Chapter Thirty-Six: The School Heartthrob in the Group Chat

Little Informant—Not only is he handsome, but his grades are extraordinary, always ranking first. I heard he was last year's top science student. The principal personally visited his home to recruit him to our school. It seems his accommodation and tuition are fully covered, yet he still receives scholarships...

—Wow, that's incredible.
—Just like in novels, the campus heartthrob is always a top student.
—So outstanding, it's astonishing.
—Little Informant, you haven't told us what he looks like. Is he really that handsome?

This time, the campus informant didn't keep everyone in suspense and replied:

Little Informant—He is intelligent and exceptional, aloof and reserved, with remarkable presence. And yes, he’s extremely handsome. Every day, the line of people delivering love letters stretches all the way to the school gate.

—Wow, that's so exaggerated!
—I’ve heard from upperclassmen too; he really is handsome, especially when he’s playing basketball, ahh!!
—I can't take it anymore. How can someone be so perfect!
—There’s a photo of him on the school forum. I found it for you all.

Immediately, a photo appeared below. The boy in the picture was indeed stunning—delicate features, jet-black brows, dark eyes, long and curled lashes, lips pressed into a straight line, and sharp, handsome contours. Though he was merely standing quietly, the sunlight cast a dreamy aura over him, enough to make anyone fall in love at first sight. He truly deserved the title of campus heartthrob, and he had every reason for it.

After the picture was posted, the group erupted again, filled with excited, gushing praise from a crowd of young girls.

—Wow, my girlish heart is bursting!
—He’s so handsome, my heart is pounding non-stop.
—I wish school would start right away so I could see him in person.
—It feels like falling in love.
—Coming to this school was the best decision of my life!
—I’m timidly asking, does the campus heartthrob have a girlfriend?

At this, the group fell silent for a moment, then the notifications started ringing again.

—No, please don’t say that. I’ve just put him in my heart. Am I to lose him immediately?
—Does he or doesn’t he? I’m really curious.
—Does anyone know?
—Where’s the person who claimed to be Zhuo Guang’s Little Informant?
—Quick, tag him and get him to answer.

Afraid that these enthusiastic girls would actually tag him, the self-proclaimed Zhuo Guang Little Informant quickly surfaced.

Little Informant—No need to tag me. I’m here.
—Then hurry and tell us, does the heartthrob have a girlfriend?
—Yes, yes, we’re dying to know!
Little Informant—The campus heartthrob doesn’t have a girlfriend right now. Aloof people are hard to win over. Even when the school beauty confessed to him in front of everyone with a huge bouquet, he ignored her and walked away.

Someone immediately chimed in,

—That’s true, otherwise why call him the unattainable flower, haha.
—He’s so cold?
—What can you do, he’s so handsome and outstanding.
—Doesn’t matter, as long as he doesn’t have a girlfriend, I’m relieved. I was really afraid I’d suffer heartbreak right away.
—I want to know what kind of girl the heartthrob would fall for!
—Would he like someone aloof?
—No way, the heartthrob is aloof himself. If his girlfriend were aloof too, how would they even date?
—Makes sense. Maybe he’d like someone shy and timid?
—That’s possible, boys often like that type.
—I think lively and cute is also possible.
—Yes, yes, both are likely.

...

Everyone chattered away, discussing what type of girl Cheng Yanran, the campus heartthrob, might like. Lin Yuexin and the girl, however, seemed distracted.

Lin Yuexin pressed her hand to her thumping heart, gazing obsessively at the handsome Cheng Yanran in the photo.

So handsome—if only he were hers...

And she had a vague feeling that Cheng Yanran belonged to her, that he would love only her.

Suddenly, a scene from those idol dramas popped into her mind: the handsome heartthrob looking at her gently, her shyly unable to meet his gaze, lowering her head, the atmosphere warm and beautiful, surrounded by envious girls...

Unable to contain her excitement, Lin Yuexin wished school would start soon, so she could meet Cheng Yanran as soon as possible, then do everything she could to make him fall for her, so that all the girls would envy her, so they’d know that even though their families were better off, the campus heartthrob didn’t care for them—he liked only her, haha!!!

Having ambition and goals was good, but it was time to start preparing.

Lin Yuexin decided to buy herself a few beautiful outfits, jewelry, and cosmetics, to spruce herself up and present her best self to everyone.

Glancing at the time, she suddenly remembered she was almost late for her part-time job. She ignored the group messages and hurried out the door.

Meanwhile, the girl propped her chin on her hand, thinking about Cheng Yanran from her previous life—he was just as untouchable. How did Lin Yuexin make him fall for her?

Ah, yes. Although many girls confessed to Cheng Yanran and swooned over him, he knew they only liked his face, so he despised their fake affection. Until...he met sweet and naive Lin Yuexin. Through spending time together, he learned her family wasn’t well-off; despite everyone’s disdain, she never gave up and always stayed positive. This spirit drew him closer and he fell hopelessly in love...

How touching.

If Lin Yuexin hadn’t used her as a prop to highlight her own pitifulness and resilience, she might have been moved herself.

A cold light flashed in her eyes.

She suddenly remembered that Lin Yuexin didn’t meet Cheng Yanran until sophomore year. Did that mean she could make her move?

Besides, being someone who depended on others was pretty pitiable too; Cheng Yanran might relate to that...

She lifted her eyelids just in time to see a new group message.

—Cheng Yanran is apparently also the student council president.
—According to my research, that’s correct.
—He’s an all-rounder, you deserve him!

...

Delicate fingers touched her chin, and the girl had a new idea.

She would join the student council, and gently, like spring rain, quietly open his tightly closed heart!

A brilliant plan!

The more she thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. She hadn’t joined the student council or any clubs in her previous life, but it shouldn’t be difficult. After all, she could use it as an opportunity to consult the student council president, and if all else failed, she still had Uncle Tingye.

Her lips curled in a smile that grew more obvious, the sunlight falling on her profile, making her look almost impossibly gentle.

She lazily prepared to turn off her phone, when she unexpectedly saw a new friend notification.

Hmm? Who else was adding her? Surely it wasn’t another one of those boring boys...

She opened the notification absentmindedly, and a friend request popped up:

“Hello, beautiful lady! I’m Yu Qian, so glad to meet you.”

Yu Qian—this name was familiar...

The girl thought carefully and realized it was one of her previous life’s dormmates—righteous, lively, and adorable, a truly wonderful person. Back then, she’d suffered from social anxiety, so apart from Lin Yuexin, she hadn’t interacted with anyone, even though Yu Qian had tried to reach out.

But this time, she could try to become good friends with her, and change the course of her fate.