There was still time before military training ended, but Cheng Hao no longer needed to attend.

It wasn’t because he’d excelled or deliberately skipped school activities. He was simply terrified of running into Ye Xiran again.

This campus beauty was no ordinary girl—definitely not someone a rookie like him could handle.

Before, he’d managed to brush off her gestures: ice cream deliveries, sweet soups, public displays of concern.

Those actions were merely flirtatious, with no real breakthroughs.

But last time? Cheng Hao had completely panicked.

That aloof goddess had demanded he announce to everyone that she was his girlfriend!

Wasn’t that a confession? A backhanded confession at least!

Whether she was joking or not, a girl saying that meant she clearly liked him.

Yes, being noticed by the university’s most beautiful girl was something to celebrate.

But Cheng Hao wasn’t like those single guys daydreaming about her.

He already had a girlfriend!

Ye Zihan hadn’t officially agreed yet, but it was only a matter of time.

If she found out about this, he’d lose not just a girlfriend—but even a chance at friendship.

So Cheng Hao had to escape Ye Xiran’s clinginess, no matter what.

Left with no choice, he skipped military training.

Only then could he avoid her and her public, affectionate antics.

After training ended and time passed, everyone would surely forget the rumors about him and Ye Xiran dating!

“Strange. Where’d the campus beauty’s rumored boyfriend go?”

“Yeah, haven’t seen him for two days. Did someone actually beat him to death?”

“Impossible. We’re civilized students at Donghai University. Though… I wouldn’t mind if it were true.”

“No, no—I heard the campus beauty was just joking with the freshman. He couldn’t handle the truth and took a break.”

Everyone turned, wide-eyed. “What truth? Spill it!”

“Well,” the speaker leaned in, “I saw a post on campus forums. Someone claiming to be Cheng Hao’s roommate said Ye Xiran’s ice cream gifts and homemade soups were all a prank. The freshman thought she liked him, confessed boldly… only to get rejected. He couldn’t take the shock, so he’s resting.”

The crowd erupted in cheers, dancing like their emotions had just ridden a rollercoaster. Damn, that was intense!

So the campus beauty wasn’t dating anyone.

Of course—how could an untouchable angel like her date a mere mortal?

Exactly! It had to be true!

Tears of joy welled in their eyes. Happiness had struck so suddenly.

Cheers exploded across the field.

To outsiders, it looked like they’d all won the lottery.

Little did they know—they were celebrating solely because Ye Xiran was single.

…

Meanwhile, Ye Xiran sat alone on her dorm bed, fuming.

“Silly goose. Hiding from me? Really?”

She’d heard the rumors Cheng Hao spread: that she’d been joking, that she’d played with his feelings like some heartless flirt.

Ridiculous! She’d been dead serious!

She’d even said those embarrassing words—and that blockhead still didn’t recognize her.

Worse, she knew Cheng Hao himself had started these rumors.

“Hmph! Think this’ll shake me off? Push me too far, and I’ll drop the act. I’ll reveal my identity and see how you handle *that*!” she grumbled, pouting like a scolded wife.

Still… secretly, she was thrilled.

Who wouldn’t love such a loyal boyfriend?

Honestly, she’d never expected Cheng Hao’s willpower to be this strong.

Her plan had been simple: if he didn’t recognize her, she’d use her “campus beauty” status to lure him. Once they were deep in a sweet romance, she’d reveal her true self—a grand surprise.

…Okay, not the *best* plan. But she’d been desperate.

Who knew he’d treat her like a plague, avoiding her completely?

That only proved he was fiercely loyal and responsible—a thought that warmed her heart.

As for his so-called fiancée? Ye Xiran didn’t give her a second thought.

“Hah. My silly goose loves *me*. What can you possibly compete with?”

“You haven’t even met him yet. He’ll come running to me the moment he sees my face.”

A captivating smile curled her lips.

…

At that moment, Cheng Hao was in the flower shop with Li Shiying, preparing for opening day.

Wang Xueting couldn’t make it due to last-minute errands, but the shop would open on schedule.

“Shiying, have you studied flower arranging?” Cheng Hao asked, admiring the artistic arrangement before him.

Flower arranging wasn’t just sticking blooms in a vase—it was a refined, demanding art.

Though elite families often pushed their children toward artistic pursuits, flower arranging was niche. Few in China learned it, so Cheng Hao was impressed.

“Mhm. I’ve loved flowers since I was little. My family wanted me to learn something useful, so I chose this.” Li Shiying smiled softly. “I thought it was just a hobby… never imagined it’d help me earn money now.”

Cheng Hao nodded, his gaze full of admiration.

“Honestly? It’s stunning. I didn’t expect this shop to turn a profit, but after seeing your work… I think we might start a trend.”

“Oh, you’re exaggerating,” Li Shiying said modestly, though pride glowed in her eyes.

After arranging the last bouquet on the floor, she stood up too quickly. Her legs, numb from crouching, buckled. She staggered, about to fall.

Cheng Hao darted forward. In one fluid motion, he caught her slender waist, pulling her delicate frame against his chest.

Their eyes locked.

Li Shiying’s pale face flushed crimson.

Something shimmered in her dark, beautiful eyes—each blink releasing a playful fawn from tall grass. It would stare at you with wide, curious eyes.

Cheng Hao felt her shoulders tremble. His fingers brushed her silky hair.

Her breathing hitched; he felt the heat of her breath on his lips.

Awkward silence thickened the air—until the shop door jingled open.

A customer walked in.

Cheng Hao quickly steadied Li Shiying, releasing her and turning away.

Li Shiying straightened her clothes and hurried to greet the guest, acting as if nothing had happened.