Today there was light rain, so we didn’t have outdoor activities during the break, leaving us with plenty of free time.

Everyone was astonished, realizing the meaning behind all this. No one knew why the school beauty suddenly developed an interest in someone as proud and uncompromising as Qiao, or what she intended to do.

Amusement sparkled in everyone’s eyes. After Qiao understood her intentions, he remained calmly seated and politely declined, “Sorry, I’d rather not be interrupted while reading.”

A trace of disappointment crossed her face. She, who was usually so arrogant, hesitated shyly at the door. Glancing at the many curious onlookers, she suddenly straightened up, brushed her ponytail back, and with effortless charm, walked right up to Qiao, pulled a chair over, and sat down with a smile. “That’s fine; I’ll wait until you’re done.”

Qiao’s brow furrowed slightly, though he quickly masked it. He briefly showed her his book and said, “I might not finish until after school. I have little free time, so I squeeze in reading whenever I can. I’m truly sorry.”

Her breathing quickened. She slapped the desk boldly and said, “Then I’ll be straightforward. I, Li Xiaoxiao, have fallen for you. Will you accept me or not?”

Everyone in school knew it was unlikely anyone could win over Qiao. He was focused on his studies, reserved in social matters, and seemingly oblivious to romance. The sight of girls drawn to him, only to be disappointed, was nothing new to us. But with this particular confession, some of us felt a spark of anticipation.

This time, Qiao didn’t look up, but his brows did furrow more deeply as he replied bluntly, “No.”

The answer was expected. The school beauty, however, showed no embarrassment at being turned down. Leaning across his desk playfully, she coaxed him, “Come on, think it over. I promise, I’m serious. If you agree to be with me, I’ll stick with you, no matter what.”

Qiao responded for the first time, asking, “What do you like about me?” He stopped turning pages, giving her his attention. She straightened up, beaming with a twinkle in her eye and replied, “I like looking at you. And beyond that… you embody the virtues of a gentleman, like warm jade—so that’s why I like you.”

The words, “a gentleman like warm jade,” floated from her red lips into my ears, and I couldn’t help but be impressed.

Qiao was momentarily stunned, glancing at her bright smile, but he soon lowered his head again, continuing to read as he politely responded, “Until I’m capable, until I finish college, I’m not getting into relationships. My family situation doesn’t allow for distractions. Thank you for your feelings, but once again, I’m sorry.”

The school beauty’s slim frame stiffened. She leaned closer, snatched his book, and, with a mischievous smile, said, “Just wait and see.” With that, she strutted out, unbothered.

From the back of the classroom, the boys chuckled, drawing out their words on purpose. Qiao briefly glanced at her retreating figure, unaffected, and picked up his book to resume reading. I watched him for a while, then glanced at the doorway, lost in thought.

Liao Sixing had been drooling like a toad from the moment she walked in until she left.

Excitedly, he patted Qiao on the shoulder and babbled about the school beauty, likely asking why he rejected her.

Leaving my seat, I went to the chalkboard to erase it and heard a familiar male voice say behind me, “When you have nothing, it’s better to focus on your goals.”

The chalk eraser slipped from my hand, bounced down the steps, and came to rest beside his canvas shoes. Embarrassed, I looked up at Qiao with an awkward smile. From this angle, his jawline looked sharp, and his face was as striking as the school beauty had described.

While I stared, he bent down and picked up the eraser with a slight smile, handing it to me with rare teasing. “Chalkboard fanatic, are you on duty today?”

I reached for it, but Liao Sixing snatched it from him, his freckled face grinning as he said, “Today’s my turn to clean, Qin. Thanks; I owe you one.”

I quickly nodded, glancing at Qiao, who had already gone back to his book.

I retreated to my seat, clutching my chest, feeling suddenly warm despite the early March chill.

I fanned my face and overheard my deskmate gossiping with a few girls about the school beauty. They whispered with admiration about her family’s wealth and influence, how no one dared cross her. I had heard it all before.

I sighed, giving in to my own sense of envy, “Some people just have it all.”

Few girls in our school didn’t envy her. My deskmate was no exception, daydreaming about her family owning a big business, wishing for someone to back her up. Quietly, I glanced at Qiao’s back and thought to myself: if only I had half the boldness of the school beauty.

To live as freely as the school beauty must feel truly liberating.

Let the world think her wild and rebellious. Staying true to oneself—in my humble opinion—makes her a truly remarkable person.