Three minutes later, homeroom teacher Mr. Qin announced with a trace of disdain, “…As everyone expected, the lowest score in this month’s exam once again belongs to our classmate—Li Xiaoyao.”

Well… Li Xiaoyao did get into Hyde High School through the sports entrance exam. Academically? Yeah… he was a bit… “weak.”

But Li Xiaoyao clearly didn’t care. Grinning, he strolled up to collect his paper, utterly ignoring the contemptuous stares from teachers and classmates.

Sometimes, I really did envy his carefree, unbothered attitude.

“Alright. Subject teachers will review the exams later. Morning self-study begins now—please keep quiet.”

Before I knew it, morning self-study ended. Students had a quick ten-minute break to move around. But as a somewhat introverted guy, I always stayed seated, staring blankly out the window.

Come to think of it…

When would I see that demon-like girl again?

Sure, her personality was nasty, and she loved humiliating me—but I couldn’t deny she’d helped. She even got me on stage with my idol…

If only it hadn’t been in a dress. Then it would’ve been perfect.

And for some reason, that girl felt oddly familiar. Like I’d seen her somewhere… but I just couldn’t place her.

“Who *is* she…?”

I muttered under my breath—when a crisp, cold voice cut in: “Hey. When are you paying the textbook fee?”

Ah. Han Chengcheng. She stood beside me, looking down with an icy gaze that treated me like trash.

That “textbook fee” covered the supplementary study materials teachers ordered. Payments were collected in batches for convenience. And since Han Chengcheng was our class study committee member, she handled it.

It wasn’t even much—just over 200 yuan. But lately, surviving on steamed buns and pickles while dodging debt collectors… I’d split one bun into two meals. My wallet held only a few coins. How could I pay?

“Just… give me a few more days,” I said helplessly.

Han Chengcheng snorted. “Lin Xiaoxi. Everyone else has paid. *Everyone.* Your family isn’t poor. Where’d the money go? Did you waste it?”

“Uh…”

I opened my mouth but had no words. Proud as I was, I wouldn’t spill my family’s troubles to outsiders.

Her eyes sharpened with contempt. “Tomorrow. If you don’t pay by tomorrow, I’ll go to your house and ask your parents myself.”

Huh?! No way!

If she showed up… my parents’ disappearance would blow up across campus. I’d be stared at with pity, whispers trailing me:

“Look—it’s him. Parents vanished. All alone. So pitiful.”

“Heard he nearly got assaulted by debt collectors… imagine that. Tsk.”

“Should we petition the Student Council for a fundraiser?”

“Xiaoxi, stay strong! Don’t bow your head—your crown might fall. Don’t bend over—they’ll just laugh. Rule your own world. Stay strong!”

No. Absolutely not. I hated being seen as different—pity and sympathy included. No matter how rough things got, I refused those condescending, sympathetic looks.

Han Chengcheng turned sharply. Her twin ponytails swayed lightly behind her.

I slumped onto my desk, face tight with worry.

Money… still no money. Even if the debt collectors were temporarily “dealt with,” I still had to eat. Starve? Beg? No.

*Sigh…* Dad, Mom… when will you come back? *sob* Your son’s really struggling…

Anyway, the uneventful morning passed—classes, notes, problem sets. Student life was the same everywhere. Even lightheaded from hunger, I finished the assignments smoothly. Only capable students got into Hyde High, after all.

Dismissal neared. Students fidgeted, eyes glued to the clock while Mr. Qin lectured on. Suddenly—the classroom door swung open. An unfamiliar teacher hurried in, whispering into Mr. Qin’s ear.

Mr. Qin’s expression shifted. His gaze locked onto me. “Lin Xiaoxi. The Student Council wants you to report immediately after school.”

A wave of murmurs erupted. Everyone turned, pointing, whispering.

I froze, utterly bewildered.

The Student Council? I had zero connection with them. Why summon *me*?

…Could it be the textbook fee? Nah. Too trivial. They wouldn’t “invite” me for tea over 200 yuan. (Their tea probably costs more.)

The bell rang. Mr. Qin left. Students cheered, packed bags, scattered. Baffled, I trudged toward the glass Student Council building. Skipping meant a fine—for “wasting their time.” Even some teachers weren’t exempt.

Why me? I hadn’t broken rules… Had my cross-dressing incident been exposed?

A cold shiver ran through me. *No way.* Even classmates hadn’t noticed. And I’d never crossed paths with the Council…

Suddenly, a strong arm slung over my shoulder. “Hey. How’d you tick off the Student Council? What’d you do?”

I turned. Li Xiaoyao. I shook my head confusedly. “I… don’t know.”

“Want me to go with you?”

“Nah. You’ve got practice. And the Council’s not a monster. I’ll be fine.”

“Hehe. See you tomorrow.”

He released me, turned to leave—then leaned back, sniffing loudly near my face like a curious puppy.

“What are you *doing*?!” I jerked back.

“Since this morning… you smell nice. Like… a girl’s scent? Got a girlfriend?” He sniffed again, puzzled.

“Hah?! You—you’ve been jerking off too much and hallucinating!”

“Really? Still feels off…”

His straight nose edged closer, nearly brushing my cheek. My heart hammered, racing.