"It's Zhang Ling and Lin Qingya."

Guyen stiffened slightly at Lin Qingya's name, yet it felt inevitable.

He was usually hot-tempered with many off-campus "enemies." But among guys, conflicts started with words. Only serious ones turned physical. Nothing this convoluted.

"Guyen, are you satisfied with the school's handling?" Wang Hao's voice snapped him back.

"Of course. Thanks, Director Wang and Teacher Chen."

"Leave now, President Jiang. Gather the student council and department heads. Meeting time."

"Understood, Director Wang," Jiang Juan nodded slightly.

"Director Wang, I'll take my leave," Chen Miao said, glancing at Guyen before turning to Wang Hao.

"Teacher Chen, please tighten management on this. Appreciate it."

"Very well."

Guyen and his friends got what they wanted. No lingering. They left the disciplinary office first.

In the corridor, Zhang Ning nudged Guyen's arm. "You totally humiliated Old Wang. Big feud now."

"You think you're safe? He might have the council target us three after the meeting," Zhao Zhuoyang said helplessly.

"Hey, no fear. Can't fight 'em? Avoid 'em. I, Guyen, declare Dorm 502 a model dorm from now on. I'll start being a model student." Guyen slung arms around both, flashing a cool grin.

"Guyen." A voice clear as mountain spring cut their chat.

Guyen stopped and turned. Jiang Juan walked slowly toward him.

He had to admit—Jiang Juan was stunning. Brows arched like distant peaks, eyes deep as peach blossoms. That unwavering gaze felt like drowning in azure waves. Pale skin glowed under sunlight, faint blue veins visible. Only his crimson lips added warmth, a hint of life.

*No beard at all, tsk tsk.* The random thought hit Guyen. He burst out laughing.

Jiang Juan narrowed his eyes at the snicker. "This has nothing to do with me."

Guyen wiped his smile, eyebrow raised. "Of course. I just purely dislike you."

Jiang Juan smiled faintly, cold as carved snow. "Coincidence. I find you quite annoying too."

They locked eyes. Then turned away simultaneously, walking opposite directions.

............

On the playground, weekend evening buzzed with returning students. Some sneaked romances under dim lights. Bold ones held hands, stole kisses.

"Guyen, we're done. Why call me here?" Lin Qingya's face was made up—Guyen noticed. Her self-righteous look made him sigh: girls were born actresses.

"You regret it? I have many suitors. Too late for us now," she said with a hint of smugness.

Guyen stayed silent. Suddenly, he snatched her small shoulder bag.

"What are you doing?" Lin Qingya shrieked. All eyes snapped to them.

Ignoring her, Guyen rummaged inside. He pulled out makeup remover wipes, yanked a few sheets, and roughly wiped her face as she stared in horror.

"No need for makeup. Some things can't be hidden. You know what you did with Lin Ling. You take your path, I'll take mine. Don't bother me again."

Lin Qingya yanked back her bag strap, covering her face. His words made her heart skip amid shock and anger.

"Oh, and don't litter." Guyen flicked the used wipe onto her chest with a cool smile.

Ignoring whispers and sneaky photos, he walked toward Zhang Ning and Zhao Zhuoyang.

"Hey, I thought you'd hit her."

"Joke? I'd never hit a girl."

"Shouldn't we care about onlookers? They're imagining wild stuff."

"Whatever. Let them think. As long as I'm satisfied—that's all that matters to your bro Guyen."

Their chatter drifted on the evening breeze, fading into fragments.