Qin Yue had dinner at home and didn’t return until after dark. Her younger sister was away at high school out of town and wouldn’t arrive in Xicheng until the semester officially began. So tonight’s family meal had only three people: Qin Yue, her dad, and her mom.
Good. One less thing to worry about.
When Qin Yue stepped inside, the house was dead silent. The maids had all clocked out, leaving only one temporary stand-in.
Bai Ningning had changed out of her maid uniform into an oversized sleepwear set, looking soft and cozy. As Qin Yue entered the room, Bai Ningning stayed sprawled on the bed scrolling through her phone without so much as a greeting.
A closer look revealed her slender legs stretched out boldly, her waist twisting slightly now and then—radiating pure “I own this vibe.”
Qin Yue thought of tomorrow’s workload and held her tongue.
This was the final stretch of the company project. Endure if you can. If not? Find a way.
“You start school the day after tomorrow?” Qin Yue sat on the edge of the bed.
“Mm,” Bai Ningning kept scrolling. “Classes begin then. I head to campus tomorrow.”
At Xicheng University, sophomores arrived a day earlier than freshmen—for course registration and such. As upperclassmen, showing up early meant helping new girls at the gate the next day.
“Once school starts, what time will you be back each evening?”
*Didn’t we date before? Why ask this now?*
Bai Ningning replied, “Same time I was free last semester.”
Qin Yue’s eyes darkened. “You were never free last semester. And when you were, you stood me up.”
*Well… yeah. True.*
“This semester’s different,” Bai Ningning said. “I’ll be back before ten.”
Last class ended at 6:30 PM. More than enough time.
Qin Yue wasn’t satisfied. “Nine o’clock. Ten is too late.”
“But there might be club events or…”
“If there’s an event, ask permission first. Otherwise, back by nine.”
“…How about 9:30?”
“9:05. Absolute latest.”
*Seriously? Is this how bargaining works?*
They settled on “before 9:10 PM,” each feeling they’d made a huge concession. Then they cuddled up to sleep.
Qin Yue wrapped her arms around Bai Ningning first. Since “full intimacy” was off the table tonight, this cuddle would have to suffice.
After a hesitant moment, Bai Ningning hugged back. At least it made sleeping more comfortable.
Both drifted off feeling warm, soft, and deeply content.
The next morning, Bai Ningning packed a small shoulder bag, took the bank card Qin Yue gave her, and headed to Xicheng University.
The class QQ group had posted the fee list. Tuition and miscellaneous charges totaled over nine thousand yuan. After paying today, her entire savings would shrink to a few hundred bucks.
Suddenly, a serious problem hit her.
Sharing a bed with Qin Yue was to repay a 2.5-million-yuan debt. Working as her assistant covered the ten-thousand-yuan semester tuition.
But what about daily living expenses? Pocket money?
“Da Baiyuan! Over here!”
Before she could puzzle it out, a classmate’s call pulled her back.
It was Guan Qian—her former roommate, the one who’d called after her rebirth.
“Da Baiyuan, paid the fees yet?” Guan Qian asked.
“Not yet. Transferring money to the payment card now.”
Simple: move funds from Qin Yue’s card to the tuition-specific one. Done.
“Hurry up,” Guan Qian said. “Class Monitor Zhang has something urgent. Find him at the counselor’s office after.”
*Important stuff right away? Bad omen.*
“Got it.”
“Dinner later? Zhang Rui and the others are coming.”
*“Others” meant her old roommates.*
“No thanks,” Bai Ningning declined politely. “I’ve got things later.”
*Big Sister’s strict. Gotta be home.*
Even with “before 9:10 PM” set, Bai Ningning wouldn’t dare cut it close.
“Alright. QQ me if anything comes up.”
“Mm.”
After the transfer, Bai Ningning followed memory to the counselor’s office in the academic affairs building. Having graduated from Xicheng University in her previous life, the route felt familiar.
“Classmate Bai Ningning,” Monitor Zhang greeted her. “Please sit.”
Zhang was tall, sturdy, black-rimmed glasses perched on his nose—the picture of a no-nonsense student leader.
And he was. University monitors cared only about scholarships and grad recommendations. Zero room for romance. Even facing a campus beauty like Bai Ningning, he stayed all business.
“Bai Ningning, you’ve got a serious issue,” Zhang stated bluntly. “Needs immediate fixing.”
Her delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly. “What happened?”
“Your GPA last semester fell short. Missed classes… not the main problem. Critical issue: zero club activity credits.”
Bai Ningning blinked. “Why?”
*In the original owner’s memories, she’d attended faithfully.*
“Not your fault. No one in your club got credits. The club’s disbanded. Here’s what happened…”
After Zhang’s explanation, Bai Ningning understood.
She’d joined the Chayi Society. Recently, school leaders visited club activities—and walked straight into the Chayi Society’s room.
Naturally, they expected tea-brewing discussions, serene 3 PM tea moments, deep dives into traditional Chinese tea culture.
That’s what the leaders and teachers assumed…
Then—
“Bro, yesterday your wife took me to find that guy from the next class.”
“She must have reasons for hiding it. Don’t misunderstand her.”
“Right. Then… how do I ask for money?”
“You still don’t get it. Don’t ask. Make him offer. Say something like…”
The teachers froze. The school leader’s face turned ashen on the spot.
Bai Ningning felt a chill. *No wonder the original owner “mastered the art of tea.” No wonder she charmed Big Sister.*
“You must earn the credits within a month,” Zhang said, sliding over an application. “Volunteer to assist freshmen. Only option.”
During orientation: carry luggage, guide to dorms and classrooms, campus tours. During military training: deliver wet wipes and insect repellent.
In short: nanny duty for two weeks. Three positive reviews later, volunteer credits secured.
Bai Ningning pondered briefly, took the form, and began filling it out.
Not hard. Just find a few freshman girls at the gate tomorrow. Only half a month.
