Yun Daidai stepped out of the elevator and dashed into the hallway without hesitation. Panting, she circled the fifth floor again and again—knocking even on the principal’s office door.

Spotting a girl being supervised by Ning Moxin for copying lines as punishment, she didn’t linger.

She knew the woman was Ning Moxin. Calling her “Auntie Ning” wasn’t familiarity—it was just politeness.

Back by the elevator, Yun Daidai bit down on her thumb. Today’s effort had been futile. She hadn’t caught that woman.

Thump thump thump!

A noise erupted from the emergency stairwell. Her heart skipped. Without thinking, she pushed the door open.

“Yun Mingyue?” Yun Daidai’s tone was icy, eyes fixed on Yun Mingyue’s slightly disheveled clothes and flushed cheeks.

“Yun Daidai?” Yun Mingyue sized up her sweat-drenched daughter, expression equally cold.

“What are you doing at Z University?” they demanded in unison.

Needle against awl—the mother and daughter clashed. Tension crackled in the air.

“You’re staring at me why?” Yun Mingyue frowned.

“…”

“Nothing.” Yun Daidai’s eyes flickered. She wore an “I’m too tired to argue” look, abandoned the elevator, and sprinted downstairs.

“How bizarre,” Yun Mingyue muttered, shaking her head. She’d never been the nurturing type. Every glance at Yun Daidai stirred painful memories. If only the girl were more considerate…

Alas.

Riding emotional turmoil, Yun Daidai flew down the stairs—sweat-soaked, breathless, yet moving like she felt no fatigue.

On the first floor, a “mature and composed” young man led a group of fresh-faced students into the admin building.

Yun Daidai brushed past them, burst through the main gate, and scanned the distance. An all-too-familiar figure vanished around the corner.

Her eyes lit up. Just as she lunged forward, the same “mature” guy appeared beside her.

“You’re Yun Daidai, right?”

“And you are?”

Though frantic inside, she instantly composed herself—wiping sweat with a tissue while glancing at him. *Somewhat handsome. Nowhere near Zhou You. And I don’t know him.*

“I’m Senior Wang! I sent you my photo before.”

“Oh.” She had zero memory but feigned recognition.

Senior Wang stole glances. *Even prettier in person.* He smoothed his hair, forced a gentle smile.

To Yun Daidai—used to Zhou You’s presence—it felt utterly fake.

“Daidai, looking for someone? Let me help.”

Her brow furrowed slightly. She saw right through him. Pressing her lips together, melancholy flickered in her chest. *If only Zhou You acted like others…*

“Please don’t call me ‘Daidai.’ I wouldn’t want my crush to misunderstand. Excuse me.” Zhou You’s dislike didn’t mean she’d settle for anyone else.

“You have a crush?” Senior Wang gaped.

“Naturally.”

Her expression turned cold. She strode off at a power-walking pace. Senior Wang hesitated—then followed.

Yun Daidai either didn’t notice or didn’t care. Luck? Debatable. But despite the delay, she spotted Zhou You.

He stood under a tree, scrolling his phone—waiting.

She froze. Fatigue surged. Legs heavy as lead. *Go? Don’t go?*

Her fingers brushed her pocket—earnings from that foot massage parlor with brutally strict interviews.

*Since he dislikes my bento, I’ll treat him to a high-end restaurant. Even if it spends my entire summer savings.*

*I just want dinner. A talk. He wouldn’t… reject me…*

She hadn’t dared mention reconciliation—afraid to upset him.

After a long hesitation, she steeled herself.

Zhou You looked up. Light footsteps approached. True to form, Chen Tangtang threw her arms around him.

“Sorry to keep you waiting!”

Yun Daidai watched. Mentally prepared—but still struck frozen, as if by lightning.

Senior Wang and his group gaped, then envied Zhou You. *With a stunner like Yun Daidai chasing him, he’s already got another girl this gorgeous?*

He glanced at Chen Tangtang. *No wonder. Even I couldn’t resist.*

*But now… my chance.*

He smoothed his hair. *A freshly heartbroken girl—perfect timing to swoop in.*

“I never thought winning over the campus beauty would land right in my lap.”

Confident, he flashed a dazzling smile. “Daidai—”

Before he finished, Yun Daidai—fist clenched on her collar—snapped back. A glance devoid of warmth, yet polite.

“I’ve said it: don’t call me ‘Daidai.’ I fear *he* might misunderstand.”

She left him stunned, took a subtle breath, held her head high, and marched toward Zhou You.

Closer now, she overheard their talk while sizing up her rival.

*Looks on par with mine. Age unclear. Dressed in ultra-luxury brands—clearly rich. Chest? Hmph. Just dead weight.*

“I kept you waiting, Sister Bing,” Zhou You said, voice warm with genuine tenderness.

A sharp ache pierced Yun Daidai’s heart. *That warmth should’ve been mine. Only mine.*

*Why didn’t I notice before?*

“No worries!” Chen Tangtang pouted slightly, big eyes crinkling into a sweet smile. Dimples bloomed on her baby-faced cheeks. She radiated honeyed sweetness. “I knew you’d come. Waiting felt happy.”

“As long as you’re with me, I’m happy. Truly happy.”

“Happy like riding a gigantic cotton candy cloud straight into the blue sky.”