Victory through Strategy: Using Fewer Forces to Defeat Larger Ones

"Have I lost my memory?"

Su Cheng was momentarily stunned.

But soon,

he recalled how after yesterday's incident at the horse track, his classmates suddenly came to apologize to him, mentioning his supposed memory loss.

All of this was likely a fabricated scenario arranged by senior sister Liu to resolve the situation. Aside from her, Su Cheng couldn't think of anyone else who would come up with such a dramatic excuse.

Yet, the next second, Su Cheng furrowed his brows, sensing something amiss.

Why had Li Guanqi chosen to communicate with him through a note left in a book?

Puzzled, he glanced at Li Guanqi, only to find her sitting upright at her desk, engrossed in reading.

Her unique demeanor gave off an air of quiet intellect—as if "poetry and books naturally refined her spirit."

Was there a deeper meaning behind her actions? Was she hinting at something or warning him about something?

He couldn't make sense of it, but given that their relationship wasn’t particularly close at this stage, he decided it was best to keep his distance from these unanswered questions.

However, just as Su Cheng was about to look away, Li Guanqi suddenly raised her eyes and cast a fleeting glance at him.

Their gazes met, and he froze.

Though her eyes were on him, her hands continued turning the pages of her book.

Was this some kind of signal?

Realizing this, he quickly flipped through his own book and, sure enough, found a handwritten note from Li Guanqi on the next page:

『Due to certain circumstances, I’m forced to communicate this way. Though it limits our interaction, I still want you to know what I wish to convey. For now, this is the only method I can use to share my words and intentions. Please respond to me tomorrow in the same manner. Lastly, remember to dispose of this note after reading—don’t let anyone else find it.』

Su Cheng was baffled.

What was going on?

Why couldn’t they just talk normally?

Nervous and alert, he scanned the room, confirming that his classmates were all focused on their work before relaxing slightly.

When he looked back at Li Guanqi, she appeared completely unperturbed, still absorbed in her book.

Su Cheng fell into thought. From these two messages, he gleaned two key points: first, Li Guanqi seemed compelled to communicate this way; second, she had asked whether he had lost his memory and wanted his response.

Narrowing his eyes, Su Cheng wondered—had Ji Qingyi and her attendants warned Li Guanqi?

Forcing her to resort to such covert methods?

The possibility made his expression grow complicated.

He could understand Ji Qingyi’s interference, but why would Li Guanqi take such a risk to reach out to him?

Did he possess some high-value information that made it worth the danger? Or was this like one of those novel tropes—was she, like Cornelia, a wife who had traveled back in time from the future?

Su Cheng’s thoughts grew increasingly tangled until he shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it further.

He knew that if he wanted more answers, his next step was to follow Li Guanqi’s instructions.

……………………

The morning classes passed uneventfully. Li Guanqi made no further attempts to communicate with Su Cheng, as if she had resolved to save all her words for tomorrow’s exchange. Everything returned to normal, as though their earlier interaction had never happened.

Right now, the most pressing matter was lunch.

His fiancée had specifically instructed him to head straight to the Archery Club after class. If he delayed, he’d likely end up eating alone again.

Su Cheng quickened his pace, leaving the classroom and hurrying toward the Archery Club. However, as soon as he reached the stairwell, he collided with a fragrant obstacle.

“Sorry—” Su Cheng instinctively began to apologize, but the words died in his throat when he recognized Hoshino Mirai. “Senior, my apologies. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“It’s fine. I wasn’t paying attention either,” Hoshino Mirai replied softly, rubbing her forehead before continuing upstairs.

Su Cheng watched her retreating figure, his heart sinking. He had a feeling she was heading to the rooftop again, likely to cry alone, and he couldn’t help but worry about her emotional well-being.

Unable to ignore it, he called out after her, “Senior, the school is lucky to have someone like you as a disciplinary officer!”

Hoshino Mirai paused mid-step, turning back with a gentle, appreciative smile. “I’ll see you later~”

“Of course!” Su Cheng nodded with a smile.

Once she was gone, Su Cheng stood there, lost in thought. The most he could do was offer words of encouragement. He never hesitated to give praise when it was due.

After all, if a simple compliment could brighten someone’s day, why not?

Meanwhile, Hoshino Mirai reached the rooftop.

The sunlight today was especially radiant. She stood by the railing, letting the warm breeze brush against her face.

Tilting her head back, she basked in the golden glow.

The frustration she’d felt earlier—over the malicious gossip circulating about her among her classmates—had faded somewhat after running into Su Cheng.

Though her work wasn’t understood by most, the support of even a few people was enough to lift her spirits.

Like the thank-you letter she’d received before, and now Su Cheng’s kind words—both had brought her joy and reaffirmed her resolve.

Hoshino Mirai looked down at the letter in her hands, her smile widening, her eyes sparkling.

She still didn’t know who had written it…

Could it have been Su Cheng?

The thought seized her attention instantly.

She was almost certain it was him!

“Hey, little sis!” A slightly impatient voice called from behind.

Hoshino Mirai turned to see her brother, Hoshino Yikui.

“Why are you up here again?”

He frowned as he approached, his tone tinged with reproach. “You always skip lunch to come to the rooftop.”

Then he noticed the letter in her hands.

He, too, was grateful for it—it had kept his sister in high spirits for days. She’d even bragged about it to him repeatedly, clearly treasuring it deeply.

“I think I’ve figured out who wrote this,” Hoshino Mirai said, waving the letter playfully, her voice and eyes brimming with delight.

“Who?”

Hoshino Yikui’s eyes flickered with surprise.

“Look, right there.” Hoshino Mirai leaned against the railing, pointing at Su Cheng, who was walking briskly below.

Following her gaze, Hoshino Yikui quickly spotted Su Cheng and blinked in confusion.

He noticed the way Su Cheng walked—somewhat comical, as if he were speed-walking in a hurry, slightly awkward.

“Is there something wrong with his legs?”

Hoshino Yikui scrutinized him, but the boy moved swiftly, disappearing from view in moments.

“He’s fine. Don’t you think it’s kind of cute?”

Hoshino Mirai didn’t seem to mind. She rested her chin in her hands, watching Su Cheng walk away.

"You call that cute?" Hoshino Yikui raised an eyebrow, clearly not understanding her meaning.

"Yeah."

Mirai turned back with a smile and explained, "Don’t you think the way he walks looks just like a penguin?"

………………

Inside the Archery Club, Su Cheng arrived to find the place empty. Normally, his presence would draw plenty of attention, but arriving early today, he relished the quiet and made his way to the president’s private area alone.

"Young Master, the Lady has not arrived yet. Please take a seat."

A butler was arranging tea utensils inside. Upon seeing Su Cheng, he greeted him respectfully before stepping aside, leaving the space to him.

"Thank you." Su Cheng smiled as he entered the room.

The butler bowed and withdrew, leaving Su Cheng by himself.

Not long after, footsteps echoed at the door before it swung open.

Su Cheng looked up to see Ji Qingyi stride in. She wore the school uniform, her jet-black hair cascading down to her waist. Her gaze was icy, her expression blending seamlessly with the surroundings—aloof and untouchable, like a snow lotus atop a frozen peak.

"President."

Su Cheng stood and greeted her respectfully.

Ji Qingyi paused, lifting her eyes to meet his, her demeanor distant and indifferent.

Unfazed, Su Cheng waited quietly for her instructions.

After a moment, she finally spoke. "Come. Join me for a meal."

With that, Ji Qingyi turned and left, her steps as graceful as ever. Su Cheng nodded in acknowledgment, watching her go. Only after her figure had completely disappeared did he turn to freshen up in the washroom.

Once done, he headed to the dining hall, where Ji Qingyi was already seated at the head of the table.

The table was set with four dishes and a soup—balanced between meat and vegetables, their aroma tantalizing and mouthwatering.

"Sit."

Ji Qingyi’s voice was calm as Su Cheng approached the table.

"Thank you, President." Su Cheng expressed his gratitude politely before pulling out a chair and taking his seat.

The two ate in silence, exchanging no words beyond the occasional serving of food. The atmosphere was heavy, almost oppressive.

Ji Qingyi, in particular, took only a bite or two of each dish, never indulging more. Every movement was refined, exuding aristocratic elegance. Even without speaking, she effortlessly commanded attention, drawing admiration from all around.

Within minutes, Ji Qingyi set down her chopsticks and took a sip of water. Su Cheng followed suit, placing his utensils aside and quietly observing her from across the table.

After dabbing her lips with a napkin, she looked up at him. "If you have something to say, say it."

"Are you full already?"

Su Cheng finally voiced the question that had been on his mind. "You eat so little—is that really okay?"

Ji Qingyi narrowed her eyes slightly, studying him as if puzzled, before replying with a cryptic remark. "Why would one eat until full?"

Su Cheng was at a loss for words.

Ji Qingyi offered no further explanation. With a composed "Take your time," she rose gracefully and exited the dining hall.

About ten minutes later, Su Cheng left the hall satisfied and settled at the tea table beside Ji Qingyi, waiting for her to speak.

She poured him a cup of hot tea. Su Cheng accepted it, taking a small sip. The warmth of the tea brought comfort, and he closed his eyes briefly to savor it.

But then, a wave of drowsiness hit him. He opened his eyes and turned to Ji Qingyi. "President, I’m going out to walk off the meal."

Ji Qingyi gave a slight nod.

Su Cheng stood and left the Archery Club, strolling down the wide path toward the grassy field he had visited the day before.

He had slept well there yesterday.

For the sake of his sleep quality, he decided this would be his new napping spot.

Upon reaching the field, Su Cheng noted Li Guanqi’s absence and sighed in relief before lying down on the grass. The cool breeze brushed against his face, easing some of his fatigue.

Before he knew it, he was lost in thought, drifting into a light slumber.

………

An hour later.

"Why hasn’t he returned yet?" Ji Qingyi’s tone carried displeasure. "Where is he?"

"He’s napping on the grassy field where Li Guanqi often goes," Liu Qingyue answered with her head lowered.

"How dare he?" Ji Qingyi’s brows furrowed as she reprimanded coldly. "This is unacceptable."

"Lady, it’s not his fault," Liu Qingyue explained. "He doesn’t know Li Guanqi is nearby. He thinks he’s alone."

"He believes he’s alone?" Ji Qingyi’s voice softened slightly, though a trace of skepticism remained.

"Yes," Liu Qingyue continued. "That’s the brilliance of Li Guanqi’s approach. She only appears after Su Cheng falls asleep, shielding him from the sun and fanning him to improve his rest—making him grow dependent on that spot."

After hearing the explanation, Ji Qingyi fell silent for a moment, her frown deepening. Then, abruptly, she declared, "What a nuisance. Have the school replace that field with a garden. That should serve as a warning to Li Guanqi and force her to back off."

"What?!"

"Lady, you—you can’t be serious?" Liu Qingyue’s eyes widened in disbelief.

"I’m displeased. Do you think I need any other reason to take action?" Ji Qingyi countered with a raised brow.

"There’s an easier way to counter her tactics—one that could even turn the situation to your advantage. If you understood the mindset of someone like Su Cheng and targeted his vulnerabilities, your status alone would give you the upper hand," Liu Qingyue hesitated before continuing.

"Li Guanqi lacks official standing and can only act in the shadows. But you—you’re his fiancée. You have far more room to maneuver."

Ji Qingyi pondered for a few seconds, tapping her fingers lightly on the table before slanting a glance at Liu Qingyue.

"You’re suggesting I feign weakness to make him step in, feeding into his male ego?"

"It’s an effective tactic. In fact, Li Guanqi has made progress precisely because she’s positioned herself as someone in need of his help, giving him a sense of superiority."

Liu Qingyue nodded, confirming Ji Qingyi’s assumption and even expanding on the strategy.

"Not only that, but we should also take a two-pronged approach—enhancing the sense of fulfillment he gets from you while diminishing his positive impressions of Li Guanqi. For instance, we could organize a mid-sized community service project at the orphanage he’s renovating, focusing on improving meals and sanitation."

"The orphanage… You’d even exploit Li Guanqi’s low presence?"

Ji Qingyi considered the idea. A community service project at the orphanage would require frequent interaction with the residents and staff.

Given Li Guanqi’s near-invisibility, she would struggle to keep up, inevitably frustrating the children and workers.

That frustration would spread to the rest of the team, creating tension. And no matter how kind-hearted Su Cheng was, if Li Guanqi’s presence negatively impacted the people and place he cared about, his opinion of her would sour over time.

"Exactly. At this point, if you, young miss, can resolve all these issues, you’ll kill two birds with one stone—not only will you boost his favor toward you, but you’ll also deepen his resentment toward Li Guanqi. Just repeat this a few times, and I’m sure you’ll build up a significant advantage."

Liu Qingyue smiled, gesturing animatedly as if everything was already falling into place.