The moment Shilufei stepped into the academy, she ran into several senior students looking for trouble. Unsurprisingly, her mood wasn’t great.

Yet right now, she had no choice but to back down under their provocation.

After all, she didn’t want to draw attention on day one. Anyone who challenged senior authority would only face mounting pressure and endless challenges afterward.

She pressed her lips together slightly, about to make an excuse to leave—only to be blocked again.

Her expression stiffened instantly, words catching in her throat.

“Seniors.”

Just then, a sweet voice rang out behind Shilufei.

“I’m Loko, second daughter of the Gallina Family. This is my friend—she seems lost. If possible, may we proceed to registration? I’ll personally visit later to express my gratitude.”

At the name, Shilufei’s expression froze for a moment.

She turned.

Standing there was a girl in the same academy uniform.

Long emerald-green hair tied in twin tails framed a lively, adorable face.

Beneath delicate features radiated the poised grace of a noble lady.

Catching Shilufei’s gaze, the girl sent a playful wink—making Shilufei’s heart skip a beat.

True to expectation, the seniors froze upon hearing Loko’s introduction. One finally spoke:

“No need for a visit. Please, just take your friend and go.”

His tone carried a hint of respect—leaving the others dumbfounded.

*If even the boss shows deference… what background does she have?*

They enjoyed bullying freshmen, but weren’t fools. Recognizing her status, they fell silent and stepped aside without another word.

Loko smiled, nodded, then gently took Shilufei’s hand and led her forward.

Only after the two vanished did the seniors huddle together.

“Boss, who *was* that green-haired girl?”

“The Gallina Family? Never heard of them? What about the York Family?”

“Hiss… Are they close? Isn’t Gallina just a vassal of York?”

“Even if not, you still check the master before dealing with the dog. And Loko—I checked. Ranked second at her all-girls academy, right behind *Teresa*. We can’t afford to provoke her.”

Bullies like them always researched who was off-limits before term started.

Ethics preached seniority, but here strength ruled. Mess with the wrong person, and *they’d* become the bullied.

Dejected, they slunk away.

...

Only after walking a good distance did Loko release Shilufei’s hand.

Honestly, Shilufei’s hand was cool and smooth—so pleasant Loko almost didn’t want to let go.

But they’d gone far enough; she’d only intervened to help.

Unexpectedly, when Loko let go, Shilufei gazed wistfully at where their hands had parted.

“Um… I still don’t know your name…” Loko said awkwardly.

She knew it was Shilufei—but saying so would scream *I looked you up*. No way.

“Ah… I’m Shilufei. Thank you so much for your help, Classmate Loko.”

Shilufei, flustered, shyly bowed her head in thanks.

Watching this polite, respectful girl, Loko felt an unexpected pang.

Among peers, Teresa was who she knew best—never outright cruel, but never respectful either.

This Shilufei shared *nothing* with the one in her dreams: the Shilufei who’d tortured and killed her without a flicker of emotion. Only the face matched.

This Shilufei shone like a classic shonen protagonist—warm as sunlight, gentle as a spring breeze.

And the catalyst for her descent into vengeance…

Loko’s heart sank.

*Was it my betrayal in the original story?*

The novel fixated on that single act of betrayal.

The deepest wound in Shilufei’s life—so raw that even after Loko’s death, the memory was dragged up again and again to torment her.

“Classmate Loko?”

Shilufei’s voice pulled her back.

Loko blinked. “Ah—sorry, spaced out. Heading to registration? Me too. Walk together?”

“Mm.”

Shilufei’s face lit up.

Loko felt relieved. *Good. First impression’s solid.*

Inside the admin building, they completed enrollment and received their dorm key and nameplate.

When told they were roommates, both froze in disbelief—stunning the registration teacher.

“Oh my! You didn’t know? Seeing you arrive together, I assumed you did.”

The teacher adjusted her glasses.

“Ah… We just met on the way. Quite a coincidence,” Loko said, scratching her head. Shilufei lowered her gaze.

The teacher smiled. “Proof of destiny! You’re clearly meant to be roommates. Cherish it.”

Shilufei stayed silent, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

Loko didn’t know how to respond.

“Off you go—others are waiting,” the teacher said, shooing them gently. (No one was.)

“What a coincidence,” Loko murmured on the path to the dorm.

“Mm…” Shilufei nodded, voice soft as a mosquito’s buzz.

“Um, Classmate Shilufei… Since we’re roommates now—please take care of me!”

Mustering courage, Loko turned, stood before her, and extended a hand.

But Shilufei didn’t take it. Panic flickered across her face.

“I… I left something at the inn. Need to fetch it.”

She gave a brief handshake, bowed apologetically. “Sorry—I’ll go alone. You head to the dorm first, Classmate Loko.”

“Ah… okay.”

Before Loko finished speaking, Shilufei turned and hurried away, jogging lightly as if truly rushed.

...

After two turns, Shilufei ducked into a grove.

Leaning against a tree, she closed her eyes, exhaled slowly, then opened them.

All gentleness gone. Only cold ruthlessness remained.

Recalling every detail, she stilled her turbulent emotions and let out a cold snort.

“So you want to play this game with me…”

“I won’t… fall for your tricks again, Loko.”