The Girl Who Self-Strategizes Through Imagination

Seeing Shen Qingling's handsome face, the girl instantly blushed. That face seemed etched into her mind like a brand.

She couldn’t help but recall how the young man had held her—it was as if the male lead of a novel had stepped into reality.

Rumors painted Shen Qingling as an aloof and prideful god-like figure, always keeping his distance from girls—an untouchable flower on a high peak, where countless goddesses had met their downfall.

As a result, Shen Qingling had never been in a relationship, remaining an unattainable white moonlight that no one dared to pursue.

Yet now, this very same male lead had his name linked with hers in the news, and some people were even shipping them as a couple. She couldn’t help but feel a little secretly delighted.

This was Shen Qingling we’re talking about—who could possibly understand her excitement?!

077 reminded him: "Song Zhining’s affection points have increased by another 5."

Shen Qingling had no idea what the girl was imagining now, but her already slightly flushed face turned even redder, her long lashes fluttering adorably.

Thinking of Song Zhining’s original fate and seeing the bright, smiling girl before him, Shen Qingling allowed himself a faint smile. At least he’d done one good deed.

"You’re okay, that’s what matters."

Song Zhining couldn’t bring herself to meet Shen Qingling’s gaze—just looking at his face made her heart race. She timidly pointed to the spot beside him. "Can... can I sit next to you?"

There was something about him that felt almost sacred, making even approaching him an act of caution.

Shen Qingling smiled faintly. "Go ahead. And you don’t need to thank me—it’s possible you got caught up in my troubles. Helping you was the least I could do."

Song Zhining’s affection points increased by another 5.

He knew his own status, yet he didn’t use it to demand gratitude—instead, he comforted her and took the blame himself. He was just too perfect!

As expected of Shen Qingling! A true male lead through and through!

The girl sat down beside him and said softly, "But I really should thank you. No matter what, you saved me and protected my reputation."

Shen Qingling asked seriously, "Have they figured out who was behind your kidnapping?"

Song Zhining propped her chin on her hand and sighed. "Not yet. All they know is that it was a girl. That place was an abandoned restroom—no cameras, and hardly anyone goes there. It’ll take time to uncover the truth. We’ll have to wait for the police."

"I shouldn’t have believed her lies so easily. It’s terrifying to think about—now I don’t even dare to trust people."

"But at least you were there to help me. And... thank you for your clothes..."

Suddenly, Song Zhining trailed off.

Oh no! Why did I bring that up?!

She glanced sideways to gauge Shen Qingling’s reaction and noticed his ears turning slightly red. She stifled a giggle.

He responded awkwardly, "Let’s just forget about that. I... didn’t see much anyway. Don’t worry about it."

The more he spoke, the more uncomfortable he seemed. Song Zhining found it unexpectedly endearing, her eyes curving into crescents.

Who would’ve thought Shen Qingling could be so shy? He must be embarrassed.

Seeing this hidden side of the cold, untouchable academic genius was just too amusing.

077’s voice chimed in again: "Song Zhining’s affection points increased by 5... Seriously, is this girl a master of overthinking? I swear she’s about to fall head over heels for you."

It's not surprising. The original host's image was that of an unapproachable male lead. Seeing this contrasting side of him naturally intrigues her.

"Let’s face it—no woman can resist a handsome yet pure-hearted guy like me, right? Especially a sheltered rich girl who’s used to playboys."

"Host, you should thank the original host for setting up such a flawless persona."

"Eh, even if the original host were a womanizing scumbag, I could still win them over."

—After all, I can pretend to be whatever they like.

Just then, Song Zhining’s phone rang. After excusing herself, she stepped aside to take the call.

Her father, who had been abroad on business, had immediately booked a flight home after hearing about the incident.

A few minutes later, she returned to her seat.

"My dad wants to invite you over for dinner this weekend to thank you for saving me. Are you free?"

Song Zhining looked at him expectantly, torn between wanting Shen Qingling to come and fearing his rejection.

"I’m sorry, Miss Song. I’m not sure if I’ll be available this weekend."

A high-and-mighty male lead had to maintain his aloof demeanor. Being too easy to approach would make him seem cheap—distance only made him more unforgettable. After all, a white moonlight was called that precisely because it was out of reach.

He’d already shown Song Zhining more warmth than usual today. Any more would diminish its value.

As a young lady of privilege, Song Zhining wasn’t used to being turned down. At first, she was taken aback, but then...

Her affection points increased again.

Countless people would kill for a chance to get close to the Song Family, yet Shen Qingling refused without hesitation. How refreshingly different.

Song Zhining frowned. "What do you have going on this weekend?"

Shen Qingling replied matter-of-factly, "I have a part-time job."

Alongside his striking looks and top-tier grades, Shen Qingling was also known for his poverty.

Though people assumed he came from a modest background, few knew he was actually an orphan.

Hearing that he had to work to support himself, Song Zhining...

Yep, her affection points rose yet again.

077 was practically numb. "What is wrong with this girl? Did you slip her something? Is she really this easy to win over?"

"She probably admires my independence. A sheltered flower like her, who’s never known hardship, would naturally respect someone who earns his own keep and isn’t ashamed to admit it."

"Basically, she’s seeing me through rose-tinted glasses now, so everything I do seems perfect. No wonder her affection keeps skyrocketing."

It also proved one thing—Song Zhining had solid values. She didn’t look down on Shen Qingling for his humble origins, nor did she mock him for needing to work.

Song Zhining’s expression dimmed slightly, but she quickly tried again. "Then... can I at least get your WeChat? If you end up free, you can let me know?"

She blinked and added, "Don’t worry, I won’t spam you."

Shen Qingling didn’t refuse the WeChat request. Under the girl’s hopeful gaze, he pulled out his phone and opened his QR code.

With trembling excitement, Song Zhining added Shen Qingling on WeChat.

Shortly after, Shen Qingling made an excuse and left.

Song Zhining stood there, staring at his retreating figure, unable to snap out of her daze.

Only when he was completely out of sight did she finally bounce on the spot.

"Yes! I got the male lead’s WeChat!"

She immediately set her chat background to that legendary photo of Shen Qingling carrying her in his arms.

This image has been trending like crazy, and Shen Qingling has blown up overnight—his face is even more handsome than the current top heartthrobs. The comments section is practically unreadable, flooded with endless praise and fawning.

The moment she saw Shen Qingling’s ridiculously handsome face on her phone, she couldn’t help but sigh again: "How can a man be this good-looking? And he’s the one who held me—ah, just thinking about it is too much."

Meanwhile, on the bus, Shen Qingling heard another system notification.

"Song Zhining’s affection points +5..."