She’s the School Beauty Side Character in a BL Novel - Chapter 007

007:

Xi Ning chuckled softly, her pink fingertips trailing across the fogged window. “Honestly… I never imagined someone like Senior Gu would go on blind dates.”

“So,” his voice grew even deeper beside her, “you didn’t know I was tonight’s candidate.”

“Should I have known?” She suddenly turned to face him.

He met her gaze steadily. “Xi Ning, would you have agreed to meet any man the Shen family arranged for you?”

When she remained silent, he pressed, “Tell me, would you?”

Xi Ning pursed her lips, gazing at him pensively. “What if I said yes?”

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, his eyes icy yet sharp as they focused on her flushed face. “Then I couldn’t accept a fiancée with such low standards.”

Xi Ning laughed again. She rolled down the window, erasing the scrawled names as the night breeze rushed in. Gathering her wind-tossed hair, she said, “Senior Gu, I knew it was you tonight. I just didn’t think you’d actually come. At school, I never imagined crossing paths with you. You’ve always been someone to admire from afar, it seems no one can truly approach you.”

He didn’t respond, his cool gaze inadvertently dropping to her yellow dress and the pale pink knees peeking beneath it. “Your outfit tonight resembles the girl in that artbook,” he finally said, voice low. “You’re beautiful enough to catch anyone’s eye.”

His tone was cool, with a barely detectable roughness. “Xi Ning, I won’t take you—like this—to a bar tonight.”

She nibbled her lip, her eyes faintly reproachful. “But I want to spend more time with you, Senior. I want… to dance with you. Have you ever danced with someone before?”

“Proper dancing doesn’t belong in such places.” He accelerated smoothly. “I’ll take you elsewhere.”

—

Gu Xiaobai’s driving was impeccable. Within half an hour, they pulled up at a five-star hotel.

Only upon entering did Xi Ning learn it belonged to his uncle.

Watching him converse familiarly with the manager, who then escorted them to the VIP elevator, Xi Ning grew suspicious: Was their relationship progressing this fast?

Were they checking in?

Though eager to advance their connection before Rong Kai’s return, sleeping with Gu Xiaobai now violated her principles. Whether from the orphanage director’s motherly lessons or Xi Xingzhao’s guidance, she’d always been taught self-respect and caution.

As the elevator ascended directly to the penthouse, Xi Ning stared at her shoes, unmoving when the doors opened.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

She looked up, searching his clear eyes—unsure if he was feigning ignorance. Her voice carried indignant anger, her flushed cheeks deepening. “Why did you bring me to a hotel?”

Studying her furious expression, he replied after a pause, “You said you wanted to dance. My uncle maintains this penthouse suite for me. The terrace is perfect for two.”

Only then did Xi Ning’s anger fade.

Noticing this, he asked evenly, “Xi Ning, what did you think I would do? Today is our first proper meeting.”

His calm tone held a trace of amusement.

Xi Ning shot him a glare and strode out, her high heels clicking indignantly.

Watching her retreating figure, so different from her usual quiet composure—Gu Xiaobai’s lips curved slightly.

—

The suite spanned nearly 400 square meters, its luxury evident in every detail. The sprawling terrace overlooked the city’s glittering skyline, stars twinkling overhead—a private paradise for two amidst the urban bustle.

Noticing Xi Ning’s absorption in the view, Gu Xiaobai waited before asking, “What music?”

She named a slow English song. The sultry female vocals soon drifted outside, layering the night with intimacy.

When he returned, Xi Ning extended her hand gracefully. “Can you dance, Senior? You won’t step on my feet, will you?”

Gu Xiaobai took her fingers, his other hand resting lightly at her waist. “Absolutely not,” he assured, looking down at her.

Their movements synchronized perfectly, her heeled height matching his ideally.

Feigning drunken weakness, Xi Ning gradually looped her arms around his neck, resting her flushed cheek against his shirtfront. His steady heartbeat pulsed against her ear.

To an observer, they’d have made a picture-perfect couple—handsome man and beautiful woman swaying romantically.

But Xi Ning wasn’t intoxicated by the moment. She was simply relieved Gu Xiaobai hadn’t pushed her away, his orientation remained questionable.

The magic didn’t last.

Holding her waist, Gu Xiaobai glanced down at her quiet, obedient posture. “It’s past ten,” he murmured. “I should take you home.”

She bit her lip and looked up. “Gu Xiaobai,” she said bluntly, “answer me one thing.”

“Mm.”

“Are you truly willing to become my fiancé?” She studied him intently.

His dark lashes veiled his eyes. Suddenly, Xi Ning noticed their eye shapes were remarkably similar.

Then his deep voice resonated above her: “No one can force me to do what I don’t want.”

The answer puzzled her. Literally, it suggested consent—yet his demeanor revealed no sincerity.

She’d done enough tonight. Pushing further might backfire, and genuine intimacy always unsettled her. This degree of closeness was perfect—memorable yet restrained.

—

When they reached the Shen residence at eleven, Xi Ning unfastened her seatbelt with a thank-you.

As she prepared to leave, he asked, “Shall I walk you in?”

“No need, Senior.” She smiled.

His gaze lingered on her still-flushed cheeks. “When do you return to campus?”

“Next Monday, probably.”

“I’ll pick you up.” His tone implied this was natural.

Xi Ning froze. Has one dance made them this familiar? He sounded as though they were already dating!

Before she could respond, he leaned closer. Startled, she jerked back—her arm smacking the door handle painfully.

He immediately examined the injury. Her delicate skin had already bruised.

“I’ll get you medicine,” he offered.

Xi Ning refused firmly. “It’s late. The house has supplies.”

Nodding, he gestured to her hair. “There’s some paint here. I was just going to wipe it off.”

She smiled. “I’ll wash it out—”

Before she could finish, furious knocking erupted from her window.

Outside stood Shen Xi—glaring down at them, his handsome face dark with hostility, especially toward Gu Xiaobai.