After making up for the missed confession and having a heart-to-heart with Youxi, Lin Youxi returned to her usual proactive self—flirting with Mei Fang more aggressively than ever.

Despite being in the “stressful” third year of high school, Youxi’s intensity only increased.

Xia Yuan, who had initially enjoyed the benefits of their arrangement, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt watching their relationship deepen. At first, she was genuinely happy for them, eagerly awaiting their public announcement so she could “bless” them.

Now, it was Youxi who aggressively recharged her “Super Ah Fang Energy” between every class.

She had never cared about others’ opinions—the only things holding her back were her lingering guilt toward Yuan and the rare moments of shyness she showed around Mei Fang.

But now, those restraints were gone.

At first, Mei Fang tried to balance things by sneaking moments with Yuan between classes. But as Youxi’s pace quickened, even those small windows vanished—sometimes leaving Yuan without a single glimpse of her childhood sweetheart all day.

Naturally, Yuan, being the proactive type, refused to just sit back. But with her classroom on the third floor, she lacked the geographical advantage Youxi had. Every time she rushed to Mei Fang’s classroom, all she got was Xiang Bingbing’s report—“Ah Fang was taken away by Youxi again”—and Zhu Nainai’s belated, tearful face.

“Senior Yuan! This might be overstepping, but…”

Nainai fidgeted nervously. “After breaking up with you, has Senior Mei Fang started… you know, with Senior Youxi?”

Bingbing nodded thoughtfully. “I thought it’d be weird at first, but they actually look kinda good together—Ugh!“

Nainai tilted her head. “What’s wrong, Senior Bingbing?”

“Uh… huh?”

Bingbing scratched her head. “Dunno. Just… feels annoying for some reason!”

“Ohhh… You’re upset for Senior Yuan, right? That scumbag moved on so fast! Senior Yuan, are they really together now?”

“Yeah, tell us—”

Bingbing and Nainai stared at Yuan, who simply smiled and pressed a finger to her lips.

“That’s… a secret between the three of us.”

“Wow! Even as an ex-girlfriend, you’re still so close. So envious!”

Ex?!

Yuan maintained her graceful composure, but hearing that word nearly shattered her.

After school, Yuan sulked until Mei Fang noticed her distress and coaxed her into venting:

“You two are being way too obvious! I get that you’re preparing to go public, but you’re completely ignoring me now! This wasn’t the plan!”

She pouted. “Are you just never breaking up again? Will I become the homewrecker next time?”

“Of course not! Don’t overthink it.”

Mei Fang hugged her gently. “We need to ease people into the idea. A sudden announcement would just confuse them…”

“Honestly, it might not matter,” Youxi mused, stroking Yuan’s hair. “Everyone’s focused on exams now. And even if they do interfere, I can’t think of anything that could hurt me—except you two.”

“You’re hurting me right now!”

Yuan clung to Mei Fang, whining at Youxi. “We agreed Ah Fang is shared! If you take more in public, I get more in private. Deal?”

“Fine. He’s yours tonight.” Youxi smirked.

“Do I get a say?”

“Of course not! You’re just Ah Fang!”

Yuan squished his cheeks mercilessly.

---

The next morning, as the trio approached school, they noticed a crowd at the bulletin board.

Curious, Yuan pushed forward—only for the students to part like the Red Sea when they recognized her.

Someone whispered:

“Drama incoming!“

An anonymous letter was posted, accusing Lin Youxi of being a homewrecker—complete with photos of her and Mei Fang kissing in the pavilion. The vitriolic text was filled with insults.

Yuan trembled with rage, ready to tear it down, but Youxi stopped her.

“Why bother? It’s well-written—sharp and cutting. If I were your best friend, I’d say the same.”

“But it’s slandering you!”

“Leaving it up is the punishment. Getting angry would just satisfy them.”

Mei Fang’s expression was unreadable. “Youxi, this is probably from someone in your class. Let’s talk to your homeroom teacher—”

“No need.” Youxi smiled faintly. “I already know who it is. And this… might actually be an opportunity.”

“Opportunity?”

Youxi pulled them aside and whispered her plan.

---

Back in class, the atmosphere was electric. The blackboard was covered in slurs—“Lin Youxi = Homewrecker”—but Youxi ignored it, calmly taking her seat.

When class rep Xiao Yang moved to erase it, she stopped him.

“Did you write this?”

“N-No!”

“Then sit down. Whoever did it should clean it up. Basic decency.”

The room fell silent as Youxi opened her textbook. No one dared touch the board.

By the time the teacher arrived, the words still stood—unapologetic, undeniable.

After a tense silence, homeroom teacher Li Xiang arrived, surveying the blackboard with visible dismay.

Lin Youxi was his star student—yet here she was, embroiled in scandal. But the graffiti also meant she was being bullied.

How to discipline the couple without condoning the harassment?

Slamming his desk, Li Xiang demanded, “Who wrote this?”

The class froze.

His gaze landed on Shang Ce, Youxi’s longtime rival. “Shang Ce! Stand up!”

“Got proof?” Shang Ce sneered.

“You know who did it.”

As tensions mounted, Youxi rose calmly. “Sir, let’s discuss this privately. Exams are coming—don’t disrupt everyone over my personal life.”

“Homewrecker!” Fang Yan finally exploded, jumping to her feet. “How dare you play the victim?!”

Li Xiang pointed at her. “So you’re the culprit!”

“What’s wrong with calling out a cheater? Should teachers endorse this?!”

---

In the faculty office, Mei Fang was already being lectured by Dong Zhongying when Li Xiang brought Youxi in.

“…Dating at your age is natural,” Dong sighed, “but school is for learning! This… public display sets a terrible example—”

Behind their backs, Youxi stealthily groped for Mei Fang’s hand.

…Seriously? Now?!

Suppressing disbelief, Mei Fang interlaced their fingers.

After the scolding, Li Xiang asked, “How do you propose we resolve this?”

Youxi cleared her throat. “While the photographer violated my rights, we were inappropriate. Schools are sacred—we shouldn’t taint them with romance.”

Dong Zhongying blinked. “Remarkable self-awareness!”

“Stop mocking me,” Li Xiang groaned. “But the letter claims you stole him from Xia Yuan—”

“Fake news!” Mei Fang cut in. “Yuan Yuan encouraged us! This is ethical puppy love!”

“All puppy love is foolish!” Li Xiang rubbed his temples. “Still… given your records, just submit written confessions. We’ll issue a mild reprimand.”

Youxi and Mei Fang exchanged glances—then shook their heads in unison.

“That’s too lenient,” Mei Fang insisted. “We demand a public apology! And parent-teacher meetings!”

Youxi nodded gravely. “Only severe consequences can deter others.”

Li Xiang and Dong stared, aghast. “Then why date at all?!“

“Because…” Youxi gazed at Mei Fang, eyes shimmering. “We fought too hard to be together. The heart wants what it wants.”

She turned back to the teachers. “But rules are rules. Punish us properly—no favors.”