Gu Qingyi's appearance undoubtedly sparked another hot topic for Xiao Mu. The favor of a campus beauty was bound to cause a sensation.

Moreover, Gu Qingyi was the woman pursued by Jiang Xiaowen—the Ghost Young Master, ranked second among Huazhong's Four Young Masters. Xiao Mu had just clashed with Young Master Ji not long ago. Was he about to face off against the Ghost Young Master now?

The onlookers were thrilled. Truly, one wave hadn't settled before another arose. Huazhong seemed to be growing lively because of Xiao Mu alone.

Xiao Mu knew the Ghost Young Master Jiang Xiaowen was chasing Gu Qingyi, but he didn't care at all. Whether it was Xu Judong or Jiang Xiaowen, they were merely stepping stones on his rise.

If they insisted on blocking his path, Xiao Mu wouldn't mind stepping on them.

Back in the rest area, just as Xiao Mu was about to sit down, he caught sight of Lin Hanyun in the distance.

His expression froze instantly. In that second, countless names flashed through his mind—Ultraman, Edison, Kamen Rider, grilled beef, bikini—and only one thing remained: a bomb!

Boom! With a loud bang, Xiao Mu was blown up, his face covered in soot.

Lin Hanyun's expression was icy, an even colder aura radiating from her. She clutched a towel tightly in her hand. Xiao Mu knew exactly why she looked so upset—even his toes could figure it out... Good heavens, could he be blamed for being too charming?

Alright, enough self-admiration. The situation wasn't bad; his favorability hadn't dropped. That meant Lin Hanyun wasn't angry, at most... jealous?

If so, accepting Gu Qingyi's towel earlier wasn't unforgivable.

Xiao Mu silently calculated. He tucked away Gu Qingyi's towel, chatted briefly with Li Yan and the others, then walked toward Lin Hanyun.

Lin Hanyun was heading back to the classroom when Xiao Mu casually fell into step beside her.

"Ahem, um..."

"What is it?"

"Yes, there is!"

"Just say it then."

"Did you think my three-pointer shot just now was cool?"

As he said this, Xiao Mu felt embarrassed himself.

Lin Hanyun glanced at him lightly. "If there's nothing else, you can go. After all, many pretty underclassmen are waiting for you. I can't afford to waste your time."

Huh...

How could Xiao Mu miss her meaning? But he played dumb. "Huh? What are you talking about? What pretty underclassmen?"

Lin Hanyun let out a soft snort. "Gu Qingyi is so beautiful. You two would make a good pair..."

"How could that be! The person I like is you!" Xiao Mu suddenly stared into her eyes, earnest.

Hearing his blunt words, Lin Hanyun's heart skipped a beat. A trace of sweetness welled up inside her.

This involuntary joy instantly washed away her bad mood.

Ding! Lin Hanyun's favorability towards the host has increased by 1 point. Please keep up the good work, host.

"Hey, how about we go eat together later?" Xiao Mu pressed his advantage.

"No." Lin Hanyun refused outright.

Xiao Mu's eyes widened. Why? According to the plot, shouldn't she have said "yes"?

"If it's tomorrow, I might consider it," Lin Hanyun said.

Xiao Mu felt like crying but had no tears. How tsundere are you, girl?!

But whatever—at least he gained a favorability point. Some progress after all.

Xiao Mu walked with Lin Hanyun all the way into the classroom, then headed out of school. Time to return to the hospital.

But just as he reached the gate, Gu Qingyi darted out from the side, clearly aiming for him.

"What is it?" Xiao Mu asked politely.

"Um... senior, can we go eat lunch together?" Gu Qingyi asked, her face flushed. That "senior" made Xiao Mu's heart flutter.

He hadn't expected to miss lunch with Lin Hanyun, but here came someone actively approaching.

"Sure, no problem."