Yexinran wore a blue-and-white JK uniform skirt, a black-and-white checkered ribbon tied neatly behind her collar, radiating the sweet charm of youth.

Her bright eyes were clear and pure, sparkling like a starry sky.

Something ahead made her smile faintly, her eyes curving into crescents as if tenderness spilled over.

Every flicker of expression carried natural grace, leaving onlookers awestruck by her elegant radiance.

The crowd couldn’t help but stare—even if stars rained from the heavens, they’d pale against the brilliance before them.

“What’s going on? Didn’t the campus queen dump that freshman?”

“We’re not sure. Heard she avoided him all day, so we came to check.”

“Haven’t you noticed? She’s different today.”

“She… she’s wearing makeup?!”

Disbelief struck the crowd like a thunderbolt. Numbness washed over them as if drenched in icy water.

Ignoring their stunned faces, Yexinran scanned the area with clear, searching eyes.

Everyone knew—she’d come for Chenghao again.

Chenghao’s heart hammered. His mind reeled, limbs frozen.

Yexinran always brought him water during drill breaks.

But today, she’d missed every rest period—making him think she wouldn’t come at all.

Yet here she was, at the worst possible moment.

*Was she really not doing this on purpose?*

*No… she couldn’t know about my meeting with Zihan today.*

Chenghao wasn’t the only one tense.

Yexinran fought to calm her racing heart, but failed.

Soon, she’d reunite with the person she loved most.

She’d waited so long for this day.

Already, she pictured Chenghao confessing passionately before everyone, declaring her his girlfriend.

*Hmph! This jerk kept me up all week. If his confession isn’t romantic enough, I won’t accept!* she thought, pouting inwardly.

Watching Yexinran approach, Chenghao felt utterly hopeless.

*Why now?*

*If Zihan sees this… how could I explain?*

He’d have fled already—if not for his promise to Yezihan.

Trapped, he saw Yexinran’s lips curve into a radiant smile. She strode toward him, steps graceful.

“Haven’t seen you all day, little junior. Miss me?”

Her familiar, affectionate voice made Chenghao flinch. He forced a stiff smile.

“S-senior… what brings you here?”

“Huh? Can’t I come? You sound unwelcoming. Should I leave?”

She puffed her cheeks, grumbling.

Chenghao’s eyes widened in sudden hope. “You mean it? That’s… great!”

???

Yexinran’s mind flooded with black question marks.

*He doesn’t recognize me?*

*Yesterday he swore he’d swallow poison if he failed!*

*I practically shouted it—no, screamed it—and he’s clueless!*

*This isn’t just dense. He’s unobtanium-level dense.*

*Huff… huff…* She took deep breaths, forcing calm.

Then she smiled, voice dripping with playful coyness:

“Hmph! I braved the scorching sun to bring you ice cream and sweet soups. Not even a thank-you? Now you want me gone? Fine—I’ll cling to you forever.”

The crowd held their breath, eyes wide with disbelief.

*Did they just hear the campus queen… whine?*

*And threaten to cling to Chenghao?*

*Impossible. This isn’t real!*

*It’s a hallucination!*

*She’s MINE! MINE! HAHAHA!*

*I’m not crazy! NOT CRAZY!*

A chorus of hearts shattering echoed across the field.

“Senior, please—” Chenghao’s face flushed with awkwardness. “Whatever you need, can it wait?”

“No. I’m staying right here.”

She stomped her foot, inching closer until they looked like an inseparable couple.

*If Zihan sees this… no amount of explaining would clear this up.*

“Senior, I’m serious. I’m meeting someone important. I’ll do anything—just… give me space now.”

Teeth gritted, Chenghao made his desperate plea.

He had to keep them from meeting.

A sly glint flashed in Yexinran’s eyes. She leaned close, lips brushing his ear, voice a whisper:

“Hmm? Did you mean that?”

“Yes! I’m meeting someone crucial, so please—”

“I didn’t ask that.” She cut him off, eyes narrowing playfully. “I asked—will you *really* do anything I say?”

Chenghao froze. Words spilled—he couldn’t take them back. He nodded stiffly. “Yes. If you leave now… anything.”

“Good.” Her smile turned mischievous. “Right here, right now—I want you to tell everyone I’m your girlfriend.”

No choice left. She had to play her trump card.

*He promised he’d announce it himself when we reunited.*

*If he still doesn’t recognize me after this… his IQ’s lower than a pig’s.*

Chenghao’s smile vanished. Jaw slack, he stared in shock.

*Just as I thought… this campus queen’s been scheming to claim me all along!*