Most Worries Are Self-Created by the Mediocre

"Classmate, did you follow us all this way just to buy workbooks?" Su Cheng's words had barely left his mouth when Xu Tianyi's body stiffened, then slumped like a deflated balloon, her shoulders sagging weakly.

She turned her head, adjusting the heavy black-framed glasses on her nose, her gaze cool and serious as she scanned the surroundings before finally settling on Su Cheng's face.

With a soft sigh, she spoke apologetically, "I'm sorry for my rude behavior. Please forgive me."

"It's nothing, really. I was just a little confused..." Su Cheng took a step back, scratching his head awkwardly. "You could've just told me. I could've brought these things to school tomorrow. There was no need for you to..."

"I don’t like troubling others," Xu Tianyi interrupted firmly. "If you were in my place, I doubt you’d ask for help either."

She straightened slightly, a determined glint in her eyes, her tone steady. "We’re the same kind of person. You understand how I feel, don’t you?"

"Yeah..." Su Cheng nodded without denying it. "You’re right. If it were me, I wouldn’t ask for help easily either."

"Thank you for understanding." Xu Tianyi took a deep breath, her gaze locking onto Su Cheng again, a hint of shame in her voice. "I’d appreciate it if you could pretend this never happened. I don’t want any misunderstandings. If there’s any way I can make it up to you, I’m willing to compensate you..."

"Alright," Su Cheng cut in quickly, speaking earnestly. "Since you feel bad about it, how about this? Lend me last year’s notes, and we’ll call it even."

Su Cheng didn’t actually need the notes. He just understood Xu Tianyi’s mindset and made the request to ease her guilt and lessen her burden.

Besides, Xu Tianyi was the class academic officer. The request seemed reasonable—not too demanding, and the notes would genuinely help his studies.

However, Xu Tianyi’s heart churned violently at his words. She hadn’t expected Su Cheng to see through her real motive for buying the workbooks, which only deepened her shame and frustration.

She had planned to use the workbooks to outperform Su Cheng in the upcoming test, but her scheme had been laid bare by this scholarship student.

If she handed over her notes, she’d lose for sure—Flame City Private Academy’s curriculum was entirely different from other schools, covering different concepts, key points, and exam focuses.

If Su Cheng got her notes, he could skyrocket his efficiency, expand his knowledge, and achieve an astonishing breakthrough—leading to an absolute, crushing victory!

"Did you lose your notes?" Su Cheng, noticing Xu Tianyi’s unease, pressed further. "If not, no worries. Could you recommend a book on Flame Country history? I’m weak in that area and need to strengthen my basics, but I don’t know which books to choose..."

Seeing Xu Tianyi hesitate, Su Cheng quickly added, "I’m really lacking in this subject, so I’d appreciate your help. Maybe you could suggest something from the library?"

But in Xu Tianyi’s eyes, Su Cheng’s demeanor was far from what it seemed.

No matter how confused or considerate he appeared, the confidence in his brow grew unmistakable—as if mocking her: Are you really this afraid of losing?

And asking for a history book? Was he implying she’d soon be history?

That the top rank would soon be his?

The condescension and ridicule made Xu Tianyi clench her fists. Notes were a student’s lifeline—him demanding them proved he’d seen right through her.

From what she knew, Su Cheng was a commoner. He could’ve asked for money or favors, yet he insisted on notes?

Still, she forced herself to calm down, reining in her emotions. She had been in the wrong. But even so—

She would take first place in this exam.

This was just a fair exchange.

With that thought, Xu Tianyi met Su Cheng’s probing gaze, her voice steady and composed. "Understood. I’ll prepare the notes for you tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding."

With that, she walked away, her retreating figure resolute and almost tragic—like the heroine of a romance novel, making a three-year vow to defeat the villainous male rival.

"Did I say something wrong?" Su Cheng raised an eyebrow, baffled. He rubbed his chin, muttering, "Why did she run off like that?"

"Maybe you two just weren’t on the same wavelength?" Liu Qingyue chimed in with a chuckle. "Care to guess why she really bought those workbooks?"

"To study, obviously." Su Cheng shrugged. "What else could it be?"

He didn’t know much about Xu Tianyi—just that she was this year’s freshman representative and academic officer. Her academic level, personality? No clue.

"Tch." Liu Qingyue clicked her tongue.

"What?" Su Cheng blinked, pressing further. "Did you notice something?"

"Nope." Liu Qingyue turned her head away, feigning indifference.

Truthfully, Su Cheng was just as puzzled. The more he tried to distance himself from certain people, the more they clung to him. With a sigh, he said, "It’s late. I’m heading home."

Cornelia was waiting for him, and he still had to explain himself—she’d repeatedly warned him not to join any clubs. He needed to placate her before she caused any trouble.

"As the Ji Family’s future son-in-law, you should maintain proper boundaries with other women. Don’t get too close, or rumors might reach the young mistress or the main family. That’d be bad," Liu Qingyue nagged beside him. When Su Cheng didn’t respond, she glared. "Why are you so cold to me?"

"I know my limits."

Su Cheng kept his expression stern as he walked away, but not without a final retort: "Since I signed the agreement, I’ll uphold my responsibilities. No need for your concern."

"Why are you snapping at me?" Liu Qingyue puffed her cheeks, grumbling, "I was just trying to help. If you’re going to be ungrateful, forget about me telling you the young mistress’s likes and interests."

"I’ve said it many times." Su Cheng stopped again, frowning at Liu Qingyue. "I’ll follow the rules, and I’m genuinely grateful to the Ji Family. If they need me, I won’t refuse. But don’t expect me to flatter or grovel for anyone."

"Alright, alright." Liu Qingyue quickly raised her right hand in surrender but still ventured, "Are you sure you don’t want to hear it? It might help you avoid stepping on a landmine, you know."

However, Su Cheng strode straight onto the bus and took his usual seat. Liu Qingyue, as always, sat beside him and poked his arm mischievously, whispering, "Really don’t want to know?"

"Since you insist on telling me, I’ll reluctantly listen," Su Cheng replied, crossing his arms and glancing sideways. "Go ahead."

"Great!" Delighted by his agreement, Liu Qingyue’s eyes sparkled with admiration. "My young mistress is an absolutely flawless beauty—not only does she possess breathtaking looks, but every movement exudes grace and elegance. She’s also exceptionally talented in poetry, music, calligraphy, and painting. But that’s not even her most impressive side."

She paused, a mysterious smile playing on her lips as she leaned in closer. "Did you know? She’s also a multiple-time archery champion. It’s unbelievable, truly astounding! She’s not just a prodigy in the arts but has also mastered martial skills, making her a rare genius of both intellect and prowess."

Su Cheng’s expression darkened slightly. He lowered his gaze, trying to mask his emotions, but his heart was in turmoil—

"What a goddess!"

He sighed inwardly, unable to help but wonder, "Could someone as ordinary as me ever deserve her?" Self-awareness was a virtue, and he knew all too well the vast gap between them.

Yet, despite his inner shock, Su Cheng betrayed nothing. He maintained his usual aloof demeanor, giving only a slight nod to acknowledge Liu Qingyue’s words before closing his eyes, as if resting, though in truth, he was sorting through his chaotic thoughts.

Liu Qingyue, long accustomed to his temperament, wasn’t the least bit offended. Instead, she continued chattering away. Su Cheng pretended not to care, but deep down, he memorized every word she said.

"She loves sweets, hates lies… In short, she’s an incredibly captivating beauty, astonishing in every way. But…"

Liu Qingyue suddenly lowered her voice, leaning even closer to Su Cheng’s ear. "She has a bit of a temper, especially toward men. Though with you…"

Hearing this, Su Cheng opened his eyes and shot her a sidelong glance. "With me?"

"She admires hardworking people," Liu Qingyue answered.

"Is that so." Su Cheng closed his eyes again, his mind already racing about how to face this radiant, goddess-like girl tomorrow.

……

Despite his wavering heart, Su Cheng firmly told himself that he was undoubtedly unworthy of her. In his eyes, he was merely going through the motions.

"By the way, what’s your schedule for tomorrow?" Liu Qingyue asked.

"Practice club at noon, then returning the peony, and archery club in the afternoon," Su Cheng replied before suddenly remembering something. "Oh, right—who owns the garden on the east side of the school? I ran into some domineering woman in white there last time. Just curious."

"That’d be a chaebol princess," Liu Qingyue said with a playful wink. "Let me tell you, she’s infamous for her bossiness. Don’t let her gentle, flower-loving facade fool you—she’s more domineering than anyone deep down. Cross her, and you’ll regret it."

"Yikes—"

Su Cheng sucked in a sharp breath, thinking, If I ever clash with this tyrant, I’m doomed.

"So, uh…" He coughed lightly, choosing his words carefully. "Hypothetically, if we got into a fight and she threw the first punch, and I fought back… what would happen?"

Liu Qingyue gave him a strange look. After a moment of silence, she shook her head and said earnestly, "Honestly, if you just reveal your identity, she wouldn’t dare lay a finger on you. Don’t worry—she won’t harm you."

"That’s a relief." Su Cheng fell silent for a beat before replying seriously, "Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll remember that. I’ll treat you to a meal sometime."

"No time like the present," Liu Qingyue teased, smirking. "Mhm~"

"Can’t today," Su Cheng said helplessly.

"Then I’ll come find you tomorrow morning," she suggested.

"Fine." Su Cheng nodded.

As they chatted, the bus pulled into the station. Su Cheng grabbed his medicine and the peony, waved goodbye to Liu Qingyue, and headed toward his apartment.

Meanwhile, Liu Qingyue, still seated by the window, pressed a hand to her earpiece and spoke to her mistress. "Young Mistress, even if he revives the peony tomorrow, make sure to give him a hard time—force him to reveal his status as the Ji Family’s future son-in-law."

"How tedious."

Ji Qingyi’s cold, haughty voice rang through the earpiece, dripping with disdain for the plan. Yet, her tone shifted slightly. "Still, his loose tongue has displeased me. Very well, proceed as you’ve suggested."

Clearly, Su Cheng’s remarks had irked her. Tomorrow, she intended to enjoy watching his flustered expression as a little punishment.

"Right? When he shows up at the archery club and sees it’s still you," Liu Qingyue giggled, "his face is going to be priceless. Hahaha…"