Lu Yu hadn’t even glimpsed the opulent decor of Lin Beixing’s home.

She followed the elderly butler up the walnut-hued spiral staircase.

Four rooms lined the second floor.

Though unsure which to enter, the butler’s lead left no room for hesitation.

He halted before a door, standing politely aside. Lu Yu took a hesitant step forward—*How considerate. He wouldn’t enter a girl’s room first.*

But the moment she turned the knob, she froze.

…A bathroom. The round mirror reflected her own stunned face.

For a heartbeat, she wondered: *Hidden chamber behind this?*

No. She’d overimagined it. Just an ordinary bathroom.

“Miss, please hurry. Teacher Gao awaits in the music room. Wash your hands and go.”

“Mm.” Lu Yu nodded calmly.

“Understood.”

She stepped in. Lavish yet old-fashioned—no smart mirror, no sensor soap. Only a single bar of soap rested on the wide countertop.

Lu Yu lathered her palms, glancing up at the mirror.

First time seeing *herself* since inhabiting this body.

The girl in the glass was gentle, serene. A high ponytail tied with a butterfly ribbon. A faint smile curved her bright eyes like crescent moons; her tender, boiled-egg-white cheeks glowed with quiet sweetness.

Honestly? Lin Beixing’s face was a feast for the eyes.

But Lu Yu had no heart to admire it.

His mind raced: *How to bluff through piano lessons?*

………………

Meanwhile, in the rental apartment.

Who knew Lu Yu’s “study folder” actually held study files?

Digital test papers filled it. Lin Beixing checked the creation date—*three years ago?!*

She hadn’t expected real content. Instinct whispered: *Too innocent a label.*

Curiosity won. He clicked it open.

Just study materials.

Lin Beixing refused to believe it. He opened an image—math problems. Middle school level.

Given the date, these were Lu Yu’s prep files for the high school entrance exam.

*He actually studied seriously back then?* She blinked, puzzled.

Browsing further felt like prison duty for a girl unversed in tech or games.

Thirty minutes in, boredom won.

She turned to exploring Lu Yu’s room.

He’d granted full permission—*“Make yourself at home.”*

Compared to her own strict rules (no wardrobe, no drawers, no shower), she suddenly felt petty.

Teen curiosity tugged. She pulled open the desk drawer.

“Hmm…?”

Vibrant colors flashed.

Crumpled papers. Crimson-velvet notebooks.

Awards. Certificates. *Hers.* The very honors she’d fought tooth and nail to earn citywide.

She lifted a stack—nearly two centimeters thick. Enough to fill the drawer.

Stunned, she focused on the recipient line.

Bold black: *Lu Yu*.

*National Middle School Essay Contest, Jiangshui City Junior Division – First Prize*

*Youth Olympiad Math – Gold Medal*

*10th Jiangshui Poetry Festival – Special Prize*

*Model Student. Outstanding Committee Member. Academic Star. Calligraphy Ace…*

Tossed like trash. Every one a dream she’d chased and missed.

Lin Beixing stared. Closed the drawer. Opened it again.

No mistake. Real.

*But… Lu Yu?*

A fragment surfaced: the math teacher’s noon remark—*“Lu Yu entered with top scores. Don’t betray that effort.”*

She flipped aimlessly through the papers.

*The city’s #1 scorer who entered Jiangshui No.1 High… also surnamed Lu.*

Coincidence?

Then why… ranked dead last now?

She knew Lu Yu somewhat. Quiet. Never disruptive. No fights, no curses. Just distant—icy calm that pushed others away.

But *this* slacker… once the city’s academic legend? Unthinkable.

“…Forget it.”

She shut the drawer softly.

“I’ll ask him tomorrow.”

Spinning in the chair, her stomach growled.

Dinnertime. No waiting meals here.

No fridge. Only a cola crate and two instant noodle packets.

Lin Beixing crouched before them, studying the wrapper.

She’d eaten these once during late-night cramming…

*Should… be manageable?* Right?