It was strange. Despite years as childhood sweethearts, why had the perfectly eligible guy ended up obsessed with online dating?

Sensing Chi Yuzhou’s confusion, Hua Qi beside him spoke up.

"Honestly, if I had Yuzhou’s calmness in any situation, I’d probably have a girlfriend by now."

"Huh?"

Hua Qi sighed, his eyes drifting with nostalgia. "Back in middle school, I dated a girl. But one day, out of nowhere, she slapped me and called me a player. It stung, and I panicked."

"?"

"Oh, I didn’t hit back. I just desperately tried to win her over. But she seemed to know exactly what I’d do—and kicked me again."

"..."

"Later, I dated a few more girls. All ended like the first. Weird, right?"

Hua Qi’s voice turned wistful. He looked at Chi Yuzhou, helplessness deepening in his eyes. "Yuzhou, will I ever find true love?"

"Of course you will."

Chi Yuzhou’s light, four-word reply—no long-winded comfort—left the helplessness in Hua Qi’s gaze unchanged.

The well-fed don’t understand the starving.

Chi Yuzhou looked ordinary now, but his face was idol-worthy. Yet he stayed impeccably chaste. Any other boy with his looks would’ve landed in some clichéd drama, maybe even hospitalized after a knife attack.

The sun blazed fiercely. The two finished gathering firewood.

Walking back, Hua Qi’s forehead beaded with sweat, his steps strained under the load. Chi Yuzhou carried the same weight effortlessly.

"Didn’t know you were this strong," Hua Qi remarked.

"...Not something you can tell by looking," Chi Yuzhou replied, pausing almost imperceptibly.

This outing was more fun than expected. For a moment, he forgot to hide anything—even the scorching sun slipped his mind.

Snow Clan members naturally had better stamina than humans. That’s why Chi Yuzhou seemed so relaxed.

He couldn’t just play; he needed to stay alert.

...

The outdoor area offered good shade. Hot air hummed with cicadas’ endless chirping.

At the stove, three girls quickly divided tasks and tied on aprons.

Xiao Yingwan stood behind Shen Shiling. Seeing her fumble with the apron strings, Xiao Yingwan reached out to help. She tied her own apron effortlessly behind her back.

Turning to Hua Fu, Xiao Yingwan found her already tying the apron casually, standing ready at the stove.

Shen Shiling washed ingredients carefully, passing them to Xiao Yingwan and Hua Fu to chop.

Xiao Yingwan handled the knife with practiced ease. Beside her, Hua Fu worked quietly, her downcast eyes focused as she processed ingredients swiftly and neatly.

Soon, Shen Shiling’s washing couldn’t keep up with their chopping speed.

Though both girls were equally skilled, passing classmates lingered nearby, their gazes mostly fixed on Xiao Yingwan.

As the boys returned with firewood, Chi Yuzhou overheard casual chatter.

"Lucky to be in Xiao Yingwan’s group."

"Hua Qi really scored here."

"Heh, don’t forget the fluke-lucky guy."

"Well, he’s Hua Qi’s desk mate."

"Pure luck."

Chi Yuzhou caught every word—students from his class and others.

Hua Qi almost stepped forward, but seeing Chi Yuzhou unaffected, he stayed silent.

Chi Yuzhou wasn’t bothered. He was just curious about the curry’s taste.

Back at their stove, many students crowded around, watching Xiao Yingwan and the others cook.

Xiao Yingwan and Hua Fu finished prepping quickly.

As Hua Qi lit the stove, Chi Yuzhou subtly stepped back.

When Xiao Yingwan picked up the spatula, more students gathered. Teachers soon shooed them away.

Guanmingxue, a supervisor, glanced at their group and the prepped ingredients.

"What are you making?"

"Curry."

Guanmingxue nodded, then noticed Chi Yuzhou. His attention was fixed on Xiao Yingwan.

Xiao Yingwan turned to answer, catching his gaze.

Her apron wasn’t stylish—but it cinched her waist well enough.

Chi Yuzhou’s unwavering focus was proof.

To her slight surprise, Hua Fu—also in an apron—had a perfectly curved waist, hidden by their loose uniforms.

Chi Yuzhou truly was watching Xiao Yingwan’s every move.

Why low heat? High heat would cook faster. Why so slow?

If he knew how, he’d take over.

Guanmingxue adjusted her glasses, glancing at distant Chi Yuzhou. "Do all of you cook?"

"Yeah, I help at home sometimes," Shen Shiling said. Xiao Yingwan nodded. The boys shook their heads.

All eyes turned to Hua Fu. She spoke slowly. "My parents are busy. I take care of my younger siblings."

Chi Yuzhou recalled gaming at her house that day. The game was fun. Too bad she hadn’t invited him for dinner—he’d have seen her cooking skills.

Guanmingxue nodded and moved on.

As Xiao Yingwan added ingredients to the pot, she asked, "Can everyone handle spicy food?"

"I’m fine with it," Shen Shiling replied. Hua Fu and Hua Qi shook their heads.

Only Chi Yuzhou, seemingly lost in watching Xiao Yingwan, answered a beat late. "I’m fine too."