She’s the School Beauty Side Character in a BL Novel - Chapter 011

011:

After leaving the upscale apartment complex, Xi Ning wasn’t ready to return to the Shen residence yet. Though she and Gu Xiaobai had exchanged goodnights, neither had reached out since.

The summer heat was relentless. Wandering aimlessly until sweat dampened her back, Xi Ning ducked into a cozy bookstore café, ordering coffee to pass time with a book.

Seven years in the capital, yet Xi Ning had few friends. While capable of navigating aristocratic social circles, she found them exhausting. Beyond three university classmates—only Zhou Weiwei, a fellow hometown girl, being truly close—she maintained little contact.

For someone naturally aloof like her, sustaining relationships was challenging. Not that she cared to try. With her looks and academic prowess, expanding her social circle would’ve been effortless—but she preferred solitude.

Currently idle, Xi Ning found herself missing Zhou Weiwei’s sunshine presence. She texted asking when her friend would return to campus, offering to pick her up.

An immediate video call was answered.

Zhou Weiwei’s cheerful face filled the screen, her bubbly voice chirping through Xi Ning’s headphones: “Wow! My icy princess actually misses me? Offering airport pickup? I’m honored!”

Xi Ning showed her café surroundings via camera, then typed: [What kept you busy this summer?]

“Helping at my parents’ restaurant!” Zhou Weiwei grinned. “They pay me wages—gotta earn that cash! I’ll be flying back the day after tomorrow—don’t forget to fetch me, darling!”

Ending the call left Xi Ning inexplicably melancholy.

Everyone had families, their own domestic dramas of affection and squabbles. She’d once had that too, briefly, before Xi Xingzhao’s death.

Her remaining family? Lan Ying wanted nothing to do with her daughter. Their rare meetings—when Lan Ying was lucid enough to recognize her—only brought pain.

Lost in thought, Xi Ning eventually checked her phone. On impulse, she messaged her nominal fiancé:

[Are you busy?]

Expecting no immediate reply, she tucked her phone away—only for it to vibrate instantly.

Gu Xiaobai’s voice memo lasted mere seconds: “Wrapping up pro bono work. Where are you?”

Hearing his deep voice through headphones gave Xi Ning inexplicable discomfort—ironic, since she’d requested his voice last night.

She shared her location, adding: [Stealing some leisure time with coffee and novels. Much idler than you, Senior.]

A cute sticker followed.

His response came minutes later: [Wait for me. ~40 mins.]

Xi Ning sent an “eagerly waiting” emoji, then relocated to an obscure corner—no fun making herself too easy to find.

Today’s outfit—navy tee, denim skirt, white sneakers—showcased her famously perfect legs: long, toned, with just the right curves. Previously modest, Xi Ning now embraced showcasing her assets.

The ensemble blended casual chic with subtle sensuality. Though not mainstream luxury brands, her clothes—curated under Shen Lin’s fashion-savvy guidance, exuded understated elegance.

Even masked and hatted, Xi Ning drew gazes effortlessly. That posture, that grace—unforgettable.

Gu Xiaobai spotted her instantly upon entering.

Pausing, he observed her momentarily—drawing excited whispers from nearby girls. Noticing their attention, Xi Ning looked up, meeting his dark eyes across the room.

No denying it, the man was visually striking. Tall frame, white shirt, black trousers—a walking aesthetic delight.

When he smiled faintly and strode over, the murmurs intensified.

Xi Ning checked her watch pointedly. “Five minutes late, Senior.”

His lips quirked. “Underestimated afternoon traffic. Let me make it up for dinner?”

“Can’t tonight,” she declined sweetly. “Family emergency. Rain check?”

As he nodded, she handed him her book: “Need to buy this, learn how to date aloof school heartthrobs.”

The title—”Conquering the Ice Prince”—earned an amused glance before he wordlessly went to purchase it.

Over ice cream (hers) and iced coffee (his), Xi Ning casually asked: “Know someone named Cheng Zheng?”

Gu Xiaobai’s gaze sharpened imperceptibly. “Family friend. Older. You’ve met?”

“Mm.” Xi Ning toyed with her rainbow dessert. “Acted strangely today when I delivered his painting. I wonder if he knows about us.”

She looked up abruptly. “What exactly are we, Senior Gu?”

Under café lights, his faint smile was devastatingly handsome.

“Xi Ning, we’re courting with marriage as the goal. If this progresses, you’ll legally possess all that I am.”

Pausing, his inscrutable eyes held hers. “Don’t worry, Cheng Zheng won’t bother you again.”

Xi Ning beamed, crescent eyes glowing.

She’d confirmed her suspicion—Cheng Zheng’s advance was merely the opening move.

Birds of a feather.

But Rong Kai would never imagine the self-defense moves he’d taught her seven years ago would be used against his own friend.

The irony was almost poetic.