself a glass of water, he slumped onto a stool, replaying the day’s events.

*What does Ye Xinran want?*

He’d wrestled with this for days. No answer came.

It was all too bizarre.

He was certain he’d never met Ye Xinran.

Yet she’d appeared out of nowhere. Before he knew it, he’d gained a "girlfriend"—well, a rumored one.

Cheng Hao felt utterly overwhelmed. He’d never wanted a campus beauty like her. Why cling to him?

*Was it… because I’m handsome?*

*Or did she find out about my family’s wealth?*

He quickly dismissed both ideas.

Sure, he and the campus beauty looked like a perfect match. But Ye Xinran was exceptional—she couldn’t be that shallow.

Just like him. He hadn’t seen his childhood sweetheart, Ye Zihan, in ten years. He didn’t even know what she looked like now.

Yet his feelings for her were unshakable. Her appearance—beautiful or plain—wouldn’t change a thing.

As for his wealth? Even less likely.

Cheng Hao’s family was rich but discreet. They preferred quiet prosperity over flashy displays.

Show-off heirs were usually new money. He was different.

So those options were out.

*Then what’s her real motive?*

Cheng Hao frowned, analyzing step by step.

Just then, the shop door opened.

Two girls his age walked in.

One took his breath away.

A white baseball cap hid her coiled long hair and half her face. Yet her stunning beauty still shone through.

Slender legs peeked from a canary-yellow mini skirt, highlighting her flawless figure.

Her black-and-white casual wear gave her an aura of pure, otherworldly grace.

Her brows held a breathtaking elegance beyond her years. Delicately arched and groomed, they framed eyes that sparkled like twin stars—so bright they almost hurt to look at. Her long lashes fluttered like tiny brushes, radiating lively spirit.

Even next to campus beauty Ye Xinran, she wouldn’t pale in comparison.

The other girl had short hair and pretty features, but lacked that jaw-dropping impact.

Both scanned the room, their gazes landing on Cheng Hao with mild confusion.

"Um… hello?" the short-haired girl called. "I’m here for the job interview. Is the boss around?"

Clearly, she mistook him for staff.

Cheng Hao didn’t mind. He smiled. "I’m the owner. You’re students too, right? Sit down, let’s talk."

The girls froze, stunned. Then they grabbed stools and sat.

"First, I’m Cheng Hao," he said. "Owner and a Donghai University freshman, just like you."

The capped girl blinked. "W-we’re freshmen too…" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "So… you’re our classmate?"

"Guess it’s fate," Cheng Hao nodded.

Suddenly, the short-haired girl gasped. "Wait! I recognize you—you’re the campus beauty’s boyfriend!"

Cheng Hao’s lips twitched slightly. *Of course she’d bring that up.*

"Ah… just a rumor. Don’t believe it." He cut to the point. "Tell me about yourselves. How’ll you handle shifts as students?"

"We want part-time work," the capped girl murmured. "We’ll come whenever we’re free from classes. Is that okay?"

"Fine, but pay will be lower."

Cheng Hao wasn’t in it for profit. He’d rather hire quickly than endure endless interviews.

"No problem for me," the short-haired girl said.

"Same here," the other agreed.

"Great. Got your IDs? Let’s sign the contract now."

"This… fast?"

"Under five minutes? You’re hiring us already?"

They exchanged doubtful glances. *Is he some trust fund kid burning cash for fun?*

"Why not?" Cheng Hao shrugged.

The girls fell silent. *Yep. Total spendthrift heir.*

But it didn’t matter—they just needed a job.

Contracts signed, he learned their names.

The stunning girl in the cap was Li Shiying, a finance freshman.

Her friend was Wang Xueting, her classmate and roommate.

"One last thing," Cheng Hao asked Li Shiying. "Why take a part-time job?"

Most did it for money. But her expensive clothes and designer bag screamed "rich girl."

"I… I’m here to experience life…" Li Shiying stammered, her voice fading as if hiding something.

"No pressure if you’d rather not say," Cheng Hao smiled gently.

Li Shiying’s head drooped. She bit her lower lip, her expression turning somber.

Finally, she whispered, "Actually… I’m working to escape an arranged marriage."