No!

Absolutely not!

Mo Xuan’s scalp prickled with unease. The words nearly burst from his lips without a second thought.

His gut warned him: spending time with anyone—especially a girl—would not sit well with Yun Jiumo.

When he’d invited Tian Sirui to study together at the library, Yun Jiumo had flickered in his mind. But he’d instantly brushed the thought aside. *Just reading and doing homework together—what’s wrong with that?*

After all, in his past life, it was she who stabbed him and triggered his rebirth. Even now, the memory sent a chill down his spine. Unless Yun Jiumo’s nature changed, keeping distance was the only sensible choice.

From middle school through high school, neighbor Tian Sirui had helped him countless times—meals included. Repaying her kindness was non-negotiable. Helping her ace exams and get into a good university was his duty. No excuses.

But this meant lying to Yun Jiumo.

He’d never been good at lies, especially not to the sharp-eyed Yun Jiumo. If she suggested joining him at his seat to study? Total exposure.

“Mm… mm,” he mumbled vaguely, forcing eye contact while squeezing out a strained smile.

*Please stop staring so intensely,* he begged inwardly. One more second and he’d cave.

A faint stir flickered in the girl’s heart.

“If you’re studying alone… why not sit with me?” Yun Jiumo smiled gently, her voice soft and melodic. Her slightly narrowed eyes held subtle charm as they lingered on him. She watched his every micro-expression, missing nothing.

“Wouldn’t that bother you? I’m usually the one asking questions,” Mo Xuan replied, feigning flustered gratitude.

*That line again.*

Last time, she’d used the exact same phrasing to switch seats. He’d barely dodged it by stalling—and sensed her quiet displeasure afterward. Relief came when she dropped it.

Who knew she’d try again? Same reason.

Could he really reuse the same excuse? Unconvincing.

Sure enough, Yun Jiumo’s expression slowly iced over. Repeated rejections to her face were clearly bruising her pride.

Fair enough. In class, she was a goddess—boys leaped to fulfill her requests. For someone like her to lower herself and invite *him*? He *should* feel honored. How dare he keep refusing?

If he hadn’t known her true colors, he’d have happily accepted… and walked straight into her trap, realizing too late it was self-inflicted.

Unexpectedly, just as Mo Xuan braced for an outburst, Yun Jiumo softened. A warm, understanding smile bloomed. She nodded slowly.

“You’re right. With so much review material, it’s hard to keep up alone. Bothering others would add trouble.”

Unable to read her, Mo Xuan just nodded.

“Mo Xuan, you’ve probably been asked questions often too—otherwise why think that way?”

“Yeah,” he replied without thinking. “Juggling homework and explaining problems for others is tiring.”

“Manage your time well. National Day’s coming, then the joint sports meet. Study time’s tight this semester.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be careful.”

The chat lightened. To Mo Xuan, Yun Jiumo’s mood brightened fast—every word cheerful, every smile sweet. She seemed like a girl shyly chatting with her crush. Her gentle charm eased his guard. He wasn’t so tense anymore.

Their dynamic felt like two swordsmen on a stage—probing, waiting. One wrong move, and the clash would ignite. No telling how it’d end.

Until things were laid bare, Mo Xuan knew: keep distance. One misstep, and they’d have a bare-all confrontation… *literally* bare-chested.

*Tragic,* he thought.

After a few more exchanges, just as Mo Xuan neared his limit, Yun Jiumo finally noticed how long they’d stood there.

“I’ll head back first.”

“Okay.”

Mo Xuan agreed readily—he was desperate for the restroom.

He bade a hurried goodbye and rushed into the men’s room, unzipping fast.

Relief washed over him. But he didn’t leave.

*Yun Jiumo’s also in the library.*

Just that fact made him restless. Knowing her nature—if she was already *that* person now—she might search the library for his study partner while he was gone.

Thankfully, the corner he and Tian Sirui chose was secluded, wrapped by bookshelves. Only two of them. Hidden.

Unless Yun Jiumo searched meticulously, she wouldn’t find them. And she didn’t even know Tian Sirui. Even if spotted, she’d overlook her. His neighbor was safe. *His* situation wasn’t.

Yet… from their talk, Yun Jiumo seemed… normal.

Had he misremembered?

He regretted wedding night—overexcited, pounding like a pile driver, collapsing into sleep after rounds. He’d missed crucial details.

Or was it all an illusion?

But if illusion… why stab herself *and* take him? That wasn’t ordinary thinking.

Head throbbing, Mo Xuan crouched by the toilet, sighing, tapping his temple.

*Forget it. Go back. Time’s early. If she stays like this… no need to panic.*

He knew it was ostrich logic. But he had no better plan.

Leaving the restroom, he inexplicably turned away from his seat.

Soon, he spotted Yun Jiumo.

Alone at a square table, books piled beside her elbows, headphones on, utterly absorbed in her book.

Facing sideways, she didn’t see him. Mo Xuan ducked behind a shelf and peeked.

*Okay… maybe she’s not so scary.*

Maybe she changed later for a reason. Right now? Just an ordinary girl. Why worry?

Focus on studying. Gaokao came first. Everything else could wait.

He returned to his seat in better spirits—only to find Tian Sirui visibly anxious.

“What’s wrong?”

She stood flustered as he approached. Only then did he notice her packed backpack.

“S-sorry, Mo Xuan,” Tian Sirui stammered. “Family issue… I need to go home…”

“What happened? Serious?” Mo Xuan’s chest tightened.

“Nothing major! Really!” She forced a smile, eyes darting away.

He studied her, saw her embarrassment, and nodded. “Be careful on your way.”

“Okay.” She nodded fast, hoisted her bag, then halted. Turning back cautiously: “Remember… lunch at my place at noon.”

“No trouble needed,” Mo Xuan said wryly. “I was joking.”

Seeing her panic, how could she cook? He wouldn’t add burden.

“No—we promised,” she insisted stubbornly, shaking her head.

“Then make something light. I ate plenty this morning.”

Relief lit her face. She bowed quickly and hurried off.

Mo Xuan sat back down, reopened his book… and drifted into a daze.