After a brief period of calm, Mu Yao slipped into class midway through the first lesson—only a few minutes remained until dismissal.

“What do you have to show me?” Nangong Ruihui cut straight to the point.

Mu Yao glanced at Nangong Ruihui’s sharp eyes, then quickly dropped his gaze to his own thighs. He wasn’t used to eye contact—it made him nervous. So far, his younger sister was the only person he could hold a stare with for more than five seconds.

“My patience is limited. I don’t usually talk to girls long. If you don’t tell me now, I won’t care later.” A hint of mockery flickered across Nangong Ruihui’s lips.

“Wait—can we wait until after noon classes? I want to show you privately. It’s too crowded here…”

Mu Yao’s breathing grew irregular. Nangong Ruihui’s presence pressed down on him heavily. If he didn’t speak now, this chance might vanish forever.

“Settled. At noon, we’ll find a quiet corner in the cafeteria and talk.” Nangong Ruihui turned back to his book without another word.

Nangong Ruihui had his own social rhythm. Among Yingshengya Academy’s five thousand students, his all-around ability ranked near the top. Being a social butterfly? That was someone else’s role.

It was no different from the tiger versus lion in the wild. As king of beasts, the tiger hunted alone—no cooperation needed.

Those who knew Nangong Ruihui understood: cold outside, warm within. His dawn violin performance of *Ave Maria* on the field wasn’t for show—it was simply his quiet, self-initiated welcome to new students.

Break time arrived. The aloof Student Council President and the strikingly beautiful Mu Yao instantly became the center of buzzing gossip and circling classmates.

“Mu Yao! Besides reading, what hobbies do you have?”

“Your dress is gorgeous~ Where’d you get it?”

“You *are* Long Xueer! Stop pretending!”

Patiently, Mu Yao replied:

“Not much besides reading… Oh! I like chess. If you play, we could match sometime.”

“I didn’t buy it myself—sorry~”

“I don’t know anyone named Long Xueer. Do we look alike? What a coincidence.”

Mu Yao wasn’t good at lying. He just couldn’t reveal he *was* Long Xueer—not until the Leji Entertainment contract officially took effect.

“Isn’t this the year’s hottest style? Must’ve cost a fortune.”

A sharp-eyed classmate recognized the chiffon dress. Yingshengya students led campus fashion trends, with countless wealthy families—but this piece? Far beyond ordinary reach.

*Mousse Love Azure Edition—counter price: 19,880.*

Headmaster Long Yue had arranged it discreetly. Knowing Mu Yao’s strained finances—and how vital proper attire was for his future—she submitted the request one day and secured the domestically limited edition (only ten pieces) the next.

Mu Yao remained completely in the dark. He knew it was expensive… but never imagined five figures.

Around Nangong Ruihui, admirers also gathered—many undeniably pretty.

Liking him was one thing; getting close? As futile as scooping the moon from a well. Last time, a girl trailing him was caught and sharply scolded—she never dared follow again.

Nangong Ruihui was merciful toward girls. A boy? He’d snap fingers without hesitation. Stalking was despicable—the one thing he hated most.

“President Nangong! Valentine’s chocolate for you!” A girl set down an elegant box and fled.

“Huh? Valentine’s Day passed already… why give chocolates now?” Mu Yao’s wide eyes held a trace of confusion.

“She’s pre-gifting next year’s! Gotta go prepare mine too!” A short-haired girl explained, slipping away with a blissful smile.

“No way… this is real?!”

Mu Yao blinked in disbelief. Sure, Nangong Ruihui was striking—even from a girl’s view—but *this* intense? Girls were terrifying creatures. He shivered, recalling his scheming little sister’s vow: *“Big brother belongs to me alone.”* He remembered it vividly.

Nangong Ruihui stayed icy silent, only his fingernails tapping steadily against the desk.

“Hey… someone gave you chocolate. Can’t you at least say thanks?” Mu Yao murmured.

“I didn’t ask for it. Take it if you like. Otherwise, it goes straight to the trash.”

“You…! Unreasonable!”

Mu Yao’s temper flared. It was heartfelt effort! Refusing it was one thing—but tossing it publicly? Who does that?

Passing it on suddenly seemed the kindest fate.

“Take it back. Why please someone who won’t appreciate it?” Mu Yao’s gaze toward Nangong Ruihui turned cold.

“Once gifted, it’s his. He may dispose of it as he wishes.”

Nods rippled through the crowd. Mu Yao wondered—had Nangong Ruihui brainwashed them?

…

**Cafeteria**

Yingshengya Academy’s cafeteria spanned four floors: students on one and two, teachers on three, VIPs and leaders on the top.

Elegant Roman columns, seasonal blooms, gold-trimmed windows, crystal vases—every detail spoke refinement.

“Just us now. No need to hold back.”

Nangong Ruihui sliced a piece of medium-rare steak, chewed slowly. As the chairman’s son, the fourth floor required no permission.

“Phew… Since you know who I am, I’ll be direct. About our engagement… Uncle must’ve mentioned it already…” A blush bloomed on Mu Yao’s cheeks. Speaking this aloud was mortifying—especially to a man.

*Pfft!*

Nangong Ruihui nearly choked. He never expected Mu Yao to bring the marriage contract *to school*.