When Ming Yao mentioned the upcoming fun competition in a week, Jiang Mianmian suddenly remembered that this was indeed part of the plot.

In the original storyline, the male protagonist, Ming Yao, naturally chose to participate with the female lead, Zhou Ling’er.

But now, his behavior was completely out of character; he no longer seemed as invested in Zhou Ling’er. It only proved that without supporting characters fueling their “love” and building momentum, it couldn’t progress on its own.

Jiang Mianmian found this somewhat amusing. Was what the original storyline depicted between the male and female leads truly “love”?

She coldly glanced at Ming Yao, who was nervously awaiting her response, and directly rejected him.

“Ming Yao, I won’t agree to this.”

“After all this time, haven’t you heard the rumors? I don’t like you anymore.”

“I won’t participate in the competition with you.”

Being humiliated by Jiang Mianmian in front of everyone, Ming Yao’s initial shyness turned into anger.

“Jiang Mianmian, don’t go too far! This is the first and last time I’m asking you!”

“Not interested.”

Jiang Mianmian scoffed dismissively.

“Fine! Fine! Remember, you said this yourself!”

Feeling utterly humiliated in front of everyone, Ming Yao knew that staying any longer would only make him the butt of everyone’s jokes. Furious, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Jiang Mianmian, you’d better not regret this!

He refused to believe it—could she truly let go of more than ten years of affection so easily? She must be putting on an act!

Meanwhile, Zhou Ling’er, standing by the window, had been secretly observing the situation. When she saw Ming Yao lower his pride to approach Jiang Mianmian, she panicked.

Thankfully, Jiang Mianmian no longer harbored any infatuation for Ming Yao and publicly humiliated him in front of everyone.

Zhou Ling’er was overjoyed. Seeing Ming Yao storm off, she quickly followed him.

She hadn’t forgotten her goal: Ming Yao. If she wanted to climb the social ladder, she had to cling firmly to this golden opportunity!

Back in the classroom, the atmosphere was eerily quiet due to the earlier scene.

It must be said that when Zhou Nanye heard Mianmian reject Ming Yao, he felt a wave of relief. The tension and fear he had been carrying dissipated.

Fortunately, Mianmian didn’t agree…

But after the relief came a new concern: Zhou Nanye started to worry about Mianmian’s feelings.

Would Mianmian feel sad? After all, it was over ten years of emotions…

Looking at the girl seemingly lost in thought, Zhou Nanye couldn’t help but speak up, “Mian… Mianmian, don’t… don’t feel sad…”

With Jiang Mianmian’s companionship during his speech therapy, Zhou Nanye’s stutter had improved slightly.

“I’m not sad at all. But, Nanye, it seemed like you were a bit nervous when you heard Ming Yao invite me,” Jiang Mianmian teased with a smile. “Were you afraid I’d agree to him?”

“Uh… yes…”

Zhou Nanye shyly and hesitantly responded, “Didn’t… didn’t want… Mianmian to agree…”

If only Mianmian could always stay with him…

Zhou Nanye secretly added this thought in his heart.

“Actually, I was just thinking—how about we join the competition together, Xiao Nanye?”

“How about we give it a try? I heard the prizes are a pair of matching couple’s smartwatches and a set of platinum couple necklaces shaped like a lock and key…”

As she recalled the competition, Jiang Mianmian’s interest was piqued.

How could she pass up an opportunity to strengthen her bond with Zhou Nanye!?

Hearing Mianmian mention the prizes—couples’ items—Zhou Nanye’s eyes quietly lit up.

At this moment, the feelings he had been suppressing began to swell.

“I… I want to join… with Mianmian…”

If they won, wouldn’t that mean he and Mianmian would own matching couple’s items…?

Zhou Nanye secretly indulged in the thought, his happiness spreading within him.

“Alright, it’s decided then.”