Like Novels

……Girls' Dormitory……

"Juyou, Juyou?"

"Huh?"

"Why do you seem so distracted?" Shangguan Yurou walked up to Han Juyou with a concerned look. "Ever since you rushed downstairs earlier and came back, you've been spacing out. Did something happen?"

"N-no, nothing." Han Juyou forced a smile at Shangguan Yurou.

Shangguan Yurou took her hand and said softly, "If you're facing any trouble, just tell me. I’ll do everything I can to help you."

In Liu Muye's book, Shangguan Yurou was gentle, considerate, and incredibly perceptive. Even when dealing with someone she had just met, like Han Juyou, she would offer her help without hesitation.

This was also why, in the original storyline, Han Juyou had managed to repeatedly drive a wedge between Shangguan Yurou and Nangong Ye.

Han Juyou tightened her grip on Shangguan Yurou's hand and smiled. "Really, it's nothing. I'm fine. Thank you, Yurou."

"No need to thank me. We're friends, aren't we?" Shangguan Yurou gave a faint, sweet smile.

Hearing her words, Han Juyou suddenly felt a surge of emotion. "Actually… I’ve never really had many friends growing up. I feel so lucky to have met someone as kind as you right at the start of the semester."

"Honestly… I don’t have many friends either," Shangguan Yurou murmured after a brief pause. "People… don’t really approach me."

"Why?" Han Juyou asked, puzzled. "You're so kind, Yurou. Why wouldn’t people want to be around you?"

"Well, maybe because…"

Shangguan Yurou almost blurted out that it was because of her "young miss status," but if she said that, her hidden identity would be exposed. Thankfully, she caught herself in time.

Noticing her hesitation, Han Juyou pressed, "Because what?"

"Because… because… I don’t know. Maybe I’m just not likable," Shangguan Yurou stammered.

"That can’t be true. How could you think that?" Han Juyou shook her head. "You’re practically perfect. You’re definitely more likable than me."

Shangguan Yurou smiled wryly. "If that’s the case, then why don’t you have friends either, Juyou? You’re beautiful and kind too."

"I don’t know either…"

The question made Han Juyou recall her past.

As if remembering something unpleasant, she shuddered before snapping back to reality. "I really don’t know why no one wanted to be my friend. Maybe I’m just… unlikable."

Shangguan Yurou shook her head and smiled. "I’ll be your friend."

"Okay."

In that moment, two girls, each carrying their own secrets, became true friends.

Han Juyou suddenly remembered Liu Muye’s warning on the first day of school—"Don’t hurt Shangguan Yurou."

She thought to herself, "Shangguan Yurou is such a good person. How could I ever hurt her? Why would Liu Muye say something like that?"

Never in her life had Han Juyou felt so utterly confused.

For a fleeting moment, her feelings toward Liu Muye grew more complicated—an indescribable emotion, like a mix of bewilderment and… affection?

The thought sent ripples through her heart.

……

That evening, Shangguan Yurou brought dinner back for Han Juyou.

Seeing her sitting at the desk, scribbling something in a notebook, Shangguan Yurou didn’t disturb her. She quietly placed the food nearby and returned to her own spot.

When Han Juyou finally finished writing and closed her notebook, she noticed the meal and immediately said, "Yurou, thank you!"

Shangguan Yurou waved it off. "No need to thank me. What were you writing?"

"A story." Han Juyou handed her the notebook. "Want to take a look?"

"Really? Can I?"

"Of course."

With permission granted, Shangguan Yurou took the notebook and flipped through the pages.

After skimming a few sections, she remarked, "I never would’ve guessed that someone as strong-willed as you would enjoy writing Cinderella-style romances."

Han Juyou chuckled. "Pretty cliché, huh?"

Shangguan Yurou’s eyes widened. "Not at all! It’s really interesting… You’ve written so much! Why not type it up and post it online for others to read?"

"Actually, I started this story when I was little. The first page… was probably from elementary school," Han Juyou admitted.

"Wow, then this must be really precious to you. You’d better keep it safe!"

Shangguan Yurou gasped, carefully closing the notebook and handing it back with reverence.

"Thanks." Han Juyou gazed at it thoughtfully. "Truth is, I haven’t opened this notebook in years. The last time I wrote in it was when I graduated middle school."

"Why did you stop?" Shangguan Yurou asked curiously.

"Because…" Han Juyou gave a self-deprecating smile. "I realized that a prince would never fall for a Cinderella. Princes only belong with princesses. Fairy tales are just that—fairy tales."

Shangguan Yurou hesitated before asking, "Then… why did you start writing again now?"

"Because… I met someone recently." A soft smile crept onto Han Juyou’s face.

"Let me guess~"

Shangguan Yurou leaned in close and whispered something in her ear.

"Wha—no! What nonsense are you saying? There’s no way I’d ever like him!" Han Juyou denied vehemently.

The two girls locked eyes before bursting into laughter.

……

"You read novels all afternoon?"

Nangong Ye finally shut his laptop after an exhausting day of meetings. Glancing across the room, he saw Liu Muye still lounging on the couch, absorbed in a book.

Liu Muye stretched and stood up. "Reading novels is my way of unwinding. You, on the other hand, torture yourself with meetings. We finally get a break from military training, and you spend it buried in company work. You’re a real oddball."

"My parents arranged it. I don’t have a choice," Nangong Ye sighed. "I’ve never had a moment of free time in my life."

Liu Muye clicked his tongue. "Tch. Your parents are terrifying."

"Really? I’m used to it." Nangong Ye shrugged. "But you—why are you so obsessed with novels? Don’t you find them boring?"

Liu Muye smirked. "When a man lacks material wealth, he seeks fulfillment in the spiritual world. For me, wish-fulfillment novels are my soul food."

Nangong Ye blurted out, "Aren’t you the heir to the Liu conglomerate? How could you possibly lack material wealth?"

"Uh…"

Liu Muye froze, caught off guard by the question. He had no idea how to respond—after all, he couldn’t exactly say, "Before I transmigrated into this book, I was dirt poor."

Liu Muye pondered for a moment before saying, "I'm different. I genuinely love novels."

"Alright," Nangong Ye shrugged.

...

[When I was little, my family was poor, and I couldn’t afford the toys I wanted. I’d always fantasize about being the domineering CEO from a novel—that way, I’d have endless money to buy everything I desired. —Liu Muye’s Notes]

...