(Yang Qianlan's POV)

My name is Yang Qianlan. I’m about to start seventh grade as the Yang family’s eldest daughter. Dad called me to his room for a chat.

"Dad! Coming in!" I opened the door and saw a guy with golden hair—stunningly handsome, around my age. Clueless about love back then, I was utterly smitten the moment I laid eyes on him. Spotting me, he turned to Dad and grinned. "So this is Big Yang’s daughter? Gorgeous! Hi, I’m Ouyang Tiancheng."

My heart pounded. "I-I’m Yang Qianlan," I stammered.

"Beautiful name!" Ouyang Tiancheng beamed. "Sounds like you were born under a sunset with the blue sky as your companion—so poetic!"

"Mm!" I replied happily.

"I’ve got stuff to do. Let’s hang out when free!" he said, flashing a regretful smile.

"Okay… sure," I mumbled, feeling oddly disappointed though I didn’t know why.

After he left, I asked Dad, "Who was that?"

"The Ouyang family’s heir. They’re our vassal clan," Dad chuckled. "But wow—you really like him, huh?"

"No way!" I blushed fiercely.

From that day on, I daydreamed about Ouyang Tiancheng constantly. I realized I was in love. Gossip said he adored gentle girls, so I decided to mimic that.

We attended the same middle school—I was thrilled. I’d win him over.

On my first day, I saw bullies beating a boy. I almost walked past, but remembering Ouyang’s preference, I stepped in. There, huddled in a corner, was a pitiful kid.

Dark hair framed his youthful face. His starry eyes left me breathless.

"Thank you," he whispered, voice trembling.

"I’m Yang Qianlan. Your name?"

"Lin Ye," he murmured after a pause.

"Why’d they hurt you, Lin Ye?" I asked gently.

"I’m an F-rank nobody," he muttered, head down. "They mocked me and my sister—said we’re not real siblings. I fought back but lost. I just… couldn’t accept it!"

"I’ll protect you!" I declared. This had nothing to do with Ouyang; Lin Ye awakened my maternal instincts.

A year flew by. I cared for Lin Ye while Ouyang Tiancheng charmed me warmly. But a dilemma gnawed at me: I liked them both. After soul-searching, I chose to abandon Lin Ye.

As if fate mocked me, Lin Ye confessed the next day. I’d already decided—I spat cruel, unforgivable words and fled without looking back. My heart ached like a knife twisted deep. But I refused to be two-timing.

Halfway home, I froze. Two figures cuddled under a tree: my classmate Tong Lin… and Ouyang Tiancheng.

Their whispers chilled me. "Tiancheng, I’m jealous! You’re always with that bitch Yang Qianlan."

"Don’t worry," Ouyang soothed. "I haven’t let her touch me. But I must please her—our clan’s just their vassal. Trust me."

They embraced again. Nausea surged. I dashed to the bathroom and vomited. What was my first love? A disgusting fraud. All affection for Ouyang evaporated. Yet, remembering the adorable Ye Ye I’d crushed, my chest tightened. He truly loved me! How could I win him back?

That night, I lay awake, hopeless. At school next day, I spotted Lin Ye—face blank, lifeless. I longed to apologize, to confess my feelings. But my feet stayed glued. Why? Fear? Of course. I’d wounded him too deeply. He’d never forgive me.

I never moved. For nearly two years, I watched him from afar—seeing him gain a loyal friend, cherished by his sister. Every urge to approach died under my excuses. I was just a coward.

In high school, rumors spread: F Class and D Class would brawl. Panic gripped me. What if my longed-for Ye Ye got hurt? I couldn’t wait.

As they entered the arena, I saw him. Buried emotions erupted. I stared with burning intensity. He met my gaze—then I flinched away.

How could I return to his side?

As his lover? Fine—I’d accept any role to stay near him! Or… if many girls loved him too, we could all marry him! That’d justify my place beside him.

I’d start a fan club for my little Ye Ye! Perfect. But I needed recruits. I’d "brainwash" pretty girls into seeing Ye Ye’s charm. Yes! Exactly!

And so, Yang Qianlan’s crazy plan began!