The results for the other subjects trickled in. After all six were tallied, Feng Yijiu missed the top spot in the year—losing points mainly in Chinese and Politics. Zhou Wenyao edged her out by a narrow three-point margin, leaving Feng in second place.

Still, within her own class, Feng stood head and shoulders above everyone else. After all, the student ranked second in class barely scraped into the top twenty school-wide.

Yet her result stung the Pioneer Class’s pride. They’d boldly vowed to claim all top forty spots. Now they hadn’t even secured first place.

Li Hao also did well—ranking fifth in class. But watching the novel-absorbed guy beside him, Li Hao felt a faint unease.

“Haozi, you’re awesome!” the moment class ended, Li Hao’s buddies swarmed him. Most were mid-to-lower tier students. With one of them suddenly climbing the ranks, they flocked over, clogging the aisle.

Without *that* guy beside him, Li Hao would’ve been genuinely happy—it was his personal best. But seeing the silent figure endure the praise, his friends’ cheers suddenly felt grating.

“Uh… you keep chatting. I’ll step out,” Feng Yijiu murmured, uncomfortable with the crowd while reading. She slipped through and exited via the back door.

“Haozi, did sitting next to the ‘study god’ rub off on you? Teach us your secrets, bro!”

Li Hao’s face darkened. After a couple of curt replies, he hurried out—bathroom escape activated.

Feng stood by a small greenery nook in the hallway. Too awkward to read openly, she simply watched students shooting hoops below.

“Hi! Are you from Class One? We’re from Class Sixteen—looking for Feng Yijiu,” a bubbly voice chirped behind her just as she zoned out. A hand landed casually on her shoulder.

Feng instinctively flinched. Turning, she saw a petite, cute girl. Behind her stood another, looking mildly exasperated. They held hands—but Feng was sure she knew neither.

“That’s me. What’s up?” Feng replied, slightly confused by the girl’s overly familiar vibe.

“Oh my god, Yaoyao, catch me!”

“Qingqing, stop it,” Zhou Wenyao sighed, steadying her lovesick friend before extending a hand. “Hello, I’m Zhou Wenyao from Class Sixteen.”

“Hi,” Feng blinked, then remembered—*this* was the year’s top scorer.

“I’m Gu Yiqing—call me Qingqing!” Qingqing shook her hand, lingering a little too long.

“Um… what did you need?” Feng withdrew her hand awkwardly.

“Just wanted to meet you. Your science scores are impressive—we’ll compete again,” Zhou said. She’d meant to chat longer, but Qingqing’s antics made her flustered. After a few more words, they hurried off.

Li Hao, returning from the bathroom, saw it all. He recognized Zhou Wenyao instantly. Watching them wave goodbye to Feng, he felt like the guy left eating dust.

*Damn it.* Clenching his fists, he seethed: *Academics, looks, charm with girls—he crushes me in everything… Is this… the legendary rival?*

A fiery resolve ignited in his eyes. *No. Swearing on my pride—I *will* pin this rival down!*

“Oh, you’re back! Perfect. Which little dress do you like?” Feng smiled, two tiny fangs peeking out like devil horns.

***

“Yaoyao, huge secret!” Qingqing whispered conspiratorially on their way back, leaning close. “That Feng Yijiu…”

“Oh, your ‘crush’? What about him?”

“She’s a *girl*.” Qingqing’s eyes sparkled. “With my seasoned ‘driver’ instincts—I *know* she’s a girl disguised as a boy!”

“Impossible?” Zhou had only thought Feng strikingly handsome. Qingqing’s words left her stunned.

“Seriously! No Adam’s apple. And *here*—something taped down. Tiny.” Qingqing puffed her chest, then giggled mischievously. “Haha! Finally found someone flatter than me! Ahahaha!”

“Stop it,” Zhou shook her head. “She never said she was a boy. It’s just your assumption.”

“And don’t spread rumors, okay?” Zhou added firmly.

“Of course not~ Hehe, what’s mine stays mine,” Qingqing chirped, a tiny fang showing as her eyes twinkled with scheming delight.

***

“Sure about this one? Ordering now,” Feng said, eyeing the dress Li Hao had shyly picked after ages of hesitation. “Tsk… never thought someone so tall and burly’d have *this* kind of taste.”

Li Hao’s face darkened. *I’m Sima Yi’s sole confidant in this humiliation.*

After a long pause, he muttered, “You were chatting with Zhou Wenyao just now, right?”

“Yep. Casual talk.”

Li Hao opened his mouth—then shut it.

“Don’t tell me *you* like her?” Feng’s eyes crinkled with a hint of mischief. “But I think you’re lying.”

“Zhou’s smart, pretty, great figure… weird if a guy *didn’t* like her, right?” Feng shot him a *you-know-how-it-is* look. “If you don’t chase a good girl, she’ll be someone else’s wife someday.”

“Then why don’t *you* go for her?” Li Hao rolled his eyes, heart thumping nervously.

“I…” Feng froze—completely disarmed. Only a sliver of audacity remained. “She… just not my type,” she mumbled.