"Have you...

investigated me?"

Jiang Xiaoyao slightly parted her lips but said nothing. It melted into a knowing smile.

"Guess coming straight to you like this was a bit too obvious, huh?"

"Ah." Chen Yuzhe lounged lazily in the café chair.

"I never thought anyone’d be so bored they’d go out of their way to dig up my past."

"Not exactly digging," Jiang Xiaoyao said cheerfully. "Just happened to ask a classmate who used to go to No. 1 High. A little casual asking around."

"Turns out that ‘casual asking’ uncovered some... interesting things."

*Tch. I told them I wanted to study out of town. But Uncle Yan insisted I stay local.*

He’d kept a low profile all freshman year, avoiding rumors about his middle and high school days.

A year later, and it still caught up to him.

Chen Yuzhe scratched his head in frustration. "So what if you found stuff? Those rumors have no proof. Even if you confronted me, I’d never admit to anything."

Jiang Xiaoyao shrugged carelessly. "But when have rumors ever needed proof?"

"You’re... threatening me?" Chen Yuzhe’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"Threaten? Oh, I wouldn’t dare!" She playfully stuck out her tongue. "I’m just so scared you’ll use love magic to force me to fall for you, Yuzhe!"

*Damn it, don’t call me Yuzhe! It’s so gross!! I’d really puke!!*

"Huh? Love magic? Has it spread to that version already?" Chen Yuzhe propped his head up, deadpan. "If it were real, I wouldn’t be single since birth, would I?"

"Just basic psychology tricks. Useless on someone like you anyway."

"Someone like me? What’s that supposed to mean?" Jiang Xiaoyao blinked, her tone teasing as she leaned closer.

Those two gravity-defying spheres pressed against the table again.

*Here we go...* Chen Yuzhe sighed inwardly. She never hesitated to use the gifts God gave her.

This was the first time she’d acted like this around him. She only showed off for guys she found useful—or worth charming.

*So I’m finally ‘acknowledged’ by her? How thrilling.*

*Honestly, I thought my looks and height meant she’d never see me as a guy.*

"Someone as stunningly beautiful, gentle, and sweet-faced as Miss Jiang Xiaoyao," Chen Yuzhe said smoothly. "What guy could bear to make a beauty like you sad?"

Jiang Xiaoyao giggled uncontrollably. "My, Yuzhe, I never knew you could be so sweet-tongued!"

*Stop calling me Yuzhe! I’m begging you! It’s nauseating!*

"You don’t know half of me. Maybe I’ll show you someday." Chen Yuzhe calmly changed the subject.

Jiang Xiaoyao’s gaze drifted over his profile, studying him.

"Eyes too small. Nose not sharp enough. Too skinny. Face only... decently pretty."

"And height—way below average for a guy. 160 cm? Barely scraping a 60% passing grade."

Chen Yuzhe’s grip tightened on his coffee cup.

"Just so you know," she mused aloud, "my dating targets start at 75% minimum."

"Which means..."

She leaned in until their noses were inches apart. He caught her perfume, skincare scent, and that uniquely girlish warmth. Her breath tickled his skin.

"...sadly, you’re not on my list." Her whisper was breathy, intimate.

Any guy would’ve flushed, heart pounding.

But Chen Yuzhe stared blankly.

Like watching a TV screen.

No matter how close she got, a glass barrier separated them.

A barrier between dimensions.

"So? What’s your point?"

"My point is—" Jiang Xiaoyao sat back, tone normal again. "If I’m not your type, and you’re not mine... why not cooperate?"

"Oh?" For the first time, Chen Yuzhe showed interest. "How?"

"You’ve heard about that jewel-tier freshman this year, right?"

"Gu Chengjin. You had me take him to the student council."

Jiang Xiaoyao perked up. "Well? After I arranged that ‘alone time,’ you must’ve figured out his personality. What’s he like? Bad-tempered? Good to girls? Is he really a warm, gentle guy inside?"

*So that was a setup! You used me to scout him!* Chen Yuzhe felt like spitting blood.

"Honestly, I did test him out of curiosity. But—"

"But what?"

Chen Yuzhe gave an innocent shrug. "When did I agree to cooperate? I haven’t said yes yet."

*You—!* Jiang Xiaoyao choked on her words, rolling her eyes. "What do you want then?"

"Cooperation means mutual benefit," Chen Yuzhe said seriously. "You can’t just take. I need something in return. Even a small perk."

Jiang Xiaoyao’s eyes narrowed. She crossed her arms defensively. "What are you planning?"

"Don’t get any otaku fantasies! You won’t get my heart—or my body!"

*Pfft.* Chen Yuzhe nearly spat out his coffee.

*Sis, your anime brain really auto-fills hentai scenes, huh?*

"When did I ask for your body?"

"Hmph! You creepy otaku just jerk off alone to my cosplay photos! Ruining them with your filthy mess! You’d probably demand some embarrassing outfit for ‘perks’!" She feigned tears, pulling a classic doujinshi expression. "I’ll never let you win! Otaku are disgusting!"

Her voice carried. Nearby café patrons glanced over, eyes curious.

*Damn. Are you done?* Veins throbbed on Chen Yuzhe’s forehead. He was seconds from snapping.

Jiang Xiaoyao sat proudly, like a victorious rooster.

*Fine. You win for now. But I remember grudges. We’ll see.*

After deep breaths, he forced calm. "I mean practical help. You have your goals. I have mine. We assist each other—no interference."

"My goals?" Jiang Xiaoyao leaned in, intrigued. "Is there a freshman you’re targeting this year?"

"Not me. Just helping a friend." Chen Yuzhe sipped his coffee, gaze drifting to the window.

*I’d never tell you my plans. Especially not you, Jiang Xiaoyao.*

"Anyway, I need one thing: at the club mixer, I’m bringing someone from outside campus. Smooth it over for me."

"A hottie?"

"Yeah."

"Done." She flashed an OK sign.

"Then to our cooperation." Chen Yuzhe shrugged. "What do you need from me?"

"Well..." Jiang Xiaoyao fidgeted, suddenly shy.

*What’s her game now?* Chen Yuzhe frowned.

"Actually, I just want..." Her cheeks flushed pink, oddly cute. "You to teach me what normal dating feels like. Between regular guys and girls."

Chen Yuzhe blinked. "Normal dating? I told you—you know this better than I do. You’re the anime club’s star. No one’d believe you don’t know how to date."

"Not that kind!" Jiang Xiaoyao stamped her foot, pouting. "I mean... no hidden agendas..."

"...just plain, ordinary dating."