Luo Shuishui headed to the office to fetch the test papers for today’s self-study session. Just as she raised her hand to knock, a slightly familiar voice drifted out.
Stepping inside, she instantly recognized its source. Su Yuejin stood before the dean, dressed in a light gray knitted sweater, blue jeans, and a neat ponytail. She looked innocent and obedient.
Luo Shuishui ignored her, collected the papers from her homeroom teacher, and faintly overheard Su Yuejin mentioning her wish to transfer to Class 3, Grade 11.
She listened quietly without reaction. After taking the papers, she left the office but lingered by the balcony, glancing up at the sky.
Soon, Su Yuejin emerged, smiling brightly—until she spotted Luo Shuishui and froze.
Because it was obvious Luo Shuishui was waiting.
“Are you waiting for me?” Su Yuejin tilted her head slightly. Being a little taller, she carried a faint air of condescension.
“Mm. You’re Su Yuejin, right?”
“Mm… I think I know you. You’re Luo Shuishui?”
“Mm.” Luo Shuishui gave a small nod. “You want to transfer classes?”
“Yes! The teacher approved it. This afternoon, we’ll be classmates, Luo Shuishui.”
“Mm.”
Seeing Luo Shuishui had nothing more to say, Su Yuejin asked, “Shall I go first?”
“Mm.”
Luo Shuishui only hummed softly again.
She watched Su Yuejin walk away with light steps, a faint, almost imperceptible smile curling her lips.
“I won’t let you come,” she whispered toward the retreating back.
...
At noon, in the cafeteria, Lin An wasn’t rushing. He didn’t mind queues or the rare empty tray. He closed his phone’s drama screen and strolled calmly toward the dining hall.
A line had formed, but the spacious cafeteria meant only seven or eight minutes of wait. He ordered two braised chicken wings, rice, and a bowl of seaweed egg-drop soup, then settled into a quiet corner.
The food was tasty and affordable. Lin An wasn’t stingy—he simply ate modestly. No need to suffer over meals, but skip unnecessary extras.
Halfway through lunch, he was interrupted again.
By Su Yuejin.
She’d finished eating and sat across from him. Her light gray sweater hugged her frame, accentuating her curves and slender waist. Her ponytail draped over her left shoulder; bright eyes watched him as she rested her chin in her palm.
“How am I supposed to eat with you staring?” Lin An sighed.
Su Yuejin beamed. “Go ahead. Good news—surprise coming this afternoon.”
“Surprise?”
“Wanna guess?”
“Nope. A guessed surprise isn’t a surprise,” Lin An scoffed, cutting off her playful tease.
Su Yuejin pouted briefly, then brightened, simply gazing at him as if it were delight enough.
After he finished, she pulled a tissue from her bag. As Lin An reached, she gently pressed his shoulder. “Stay.”
Leaning close, she dabbed the oil from his lip. So near, he could count her thick, long lashes.
“There.” She crumpled the tissue and tossed it.
Lin An blinked. *If she ever settled down… she’d be the picture of a devoted wife.* But he had zero urge to guide her. He just hoped her fervor would fade.
Su Yuejin craved love. He didn’t.
Walking side by side back to class, glances followed them across the playground—some envious. Lin An didn’t care. Su Yuejin, however, felt a faint blush rise.
“You’re blushing.”
“I… am not,” she murmured, unconvincing.
At the classroom door, she tugged his sleeve. “Chat a little more?”
“Nope.”
Lin An left without hesitation. Su Yuejin bit her lip and returned to her class—only to find the dean waiting. Her eyes lit up; *the transfer’s approved!*
But the dean looked troubled. “Su Yuejin… I’m afraid it can’t be done.”
“Why?”
Transferring was trivial. A red envelope had secured his promise.
“I received word… specifically barring your transfer. It’s the major shareholder’s daughter’s request. I’ll return your money. I’m sorry.” He shook his head regretfully—the envelope equaled a month’s salary.
“The shareholder’s daughter?” Su Yuejin froze. *Who knew?*
Then she knew.
“I see. Keep the money. Thank you for trying.”
The dean blinked, then smiled. “Any other small matters, just ask.”
“Sure.”
The moment he left, Su Yuejin turned and strode into the neighboring classroom.
Luo Shuishui sat quietly solving problems, diligent and serene—until footsteps approached. Su Yuejin stood before her, fury barely contained, and sank into the empty seat beside her.
“What do you mean?” she whispered tightly.
Classmates glanced over, surprised. Few here knew Su Yuejin.
Luo Shuishui didn’t look up. “One minute.”
Su Yuejin waited. Luo Shuishui finished the problem, set down her pen, and met her gaze—calm, with a trace of mockery.
“Because I don’t want to see you in my class.”
She smiled, innocent and pure.
“You?!”
“I happen to have a tiny bit of influence. So… you’re powerless. Reason? Hmm… I’ll make one up. I don’t want you corrupting Lin An. He’s my good friend.”
Her voice was gentle, firm, righteous.
“You broke up! What right do you have?!” Su Yuejin’s chest rose sharply. Luo Shuishui glanced—*Huh. Not that big.*
She placed a hand lightly on Su Yuejin’s shoulder.
“Yuejin, calm down. Anger harms your health.”
But the gentleness only fueled Su Yuejin’s rage. *Too docile. Too easy to bully.*
Then Luo Shuishui’s eyes turned icy.
Leaning close to her ear, voice low and cold:
“When you left hickeys on my boyfriend while we were still together… did you ever wonder *what gave you the right*?”
“Yes, I ended it. I don’t love him now. But Su Yuejin—you angered me.”
“My mother taught me to be gentle and happy. So I avoid conflict. But my stepmother taught me: if you hold power, use it. Make yourself happy.”
“So you’re powerless. You can do nothing. And if you dare touch me… not just you. Your whole family. Everything you own. It could vanish. Very soon.”
“I know you like Lin An. Like him all you want. I don’t care. But I refuse to see you. And you… can’t change that, can you?”
Her whisper was soft, warm breath brushing Su Yuejin’s ear—yet a chill shot through her.
Su Yuejin pulled back, staring at that gentle smile. It felt freezing.
Yet Luo Shuishui remained sweet.
“Of course, I’m reasonable. Just apologize. Say it, and I’ll forgive you. Hmm?”
Su Yuejin clenched her jaw. Three words. So simple. So impossible.
She glared. Luo Shuishui waited, serene, certain.
Ten seconds passed.
Su Yuejin lowered her head.
“I’m sorry, Luo Shuishui.”
“There. It’s okay, Su Yuejin.”
Luo Shuishui smiled. “I forgive you. As for the transfer… let me think.”
She murmured, almost to herself:
“I didn’t want this… But I’m confused. What *is* love? Still… it’s interesting.”
“I’ll reply within three days. Likely approved. Rest easy. And cool down.”
Su Yuejin glanced at her once, stood, and left.
Lin An rose from his seat, puzzled, and walked over to Luo Shuishui.
