The Heartthrob Halo Doesn't Work on the Villain - Chapter 23

Lou Yubing agreed. That very night, her luggage was moved to Lin Yan’s dormitory. She no longer cared what her former roommates might say behind her back, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions of joy and sorrow.

 

Lying on the unfamiliar bed, she glanced sideways at the other bed, now slightly separated, where someone was already sound asleep. Lou Yubing’s thoughts were a tangled mess.

 

Since this impulsive heiress had given her the choice, she must not have completely lost interest in her. Originally, the two beds had been pushed together, but shortly after Lou Yubing arrived, she had moved her own bed slightly apart, as if to maintain distance. As expected, Lin Yan had shown her displeasure, which, strangely, made Lou Yubing feel a little better.

 

Once she calmed down, Lou Yubing easily realized that Lin Yan was using Xia Qiyu to provoke her, to test her limits further. It seemed she couldn’t indulge this girl at all; show her even a little kindness, and she’d climb all over you.

 

Lying alone in bed late at night, pondering such matters, Lou Yubing knew her past self would have scoffed at her. Recalling this, she silently repeated to herself twice, “I’m here to cause trouble,” attempting to brainwash herself. But gradually, the room’s rich rose fragrance lulled her into a deep slumber.

 

She slept unusually soundly, as if enveloped in something warm and soft, utterly comfortable. Yet, just before waking, she startled awake in a cold sweat.

 

Glancing to her side, she found the bulky lump from before had vanished, and the thin blanket she’d used was neatly folded beside her. Judging by the light streaming through the window, it couldn’t be past six in the morning.

 

How could someone who only ever wants to sleep be up this early? Where did she go? Puzzled, Lou Yubing opened the door. The cheerful laughter and chatter from the kitchen quickly answered her question.

 

“Wow, Qiyu, you’re amazing!”

 

In the kitchen, Xia Qiyu watched Lin Yan stir the simplest of purple sweet potato porridge. When Lin Yan lifted the lid, she braced herself for another disaster. The entire pot was filled with an indescribable blue concoction that looked nothing like the kind sold outside. Her spirits sank.

 

Unlike Lin Yan’s disappointment, Xia Qiyu calmly picked up a lemon from the side, sliced it in half, squeezed the juice into the pot, and stirred twice with a large spoon. The blue porridge instantly transformed into a vibrant reddish-purple, losing its earlier “dark cuisine” aura.

 

Just then, Lin Yan gasped in amazement, and Lou Yubing pushed open the door.

 

Seeing this unwelcome scene so early in the morning, Lou Yubing deliberately made a racket while washing up, drawing the pair’s attention. But before Lin Yan could come out to greet her, she had already packed her things and stormed out.

 

Lin Yan, who only caught a fleeting glimpse of her retreating figure, was so furious she wanted to hurl the insulated lunchbox in her hand. Still reeling from yesterday’s events, she had dragged herself out of bed early this morning, eager to make breakfast for Lou Yubing as promised. Yet the girl had left without a word, slamming the door behind her. Who does she think she’s giving the cold shoulder to?

 

After so many days, Lin Yan had grown adept at reading Lou Yubing’s moods. She could tell Lou Yubing was unhappy, and based on the clues from yesterday, she could deduce why:

 

It’s just because she saw Xia Qiyu and me in the same room again, isn’t it? Such a petty mind. Who knows how easily she’ll get herself worked up to death later.

 

Lin Yan was now more eager than ever for the Main Storyline to arrive. If Lou Yubing couldn’t handle this minor jealousy, what would she do when the true female lead finally appeared?

 

Xia Qiyu remained oblivious to Lin Yan’s inner machinations. She glanced at the wall clock, its hour hand just past the 6.

 

“Let’s head to class. We can take the porridge with us. You two should have a good talk there and clear things up. Everything will be fine once you’ve aired out your feelings.”

 

Xia Qiyu still believed this was just a lovers’ quarrel, unaware that both women had centered their issues on her, albeit with skewed perspectives.

 

Lin Yan nodded in agreement.

 

Lou Yubing arrived at the classroom early but couldn’t focus on her book. She listlessly flipped through the pages, the words sliding right past her mind as she replayed the earlier events in her head. Regret gnawed at her—had she made a mistake by running away? After all, her departure had given Lin Yan and He Linyan the very alone time she’d been trying to disrupt. Wasn’t her whole purpose in staying there to make things awkward for them?

 

Yet watching them laugh and tease each other had been unbearable. She’d warned herself repeatedly to abandon any lingering feelings for Lin Yan, reminding herself that the young heiress’s words were meaningless—what she said today, she’d say to someone else tomorrow without a flicker of remorse. Still, Lou Yubing couldn’t shake off her feelings, as if she were hopelessly drawn to her own misery.

 

Lost in thought, she caught a glimpse of two familiar figures hurrying past the corridor window. Startled, Lou Yubing straightened up quickly, pretending to be absorbed in her book.

 

Perhaps it was her imagination, but when the person had glanced through the window at Lou Yubing, their expression had been downcast, their posture slumped and listless. Yet the moment they approached, they reverted to their usual aloof and dignified demeanor, their back ramrod straight.

 

It was almost comical. Lin Yan couldn’t fathom why Lou Yubing, a child raised in an orphanage, possessed such an innate aristocratic air that no amount of upbringing could have cultivated. Yet, upon reflection, it made sense. After all, she was a major villain in this small world’s narrative. How could an ordinary person ever become the great boss of a world on the brink of collapse?

 

Lost in thought, Lin Yan had already reached Lou Yubing’s side. The girl seemed completely oblivious to her presence, not even bothering to move aside. Finally, Lin Yan poked Lou Yubing’s arm.

 

“Hey, let me in.”

 

Lin Yan mimicked Lou Yubing’s usual stern expression, her voice devoid of emotion. Lou Yubing couldn’t help but compare this tone to the one she’d heard that morning, and a rare look of—was it hurt?—flickered across her face.

 

Hurt?

 

Lin Yan would rather believe she was seeing things than associate such a word with Lou Yubing. But this time, her eyes weren’t deceiving her. Lou Yubing maintained that expression for over ten seconds as they locked eyes before finally standing up and making way for her.

 

Lin Yan walked in, dazed. When she turned back, Lou Yubing was sitting upright and composed, just as she had been when Lin Yan first entered the classroom, as if everything that had just happened was merely a figment of her imagination.

 

Seeing Lin Yan finally free, 555 immediately popped up.

 

Yanyan, have you… changed your strategy?

 

It was understandable why 555 would think so. After all, Lin Yan had always doted on Lou Yubing, never intentionally trying to provoke her. Given yesterday’s revelation about Lou Yubing’s potential future, it seemed logical that Lin Yan would abandon her original plan of winning over the Villain to protect the Female Lead.

 

But Lin Yan denied it. She merely glanced at the newly added, reddened burn mark on her wrist. This body had been pampered since childhood, never having done any manual labor. Today’s burn, sustained while hastily pouring porridge into a thermos, looked far more severe than it should have.

 

Since arriving in this world, Lin Yan had become increasingly adept at using self-inflicted injuries to her advantage. This time would be no different. After all, she couldn’t let the pain go to waste.

 

Though Lin Yan was still angry about yesterday’s events, she had at least finally understood the reasons behind Lou Yubing’s potential future transformation. If left unchecked, wouldn’t it inevitably lead to the same tragic outcome?

 

If she doesn’t go to hell, who will? To complete her mission, Lin Yan was willing to sacrifice herself.

 

Of course, there was another, more personal reason she couldn’t voice: she had never seriously pursued anyone since birth, and her first attempt had already hit a wall. But even if Lou Yubing was difficult to win over, Lin Yan was determined to succeed eventually.

 

After all, the tragic events of her own storyline wouldn’t begin for at least another six months. It wasn’t time to panic yet. Judging by Lou Yubing’s behavior, she wasn’t entirely indifferent to Lin Yan. Besides, Lin Yan genuinely liked the girl.

 

Though Lou Yubing’s attitude toward her could be harsh at times, Lin Yan still remembered the warmth she had felt when Lou Yubing leaned against her back. In her previous life, Lin Yan had no family or close friends. She might have died alone in her small apartment, her body undiscovered for days. But in this world, she not only had a loving mother but had also experienced genuine concern from classmates who were practically strangers.

 

Lin Yan’s actions were partly driven by selfish motives. She didn’t want Lou Yubing to become the person described in the Main Storyline, nor did she want Xia Qiyu to suffer because of it.

 

As she thought this, Lin Yan handed over the cloth-wrapped lunchbox made of brocade, making sure to conspicuously display her injured wrist.

 

Given Lin Yan’s earlier attitude, Lou Yubing had no desire to speak to her. She was about to push the offered item back when her gaze unexpectedly fell upon the delicate, pale wrist, now marred by a shocking mark.

 

“What happened here?”

 

The wrist already throbbed with a burning pain. Now, with someone gripping the bone, this delicate body couldn’t help but tear up. Lin Yan couldn’t suppress a cry and tried to pull her hand back.

 

“It hurts!”

 

The cry snapped Lou Yubing out of her dazed state, making her realize her clumsy actions. The apology that rose to her lips remained unspoken, but she softened her tone.

 

“How… did this happen?”

 

The blister had already burst, leaving the wound raw and exposed. Lin Yan pointed to the breakfast she had pushed over earlier, her tone sharp.

 

“This is all your fault! You said you wouldn’t eat breakfast unless I cooked it myself. And what happened? I burned myself making porridge for you this morning!”

 

Did I really say that? Lou Yubing thought, racking her memory. It seemed she had, though at the time she had only meant to dissuade Lin Yan, never imagining she would actually go through with it. But now, seeing the obvious burn, her heart clenched for a moment.

 

Without hesitation, Lou Yubing rose to rush to the School Infirmary. Before leaving, she made sure to tell Lin Yan, “Stay here. I’ll go get burn cream for you.”

 

Left behind, Lin Yan was momentarily stunned. She had only intended to use a little self-pity to soften Lou Yubing’s icy demeanor, never expecting the girl would actually skip morning study just to fetch medicine from the infirmary. It was truly unexpected.

 

Lost in thought, Lin Yan drifted into a daze. By the time she snapped back to reality, the figure who had dashed toward the door was long gone.

 

Xia Qiyu noticed the commotion and eventually walked over. She immediately spotted the rather alarming wound on Lin Yan’s wrist, her eyes widening slightly.

 

“How did you get that?”

 

Perhaps due to Lin Yan’s pampered lifestyle, what had initially been a mild burn, only slightly reddening her wrist, now resembled the vibrant hues of sunset-painted clouds—strikingly beautiful, if only it weren’t on a person’s body.

 

It looked like a burn, yet Xia Qiyu hadn’t seen it before Lin Yan left the kitchen, and Lin Yan hadn’t mentioned it on the way here. Given its severity now, it was likely Lin Yan hadn’t properly treated it from the start.

 

Seeing Xia Qiyu rush over, Lin Yan suddenly felt a pang of guilt. The injury had indeed been accidental, but the moment it happened, she had seized the opportunity to play along, originally intending to keep it hidden.

 

Xia Qiyu remained unaware of Lin Yan’s thoughts, feeling only a pang of sympathy. After all, Lin Yan had likely been a delicate young woman who had never lifted a finger in her pampered life. Without experience, she probably hadn’t known how to handle the burn properly, leading to its current severity.

 

Xia Qiyu glanced at Lin Yan’s injury, then at the clock hanging at the front of the classroom. It was time for morning classes.

 

Unaware that Xia Qiyu already perceived her as a “damsel in distress,” Lin Yan paused briefly before saying, “You need to get this treated immediately. I’ll go to the School Infirmary for you. It’s best not to risk further injury by bumping into things.”

 

As she turned to leave, Lin Yan grabbed her wrist urgently.

 

“No… don’t bother. Someone’s already gone.”

 

After a moment of confusion, Xia Qiyu suddenly remembered Lou Yubing rushing out of the classroom earlier. Though surprised, she understood the implication.

 

Their relationship must be closer than I thought.

 

Since her help wasn’t needed, Xia Qiyu prepared to return to her seat and prepare for class. She smiled and waved goodbye to Lin Yan, unaware that their “playful tussle” had been witnessed by Lou Yubing, who was sprinting back into the room.

 

They were both smiling, just as they had been the day Lou Yubing had accidentally stumbled upon them. Yet in Lou Yubing’s memory, Lin Yan had never smiled at her like that—so genuinely, from the heart. Instead, her smiles had always felt overly ingratiating and forced.

 

Even Lou Yubing couldn’t understand why she felt those elements in Lin Yan’s smile.

 

But at that moment, Lou Yubing suddenly felt utterly pathetic. Because of Lin Yan’s half-true, half-false words, she had eagerly rushed to fetch medicine for her, completely forgetting the turmoil that had plagued her nights and the other person involved in the situation.

 

She claims it’s all for my sake, yet Xia Qiyu clearly received the same thing I did.

 

For the first time, Lou Yubing regretted having such sharp vision. Her heart twisted as she stared at the identical lunchbox hanging by Xia Qiyu’s desk—the same one Lin Yan had given her.

 

No, she clearly received more.

 

Haunted by that smile she had never received, Lou Yubing lingered in the corridor for a long time. It wasn’t until the teacher arriving for morning class asked her curiously what she was doing that she snapped back to reality.

 

Brushing aside the lingering discomfort, Lou Yubing concocted a quick lie to brush off the question. Only after reaching her seat did she realize how effortlessly she had lied.

 

How many lies does Lin Yan tell me every day? She didn’t know, and she didn’t want to know.

 

From the moment the teacher’s voice echoed in the corridor, Lin Yan’s gaze had remained fixed on Lou Yubing. Seeing her pause before entering and then sit down without a word, Lin Yan proactively extended her hand.

 

After all, the Big Ice Block was finally showing some signs of thawing. Whatever shortcomings remained, Lin Yan would take the high road and overlook them.

 

But instead of the cool, soothing sensation of ointment being applied to her wrist, she saw Lou Yubing glance at her briefly, then use a fingertip to slide the tube of ointment across the desk before turning back to her book.

 

The familiar sound of Lou Yubing reading aloud, mixed with the surrounding chatter, stirred a rare sense of irritation in Lin Yan. She stared at the tube of ointment for a long moment, then glared at Lou Yubing with the same intensity. Soon, she tossed the tube onto the tiled floor with a loud thud.

 

This time, not only Lou Yubing stopped what she was doing to look up, but the surrounding classmates and the teacher supervising morning study hall also turned their attention to the commotion.

 

The teacher, less seasoned and influential than the one who had reprimanded Lin Yan in class before, simply told the onlookers to mind their own business, and the incident quickly faded into the background.

 

Lou Yubing watched the ointment tube nearly roll into the trash can, her brow furrowing. She glanced at Lin Yan’s conspicuously exposed wrist, the injury looking alarmingly raw, and asked curtly, “Why aren’t you applying the ointment?”

 

This time, Lin Yan didn’t even look at her. She pulled her own textbook from her bag, muttering under her breath.

 

“None of your business,” Lin Yan retorted.

 

Lou Yubing froze, her lips moving as if she wanted to say something, but no words came. Her knuckles tightened around the book pages before she finally replied, “Whatever.”

 

The two didn’t exchange another word until morning self-study ended.

 

As Lou Yubing gathered her books, her gaze fell upon the beautifully wrapped lunchbox sitting alone in the corner of the desk. Her eyes drifted back to the tube of burn ointment, and her movements slowed, as if she were seriously considering whether to retrieve it.

 

After a moment’s thought, Lou Yubing resolved that since she had bought the ointment with her own money, it was perfectly reasonable to take it back, even if that spoiled miss didn’t want it.

 

Just as Lou Yubing had convinced herself with this perfect excuse, she looked up to see Xia Qiyu already approaching with the ointment in hand.

 

Lin Yan, still clearly angry, didn’t even glance up, continuing to focus on her own tasks. It wasn’t until a shadow fell across her vision and she saw the object being offered that she finally looked up, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

 

“Why haven’t you applied the ointment?”

 

At the mention of the ointment, Lin Yan shot Lou Yubing a resentful glare, shook her reddened wrist, and replied dismissively, “My hand is inconvenient.”

 

Xia Qiyu glanced at Lou Yubing, already suspecting the tension between them. She sighed inwardly.

 

They’re like those kids who are best friends but bicker constantly, she thought. And here I am, inexplicably feeling like their overprotective mother.

 

With this thought, she moved the hand holding the ointment closer to Lou Yubing.

 

“Yubing, you brought the ointment. Might as well finish the job and apply it for Ayan.”

 

Look at her, acting like they’re so close, Lou Yubing thought bitterly. She’s never even called Ayan by that nickname before.

 

Jealousy surged through Lou Yubing. Instead of taking the ointment, she lowered her head, clenched her fists, and couldn’t help but think of the vivid red wound, a pang of pain twisting in her chest.

 

In the end, reason prevailed. She raised her wrist, but before she could move, Lin Yan’s voice cut through the air.

 

“If she doesn’t want to, Qiyu, why are you pushing her? Besides, could you apply it for me?”

 

The words had barely left Lin Yan’s lips when Lou Yubing’s head snapped up. She saw the girl’s expectant expression, her smile warm and gentle—a soft demeanor she hadn’t seen in a long time.

 

Xia Qiyu paused, waiting a few seconds longer. When Lou Yubing remained unmoved, she unscrewed the cap herself, borrowed a seat from a classmate in front, and gently applied the ointment to the affected area.

 

As they worked, both remained quiet, save for Xia Qiyu’s occasional inquiries, anxious not to hurt Lin Yan.

 

But her touch was gentle, her voice soft and soothing. Lin Yan easily forgot her earlier worries, remembering what 555 had said earlier. She suddenly asked, “Qiyu, are you planning to apply to Shangjing University? What major are you interested in?”

 

555 had mentioned that Xia Qiyu had gotten into Capital University and was later discovered by a talent scout. However, he had also said she entered the entertainment industry for money, so Lin Yan still didn’t know what she had actually studied.

 

Given her academic prowess, she must have chosen a major she truly wanted, Lin Yan thought, voicing her question aloud. To her surprise, Xia Qiyu paused, then lowered her gaze, looking somewhat dejected.

 

“Well, it’s the top university in the country, so I’d like to go. As for what to study… I’ll figure that out later. I think I should pick a major that makes good money.”

 

As she finished speaking, a faint smile appeared on Xia Qiyu’s face, but it lacked genuine warmth. At first, Lin Yan didn’t understand her sudden shift in mood, but then it dawned on her.

 

Having lived the life of the wealthy for some time now, she had forgotten what life was like for ordinary people.

 

In this world, how many people truly get to pursue their passions? For ordinary people, for the person I used to be, the primary goal of studying was always to secure a good job. Moreover, for Xia Qiyu, who had experienced the helplessness of financial hardship firsthand, earning money might become the most crucial thing in her life, a constant pressure against her spine.

 

Lin Yan lowered her gaze, pondering deeply. The ointment had been evenly applied, its faint herbal scent filling the air. Just as Xia Qiyu was about to rise and wash off the remaining ointment, Lin Yan called out to her.

 

“So… is there something you really want to do? Like, a job you dream of having?”

 

Xia Qiyu couldn’t believe Lin Yan hadn’t understood her earlier, but when she met those clear, earnest eyes, she paused, a genuine smile finally spreading across her face.

 

“Maybe there is. To be honest, I still dream of being an actress. When I was little, my acting skills were so good I could fool the adults in the courtyard and avoid countless punishments.”

 

Xia Qiyu’s tone was somewhat playful, but Lin Yan suddenly seemed to understand something. She murmured, “So that’s it,” her eyes curving into crescent moons as she looked at Xia Qiyu.

 

“It’ll come true. It’ll all come true.”

 

Meanwhile, by the sink, Lou Yubing splashed a handful of water on her face. She had slipped away as soon as the two began talking, and as expected, no one noticed.

 

She remembered Lin Yan mentioning wanting to apply to Capital University, and she had scoffed at the time. Now, she felt a pang of fear.

 

What if she really is doing it for Xia Qiyu?

 

Looking up at her slightly disheveled reflection in the mirror, Lou Yubing realized for the first time that she was a coward.

 

A coward so afraid to admit she might have feelings for someone that she refused to acknowledge them even to herself.

 

The break after morning study hall was always long. When Lou Yubing returned to the classroom, she found Xia Qiyu already back at her desk, and the room was half-empty—most students had gone to breakfast.

 

On her own desk, the lid of her lunchbox had been removed, revealing a steaming bowl of sweet-smelling purple sweet potato porridge. It looked surprisingly appetizing.

 

Lou Yubing admitted to herself that she felt comforted. Her gaze shifted to Lin Yan’s injured wrist, where a thin layer of oily white ointment had been applied. Her heart eased slightly. Perhaps because of the earlier awkwardness, Lin Yan hadn’t said a word to her since she sat down.

 

After staring at the porridge for a long moment, Lou Yubing awkwardly picked up the small spoon beside the bowl. Just before taking a bite, she casually turned her head, pretending to start a casual conversation.

 

“What university do you want to go to?”

 

Lin Yan paused, her gaze flickering strangely over the person slowly eating. It seemed like just a casual question.

 

“Why are you asking?”

 

Had she overheard Lin Yan’s conversation with Xia Qiyu earlier?

 

Lou Yubing didn’t answer immediately, as if the question hadn’t even come from her. Lin Yan, accustomed to her aloofness, lowered her head to eat her breakfast. Lou Yubing wasn’t the type to pry relentlessly, so Lin Yan assumed the matter was dropped. But just as Lin Yan finished packing up her meal, Lou Yubing suddenly added, “Forget about Capital University. With your last monthly exam scores, you wouldn’t even qualify for the entrance requirements.”

 

Lou Yubing had been tutoring Lin Yan for over a month. Since that blank exam paper incident, there had been another monthly exam. Lou Yubing acknowledged that Lin Yan’s comprehension and learning ability had improved significantly since her breakthrough, but she still wasn’t quite at genius level. Her words were honest, but the frustration simmering in her chest, combined with her lack of social skills, made her tone sharp and cutting, like a dagger to the heart.

 

Lin Yan wasn’t angered by Lou Yubing’s words, but instead analyzed her motives. After careful consideration, her thoughts ultimately centered on Xia Qiyu.

 

Her gaze shifted slightly, focusing on Xia Qiyu, who sat upright to her right. Lin Yan suddenly recalled a detail from the Main Storyline: Lou Yubing had eventually enrolled at Capital University.

 

How ironic, Lin Yan thought. She’s so possessive, guarding against others getting close, yet she’s desperately chasing after her own obsession.

 

With a mental eye-roll and a soft snort, Lin Yan declared, “Just watch me. I’ll definitely get accepted to Capital University.”

 

Having said her piece, she turned away, oblivious to the thin line of Lou Yubing’s pressed lips.

 

Time flew by. Before they knew it, their second year of high school was drawing to a close. The relationship between the two remained lukewarm. Lin Yan had considered using subtle tactics to deepen their connection, but she was preoccupied with her entrepreneurial ventures and chilled by Lou Yubing’s cold demeanor. No matter how affectionate or playful she acted, their relationship seemed perpetually stuck at the level of ordinary friends.

 

The date 555 had predicted for the Lin Group’s bankruptcy loomed closer, yet Lin Yan saw no signs of impending doom. In fact, Lin Qi had been spending more time at home lately, claiming she needed to be there for her precious daughter during this crucial period.

 

If she could survive this period, she wouldn’t need to maintain this increasingly strained persona. At that point, would she still need to cultivate a good relationship with Lou Yubing?

 

The past few months had made Lin Yan realize her initial plan was a mistake. A character even the System considered bugged seemed impossible to win over. Despite her best efforts, Lou Yubing’s favorability rating still hovered around 20.

 

The good news was that Lou Yubing’s favorability toward Xia Qiyu had also decreased. Though it remained significantly higher than her favorability toward Lin Yan, this shift suggested that Lou Yubing’s emotional obsession might be diminishing, reducing the likelihood of her darkening and resorting to extreme measures.

 

This thought brought Lin Yan a measure of comfort. At least her efforts hadn’t been entirely futile.

 

Moreover, with her involvement, the dark horse internet company FAGO had risen to prominence. She had great faith in Jiang Jingfei’s abilities, and the Lin Group appeared to be growing stronger on the surface. Everything seemed to be moving in the best possible direction.

 

Lin Yan counted the days until her freedom, glancing sideways at Lou Yubing, who sat beside her, quietly working on math problems. She felt a pang of regret and pity.

 

Oh well, we can still be good friends, right? You can’t force feelings.

 

Noticing the intense gaze, Lou Yubing turned her head.

 

“What?”

 

She was always sparing with words, though her eyes held a wealth of unspoken thoughts. Yet, she always settled for this terse question.

 

Having spent so much time by her side, Lin Yan felt her skin had grown thicker. She met Lou Yubing’s gaze without hesitation, answering with a cheerful grin.

 

“Naturally, it’s because you’re so beautiful. I just wanted to take another look.”

 

It was no lie. Even without makeup, Lou Yubing’s face was already stunning. Lin Yan imagined how breathtaking she would be when she started dressing up.

 

If I can’t have her, at least I can look.

 

“You’re being inappropriate,” Lou Yubing said, picking up her thermos from the side and leaving the classroom to refill it. As she turned away, her back to Lin Yan, a faint, barely concealed smile played at the corners of her lips.

 

Lin Yan, oblivious to Lou Yubing’s inner turmoil, merely hummed softly and glanced up to see Xia Qiyu distributing practice booklets to the classmates.

 

To be honest, Xia Qiyu was also beautiful, but in a refined and gentle way—not Lin Yan’s type. Besides, Xia Qiyu already had her “official pairing.” From their very first meeting, Lin Yan had never harbored even a hint of ulterior motives.

 

Lost in thought, Lin Yan stared blankly at Xia Qiyu. When Lou Yubing returned to the classroom, she saw Lin Yan gazing dreamily at someone else. Her heart clenched with frustration. She slammed her thermos onto the desk with a loud thud, startling Lin Yan back to reality.

 

“What now?” Lin Yan snapped, her voice sharp. “You’re teaching me new ways to be confused every day.”

 

Lou Yubing lowered her gaze, unwilling to let anyone see her emotions, but her voice came out muffled. “I didn’t hold it properly.”

 

It was break time. After months of getting to know each other, Lin Yan had long transformed from the arrogant young lady everyone feared into one of the most popular members of the class. Seeing her alone, several chatty girls swarmed around her, chattering excitedly before even asking a question.

 

“Where are you guys planning to go for vacation?”

 

“My mom said she’s taking me to Spain! Hehe.”

 

“What’s so great about Spain? Paris is way better—the city of art!”

 

“You? With your rough edges? What would you even do in the city of art?”

 

“Hey! You have no taste!”

 

“Why go abroad at all? Have you even seen all the beautiful scenery in our own country?”

 

As they laughed and teased each other, Lin Yan watched quietly. This is what high schoolers should be like, she thought, the way young people are supposed to be.

 

Not like him, she thought, glancing sideways at the silent figure beside her through the crowd. So lifeless, like some old scholar.

 

Seeing that Lin Yan, the center of their attention, hadn’t spoken, the others grew impatient and nudged her.

 

“Lin Yan, what do you think?”

 

All eyes turned to her, their gazes intense, as if she were their leader and her words would settle the debate.

 

Too bad, Lin Yan thought. I’d love to take a proper vacation during this summer break, something only students get. But I’ve been working this job for years now—I can’t just leave. Still, facing their expectant eyes, she couldn’t refuse to speak. She cleared her throat.

 

“Ahem… After all, we’re students, and our studies should come first. So, for the summer vacation, I plan to stay home and focus on my studies.”

 

Those waiting for her to take sides were stunned. Even Lou Yubing turned to look at her, her gaze probing.

 

It wasn’t hard to understand their surprise. Although Lin Yan’s grades had improved dramatically this semester, her habit of falling asleep in class and rushing out the moment it ended had cemented her image as someone who loathed studying. Moreover, everyone knew her previous exam scores had been obtained through cheating, so they naturally assumed her sudden diligence was due to Lou Yubing’s influence.

 

Otherwise, there was no logical explanation for Lin Yan’s sudden eagerness to curry favor with Lou Yubing. While some still shipped them, very few genuinely believed in their relationship.

 

If Lin Yan had known what they were thinking, she would have vehemently protested her innocence. She had long struggled with the six-hour sleep schedule of high school students. To make matters worse, Lou Yubing kept assigning her extra homework after class, and she still needed to earn money. The only time she could truly relax was during class—if she didn’t sleep then, when else could she?

 

Besides, if she ran off to enjoy herself, who would complete her missions? If she returned and the Main Storyline continued to advance, the plot would unravel, leaving her no time to even cry.

 

With this thought, Lin Yan actually met their distrustful gazes and began to advise them.

 

“You all should study hard too. Otherwise, even as Second-Generation Rich, you’ll be manipulated and live uncomfortably.”

 

Lin Yan swept her gaze across the group, speaking a rare truth. In wealthy families, collateral branches were abundant, claiming kinship everywhere. A Main Family with a single, widowed heir like hers was exceedingly rare. Yet even so, Lin Qi guarded against distant relatives holding even the smallest shares, allowing them only to see their due dividends and no other company affairs.

 

These girls, now pampered like little princesses, would face bleak prospects without some cunning. Being used as pawns in arranged marriages would be their best-case scenario.

 

Lin Yan had already gotten a pretty good read on her classmates. This one was the second daughter of Longhua Jewelry, that one was the third daughter of Yangrong Technology, and their maternal family even had connections in Shangjing…

 

Putting aside everything else, she genuinely hoped that the slightly purer friendships forged during high school could later serve as building blocks for professional collaborations.

 

The moment academics were mentioned, the students waved their hands dismissively. Just then, the bell rang, and they scurried back to their seats as if fleeing. Before Lin Yan could sigh in exasperation, Lou Yubing suddenly interjected, “I never thought our Miss Perfect would be the one urging others to study hard.”

 

Having spent so many days with her, Lin Yan immediately recognized the deep-seated distrust in Lou Yubing’s tone. Instead of arguing, she leisurely pulled out her math textbook, opened it on the desk, revealing a perfect-score test paper clipped to the end of the previous lesson. Her voice carried a hint of pride as she said, “Of course. I’m aiming for Capital University. How could I possibly slack off?”