Regarding Xuanying's Attempt to Invite Liu Qingyue Out of Seclusion.

The clock rewinds two hours earlier—

Library

Sister Qin’s little lecture session is back in action~

Attendees: Xuan Ying, Li Guanqi.

Lecturer: Ye Ruiqin.

Ye Ruiqin is a woman in her late twenties, dressed in a white shirt and a black plaid skirt, with black stockings underneath and a white lab coat draped over her shoulders. Though she has a delicate, fragile-looking frame, her verbal prowess is astonishingly sharp.

“Today, we’ll mainly analyze Li Guanqi’s strengths and weaknesses.”

Sister Qin writes the name ‘Li Guanqi’ on the blackboard, then turns to Xuan Ying, who’s listening intently below, and says with earnest seriousness, “I hope you can ‘learn from others’ strengths, compensate for your own shortcomings, and play to your advantages.’”

Xuan Ying, meanwhile, wears an expression of earnest confusion, as if absorbing every word like a sacred teaching.

In the corner, Li Guanqi activates her innate skill, ‘Human Invisibility,’ hiding in the shadows as she stares at her name on the blackboard, lost in thought—clearly fully immersed in the moment.

“First, you evaluate her strengths and weaknesses.”

Sister Qin continues, addressing Xuan Ying.

“Hmm…”

Xuan Ying pretends to ponder for a moment before recalling her interactions with Li Guanqi and slowly replies, “Plain, unglamorous, no personality, no presence, doesn’t know how to please people… so she has no friends. In short, nothing but flaws.”

“Wrong. Dead wrong!”

Sister Qin sighs in exasperation. “I believe these are exactly what attracts Su Cheng to her!”

Xuan Ying’s eyes widen in disbelief.

Sister Qin lets out another sigh. “Su Cheng, as a kid from the countryside, is inherently introverted and sensitive in this elite school. The more glamorous a girl is, the more it reminds him of his own insecurities.”

Pausing, she fixes Xuan Ying with a meaningful gaze. “So, what you listed as flaws are actually her strengths. Ask yourself—how many of these do you possess?”

Xuan Ying’s mouth hangs open, speechless.

But… but…

She still can’t accept it. After all, she has plenty of good qualities—why can’t she attract Su Cheng?

Clenching her lips stubbornly, Xuan Ying retorts, “Even so, it doesn’t change the fact that Li Guanqi comes from a wealthy family! Their backgrounds are worlds apart.”

Sister Qin falls silent for a long moment before uttering two words with eerie calmness—

“Superficial.”

“Let me tell you something. Li Guanqi and I had some contact early on. She borrowed a web novel from me.”

“A web novel?”

Xuan Ying is stunned, then remembers the strict prohibition against such books both at school and at home. “She reads that kind of brain-rotting trash?”

Whether at school or at home, they’ve been repeatedly warned against web novels, branded as morally corrupt, fast-food literature that warps minds.

Rumors say addiction leads to a scattered mind, inability to focus, social ineptitude, incoherent speech, lack of logic, laziness, and delusional fantasies.

“Yes. For the average person, it’s cheap entertainment—an easy way to get psychological satisfaction, treating it as mental sustenance.”

After this explanation, Sister Qin turns back to the blackboard and writes two names—Su Cheng and Li Guanqi.

“If Su Cheng, who also enjoys web novels, were to discover that Li Guanqi—a girl who seems like the epitome of literary refinement—is reading the same thing, how do you think he’d react?”

Xuan Ying’s face changes slightly, her lips trembling as she murmurs, “He’d feel… familiarity? A sense of contrast? Curiosity… and confusion?”

“Exactly. Suppose their story begins on a lawn, with Li Guanqi reading a web novel and Su Cheng stumbling upon her by accident. Wouldn’t that leave an unforgettable first impression?”

Sister Qin stops writing and turns to ask.

Xuan Ying lowers her gaze. “I don’t know.”

Sister Qin smiles. “Now imagine if they’ve both read the same novel and start discussing the plot, sharing the same opinions. In a way, that’s the foundation for mutual affection—a shared interest, after all.”

“Add to that the fact that neither has many friends their age… wouldn’t that create a ‘kindred spirits’ dynamic? What do you think?”

Xuan Ying’s eyes dim further as she mutters, “I don’t know.”

“So, you see, everything you listed as flaws are actually her strengths.”

Sister Qin shakes her head and continues, “In fact, her greatest strength, based on your description, is her approach to Su Cheng: precise, calculated, and lethal when the time is right—never acting recklessly, but striking decisively when it counts.”

With that, she picks up the chalk and writes another line on the blackboard, adding annotations with a marker.

“Most importantly, her personality is perfect for everyday life—she never stirs up drama and provides Su Cheng with the right guidance. And the absolute key? Tolerance!”

“Tolerance?!”

“Yes. Despite knowing you like Su Cheng, she turns a blind eye. Despite the mutual dislike, she maintains impeccable manners, never burdening Su Cheng with the tension or airing grievances openly…”

“Is… is that so?”

Xuan Ying can’t help but look up, staring blankly at the words on the blackboard, her mind in turmoil.

She knows deep down she could never do the same—just the thought of it makes her blood boil. How could they possibly remain friends?

“As for her flaws…”

Sister Qin pauses here, then draws a red ‘X’ in the center of the blackboard before writing another line—[Fierce at the core, gentle on the surface].

Xuan Ying perks up at the mention of flaws, snapping back to attention, but the words leave her puzzled. “What does that mean?”

“An unusually strong possessiveness over what she considers hers.”

Sister Qin gazes at the blackboard, sighing deeply before solemnly adding, “Right now, she’s like a puppeteer—her desire to control Su Cheng is overwhelming.”

Xuan Ying freezes for a long moment before finally recovering, then exclaims in shock, “Then… if that’s the case, why would she even be friends with me?”

“Maybe she doesn’t see you as competition at all.”

“So… what should I do to break this situation?”

Sister Qin gives her a sidelong glance. “You want to overturn the status quo?”

Xuan Ying nods earnestly. “I do.”

“Then we’ll have to bring up another girl.”

At this, Sister Qin flashes a cryptic smile.

Xuan Ying immediately presses, “Who?”

“Have you forgotten? Back when I first started working here, you complained to me about a certain ‘bad woman’ who bullied you.”

Xuan Ying frowns, racking her brain, but no matter how hard she tries, the memory eludes her. “Who was it?”

Sister Qin grins. “A girl who can play dirty without batting an eye!”

As soon as she finished speaking, a sudden flash of lightning and a roar of thunder erupted outside, accompanied by howling winds and torrential rain.

Xuan Ying froze, turning her head blankly to stare at the downpour outside the window. In her mind, the blurred image of a short-haired, youthful beauty gradually sharpened before coming to life...

It was her...

"Liu Qingyue?!"

Xuan Ying gasped aloud, while Li Guanqi, standing in the corner, trembled slightly, a flicker of surprise flashing in her eyes.

"But she hasn't shown up in so long! I haven’t even seen her at school—no idea where she went." Xuan Ying frowned in confusion.

It had been ages since she last saw Senior Liu. She had assumed she’d dropped out and transferred to another high school.

Yet today, out of nowhere, Liu Qingyue’s name had suddenly popped up from Sister Qin’s lips.

"No wonder I haven’t heard any news about her from you guys lately. But you could try figuring out the reason she left and help solve it, then get her to come back to school. Who knows? Maybe things could be reshuffled." Sister Qin finished with a smile, then set down the chalkboard eraser. "That’s all for today. I’m off to buy groceries and cook~"

"Oh… oh, thank you, Sister Qin." Xuan Ying hurriedly replied, escorting her out of the meeting room before snapping back to reality—only to recall her past interactions with Liu Qingyue.

Back then, this senior had been extremely close with Su Cheng, even appearing at Su Cheng’s home. Their bond had been undeniable.

Now, though no one knew where she’d gone…

Xuan Ying also knew this senior was far from harmless.

After all, she’d been toyed with by her before.

If there was any difference between her and Li Guanqi…

It was that neither of them seemed to take her seriously!

Damn it!

"At least Li Guanqi doesn’t mess with me…"

Xuan Ying clenched her fists, inexplicably recalling the photo of Li Guanqi and Su Cheng from earlier that afternoon—a constant sting to her fragile, sensitive heart…

"Wait, if I help Senior Liu solve her problem, maybe I can make her work for me!"

Just then, inspiration struck. She realized Liu Qingyue must have faced some major issue to drop out. If she could help her through this tough time…

Not only could she strengthen their relationship, but she might even gain an obedient ally!

"Hmm…"

Xuan Ying ran a hand through her short hair, her eyes lighting up as if she’d found a shortcut to success.

"Bring Liu Qingyue back to assist me!"

At that moment, a surge of bold determination swelled in her chest!

She even began daydreaming—if she approached the other girl with sincerity, surely she’d be moved!

Then, after solving her troubles, a grateful Liu Qingyue would surely confide in her, revealing her grand strategy—the so-called "Cheng’s Plan"—before pledging her support!

Lost in her fantasy, Xuan Ying grew more and more excited, a silly grin spreading across her face. "Hah… I’m such a genius!"

After indulging in self-admiration, she couldn’t wait any longer. She dashed outside, eager to get home and dig up information on Liu Qingyue.

Much later, Li Guanqi slowly walked to the window, peering through the curtains at the rain outside.

"Mmm…"

She murmured softly before letting the curtain fall and stepping away, heading to her car for the drive home.

……………………

Xuan Ying’s family villa.

Xuan Ying’s car pulled up to the entrance. She fished out her keys, unlocked the door, stepped inside, kicked off her shoes, shed her coat, and raced upstairs—thudding all the way—before barging into her bedroom, locking the door behind her. She flopped onto the bed, phone in hand, legs kicking excitedly.

Her bedroom radiated youthful charm, complete with a plushie from Su Cheng—her nightly snuggle buddy—and a safe.

Not that the safe held anything particularly valuable. Instead, it stored an assortment of Su Cheng’s used belongings, along with posters, wallpapers, and photos from his archery competitions.

She quickly reached out to the class monitor from Liu Qingyue’s grade. Within their social circle, everyone pretty much knew each other.

"Senior Wang?"

The call connected, and Xuan Ying spoke up.

"Yeah? What’s up, Junior Xuan Ying?"

A lazy, magnetic male voice answered.

Xuan Ying chuckled. "Well, I haven’t seen Liu Qingyue in ages. Do you know what she’s been up to lately?"

"Liu Qingyue?" Senior Wang paused for a few seconds. "She took a long leave for family matters. Probably at home now."

"Could you give me her contact info? I owe her a favor and want to help." Xuan Ying asked hopefully.

Another silence. Then: "I can, but she won’t accept your help. Several classmates already reached out, and she turned them all down."

Xuan Ying frowned at his words. "Just send me the details anyway."

"All I have is her social media. Want it?"

"Yes!"

After hanging up, she immediately logged into her account upon receiving the username via text.

She sent Liu Qingyue a friend request, but after waiting restlessly for over ten minutes, there was still no response.

Just as drowsiness began to set in, Zhao Yan suddenly called, saying she had something about Su Cheng to share in the group chat.

Xuan Ying perked up instantly, hastily opening the file.

"Oh my god!"

At the sight of Su Cheng’s breathtakingly handsome face, she shrieked, her entire body trembling, her cheeks flushing crimson. Overwhelmed, she quivered from head to toe, her brain practically steaming.

Su Cheng…

So freaking cool!

She stared at the image again and again, growing more infatuated and intoxicated with each look.

I can’t take it—I’m gonna faint!

Her heart threatened to leap out of her chest, but just then, a notification chimed.

Liu Qingyue had accepted her request, sending a single message: "Xuan Ying, junior?"

Xuan Ying blinked, then snapped to attention, frantically typing back:

[Senior Liu!]

[Yes, it’s me, Xuan Ying!]

[I need to talk to you!]

Liu Qingyue: "Make it quick. I’m busy."

Seeing the urgency, Xuan Ying hurriedly continued: [Senior, this is super important—I need to tell you in person!]

Liu Qingyue: "I’m not in Flame City."

[Just give me your address! I’ll come find you after school this Friday! It’s about Su Cheng!] Xuan Ying sent through gritted teeth.

A pause. Then: "Fine."

[A location popped up.]

Xuan Ying was overjoyed: [Thank you, Senior Liu!]

But in her excitement, she didn’t even check where the place was. Instead, she hugged her phone, rolling around on the bed in sheer exhilaration!

After finally calming down, she took a deep breath and opened the three-person group chat.

She noticed that after Li Guanqi had viewed the file, the chat had fallen dead silent.

Hesitating briefly, Xuan Ying decided she needed to discuss her Friday trip with Zhao Yan.

They had to be on the same page—after all, she was going far away. Without coordination, their parents would never agree.

With that in mind, she started typing.

Xuan Ying: @Zhao Yan. I'm planning to go on a short trip this Friday.

Zhao Yan: Huh?

Xuan Ying: "(shyly) I want to visit somewhere else for fun… (blushing)."

Zhao Yan: Where? Is it far?

Xuan Ying quickly forwarded the address Liu Qingyue had just given her into the group chat.

Xuan Ying: [～(/≧▽≦/)～ Wanna come with?]

Little did she realize the gravity of the situation yet.

Li Guanqi: ""

Li Guanqi sent a blank message.

Zhao Yan: "(shocked) You're going to Su Cheng's hometown?!"

"Huh?"

Xuan Ying jumped up from her bed in fright, staring blankly at the address in the chat. Only then did she notice—wasn’t this the exact town where Su Cheng lived?

Xuan Ying: …(?｀д′?)

………………………………………………

A certain exclusive compound.

Li Guanqi quietly saved the document she had been working on, only to suddenly notice the address Xuan Ying had shared in the group. After studying it closely, she narrowed her eyes.

She recalled the conversation between Ye Ruiqin and Xuan Ying earlier that afternoon.

Now she understood—this was about visiting Liu Qingyue in Su Cheng’s hometown!

Regarding the plan to go to Su Cheng’s hometown on Friday,

she felt it necessary to inform Su Cheng.

After a moment of contemplation, Li Guanqi drafted a private message to Su Cheng, but then deleted it entirely.

In the end, she hesitated briefly before standing up, deciding to discuss the matter with Su Cheng in person.