At those words, Cheng Hao’s jaw dropped wide open, frozen in utter shock.

He swallowed hard two or three times, his throat suddenly dry.

*No way. Seriously?*

*The campus queen actually has a crush on me?*

*That makes zero sense…*

*We’ve barely known each other three days!*

*Unless… is there something about me that drew Ye Xinran in?*

But that couldn’t be right. Cheng Hao had always seen himself as utterly ordinary—a college student with nothing special to offer.

*Aside from inheriting billions, a dozen mansions, shopping streets, and a garage full of supercars… what else do I even have? What am I?*

Brows furrowed, he strained his brain but couldn’t fathom why Ye Xinran would like him.

The real kicker? He’d already told her he had a childhood sweetheart—basically his half-official girlfriend.

So was Ye Xinran openly trying to steal him?

*Holy crap! This is wilder than a trashy soap opera!*

Cheng Hao sucked in a sharp breath, then turned to Ye Xinran beside him, forcing calm into his voice:

"Senior, don’t joke about this. It’s not funny."

He couldn’t possibly agree. He knew exactly why he’d come to Donghai University.

But he didn’t outright refuse her either.

Better to play dumb—treat it as a joke and let it blow over.

Who knew what chaos this campus queen might unleash next…

"You—! I—! Ugh, you infuriating blockhead!"

Ye Xinran stomped her foot. Was this oblivious idiot *deliberately* messing with her?

She’d made it crystal clear—even a pig would’ve gotten the hint!

Yet he sat there, completely missing her obvious confession. Her whole body trembled with frustration.

"I’ll bite you!" Ye Xinran finally snapped. Like a starving tiger pouncing, she lunged forward and sank her teeth hard into Cheng Hao’s shoulder.

But from an outsider’s angle? It looked entirely different.

"What… the actual hell?!"

"Since when did the campus queen jump into some freshman’s arms?!"

"I must be dreaming. Yeah, definitely dreaming!"

"Damn it! In broad daylight, under clear skies—this shameless guy dares to… to *manhandle* our goddess?! I’ll haunt him as a ghost if I have to!"

The air thickened with jealousy.

Every pair of eyes glared murder at Cheng Hao. How they wished *they* were the one holding the campus queen.

"S-senior, stop… people will get the wrong idea," Cheng Hao whispered, gently patting Ye Xinran’s back. *Let go before someone snaps a pic and leaks it online…*

His peaceful college life hung in the balance.

Ye Xinran realized she’d overreacted—but honestly, whose fault was it when this pigheaded guy was so dense?!

"So… who’s this important person? Your childhood sweetheart?" she asked, a rosy blush spreading across her flawless face. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, trying to regain composure—as if salvaging her dignity.

"Yeah. We promised to meet here, but she never showed." Cheng Hao sighed. "Could she… be standing me up?"

Hearing that, Ye Xinran’s teeth itched to bite him again.

*You idiot! I’m right here in front of you, and you still don’t recognize me?!*

*Hmph! Just wait. One day I’ll make you beg for mercy while inhaling gas fumes, kneeling as you sing ‘Conquest’ to me!*

"She wouldn’t," Ye Xinran insisted gently. "Didn’t you say she was excited too? Maybe… she’s already here?"

"Impossible. I’ve got hawk eyes. If she were here, I’d know." Cheng Hao’s tone was absolute.

"I know a great eye doctor," Ye Xinran deadpanned. "Want an intro?"

"Huh? Senior, what are you talking about?" Cheng Hao blinked in confusion.

"N-nothing! I just mean… maybe she’s already appeared. Like… a girl who came looking just for you. Or someone unforgettable."

Ye Xinran batted her starry eyes—*I’m her!* practically written on her forehead.

Cheng Hao frowned, stroking his chin in thought.

Then—like a lightbulb flashing—he turned sharply to Ye Xinran.

Her breath hitched. Lips pressed tight, heart hammering like a trapped rabbit, palms slick with sweat. She waited for his heartfelt confession.

"Could it be…" Cheng Hao’s eyes widened in dawning horror. "…that *you* know who she is?!"

"…"

Ye Xinran went silent. Utterly speechless.

*How is he this dense?!*

*AAAAHHH! SO FRUSTRATING!!!!*

*Do I really have to spell it out?!*

But where’d the romance be in that?

She’d planned this reunion for so long—dreaming he’d recognize her, then seeing his face when he realized the "annoying campus queen" was his childhood sweetheart…

This pigheaded blockhead was going to be the death of her.

"How would *I* know? You’re the one who claims to love her, yet you can’t recognize her standing right in front of you!" Arms crossed, she huffed.

"Eh? How do *you* know she’s here?" Cheng Hao stared, baffled.

"I—I guessed! Problem?!"

"If senior says so… sure."

They locked eyes, silence stretching between them.

Finally, Ye Xinran whispered: "Do you… really love her that much?"

"Yeah. I can’t promise much in life, but my feelings for her? Absolutely certain." Cheng Hao’s voice softened. "We met as kids. Then she vanished overseas for years—no contact. I thought she’d disappeared from my world forever. But we reconnected… and fell for each other. Honestly? I don’t even know *why* I love her. Haven’t seen her face in ten years. But love’s like that, right? I just… need to see her again. No matter how she’s changed, nothing will keep us apart."

Ye Xinran’s eyes glistened.

His words weren’t poetic—he was a hopeless blockhead, after all. No grand romantic speeches from him.

But to her? They were the most beautiful confession in the world.

Because the boy saying them… was *hers*.

And every word was meant for *her*.

"So… you truly love her," she murmured, voice trembling. Tears threatened to spill.

"Senior, are you okay?" Cheng Hao noticed instantly.

"I’m fine. Just a cold." She shook her head, aching to reveal herself and throw herself into his arms.

But she was a girl. Too shy to confess first—what if this pig mocked her forever after?

Yet… what if he *never* recognized her?

Brows knotted, she wrestled with herself.

After a long pause, she lifted her head. Fists clenched, gaze locked on his.

*Yes. I’ll tell him.*

She’d wanted him to realize it himself… but she couldn’t bear another day of texting or meeting as "Ye Xinran." She craved his arms around her.

"Actually, I—"

Just then, Cheng Hao cut in:

"That’s why… I hope you’ll give us space, senior. If she saw us like this, I’d never explain it. And about her possibly being here? I thought it over—no chance. Even after all these years, I’d recognize her instantly. If I couldn’t spot the person I love most… what’s the difference between me and a pig?"

Ye Xinran: …

*Oh, you finally admit you’re a pig?*

She sucked in a sharp breath. Her resolve to confess shattered.

"Fine. I’ll leave then." She stood, reluctant.

"Senior, I—I’m so grateful!"

"Don’t thank me yet. Remember your promise—you owe me one favor."

"Absolutely! I’ll never forget your kindness!" Cheng Hao beamed.

Ye Xinran walked away, leaving Cheng Hao alone on the field.

*Stupid pig… I was about to confess, and you jinx it at the worst moment.*

*Fine. I’ll wait. Let’s see your face when you finally learn who I am.*

She grumbled under her breath—but the smile blooming on her lips betrayed her true joy.