She’s the School Beauty Side Character in a BL Novel - Chapter 005

005:

Gu Xiaobai stopped about a meter away from Xi Ning.

Hearing her sweet greeting, he studied her more carefully.

She continued smiling as she introduced herself, “I’m Xi Ning, your junior at A University. Though you probably don’t know me—I’m in the Fine Arts department, one year below you.”

Gu Xiaobai gave a slight nod, the corners of his lips curving into a polite, restrained smile. “Hello.”

He always carried himself with aristocratic grace. Even when dealing with campus admirers, his gentle refinement only fueled their fervor.

But a god remained a god—his noble, untouchable aura kept others at arm’s length. At A University, his popularity was unprecedented. Despite countless admirers, few dared pursue him. Those who tried not only failed spectacularly but became laughingstocks for their audacity.

Even Xi Ning had heard people declare, “Gu Xiaobai belongs to everyone! No one gets to monopolize him!”

So she knew this type well, a man who maintained distance from all. His perfection stemmed from impenetrable inner walls. Breaking through would take more than a day.

Rather than forcing familiarity, Xi Ning simply watched him with clear, expectant eyes.

With another faint smile, Gu Xiaobai extended the art book toward her.

How chivalrous, Xi Ning thought sardonically.

“You’re fond of Schiele?” His voice was cool, deep, impossibly pleasing to the ear.

Xi Ning didn’t take the book, instead gazing at his elegant fingers. “I do like him, but first come first served. I can’t take what’s yours. This should belong to you.”

She pushed the book back, her fingertips brushing his briefly before withdrawing.

Gu Xiaobai paused. “This was merely an impulse purchase. I wouldn’t want to deprive someone who truly appreciates it. Please accept it.”

Hearing her name in his voice for the first time sent an odd thrill through her.

Her lips curved into a sweeter smile. “Thank you, Senior.”

No more refusals, she took the heavy tome from his artist’s hands.

Their gazes simultaneously caught on the seminude cover for a beat.

Gu Xiaobai released it first, his clear eyes lowering elsewhere.

As an art student, Xi Ning was accustomed to nude studies. Yet she couldn’t ignore the sudden shift between them—a strange, awkward tension.

Clutching the book, she glanced past him. “Your friend’s waiting. Goodbye, Senior Gu.”

“Mm. Goodbye.”

Studying his striking features, she added softly, “Thank you for your generosity today. If you’d like to browse this later, you can find me in Oil Painting Class 1 after semester starts.”

Gu Xiaobai met her eyes, nodding slightly. “Mm.”

“Will you really come?”

“If I wish to see it, yes.” His tone remained neutral, his voice just as mesmerizing.

With a final polite wave, Xi Ning turned away—her smile vanishing instantly.

How nice. All that talk, yet not even a contact exchange. The male lead in BL novels truly has a heart of steel.

She wondered bitterly: Did he know she was his potential fiancée?

Would he appear tonight?

If he did, she longed to see his expression then.

Would he maintain that flawless, frigid facade?

—

Meanwhile

Gu Xiaobai’s childhood friend Li Zhen scurried over once Xi Ning left. “Xiaobai! That looked cozy. Who was that? From your school?”

“Mn.” An almost imperceptible frown.

Beijing’s elite circles had factions. Old-money military-political families like the Gu’s and Li’s operated in entirely different spheres from nouveau riche clans like the Shens. Li Zhen had never crossed paths with Xi Ning.

“Not your girlfriend, right?” Li Zhen pressed eagerly.

Gu Xiaobai: “Get to the point.”

“So she’s available! She’s gotta be your school’s top beauty, more stunning than actresses! That ethereal vibe! You know I’ve always had a thing for that type! My future happiness is in your hands—you’ll help, won’t you?”

Gu Xiaobai flipped through a law book without looking up. “How?”

“Introduce us! Or just give me her contact, I’ll take it from there!” Li Zhen brimmed with confidence.

“We’re not acquainted. I don’t have her information.” Gu Xiaobai’s brows knit. “Weren’t you dating someone?”

“That was last year! And just online, total catfish! Doesn’t count!” Li Zhen protested indignantly.

Gu Xiaobai tossed a chess manual at him. “You wanted to beat me. Study this first.”

But the book couldn’t stem Li Zhen’s endless talking.

“Who cares about chess now?! Buddy, you don’t know how tragic my life is—my military academy has zero dateable girls! You two seemed close! She’s in your law department, right? Just make an introduction! I’ll owe you forever!”

Gu Xiaobai’s gaze turned icy. “We’re strangers. And she’s taken.”

“What?!” Li Zhen deflated instantly. “Of course! Of course a goddess like that’s already claimed! The universe hates me!”

Gu Xiaobai observed his friend’s theatrics with faint amusement. “If you want a girlfriend, your mother would gladly arrange introductions.”

Li Zhen huffed. “No stuffy blind dates! I’ll find my own girl—one as gorgeous as that, or it’s not worth it! I’ve stayed pure for twenty-one years! Can’t settle now!”

Suddenly inspired, he asked, “Hey, didn’t my mom say your aunt set you up with someone? Who is it? Someone we know?”

Gu Xiaobai headed to checkout with his books, answering flatly, “You don’t know them.”

Li Zhen marveled. They’d grown up together, Gu Xiaobai had been drowning in female attention since kindergarten. Academically flawless, athletically gifted, impossibly handsome yet humble—admired by men and women alike.

For such a paragon to need arranged meetings? Unfathomable!

—

Shen Residence – Evening

Xi Ning examined the art book’s first page—a girl in a yellow sundress gazing seaward, her curves hinted at by the wind. Schiele’s quintessential blend of innocence and sensuality.

Her fingers traced the image thoughtfully. She recalled a similar unworn dress in her closet.

The pale yellow chiffon skirt ended just above her knees, showcasing slender calves. She let down her chestnut waves—naturally tinted, not dyed. In dim light, it appeared black, but sunlight revealed reddish-brown hues.

This unusual coloring had drawn childhood taunts, making her question her heritage. Only in adolescence, as peers embraced beauty trends, did it become an asset—envied as intentionally chic.

Now, those lustrous locks framed her delicate face, the yellow dress complementing her fair skin and bright features—a vision of breathtaking beauty.

Surveying her reflection, she added red leather heels and a matching clutch.

“Xi Ning, you look exquisite tonight!” Shen Lin appeared, admiration glowing.

Xi Ning turned obediently. “Aunt Shen.”

Shen Lin clasped her hands, marveling. “You should dress up more often! What man could resist you?”