"Rank up?"

"Rank up in what?"

Ji Gewei thought Gu Chuan had finally seen the light—

that he’d actually started caring about studying.

Sure, grades don’t define everything in life.

But at school? You can’t deny they grant privileges most students never get:

teachers turning a blind eye to dating, skipping class without losing conduct points, even slipping out during math to shoot hoops with the PE teacher…

Too bad none of that applied to Gu Chuan.

Yet somehow, he’d still become the school’s notorious playboy—his rep even reached other schools.

He skipped constantly. Yesterday was Sunday: makeup classes in the morning, free afternoon. Gu Chuan didn’t show.

He was on court with the PE teacher. That insane half-court buzzer-beater during the tournament? The whole gym erupted.

Lanfeng High had one hard rule: conduct score below sixty meant expulsion.

Gu Chuan had been there a year—now sophomore first semester—and his score was already hanging by a thread.

"Game rank."

Gu Chuan didn’t look up. The morning train was quiet; he’d snagged a seat.

But soon it’d crowd.

So packed he’d feel like a fish trapped in a tank.

"What’s the point?" Ji Gewei asked instinctively.

"None. Just proves you’re good at the game."

"Then why waste so much time? Why not study more, do extra problems—"

Gu Chuan cut her off.

"People *should* waste time on meaningless things. So why not pick the happiest kind?"

He knew she meant well.

But he was free-spirited—a lone ship sailing a fog-choked sea.

Anyone trying to grab its helm would only regret it.

Ji Gewei glanced at him silently, gave up persuading, and returned her gaze to the screen.

"That ♀ symbol… she’s a girl?"

"Not sure. A mid laner who plays Zed. Skilled. Never voice- or video-chatted."

The chat screen showed the other player’s ID: *HeyZed*.

*Hello, Zed*

*Region: Ionia*

*Status: Offline*

Gu Chuan didn’t expect a reply—but two drowsy words drifted in.

HeyZed: *"Ugh… so zzz…"*

Gu Yuanjun: *"That tired?"*

HeyZed: *"Mm… Pulled an all-nighter."*

Gu Yuanjun: *"Rest up."*

HeyZed: *"Yesterday I went 11-loss streak with Fortune and rage-quit. So mad!"*

Gu Yuanjun: *"Haha. Fortune, fortune—you lose your mind."*

Silence followed.

Gu Chuan looked up. Ji Gewei’s face was pale as snow. Cold.

Her eyes colder.

"She’s a girl," Ji Gewei stated flatly.

"So? We only game together. Even if we met IRL? Nothing. Might be awkward."

"You… such a magnet for girls!"

Gu Chuan shrugged, checked the station signs.

Two stops left.

In matching uniforms, they stood out—drawing glances.

School uniforms = natural couple wear.

Sitting close, handsome guy and stunning beauty? Easy to mistake for young lovers.

Riding together sparked guesses: same apartment… or even… a hotel.

Imaginations leaped fast.

This wasn’t just "young love" anymore.

Ji Gewei likely noticed—but stayed perfectly composed.

"Told you not to walk to school with me," Gu Chuan murmured.

"I want to."

Two stops vanished. Gu Chuan, no mobile games or dailies, scrolled Zhihu.

Beside him sat breathtaking beauty—and he stayed utterly focused on his screen.

They stood as the train slowed.

Then—sudden brake.

Rarely riding subways, Ji Gewei stumbled slightly, nearly fell.

A hand caught hers instinctively… then jerked back like electrocuted.

She looked up. He just whispered:

"Let’s go."

*Just a kid…*

*Yet strangely reliable.*

He’d grown taller. She, who seldom looked up at anyone, now had to adjust.

A foolish thought flickered: *Maybe… he could protect me?*

Ridiculous.

Ji Gewei tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear—enhancing both allure and grace.

Alluring and ladylike shouldn’t mix.

On her? Perfect harmony.

Elegant motions. Eyes like southern spring peach blossoms—radiant, captivating.

Doors hissed open. Gu Chuan slung his bag and stepped out.

Half a step behind, Ji Gewei followed naturally.

Past QR scanners, up the stairs near campus, onto the street.

Noise swelled—chatter, traffic. Gu Chuan glanced back.

Only after seeing her did he relax.

He disliked crowded streets.

Feared people getting lost in the tide.

On the red-brick sidewalk, he avoided the yellow tactile paving. Moved any shared bike blocking it—without hesitation.

More uniformed day students appeared.

Some recognized Ji Gewei—the student council president, #1 on Lanfeng’s "Goddess Ranking," famed for her steel will.

Now? Willingly walking *behind* a boy. Not leading. Following.

Unthinkable.

*Who is he?*

Jealousy flared—then died the moment they saw Gu Chuan’s face.

They were a perfectly matched pair. Even strangers would agree.

Gu Chuan felt the stares. Familiar helplessness.

*Told you not to follow me…*

*This’ll only bring you trouble, Ji Gewei.*

"Let’s split at the gate," he said softly.

"I’m walking you to class."

"Thanks, but no."

"Doesn’t seem up to you."

*Such a willful older sister.*

*But… I’m stuck with her.*

Gu Chuan said nothing. They drew closer to the gate.

"The cat-eared girl—what about her?" Ji Gewei asked quietly, concern in her voice.

"I am her master."

No hesitation.

Responsibility and duty—shouldered together.