Just a day earlier…

“Young… Young Master,” the butler began hesitantly, “have you truly not considered becoming the campus beauty of Yingshengya Academy? That title would greatly help you on the path to becoming the Elder Sister. Once you earn that position, you could smoothly succeed as head of the Nangong Clan—even while presenting as female.”

On her right foot, the sock cuff featured a curved golden trim. Her slim-fit trousers didn’t fully cover the shaft of her Chelsea boots, accentuating legs that looked long and powerfully built. Her gait was remarkably steady—a poised elegance no man untouched by hardship could ever achieve. Each step flowed with quiet confidence.

The man was Wang Kong, Nangong Ruihui’s personal butler. He had once been a mercenary who carved his way through battlefields thick with gunfire and chaos.

“Are you saying I can’t succeed my father simply because I present as male?” Nangong Ruihui countered. “I only want to prove to my four elder sisters that I surpass them in every way—utterly unmatched. Male or female, since I chose this heavier path, why not add pressure by living as a man?”

Her eyes held breathtaking clarity; her hands, smooth and pale as mutton-fat jade; her face, a quiet radiance that commanded attention. With just a faint smile, Nangong Ruihui left even the seasoned butler flustered.

Like the Mu Family, the Nangong Clan had five daughters—with Ruihui the youngest. This left the vast clan needing a male heir to succeed Clan Head Nangong Yao. Driven to become a “strong one,” Ruihui volunteered: she would shed feminine attire and wear men’s clothing for the first time.

Today, her beautiful long hair would be cut. No more dresses—at least, not until her father acknowledged her.

To claim she felt fine would be a lie. Deep down, she still longed to be a pretty girl. But she couldn’t.

Her father had mentioned an alliance with the fallen Mu Family. If their son turned out to be someone she admired, she’d need to level up fast—mediocrity invited disdain.

Pragmatic? Maybe. It depended on the person, not the situation. If someone only valued achievement, waiting was pointless.

She yearned for love. Never dated. Like any maiden, she dreamed of romance—she was no exception.

But who could’ve guessed… her first meeting with her fiancé revealed a sweet, unmistakably *female* face? Fantasy shattered. Mu Yao was 100% girl. Hopeless. No rewind.

Fine. She wouldn’t reveal her true gender. No future here anyway.

“Mmm, the teacher said your name is Nangong Ruihui, right? Such a lovely name~”

Mu Yao’s first words beyond a greeting. Ruihui nearly melted. Truly, even in decline, the Mu Family raised graceful, well-mannered heirs.

But what did that matter to *her*? Waited all this time… for another girl? Love was dead.

She’d believed fate would spark at first sight. Reality slapped her hard. Too brutal.

After self-talk, Ruihui accepted it: Mu Yao was a girl. They’d keep distance. Separate wells, no mingling waters. But then—

“Do you think I’m beautiful?”

*Good heavens*, has your brain short-circuited? We’re *both* girls! How can you not see it? And that devoted look—like you’re trying to charm me?

Please. I don’t swing that way. Don’t drag me in, you eyelash monster.

Beneath that cute face hid danger. Ruihui’s gut screamed: *Mu Yao likes me.* She needed space. Now.

Romance was secondary. Her real goal: spend three flawless years at Yingshengya Academy in male disguise. In three years, no one would rival her readiness to lead the clan. Her skills, experience, presence—her father *would* see it.

As for “Elder Sister”? She tossed that near-impossible challenge to Mu Yao. Let’s see if she still talks big. Confidence probably shattered by now.

*Mu Yao, don’t blame me. If only you were a boy—even flawed, I’d try. Blame fate for not making you male.*

If Mu Yao had been male, Ruihui’s disguise would’ve been his litmus test. Same-gender closeness reveals truths words hide.

But useless now. Ruihui had nothing to say to a girl. She almost wanted to shake Mu Yao: *Cough up my real fiancé!*

She’d vowed no physical contact. But Mu Yao’s warmth was relentless—even half-hearted rejection barely fazed her.

Starved for affection? One meal and she’s over the moon? Seriously? This is the *Mu Family*—once towering over ours. How is her personality my total opposite?

Born under the Nangong legacy, Ruihui had always shone: flawless features, elegant curves, top grades, mastery of instruments. So exceptional, she stood utterly alone.

Six months of judo with the butler, two years abroad—she’d broken norms to reach ninth-degree red belt. Even he called her a prodigy.

Among peers, she’d done enough. She waited for *the one*—someone proud to walk beside her. Then, she’d shed the strong-woman mask and become the gentle girl beneath.

She bet Mu Yao would fail at “Elder Sister.” Hit a wall. Or ignore it. But if Mu Yao *succeeded*? Ruihui would date her. Plus—sailor uniform, upside-down hair wash… for three days straight.

Gender aside, keeping promises was non-negotiable. She wouldn’t invite criticism. And honestly? Mu Yao wasn’t bad. Not disliked.

Dating the Elder Sister while disguised… a strange new chapter. But the title “Elder Sister”? Never lowered her worth.