The sun scorched the earth. Wild grass by the roadside seemed ready to burst into flames. Heat waves thickened the air, making every breath a struggle.

Yet even in this sweltering weather, thousands of senior students crowded the playground. Every single one glared at Cheng Hao with vicious eyes.

If looks could kill, Cheng Hao would have died a hundred times over.

Their sole purpose? To see if Ye Xinran would bring him sweet soup today.

Rumors of Ye Xinran’s romance had spread across campus. Everyone had witnessed her actions toward Cheng Hao these past days.

Still, they clung to hope.

What if it was just a whim? Or a joke?

Simply put, no male student at East Sea University could accept Ye Xinran dating anyone.

Cheng Hao cared about this too. He stood rigidly at attention, squinting against the blinding sun. His eyes stayed fixed on the girls’ dormitory.

Outwardly calm, inwardly he was panicking like crazy.

Was Ye Xinran really planning to bring him that syrupy sweet soup again?

Yesterday’s serving had scarred his soul. It was absurdly sweet.

He’d get diabetes within three days.

Wait—why worry about that now? The real crisis loomed: Ye Zihan had promised to meet him today. And Ye Xinran had vowed to keep delivering soup.

If they crossed paths…

No matter who he favored, he’d be branded a scumbag.

Cheng Hao’s head throbbed with stress.

Relief washed over him when Ye Xinran never showed. He wished this campus beauty would vanish forever.

Two hours remained until drill practice ended.

She might still come. He couldn’t let his guard down.

He’d even planned for the worst: if Ye Zihan and Ye Xinran met, how would he handle it?

Tell the campus beauty to scram?

Ha. He’d be beaten to death by the mob.

Ask Ye Zihan to step aside?

Ha. That’d make him a total scumbag.

Or… keep both?

Ha. Pure fantasy.

Cheng Hao returned to formation, distracted and stiff.

Half an hour later…

Shock hit him: Ye Xinran never appeared. Joy surged through him.

The entire male student body shared his elation. Had the campus beauty just been joking around?

News spread like wildfire. Some even claimed she’d dumped Cheng Hao.

Unaware of the rumors, Cheng Hao stopped worrying. All he wanted was to see Ye Zihan and announce her as his real girlfriend.

That campus beauty? He didn’t know her. Zero interest.

“I’d rather die—jump off this building—than date a campus beauty!”

“Did we call it? Was it just a whim?”

“Wahhh, I knew it! She’d never date anyone!”

“Feels like crying… I’m not heartbroken after all! Today’s amazing!”

Cheers erupted across the playground. Students danced and celebrated wildly.

Cheng Hao watched the absurd scene, his lips twitching slightly. He had no words for his feelings.

Whether I’m dating Ye Xinran or not—it’s none of your business.

Seriously? Do you think she’d ever look at you guys?

She’s a premium-quality woman. Even if blind, she’d never pick you. Why obsess over others’ love lives?

Cheng Hao ignored them. His heart pounded for Ye Zihan.

Soon, he’d see her. His usual calm shattered; his legs trembled uncontrollably.

Meanwhile, Ye Xinran was picking an outfit in her dorm.

Her face wore delicate makeup. For the first time ever, she’d spritzed perfume.

Her three roommates stared, eyes wide with disbelief.

After a year together, they knew Ye Xinran rarely wore makeup—her natural beauty needed none. Perfume? She’d never touched it.

Today’s behavior was unimaginable.

Was the campus romance rumor true?

“Xinran, what’s wrong?”

“Yeah, you’re acting weird. Meeting someone important?”

“There’s something going on! Spill—did you hide a boyfriend from us?”

The trio pressed hard for answers.

Ye Xinran just shook her head lightly, smiling. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just meeting someone.”

“Who? That freshman again?” they chorused.

“Yes. But don’t overthink it. I just wanted to look nice today.”

Her casual tone couldn’t hide the happy curve of her lips.

Crazy. The world had gone mad.

They’d doubted her denial at first. Sisters didn’t hide crushes, so they’d believed her.

But since freshman orientation, Ye Xinran had changed. Like a stranger.

If nothing was happening, it’d insult their intelligence.

As they drifted in thought, Ye Xinran grabbed her bag. “I’m off,” she called, heading toward the playground.

…

“Attention! Dismissed!”

The drill instructor’s command ended morning practice.

Cheng Hao didn’t bolt for the cafeteria like other freshmen. He stood rooted, waiting for Ye Zihan.

His heart thumped wildly, ready to burst from his chest.

He’d never felt this nervous. Words failed him.

But he couldn’t back down now. He’d waited years for this moment.

Still, doubt nagged him. What if he didn’t recognize her after all this time?

No. Impossible.

No one loved Ye Zihan more than he did. He’d know her anywhere.

As he pictured their reunion, a jarring voice cut through his thoughts.

“What… what’s happening? Why’s the campus beauty here now?!”

Cheng Hao’s mind went blank. His eyes turned hollow, soul drained. His lips quivered as he whispered in despair:

“Done for… totally done for…”