October 9th, Thursday. One day left until the welcome party at Shanghai University.

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For the "real-life fulfilled," people assume they have tons of friends, a satisfying existence, and smooth social interactions. They’re never short of opposite-sex admirers.

But no one can be perfect, right?

A fulfilling reality means lacking elsewhere.

Just as God gave Hua Xin a tiger 🐯 but let a bull 🐮 escape.

But now…

Under her mask, Hua Xin scowled with jealousy, watching Xia Yan on stage. Cheers erupted around him. Girls squealed in high-pitched voices, as if in a strange trance, chanting his name.

“Junior Xia Yan, you’re so handsome!! 😍”

“I never expected Yan Yan to excel at sports, studies, and singing—all top-tier ❤️…”

“Sing it again! It’s amazing, ahhhhhh!! 🥰”

“You’ll win Best Solo Performance tomorrow! My idol!!”

As they chanted, a few seniors in pure white floral dresses threw flower props onstage. They ran back, faces flushed with shyness.

Their lovesick expressions infuriated the male students…

What makes Xia Yan so special! 😡

The flower-throwing seniors seemed to have made a huge decision. Their faces stayed pink. They kept stealing glances at Xia Yan.

The girl twitched her lips, utterly shocked.

Seriously… haven’t you seen a guy before?

Is it that big a deal?

Xia Yan’s just a bit better-looking, with a nicer figure and gentler voice…

Uh…

Pretending to be human 😈.

Good? I’ll say no (it is good)!!

Hua Xin snorted coldly. In a low, icy voice, she muttered, “Terrible…”

Mu Feng, sitting beside her, instinctively retorted, “I disa—”

Her red-glowing eyes under the hood pinned him through her hair.

😨

Remembering his leverage was firmly in her grasp, Mu Feng’s expression flattened. He switched tone smoothly: “A good bro tells the truth. Yan Ge still lacks something.”

Xiang Guan’s face stayed calm, as if beyond worldly desires. Without even processing that “Yan Ge” meant Xia Yan, he added, “Agreed.”

But his hand gripped his phone tightly, waiting for a message. His gaze never left the stage’s edge.

“Thank you, seniors. I still have much to improve,” Xia Yan said gently. Dressed in a sharp suit, he gathered the thrown flower props. He walked down to return them.

“So gentle…”

“So handsome…” x10086

Seeing Xia Yan up close, the girls almost spoke. But when Lin Qingyu and an exceptionally sweet-looking girl stepped onstage next, they fell silent.

Anyone could see Lin Qingyu had been Xia Yan’s closest companion these past two days.

Sigh…

Who could blame them? She was beautiful, well-built, and wealthy.

Even if they dated, no one minded (Hua Xin: I do mind). They were a perfect match. All the girls could do was enjoy the view now.

“How was it? Not bad, bros?” Xia Yan relaxed, shedding his jacket and shirt. He sat beside Hua Xin, smiling.

Mu Feng: “You’re awesome, unbeatable, Yan Ge.”

Xiang Guan: “The world’s singing gods? Only Xia Yan and Shower Xiang Guan.”

Hua Xin: “…”

“Hua Xiong, your thoughts?”

An ordinary question, spoken gently. But to Hua Xin, who’d seen Xia Yan’s true face, it meant:

(If you don’t praise me, I’ll humiliate you here in front of everyone. Think carefully. Don’t act human and stay silent. Say something nice now, or sink to the Huangpu River tomorrow 😈.)

😨😭

(So scary, so scary, so scary, so scary 😭😭)

(So fake, so fake! 🥺🥺)

Hua Xin trembled. “Terrific.”

“It’s just okay. I’ll be grateful if nothing goes wrong tomorrow.” Xia Yan unbuttoned his white shirt, loosening his collar. “By the way… can you come out tomorrow night, Hua Xiong? The party runs late. I’ll walk you home.”

“The school hired a pro band too. What’s it called… Three-Handed Peony?”

“The venue’s the sports field. We can grab snacks and watch slowly. What do you think?”

Xia Yan asked softly, eyes hopeful. He’d mentioned it before—she’d agreed—but he wanted her to choose freely. This was her step toward the outside world. Her own choice.

(You won’t skip, right? With Mu Feng and Xiang Guan here, I can’t threaten openly. Don’t force my hand. I’ve given options; everyone’s watching. Be sensible, or else 😈…)

(I’ve promised band and food. After tomorrow’s last meal, we cut ties. Make me happy, and I’ll only bully you a little 😋.)

…

Why were Hua Xin’s eyes often tear-filled?

“I’ll come…” She suppressed a sob, voice calm and low.

“Great! Tell me what snacks you want. I’ll buy extra with Mu Feng and them.” Xia Yan beamed, laughing lightly.

He noticed Hua Xin’s pure white shoes—no longer ill-fitting. He felt pleased. Dressing well meant she cared about others’ opinions. A good change.

Though… they seemed a bit small.

“My future is mine to control…”

A sweet voice rang out. Distracted Xiang Guan snapped upright. He stood, frantically snapping photos of the stage beauty.

He muttered like a man possessed: “Xiao Ling, Xiao Ling, Xiao Ling…” Drool nearly dripped.

Mu Feng kicked him lightly in disgust. Xiang Guan didn’t flinch.

Xia Yan’s eyes flickered. A scheming aura—usually only online—seeped out.

After break, he hadn’t instantly punished the mole. As a socially active person, he needed good rep; that’s why he hadn’t rejected Lin Qingyu.

But…

That didn’t excuse her turning his bro into a spy. Betrayers would pay 😈.

“A high-level senior sister?”

“Wait till I meet my wife IRL 🥰…”

“I’ll kiss her at school, right before your eyes, just to piss you off 😈.”

Xia Yan schemed darkly in his heart.