The first to call her “Yuanyuan” was Mu Yao. Zhou Yuan was genuinely surprised, even a little moved—though she knew Mu Yao likely did it just to keep her from telling Long Yue.
For a fleeting moment, Long Yue’s words echoed in her mind:
“If you like him, make your move now. More people will fall for him later.”
She cut the thought short. She’d always seen herself as Mu Yao’s fan. Their relationship probably wouldn’t change—maybe she’d become his manager someday, but that’d be strictly professional.
Matters of the heart? Nothing’s certain until the very end.
...
“Challenge Letter… I, Xia Xi, challenge you, Nangong Ruihui, to a decisive duel. Show up on Yingshengya Academy’s rooftop tonight at eight. I’ll be waiting.”
Leaning back in his office chair, Nangong Ruihui smiled faintly. *So Xia Xi’s pushing for a final showdown.* Not unexpected. What was meant to come would come—it fit her style perfectly.
He tossed the letter into the wastebasket. He wasn’t one to run. Avoiding tonight wouldn’t stop her. Better to settle it properly—and teach her a lesson.
Accepting her challenge had conditions. He’d already chosen who’d help manage the student council: the headstrong Xia Xi herself.
She was a double-edged sword. Her blunt nature meant she respected only those truly stronger. Win tonight, earn her loyalty. *Can’t afford to lose.*
*What a troublesome woman,* he mused.
Meanwhile, Xia Xi’s side grew eager. She was certain Nangong Ruihui would come. Bearing the Nangong name? He couldn’t back down now.
“Li Jie, confirmed yet? That coward actually knows Judo? And holds a high rank?”
Curvaceous Xia Xi’s voice brimmed with disbelief. *If he’s truly a ninth-dan red-belt… was his retreat that day restraint, not defeat?*
As the Xia Clan’s cherished daughter, she felt a headache coming on. Still—no backing out. Him touching her chest? Unbearable humiliation!
“Confirmed. True. Campus rumors, Yang Xu too—he moves with professional Judo skill. He wouldn’t dare deceive you, Senior Xia Xi,” Li Jie nodded.
“So what? Judo ≠ invincible. My fist-fighting skills will crush him. Just a coward.” Xia Xi sneered. *Handsome? Barely. A lecherous scum hiding behind girls—pah!*
“Right! Boss is unbeatable!” Li Jie flattered instantly. Victory was certain.
“Ahem… um… Walk me through his moves?” Xia Xi asked, seeking reassurance. She and the Platinum Trio huddled, plotting a sure win.
...
With monthly exams near, the Elder Sister election heated up. Candidates campaigned fiercely.
“Hey, who’ll win Elder Sister this term?” a senior girl with a purple badge whispered to classmates.
“Obvious! First-year Mu Yao! She’s *Angel Show* magazine’s top model!”
“Totally! Cute, top grades, idol status—practically a sure thing.”
Just then, Xia Xi strode past with a chilly expression, fragrance trailing behind her. Li Jie and two others followed.
Li Jie—resentful after Nangong Ruihui revoked her news club position—stepped between the seniors. “Spreading rumors? This term’s Elder Sister title is Senior Xia Xi’s to claim. Think you can defy the Xia Clan?” she blustered.
“S-sorry, we didn’t know she was running…”
“Didn’t know? Did she owe you a memo?!” Li Jie’s tone sharpened. “Vote for Senior Xia Xi—or regret it! Let’s go!”
Only after they left did the seniors whisper again:
“Ugh, Xia Clan? Mu Yao has President Nangong backing her—his dad’s the chairman! Xia Xi? All fists, no grace.”
“Yeah, just gathers snobby lackeys lol~”
“Anonymous vote anyway. I’ll vote Mu Yao *just* to spite her!”
“Me too! Maybe get her autograph if she wins—I’ve wanted it forever.”
“Pity we graduate next year… won’t see Elder Sister’s mature charm.”
“Silly! Cherry Blossom Season opens campus. We’ll ‘visit alma mater’ to see her~”
“Genius! Why didn’t I think of that!”
...
Xia Xi rarely tracked campus gossip. Li Jie used to gather intel for her—until expelled from the news club. Efficiency plummeted. *Winning tonight means reinstating Li Jie.*
“Mu Yao… is also running for Elder Sister?” Xia Xi sighed. She genuinely liked the sweet girl. But Elder Sister’s honor? Non-negotiable.
Yingshengya’s Elder Sister title was wildly prestigious. Every holder became a notable figure post-graduation. With her own graduation looming, this was her last shot.
The Xia Clan never demanded it—but *she* did. Battlefield has no fathers; why spare a near-stranger like Mu Yao?
“I won’t hold back. Mu Yao. Nangong Ruihui.”
Settling with Nangong Ruihui came first. She couldn’t wait till dawn. *If he’s not on that rooftop at eight? I’ll wreck his council office.*
...Though a true coward wouldn’t care anyway.
