At the party's start, Jiang Xiaoyao took a deep breath. She walked toward Gu Chengjin, following her pre-planned script.

"What's up, junior? Sitting here alone?" Jiang Xiaoyao casually grabbed a drink from the bar. She slid beside Gu Chengjin. Glancing at the lively crowd, she pretended nonchalance.

Gu Chengjin smiled politely back. "Ah, sorry, senior. I'm not great with big groups yet... Maybe because I just returned from abroad."

"No need to apologize," Jiang Xiaoyao waved dismissively. "I hate noisy spots too. That's why I'm here, where it's quiet."

Gu Chengjin nodded and turned away.

He had that kind of handsome face that grew on you. His skin wasn't overly pale or tanned—just perfect. His sleeves were rolled halfway up, revealing forearms that looked incredibly touchable.

His fingers holding the glass were long and elegant. They'd be perfect for playing piano.

Flawlessly handsome from every angle! Jiang Xiaoyao couldn't help but admire him.

Any girl would blush sitting next to such a guy. She could even smell his cologne clearly now. It smelled amazing.

Suddenly, Jiang Xiaoyao realized she'd almost leaned onto his shoulder. Flustered, she sat upright, face burning red. Her eyes darted around guiltily.

*What are you doing, Jiang Xiaoyao!* she scolded herself inwardly. *Even fangirling shouldn't go this far!*

Seriously, if she'd actually leaned in, he'd think she was some flirty airhead. Total game over.

No. This rare chance had to leave a good impression. Only then could she get his contact and build a connection.

That chat just ended normally. She just needed a new topic to restart.

Jiang Xiaoyao had prepped a thousand topics for today. She feared awkward silences.

*Don't rush,* she told herself silently. *Just pick one casually from the list.*

Pick one...

Pick...

Huh?

Her body stiffened unnaturally.

What to say?

Why... had her mind gone completely blank?

Gu Chengjin sat beside her, watching club members play games with interest. Seeing his gentle, handsome profile, Jiang Xiaoyao suddenly felt breathless.

Her heart raced faster. Her head grew dizzy.

Thump-thump.

*Calm down, Jiang Xiaoyao!* she urged. *You prepared so long—don't waste it now! Panic ruins everything!*

Stay calm. Follow the plan. It'll be fine.

Thump-thump.

Her heartbeat accelerated. Her cheeks burned hot. If Gu Chengjin turned now, he'd definitely notice her flushed face.

As if on cue, he glanced over. Seeing her slightly lowered head, his expression shifted.

"Senior, are you okay? You look off."

"F-fine..." Jiang Xiaoyao forced a weak smile.

Damn it. Why was her heart pounding so hard? Was she really this nervous? What was she even scared of?

Her mind was empty. She couldn't muster words. Breathing felt difficult.

"Hah... hah..." She started panting lightly without realizing.

Gu Chengjin's face grew serious. "Senior, don't push yourself. You look really scary right now."

Jiang Xiaoyao shook her head, keeping her tone gentle. "It's nothing. Just a sudden dizzy spell. It'll pass in a sec."

Nope.

The dizziness remained. Like oxygen deprivation.

For a moment, she froze. This hard-earned chance to bond with her idol Gu Chengjin was right here. Yet she couldn't take that step forward.

What to do?

What should I do?

Panicked, Jiang Xiaoyao's thoughts flashed to one name.

She turned toward Chen Yuzhe.

Chen Yuzhe was still chatting with Xinyu. He talked nonstop while Xinyu, blushing slightly, nodded along. They were clearly enjoying playful banter.

*That jerk!* Jiang Xiaoyao fumed. *He promised to stay by my side and catch my mistakes! Instead, he ditched me to hit on a freshman girl. Unbelievable!*

Just thinking about it worsened her mood.

Without Chen Yuzhe, she had no clue what to do next. She sat frozen, eyes flicking repeatedly toward him.

*Stop chatting! Look at me! Notice something's wrong!*

*Rescue me already! I didn't bring you here to flirt! Tell me what to do next!*

"Senior? Senior?"

Gu Chengjin's voice snapped her back. She mumbled vague replies. But he couldn't wait.

"No, let's go to the hospital." Gu Chengjin stood up, worry etched on his face. "You look terrible, senior. Better get checked."

"N-no, really!" Jiang Xiaoyao panicked. She pushed him back into his seat. Standing up, she stammered:

"Don't worry about me—"

"I... I just need the restroom."

Gu Chengjin started to speak, but Jiang Xiaoyao didn't listen. She fled out in a fluster.