The golden morning sunlight spilled onto the girl’s soft, rosy cheeks.

Jiang Lu stared at her in a daze.

Qi An’an was holding iodine and gauze in her hands. Jiang Lu blinked lightly, feeling a lump rise in his throat.

He had injured his hand and told no one. Ji Ruomeng hadn’t noticed, and Yu Tianyang and the others were even less likely to catch such details. But the girl before him clearly knew. Perhaps because he had carelessly gotten blood on the plastic bag.

Early in the morning, she had rushed downstairs in slippers just to find him. In all his life, no one had ever treated him this gently.

“Aiya, let’s get going, I’m starving.” Yu Tianyang said when he saw Qi An’an approaching Jiang Lu. He assumed she had come to thank him, didn’t think much of it, and waved. “Jiang Lu, we’re going to the cafeteria first. We’ll save you a seat.”

With that, they walked off without a care in the world.

Qi An’an didn’t even glance in their direction. Her eyes stayed fixed on Jiang Lu. Seeing him frozen in place, she repeated seriously, “Jiang Lu, let me see your hand.”

Jiang Lu’s fingers slowly curled inward, forming a loose fist to hide his palm. “My hand is fine……”

Still making excuses? He always insisted he was fine. Ignoring everything else, Qi An’an reached for Jiang Lu’s hand. Though she was clearly anxious, her movements remained gentle.

“What happened to your hand?” She asked, her eyes filled with pain and worry. Jiang Lu’s palm bore two bloodied scratches, as if slashed by something sharp. And clearly, they hadn’t been properly treated.

Jiang Lu remained still, his whole body stiff. At that moment, he couldn’t even feel the pain in his palm. All his attention was focused on the back of his hand, where Qi An’an was carefully holding it, her fingers warm and soft.

“Come with me. I’ll apply some medicine.” Qi An’an said. “How can you be like this? You don’t take care of your body at all. What if I hadn’t noticed? Were you planning to just leave it like this?”

She had meant to scold him, but before she finished speaking, her own heart ached first. It was true, Jiang Lu never took care of himself. But when it came to caring for her, he was surprisingly attentive.

Just yesterday, he had gone outside to buy brown sugar for her. How had he gotten out of the school? Qi An’an felt a pang of sorrow. She remembered the school gate vividly. It had smooth railings lined with sharp spikes.

Jiang Lu had been watching Qi An’an all along. Seeing her slightly reddened eyes, he panicked. “An……”

He abruptly fell silent. That name— he had called it countless times in his heart. If he hadn’t been so flustered, he wouldn’t have dared speak it aloud.

“Are you…… are you still having stomach pain?” Jiang Lu asked gently, coaxing her in a low voice, “Go back and rest. Don’t go to training today. My hand…… I can take care of it myself.”

“No way. You’re just trying to brush me off again.” Qi An’an said, immediately rejecting the idea. She glared at him, clearly displeased. But the heartache in her eyes softened her expression, making it less threatening. “I’m fine now. Really. Sit still and stop talking.”

Jiang Lu had no choice but to obediently comply, quietly watching as Qi An’an treated his wound.

She was patient and meticulous, afraid of causing him pain. As she applied the iodine, she gently blew on his palm. The cool breeze, mixed with the girl’s subtle fragrance, brushed across his skin.

The warm breath seeped through his flesh, flowed into his veins, and landed squarely on his heart.

Jiang Lu closed his eyes.

Staying away from her had been the most laughable decision he’d ever made. Shameless or ungrateful— it didn’t matter anymore. He couldn’t care less. After all, he had never been a good person.

Jiang Lu let out a soft chuckle and whispered, “I lied to you about applying to No. 7 High School. That was my fault. I’m sorry.”

Qi An’an hadn’t expected him to bring that up. She gave him a strange look. “Why are you thinking about that now? That’s such an old, trivial matter. What’s there to apologize for? I never blamed you for it.”

Jiang Lu said, “Mm.”

He repeated softly, “I know you never blamed me.”

Please don’t blame me in the future either.

────ρя

Please only read this translation at S h a n g h a i f a n t a s y . c o m to support the translator

Time flew by, and before they realized it, the students’ grueling military training had reached its final day. The performance went exceptionally well. After the morning activities, they were dismissed and allowed to pack up and return to their dorms, bringing this short-lived boarding experience to an end.

Cai Yatong grumbled in protest. “You really don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone! Time passed so fast. I don’t feel like I’ve stayed long enough. Sure, the training was tiring, but I really don’t want to leave.”

She hugged Qi An’an tightly, rubbing against her while complaining, “An’an, my little fairy, don’t you dare forget me! If I ever organize a get-together, you have to come…… Wuuwuuwuu, you brainiacs in Class 1, you get all serious about studying and forget your sisters.”

“I won’t, I won’t. How could I forget our Tian Tong?” Qi An’an replied with a smile, smoothing Cai Yatong’s hair. “If you invite me, I’ll definitely go. I’d never flake on you.”

Others chimed in with their own groans, “I don’t want to leave! The thought of going back to classes tomorrow is killing me. I’d rather keep doing military training.”

“Don’t even talk about it. I’m already dead inside.”

“Ahhh, An’an! I love you so much! Without your sunscreen, I’d totally get sunburned!” Luo Xue exclaimed, not even worrying about upcoming academics. She had already changed into her regular clothes and was admiring herself in the mirror.

“It worked that well? I’ve got more. Take it.” Qi An’an said while packing. She handed over her sunscreen to Luo Xue, feeling quite proud that she’d nurtured her friends into skincare-conscious girls.

Luo Xue hesitated, feeling bad about taking it, but Qi An’an reassured her with a laugh, “It’s fine. I’ve still got some left.”

“Ahhh, An’an, I love you! Come here, let me hug you!”

Ji Ruomeng couldn’t take it anymore. She stepped in with her usual noble and cool air, declaring, “Back off. No hugging. Go pack your stuff already. Your bedding isn’t even rolled up yet.”

The girls laughed, fussed, and gradually began to leave, reluctant but cheerful.

Qi An’an waited at the school gate for Butler Chen to pick her up. Suddenly, someone tapped her on the shoulder from behind.

“Hey, Junior! What a coincidence!”

Qi An’an turned around and smiled. “Senior!”

It was the senior who had helped them with extra training sessions every night. She grinned and asked, “Congrats on finishing military training! You must be relieved. Did they give you a few days off?”

This senior had grown close to them over the past few days. She particularly liked Qi An’an, who was not only beautiful but also diligent and well-behaved.

Qi An’an complained, “They didn’t give us any time off at all. We’re back to class tomorrow.”

“Ugh, seriously? That’s brutal. The school’s getting worse every year. We got two days off last year.” The senior said, full of righteous indignation. Then she looked around and asked, “Hey? Where’s that guy?”

“Who?” Qi An’an looked around as well, puzzled.

“Who else could it be? Still pretending to be clueless with your senior? You’re doing a good job acting, but it’s obvious that he’s your boyfriend.” The senior gave a knowing snort.

She had wanted to say the boyfriend who guarded his ‘food’ so fiercely, but was afraid the younger girl might be shy, so she skipped all the adjectives that might cause a stir.

“Huh? Boyfriend?” Qi An’an reacted quickly, “Senior, are you talking about Jiang Lu? He’s not my boyfriend.”

“He’s not? Seriously? Come on, I’m not the discipline teacher, you don’t have to be embarrassed. Honestly, you two are perfect together. You give off such strong CP vibes! I’ve been shipping you for days!”

Qi An’an was stunned. She had always been the one shipping other people. Who would’ve thought that one day she’d be shipped herself— and with Jiang Lu, no less.

She smiled helplessly. “Actually…… he really isn’t. We’re just friends.”

She was telling the truth, but for some reason, she stammered a little.

The senior wasn’t ready to give up on her favorite ship just yet. “Really? You’re not lying to me? You’re not just being shy?”

Qi An’an nodded with a smile. “I’m really not lying.”

Oh, fine then. The senior raised her brows coolly. So that boy has a one-sided crush, huh? Well, that’s just as good for shipping.

……

After getting into the car for the ride home, Qi An’an still felt a little muddled. The senior’s words had clearly left an impression on her and she was still thinking about them.

She definitely liked Jiang Lu, but that kind of liking had existed even before she met him. It was the kind of pure-hearted affection she had for a paper-thin fictional character.

Later, as she spent time with the real Jiang Lu, experienced the indifference and injustice the world dealt him, and saw the warmth and kindness that lay at his core, he had stopped being a mere character. He became a real person— flesh and blood, vivid and alive. She liked him more, but it was a fondness born of admiration and care for a friend.

But if it were that kind of liking…… Qi An’an stared calmly out the window, quietly rubbing her cheeks. She had never thought about it before— and didn’t dare to now.

────ρя


Qi Zhen came out of the kitchen carrying a glass of water and carefully brought it to the living room. “Dad, how come you suddenly came over? Is there some business deal you’re working on?”

“Mm, a bit of work. I’ll be leaving in a few days.” Qi Hong said after taking a sip. “Right, you said you hurt your leg during military training a few days ago.  How is it now?”

“It’s nothing serious, almost healed already.”

“Did it leave a scar?”

“No.”

Seeing that she walked just fine, Qi Hong felt it wasn’t a big deal. He snorted. “Things like that, you should tell me right away. You and An’an are both the same. What’s the point of attending military training? What if you get tanned? You two are really thoughtless.”

Qi Zhen understood his complaints all too well. She and Qi An’an were both his daughters. No matter who their mothers were, they were tools to pave his way. Their existence was meant to be assets in future family alliances. Their appearance was absolutely not allowed to be ‘flawed’.

She replied obediently, “I understand, Dad. I’ll be more careful in the future.”

She was very skilled at pleasing people— soft voice, gentle tone. Qi Hong felt quite satisfied listening to her. It reminded him of when he spoke with Qi An’an on the phone. She never acted sweet or affectionate like this.

But then again, Qi An’an did look better than Qi Zhen.

Qi Hong nodded. His brief bout of fatherly indulgence had passed, and he didn’t want to linger. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be heading off. Take care of yourselves.”

“Wait, Dad, I have something important to tell you.” Qi Zhen hesitated, biting her lip. “I’ve fallen for someone. But his personality is a bit cold…… I was wondering…… could you maybe help me get closer to him?”

Qi Hong’s expression darkened immediately. “You’d better remember your place. Just because you like someone doesn’t mean you can date him. I’ll choose your future husband for you. Just follow my arrangements. Stop thinking about all this nonsense.”

“No, Dad, listen to me.” Qi Zhen quickly explained. “He’s not just some random guy. His family’s well-off too. If we got together, it could help both our businesses.”

Qi Hong thought for a moment. “What business is his family in?”

“I’m not entirely sure, but I know they’re very wealthy. He used to be close friends with An’an, and their family owns a villa in that neighborhood too.”

Qi Zhen added, “He has a really distinctive presence. There’s no way he comes from an ordinary family. You’ll understand when you meet him. I’m not lying.”

Her expression was sincere and serious. Qi Hong considered it. His daughter had been pampered all her life. If the boy’s family was truly average, she definitely wouldn’t have fallen for him. If she was this insistent, the boy had to be outstanding.

Thinking that way, Qi Hong felt less resistant. “Alright then. What’s his name? If you have a photo, send it to me. I’ll look into him. If he checks out, I can help set something up.”

Qi Zhen smiled. “His name is Jiang Lu.”

Jiang Lu…… There were a few wealthy families in S City with the surname Jiang, but he hadn’t heard of any sons around Qi Zhen’s age. Then again, families like that didn’t always root their business in just one city. Qi Hong nodded. “Got it. I’ll ask around when I get the chance.”

────ρя


After military training ended, high school life gradually settled into its rhythm. The last traces of summer faded, autumn passed, and winter crept in— each day colder than the last.

Jiang Zifan had recently started dating a new girlfriend— a pretty, soft-spoken second year senior he’d met not long ago.

These days, he walked around like he was on cloud nine, practically stinking of puppy love. Even during meals, he grinned as he tapped away on his phone.

Zhou Qi was getting fed up. “Seriously, Jiang Zifan, are you done? Are you eating or not? If not, get out. Look at you, acting all smug.”

Jiang Zifan sneered. “You’re just jealous, you single dog.”

Someone teased, “Fanzi moves fast, huh? Just met a few days ago, and already madly in love.”

With flattery came swagger. Jiang Zifan put down his phone. “Eh, we’ve known each other for about two weeks. It was love at first sight.”

Everyone groaned from the sugar overload. “That’s just too much.”

“Come on, Fanzi, share some tips. I’ve had my eye on a girl from the next class, but I haven’t even dared to say a word to her.”

Jiang Zifan rolled his eyes. “That’s because you’re a coward. What tips do you even need? This kind of thing is simple. Just go after her and she’s yours in no time.”

Jiang Lu, who had been silent the whole time, looked up at him and asked flatly, “How exactly do you ‘go after’ someone?”