"...So slow."

Cheng Yu glanced at his phone, muttering under his breath. Dozens of minutes had passed since he arrived under the girls' dorm.

This was utterly unlike Jiangyx Jiang’s usual self. Normally, she’d show up early at the meeting spot, scolding latecomers impatiently like a middle-aged homeroom teacher nagging nonstop.

Not like now—after dozens of minutes, not a single sign of her.

Cheng Yu’s mood turned complicated. He flipped open his contacts again and dialed the class monitor’s number.

Back at the semester’s start, she’d forced every classmate to save her number, saying they could reach her anytime if needed.

Who knew he’d actually need to call her now.

After a moment of ringing, Cheng Yu heard the default ringtone chime nearby. Then, Jiangyx Jiang’s voice, thick with apology:

"Sorry... I’m a bit late."

"You know you’re la—"

Cheng Yu turned around, ready to scold her in her usual style.

But he didn’t see Jiangyx Jiang at all.

Instead stood a tall, curvaceous girl. Awkwardly, she looked away, her right arm hugging her left. Long, straight black hair fell naturally below her collarbone, accentuating her noticeable bust. Below her slender waist curved another alluring line, leading to slim, long legs.

Honestly, Cheng Yu struggled to tear his eyes from her figure.

Yet beyond that stunning shape, her features were exquisitely crafted like natural artwork. She turned her head with tsundere-like pride, stealing glances at Cheng Yu. Though silent, each look seemed to carry millennia of unspoken depth.

Wait—where was Jiangyx Jiang?

Why was a beautiful stranger beside him?

He almost blurted, "Who the hell are you?"

But staring at her face, the crude words stuck in his throat. Instead, he asked unconsciously:

"Um... Miss? Waiting for someone?"

The girl met his eyes, her gaze turning complex. Clenching her teeth, she spoke slowly:

"Are... you a bit messed up?"

"Shit, it’s you!?"

Hearing that familiar voice, Cheng Yu jumped back several steps.

Disbelieving, he leaned in close, studying her face before tentatively whispering:

"Monitor?"

"...It’s me."

Cheng Yu sucked in a sharp breath, looking like he’d seen a ghost at midnight.

This Jiangyx Jiang barely resembled her usual self. Only her facial contours were familiar. Her thick bangs were playfully swept aside; fair skin glowed under makeup. Arched brows, almond eyes brimming with life—sensuality and intellect, calmness and playfulness balanced perfectly.

He knew she had good looks; with effort, she shouldn’t fall short of Linsw Lin. But he hadn’t expected...

"...I never knew you’d look this good with a little effort."

"Mmph..."

Those words pierced Jiangyx Jiang’s weak spot. She turned her back, avoiding his gaze, fingers secretly touching her face to hide strange expressions.

Before leaving, she’d only asked roommates to help tidy her up.

To her shock, they’d been inexplicably enthusiastic—styling her hair, applying light makeup, picking an outfit. When she rushed out, they waved goodbye with bright smiles.

This made the already flustered Jiangyx Jiang even shyer.

But... she liked it.

"...Because this is my first time experiencing something like this, so... I wanted to dress nicely. Not make a bad impression."

Jiangyx Jiang mumbled softly, restless hands fidgeting at her stomach.

A girl’s heart is complex, even for her.

In her mind, Cheng Yu calling late at night could only mean one thing.

A confession.

Though unsure of her answer, she remembered this should be her first-ever confession.

So, filled with girlish feelings, she at least wanted to look pretty for it.

Cheng Yu, however, had zero empathy.

He puzzled inwardly: What did "first time" mean?

Meeting Suzhan Yue for the first time?

Had she forgotten he’d already met Suzhan Yue at noon?

Whatever. No need to overthink.

"It’s fine. No need to be so serious. We’ll have plenty of time to get along later. No rush—plenty of time to change impressions."

Cheng Yu shrugged, replying carelessly.

Unexpectedly, Jiangyx Jiang—who’d avoided his gaze—now stared fixedly at him, voice bewildered:

"Wha... why ‘later’! How... how do you know I’ll agree..."

"Huh? Is that even a question? Of course you’ll agree."

Cheng Yu smiled, serious as he said:

"Because you’re Jiangyx Jiang."

"...".

Jiangyx Jiang froze.

It felt like she was cut off from the world, consciousness drifting.

But those words kept mechanically repeating in her mind.

[Because you’re Jiangyx Jiang.]

Slowly, she placed a hand on her chest, feeling her restless heart about to burst. Bowing her head, she whispered:

"...I understand.

"I... think I already have my answer, Cheng Yu.

"But before that... can I hear you say what you want to say, in your own words?"

She wanted ceremony. Even with her answer ready, she needed to hear those words from him.

"No problem."

Cheng Yu smiled easily, standing firm before her, gazing straight.

Jiangyx Jiang met his eyes, heart pounding. She watched his lips part, then heard the words she’d longed for:

"Can you help Suzhan Yue move out of her dorm?"

"I will—"

Jiangyx Jiang froze, looking up at Cheng Yu with utter shock:

"...Huh?"

Cheng Yu sighed in relief, turning to call out loudly:

"Suzhan Yue, it’s settled. Come over and explain it to her."

The girl bounced over excitedly, stopping before Jiangyx Jiang.

Jiangyx Jiang’s mind spiraled into chaos.

After much thought, she couldn’t untangle the misunderstandings—so she gave up.

But glaring at the culprit, Cheng Yu, she pointed sharply aside:

"Cheng Yu."

"Huh? What is it, Monitor?"

"Get the hell away from me!"