Ren Jie couldn’t wrap his head around it. Why would anyone bring a girl on a date *and* drag along another guy?

He’d even deliberately given Lu Yu space—but Lu Yu acted like he didn’t get it.

Truth was, Lu Yu got it perfectly.

That’s exactly why Ren Jie *had* to stay.

Yesterday, they’d missed the lunch rush; the cafeteria was nearly empty. Today? Peak hour—packed to the brim.

Lu Yu didn’t care. He’d been checked out for three years. A few rumors barely fazed him beyond mild annoyance. But Lin Beixing was different.

At school, she was a model student. At home, a well-behaved, obedient daughter—Lu Yu had witnessed it firsthand yesterday.

So he’d avoid trouble like this.

Sorry, bro—but Ren Jie was the perfect shield.

“You two go eat. What am I supposed to do? I’m not being the third wheel!” Ren Jie protested.

Lu Yu ignored him, grabbed his arm, and started dragging him.

“It’s lunch. No ‘third wheel’ here.”

He sounded utterly sincere. After two reluctant steps, Ren Jie gave in.

Seriously… a guy over six feet tall, acting shy?

Ren Jie muttered inwardly.

Lu Yu glanced back at Lin Beixing, still frozen on the stairs. “Coming?”

“Let’s go! Of course we’re going!”

Lan Xi answered—she’d had enough.

Half a minute ago, she’d been strategizing with Lin Beixing: *“For the class average, I’ll figure out why Lu Yu won’t study.”*

Enthusiastic one second—then she saw Lu Yu and her feet locked up.

Lu Yu had already stepped down two stairs. Lan Xi made her move.

She aimed carefully and gave Lin Beixing’s back a light shove.

“...Eep?!”

Slender and delicate, Lin Beixing stumbled right into Lu Yu’s chest.

That chest felt familiar… she *had* secretly touched it a few times yesterday.

“Sorry…”

She looked up, cheeks warming slightly.

Why was she acting strange now? Yesterday was fine. Even this morning, reminding him to study, she’d stayed calm.

Was it because Lan Xi teased her? The more she was teased, the shyer she got.

But really—there was *nothing* between them…

“It’s fine.”

Lu Yu’s arm circled her waist, steadying her. He turned away with casual ease—but subtly patted his own chest.

Damn.

Why’s my heart racing?

Side effect of the body swap…??

He dragged a grinning, popcorn-munching Ren Jie forward. Lin Beixing followed quietly. All three headed to the cafeteria.

Packed.

Lu Yu spotted an empty seat. “Sit.”

Then he hauled Ren Jie toward the counter.

Their cafeteria ran à la carte—dozens of dishes daily, steaming trays lined neatly. Students pointed; lunch ladies served.

“What do you want?” Lu Yu asked Lin Beixing.

He’d worn her body half a day, but still didn’t know her tastes.

“Something light… veggies preferred. For meat—check for meatballs. If not, stewed ribs.”

“That’s all?”

She nodded.

Lu Yu remembered yesterday’s dinner at her place. Strict portions. “Balanced nutrition,” they called it. She’d barely eaten.

“No fried chicken leg?” He *really* wanted to hype Jiangshui No. 1 High’s legendary legs—juicy, huge, cheap.

She shook her head. “Skip it.”

Yesterday, in *his* body, she’d devoured one happily.

But now? Her own body. Too greasy.

*Sigh.* Next swap, she’d feast properly.

She watched him quietly, dead serious.

Lu Yu turned to leave.

“Wait—take my meal card!”

She didn’t mind him buying lunch… but thinking of his humble home, she couldn’t freeload.

Lu Yu took it without hesitation. No awkwardness.

“Um… you can use mine! I overcharged it last time…”

“No need.” He shook his head.

He joined the slow-moving line with Ren Jie.

Ren Jie beamed, eyes wide with gossip.

“Spit it out,” Lu Yu muttered, unnerved.

“She’s basically letting you live off her, bro…”

“…”

Lu Yu had no words for his deskmate’s mind. Clearly not a serious person.

Ren Jie glanced between Lu Yu and Lin Beixing, sitting alone.

“Whoa—Bro Lu! Two guys approaching the Class Rep!”

Lu Yu started to turn. Ren Jie pinned his shoulder.

“Hey! If you’ve got guts, *don’t* look back!”

Lu Yu *was* curious. And Lin Beixing was delicate. As his Class Rep, he owed her that much.

Jiangshui No. 1 High had few bullies. Top school. Rare incidents.

But that wasn’t his worry.

She was the school beauty. Sketchy guys might try hitting on her.

“Closer! They’re closer!” Ren Jie yelped.

Lu Yu ignored the hand on his chest and glanced back.

Lin Beixing sat propped on her chin—*staring right at his back*.

No one beside her.

Their gazes met.

Then snapped apart—like electric shock.