Tian Tian repeated her question: “Zhao Yi, will you help me with tutoring?”

Zhao Yi had already said all he needed to, yet she still asked. She had to understand what it meant to associate with him. Still, he added, “Do you really not fear becoming the school’s public enemy? You know what being seen with me entails.”

Tian Tian nodded without hesitation. “I know, and I’m not afraid of becoming the school’s public enemy.” She had lived three lifetimes—how could she possibly be scared of such trivial matters?

“Alright, I’ll tutor you,” Zhao Yi finally relented. After thinking for a moment, he added, “But it’s not convenient to tutor here at school. We should find a place outside—it’ll be better.” He understood that while she claimed she wasn’t afraid, he wanted to minimize the trouble she might face. Besides, staying at school meant they could be interrupted by bullies, which would make it hard for him to focus on teaching.

Tian Tian agreed readily. “Sure, wherever you think is best.”

Zhao Yi gave a small nod. “How about the nearby countryside park? It’s only about a 20-minute bike ride, the greenery is excellent, and it’s quiet and spacious. No one will disturb us there.”

Tian Tian beamed. “Great, the countryside park it is.”

The two finalized their plans and returned to the classroom for the remaining lessons.

---

Tian Tian, elated that Zhao Yi had agreed to tutor her, was in high spirits all day. She smiled constantly, her good mood evident to everyone around her.

Chu Qiao, noticing her sunny demeanor, couldn’t help but ask, “Cheng Xiaobei, what’s got you so happy? Didn’t those bullies from our class warn you in the bathroom? How are you still smiling?”

“I’m just happy, that’s all. Do I need a reason to be happy?” Tian Tian deflected, not wanting to explain too much. Chu Qiao was cordial on the surface but clearly looked down on her. There was no point in investing in such a one-sided friendship.

As long as she got along with Zhao Yi, everyone else didn’t matter. A superficial relationship with her classmates was more than enough.

---

When the final class ended at 4 p.m., Tian Tian packed up her books and turned to glance at Zhao Yi. Their eyes met, and he gave her a slight nod—indicating that they’d head out for tutoring as planned.

Tian Tian returned his nod with a bright smile and waited by her seat for him to leave.

As Zhao Yi walked toward the door, he passed by her desk. Tian Tian asked, “Should I wait for you downstairs by the dorms, or…?”

“That works,” Zhao Yi replied with a nod.

Tian Tian took out her phone. “To make it easier to coordinate, why don’t we add each other on WeChat? That way, if we can’t find each other, we can message.”

Zhao Yi agreed and added her without hesitation.

Tian Tian’s WeChat profile picture was a rather daring selfie: she wore a V-neck top, with just enough cleavage showing to spark the imagination.

As Zhao Yi examined her profile picture, Tian Tian turned red with embarrassment, silently cursing the original owner’s shamelessness. Did Cheng Xiaobei have no boundaries when it came to impressing Zhao Dashao? How could a student post such an inappropriate photo?

Before Tian Tian could stammer an explanation to salvage her image, she noticed Zhao Yi staring intently at her profile picture.

Not only was he staring, but he was zooming in—especially on the V-neck area.

Tian Tian’s cheeks turned crimson, and she felt like crawling into a hole. Was this really the cold and brooding Zhao Yi she remembered? This seemed more like a closet pervert!

“Zhao Yi, what are you doing?” she exclaimed, glaring at him.

Zhao Yi calmly exited the app and stated matter-of-factly, “Your profile picture is… very bold.”

Tian Tian’s face turned even redder. “I’ll change it as soon as I get back.”

Zhao Yi chuckled softly but didn’t say anything further.

“Why is your profile picture just a black square?” Tian Tian asked, desperate to change the subject. She knew it likely reflected his dark and troubled inner world but needed an excuse to steer the conversation away from her mortification.

“I just like it,” Zhao Yi replied, already walking ahead. “I’ll go grab my bike. See you at the dorm entrance.”

“Got it,” Tian Tian replied, parting ways with him.

---

Ten minutes later, Zhao Yi arrived at the girls’ dorm entrance on his bike.

Tian Tian was already there, standing beside her bike. She valued punctuality.

“Let’s go,” Zhao Yi said with a glance, pedaling away.

Tian Tian followed closely behind. As she watched his tall, lean figure ahead, she couldn’t help but marvel at his flawless silhouette. Even from the back, he was strikingly attractive.

---

Twenty minutes later, the two arrived at the countryside park. Zhao Yi picked a spacious, shaded spot surrounded by trees. The gentle breeze kept the area cool, even in the lingering afternoon sun.

“This spot should work for our lesson,” Zhao Yi said as he parked his bike.

“Perfect,” Tian Tian agreed, parking her own bike and sitting cross-legged on the grass.

“Let’s start with your last English exam. What score did you get?” Zhao Yi asked, pulling out their materials.

Tian Tian cringed. “Uh… forty-something,” she admitted sheepishly. Once a top student, she had abandoned her studies in pursuit of a rich husband, leading to her current dismal state.

Zhao Yi’s face darkened. “Then we’ll start from the basics.”

“Got it,” Tian Tian said with a smile, ready to learn.

Zhao Yi turned out to be an excellent tutor. His English pronunciation was flawless, and he had a talent for breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons. Tian Tian listened attentively, absorbing the material. In just an hour, she felt like she had learned more than she had in months.

Initially, Zhao Yi had suspected Tian Tian’s tutoring request was just an excuse to spend time alone with him. But as the lesson progressed, he realized she was genuinely serious about improving her English.

The sight of the two sitting on the grass—him teaching intently and her listening earnestly—was almost picturesque. Passersby couldn’t help but steal glances at the handsome pair in school uniforms, their peaceful study session a beautiful contrast to the bustling park.

---

By 6 p.m., the sun began to set. Zhao Yi checked the time. “That’s enough for today. Let’s continue tomorrow.”

“Alright,” Tian Tian replied, packing up her books.

As they biked back toward the school, Tian Tian stopped at a small shop to buy two bottles of water. Money was tight, so she chose water instead of her favorite milk tea.

When Zhao Yi realized she had fallen behind, he stopped and waited by the roadside. A few minutes later, Tian Tian came pedaling around the corner, flushed and out of breath.

“Why were you riding so fast? I almost died trying to catch up!” Tian Tian panted, parking her bike beside his. She pulled one bottle of water from her basket and handed it to him. “This time, you have to take it.”

Zhao Yi accepted the bottle without protest. “Thanks,” he said, unscrewing the cap and taking several large gulps before closing it again.

Seeing him drink it this time, Tian Tian couldn’t help but smile brightly. She took a small sip from her own bottle, careful not to drink too much after the exertion.

“Let’s go,” Zhao Yi said, this time keeping his pace slower to match hers.

Tian Tian easily kept up this time, feeling lighter as they pedaled back to school.

---

Back in her dorm, Tian Tian wasted no time replacing her WeChat profile picture with an innocent photo of a puppy.

For the next several days, she and Zhao Yi continued their tutoring sessions at the park. However, their frequent outings didn’t go unnoticed, and soon the entire school was buzzing with gossip.

---

One morning during the break, Tian Tian returned from the restroom to find a commotion outside the classroom. A crowd had gathered, making it impossible to get through.

Someone in the crowd noticed her approach and shouted excitedly, “Dashao, Cheng Xiaobei is back!”

The crowd suddenly parted, forming a path. Out stepped a boy dressed in a flashy yellow sports vest and matching shorts, his outfit drawing everyone’s attention. With a group of followers trailing behind, all eyes were on him as though he were the sun around which everyone revolved.

“You must be Cheng Xiaobei, right?” Zhao Zhicheng sauntered up to Tian Tian, his gaze landing on her. A subtle glimmer flashed in his eyes—the unmistakable delight of spotting a beauty.

Zhao Zhicheng had seen Cheng Xiaobei before. She had gone to great lengths to catch his attention, often doing unexpected things to stand out. He had a vague impression of her. But now, after not seeing her for some time, she seemed completely transformed. She looked much more stunning than before.

The same person, yet the vibe was entirely different. Gone was the meek, submissive girl with an air of desperation that had once repelled him. Now, she exuded confidence and vitality, brimming with an energy that was hard to ignore.

Tian Tian assessed him in return. Zhao Zhicheng might have been Zhao Yi’s brother, but the two looked worlds apart. Zhao Zhicheng stood around 1.75 meters tall, with a muscular build. His features were decent, but his hairstyle—complete with the “bad-boy perm” that screamed trouble—gave him a fleeting charm that was just passable. Compared to Zhao Yi’s striking, otherworldly appearance, there was simply no contest.

Despite their previous encounters, he feigned ignorance. Acting as though he didn’t know her name was both pretentious and irksome to Tian Tian.

“Yes, I’m Cheng Xiaobei,” Tian Tian said directly. “What business does Zhao Dashao have with me?”

Just then, Zhao Yi emerged from the classroom. His appearance caused a stir; the crowd quickly made way for him as well, eager to see how the scene would unfold.

Zhao Yi glanced at Tian Tian, then walked straight to Zhao Zhicheng. His voice was low but steady. “Big brother, Cheng Xiaobei is just a girl. Don’t make things difficult for her.”

Tian Tian was surprised—and a bit delighted—that Zhao Yi stood up for her.

Zhao Zhicheng sneered, his tone dripping with contempt. “Who’s your big brother? You’re in no position to meddle in my affairs. Get lost before I lose my temper.”

With that, one of Zhao Zhicheng’s lackeys promptly grabbed Zhao Yi and shoved him aside.

Tian Tian couldn’t stay silent. “Zhao Dashao, aren’t you being a bit excessive?”

Zhao Zhicheng chuckled. “Excessive? If I wanted to be excessive, do you think he’d still be standing here unharmed?” His gaze swept over her. “Cheng Xiaobei, I’m here today to see you. I don’t have time to deal with him.”

Tian Tian was both confused and skeptical. “What does Zhao Dashao want with me?” After all, the original Cheng Xiaobei had chased after him for a year and barely got a glance in return. Now, he was actively seeking her out?

“In this school, you’d do well to keep your distance from him,” Zhao Zhicheng said, gesturing toward Zhao Yi. “You’ve seen what happens to people who get involved with him—they never have a good ending.” His initial sharp tone softened as he spoke, his words laced with subtle charm.

Tian Tian responded firmly, “Who I befriend is my own choice. Zhao Dashao has no right to interfere.” Her tone was resolute. He might think his wealth gave him the power to dictate others’ lives, but karma had a way of humbling even the most arrogant.

Zhao Zhicheng smirked, amused by her defiance. “Cheng Xiaobei, are you saying all this to get my attention?” He couldn’t fathom any other reason she would dare stand up to him. After all, no one else in the school would dare speak to him like this.

Previously, Cheng Xiaobei had done everything possible to get closer to him, even humiliating herself.

Hearing his words, the surrounding onlookers began to whisper amongst themselves.

“Oh, so that’s what’s going on! Cheng Xiaobei is just trying to provoke Zhao Dashao.”

“Exactly. She chased him for a year and got nowhere. Now, she’s using Zhao Yi as a stepping stone. And it’s working—Zhao Dashao came looking for her.”

“Wow, I thought she’d given up on Zhao Dashao and chosen Zhao Yi instead. Turns out there’s more to this story!”

Zhao Zhicheng, hearing the murmurs, smiled arrogantly. “Cheng Xiaobei, I’ll give you a chance. Come on a date with me tonight. Wear something sexy—I like bold girls.”

One of his lackeys whistled, and the others cheered him on.

Tian Tian’s face darkened. “Zhao Dashao, I think you’ve misunderstood. I have no interest in provoking you or dating you. My friendship with Zhao Yi is genuine and straightforward, without any ulterior motives. And once again, who I choose to be friends with is my right, protected under the law.”

Her declaration silenced the crowd.

The onlookers stared at her, astonished by her boldness.

Even Zhao Yi looked at her with a complicated expression. A moment ago, he had nearly resigned himself to the idea that she might agree to Zhao Zhicheng’s date proposal. He hadn’t expected her to stand her ground so unwaveringly.

Zhao Zhicheng, unused to rejection—especially so direct—looked thoroughly displeased. “Cheng Xiaobei, do you realize what you’re saying?”

“I do,” Tian Tian replied without hesitation.

Zhao Yi, seeing Zhao Zhicheng’s growing anger, quickly stepped in. “Big brother, don’t make things difficult for her.”

Zhao Zhicheng shot him a withering glare. “Didn’t I tell you to stop calling me ‘big brother’? Are you deaf?” His tone grew colder as he turned back to Tian Tian. “I won’t make things difficult for a girl, but I can’t promise the same for others.”

With that veiled threat, Zhao Zhicheng stormed off, his lackeys following close behind. The crowd of onlookers began to disperse as well.

Zhao Yi walked up to Tian Tian. “Cheng Xiaobei, you shouldn’t have confronted Zhao Zhicheng like that.”

Tian Tian remained defiant. “He has no right to interfere in my friendships. Who does he think he is?”

Zhao Yi’s gaze softened as he looked at her. “Just be careful in the coming days. You might find yourself the target of the entire school.”

Tian Tian understood his warning. Offending Zhao Zhicheng meant she’d upset the balance of power within the school, and the students who sought to curry favor with him would undoubtedly target her.

“Don’t worry,” Zhao Yi said gently. “I’ll help you.”

Tian Tian’s eyes sparkled with a smile. “You said it yourself—I’ll hold you to it.” Even though she had angered Zhao Zhicheng, she was pleased their relationship had brought her closer to Zhao Yi.

“I meant it,” Zhao Yi replied, his expression softening into a rare smile.

It was the first time Tian Tian had seen Zhao Yi smile. “You have a nice smile,” she commented. While she refrained from encouraging him to smile more, she knew his life had left little room for such expressions.

Zhao Yi pressed his lips together, saying no more.

---

Zhao Yi’s prediction came true. The days that followed were filled with petty schemes and underhanded tricks. Items were planted in Tian Tian’s desk, students “accidentally” bumped into her in the hallway, and during lunch, drinks were spilled on her clothes.

Tian Tian stayed calm through it all, documenting everything with photos.

True to his word, Zhao Yi was always by her side, inspecting her chair and desk before class to ensure nothing was tampered with. His vigilance solved many minor inconveniences before they could escalate.

With Zhao Yi’s quiet protection, Tian Tian remained unscathed.

In the meantime, their friendship deepened.

---

One afternoon during gym class, everyone changed into their athletic uniforms and stored their phones in lockers.

After class, Tian Tian headed to the restroom. As she finished up and prepared to leave, she realized the door wouldn’t open. She pulled and yanked on it for what felt like forever, but it wouldn’t budge.

“Hello? Is anyone there? Anyone still in here?”

There was no response. The restroom was eerily quiet.

Tian Tian quickly pieced together what had happened—someone had locked her in as a prank.

“Is anyone out there? A student is trapped in the restroom!”

She yelled and called out, but it was futile. No one heard her, and no one came to help.

Fuming, she realized just how far her classmates were willing to go. She’d been relatively unbothered when Zhao Yi had been around to shield her, but now, with him absent, the harassment had escalated.

Just as she was contemplating her next move, a familiar male voice called out from outside the restroom.

“Cheng Xiaobei, are you in there?”

Relief washed over her like a tidal wave. “I’m here! I’m inside!”

“Hold on. I’ll get you out.” Without a moment’s hesitation, Zhao Yi walked straight into the women’s restroom. In situations like this, propriety was the least of his concerns—getting her out was his top priority.

Once inside, Zhao Yi saw the problem immediately. The door had been wedged shut with a long mop handle. He quickly removed it, opened the door, and freed her.

“Are you okay, Cheng Xiaobei?”

Tian Tian shook her head to reassure him. “I’m fine.” Then she asked, “How did you know I was in trouble?” If he hadn’t shown up, she had no idea how long she would’ve been stuck.

“This is one of their usual tricks. I’ve experienced it myself before. Now that they’re targeting you, it was only a matter of time before they tried this.” Zhao Yi explained calmly. “When you’re changing for gym class, you don’t have your phone on you, and if someone locks you in the restroom and puts up a ‘Cleaning in Progress’ sign, no one comes in. You can shout all you want, but no one will hear. I had to climb out the window once when it happened to me.”

Hearing this infuriated Tian Tian. “Come on, we’re reporting this to the teachers right now. I’m not letting this slide. If this keeps happening, how am I supposed to focus on my studies?”

Zhao Yi hesitated. “The teachers here often turn a blind eye to these things.”

“Then we’ll go to the principal. And if the principal doesn’t act, we’ll report it to the police. I don’t believe they can completely cover this up,” Tian Tian said firmly. “Do you have your phone on you?”

Zhao Yi nodded. “I do.”

“Lend it to me. I need to take some photos as evidence,” Tian Tian said.

Zhao Yi handed her his phone without hesitation.

Tian Tian snapped several pictures of the restroom, especially the door and the mop. When she stepped outside and saw the “Cleaning in Progress” sign, she took more photos. “Zhao Yi, could you send these pictures to me? I’m heading to the changing room now, and after that, I’ll report this to the teacher.”

“Got it.” Zhao Yi took back his phone and sent her the photos via WeChat.

“Oh, by the way, will you come with me?” Tian Tian asked.

Zhao Yi shook his head. “I think I’ll pass.”

Tian Tian frowned. “You’ve put up with their bullying for so long. Don’t you want to fight back? If the teachers don’t care, we’ll involve the police. There has to be a solution.”

Zhao Yi didn’t respond directly. “You do what you need to do. I’ve got my own way of handling things.”

Seeing his reluctance, Tian Tian didn’t push further. “Alright. I’ll go on my own, then.”

After saying goodbye, she headed to the changing room. Inside, she overheard a group of girls laughing and chatting, clearly enjoying themselves.

“Cheng Xiaobei’s probably stuck in the restroom for a while now. No way she’s getting out anytime soon.”

“Serves her right for crossing Zhao Dashao. She really doesn’t know her place.”

“She used to have Zhao Yi protecting her, but now that he’s not around, let’s see what she does.”

“She’s probably crying her eyes out in there.”

Tian Tian clenched her fists in anger and marched over to confront them. “Do you find it funny to prank others? Does bullying someone else make you happy?”

The girls turned to look at her, stunned into silence.

“How… how did you get out?”

“That’s none of your business. Do I need to report to you how I escaped?” Tian Tian shot back.

One of the girls mustered some defiance. “What right do you have to question us? You offended Zhao Dashao—this is your punishment.”

“Punishment isn’t for you to decide,” Tian Tian said coldly. “I’ll remember all of you.”

With that, she swiftly went to her locker to change and headed straight for the teacher’s office.

Just as Zhao Yi had predicted, the teacher was dismissive about her complaint, brushing it off with vague excuses.

Tian Tian wasn’t having it. “I’ve taken photos of everything in the restroom. I also know the names of the girls responsible. If this isn’t handled appropriately, I’ll report it to the police.”

Her firm stance and the evidence she presented startled the teacher, who realized the situation was more serious than expected. After Tian Tian left, the teacher immediately went to the principal’s office to discuss how to address the matter.

Tian Tian’s decision to confront the teacher proved successful. The following day, the school issued a formal statement condemning bullying, warning that anyone caught engaging in such behavior would face severe consequences—ranging from grade deductions to official demerits.

The girls Tian Tian had reported were forced to apologize to her in front of the class, and each received a demerit on their records.

After that, the harassment stopped. Even Zhao Yi benefited, as no one dared to openly target him anymore.

---

A month passed. Under Zhao Yi’s guidance, Tian Tian’s English improved dramatically, leaving even Zhao Yi impressed.

“If you put your mind to it, your grades could rival mine,” Zhao Yi said.

Tian Tian grinned. “I’m already focused on my studies now.”

“Final exams are coming up. Let’s put in some extra effort and aim for great results,” Zhao Yi suggested.

“Alright!” Tian Tian beamed at him.

---

After a study session, Tian Tian returned to her dorm to find Zhang Xue inside.

Smiling, she greeted her roommate. “Hey, Xuexue, you’re actually here today?”

Zhang Xue had recently started dating a boy with ties to Zhao Zhicheng. The two were inseparable, often spending nights together, so she rarely stayed in the dorm anymore.

Zhang Xue glanced at her with an air of disdain, clearly looking down on her.

Tian Tian noticed but couldn’t be bothered to make an effort with someone so cold.

Zhang Xue sneered. “I don’t know what kind of taste you’ve got, Cheng Xiaobei. Even if you’ve given up on Zhao Dashao, you could’ve found someone else. Why settle for a mere illegitimate child?”

Tian Tian found her words grating. “Zhang Xue, please watch your tone. Who I choose to be friends with is none of your business.”

Zhang Xue let out a sarcastic laugh. “You’ve got some nerve. Weren’t you all over me before, begging for my help, acting so sweet it made me sick? And now that you don’t need me anymore, my words suddenly offend you? Figures. A vain and shallow woman like you is a perfect match for that illegitimate kid. You’d never fit into a proper wealthy family—they’d never let someone like you in.”

Tian Tian’s voice was calm but firm. “Zhang Xue, don’t be so passive-aggressive. It’s true I asked for your help before, but I didn’t do it for free. I ran errands for you more times than I can count and put up with your attitude plenty. We’re even. I owe you nothing, and who I befriend or choose to be with is my business, not yours. If you can’t stand the sight of me, feel free to apply for a dorm change. That way, we won’t bother each other.”

Zhang Xue was stunned. She never expected Cheng Xiaobei to talk back to her. In the past, Xiaobei had always been timid and self-conscious, never daring to raise her voice.

“Cheng Xiaobei, you’ve gone too far! How dare you speak to me like that?”

Tian Tian, unfazed, replied, “I’m speaking perfectly normally.” Then she turned her attention back to her own matters, ignoring Zhang Xue entirely.

Furious, Zhang Xue called her boyfriend and spent a good ten minutes complaining to him over the phone. When she finished, she cast Tian Tian a glare, then strutted out with a smug smile, leaving Tian Tian alone.

Tian Tian felt relieved. She preferred the peace and quiet. Living with a spoiled princess like Zhang Xue wasn’t her idea of fun anyway.

---

Final exams were just around the corner, and both Tian Tian and Zhao Yi were busy with preparations. Zhao Yi took Tian Tian’s studies seriously, gradually increasing their tutoring sessions from one hour to two. Deeply moved, Tian Tian decided to show her appreciation. Before their session one evening, she returned to the dorm and made him a cup of Xiangpiaopiao instant milk tea.

At the dorm entrance, Tian Tian handed him the cup. “Zhao Yi, don’t underestimate this instant milk tea. Even though it’s just made with hot water, it’s actually really good.” Her smile was warm as she continued, “I wish I could treat you to something fancier, but my family’s circumstances are modest. I hope this will do for now. Please try it—it’s honestly delicious.”

Seeing her sincerity, Zhao Yi accepted it without hesitation. “Thank you.” He took a sip. It wasn’t as amazing as she’d claimed, but it wasn’t bad either. “It’s decent. But since we’re headed to the park for tutoring, how are we going to carry this milk tea while cycling?”

Tian Tian hadn’t considered that. She’d made the tea just before their session, so there hadn’t been time to think it through.

“How about we sit in the campus garden and finish it here before heading out?” she suggested.

After a moment’s thought, Zhao Yi offered another solution. “Or I could give you a ride, and you can hold onto the tea.”

“Really? Sure!” Tian Tian agreed without hesitation. Riding on the back of his bike wasn’t a big deal, and she saw no reason to refuse.

“Let’s go.” Zhao Yi felt the slight weight of her on the back seat, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He seemed to be in a good mood.

But before they could leave the campus, they were stopped by Zhao Zhicheng and his entourage.

Forced to dismount, Zhao Yi and Tian Tian stood by as Zhao Zhicheng approached with his usual entourage of five or six lackeys, basking in their attention. His eyes fell on the two cups of instant milk tea Tian Tian was holding, and he laughed mockingly.

“Zhao Yi, doesn’t Dad give you enough allowance every month? And yet you’re treating someone to this trash?”

Tian Tian couldn’t stay quiet. “What do you mean by ‘trash’? I think it’s delicious. And for your information, I’m the one who bought this milk tea for Zhao Yi.”

Zhao Zhicheng looked at her incredulously, as though she’d said something utterly ridiculous. If she had been with him, he would’ve bought her anything she wanted, but instead, she’d foolishly chosen Zhao Yi, the illegitimate son.

Zhao Yi’s expression darkened, and his earlier smile vanished. “What do you want, big brother?”

Zhao Zhicheng sneered. “Relax, I’m not here to interrupt your little date.” He had long since lost interest in Tian Tian. If she had the poor judgment to choose Zhao Yi, she wasn’t worth his time.

“Then what is it?” Zhao Yi asked.

“The final exams are coming up. When the time comes, make sure your scores are lower than mine. I don’t want Dad comparing us. Someone like you doesn’t deserve to be compared to me.”

Zhao Yi said nothing.

Impatient, Zhao Zhicheng pressed on, “Did you hear me?”

Tian Tian, unable to contain her anger, was about to speak up, but Zhao Yi stopped her with a glance.

Confused, Tian Tian looked at him, seeking an explanation, but Zhao Yi simply replied, “Alright.”

Satisfied, Zhao Zhicheng smirked. “Good. Glad you understand. Let’s go.”

As he and his lackeys swaggered away, Tian Tian turned to Zhao Yi, frustrated. “Why did you agree to that?”

Zhao Yi didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he adjusted his bike. “Get on.”

Tian Tian was persistent. “Answer me! Why did you let him treat you like that? It’s unfair! We should find a way to fight back, not just stay silent.”

From what she remembered of Zhao Yi’s character in the original timeline, he was someone who never forgot a grudge. This passive and timid behavior didn’t align with the vengeful personality she expected.

“I have my reasons,” Zhao Yi finally said. “Let’s focus on studying for now.”

Seeing that he wouldn’t elaborate, Tian Tian sighed and dropped the subject. If he said he had a plan, she’d trust him.

---

Time flew by, and soon it was exam season. Tian Tian looked at the test papers before her, filled with confidence, and threw herself into the questions.

When the results were posted, Tian Tian was too excited to wait and went to the bulletin board first thing in the morning.

At the board, with only a few students around, she scanned the rankings. Her eyes lit up when she saw Zhao Yi’s name at the top—he was the school’s overall first place.

Delighted, she quickly searched for her own name, flipping through several pages before finding it: 230th place. It wasn’t extraordinary, but compared to her previous ranking, she’d jumped nearly 300 spots.

She was thrilled with her progress, especially her English score, which had risen dramatically to over 90. It exceeded all her expectations.

Unable to contain her excitement, Tian Tian pulled out her phone to message Zhao Yi, only to hear his voice nearby.

He walked up to her with a calm expression, and she greeted him with a bright smile. “Zhao Yi, you’re number one in the entire school!”

Zhao Yi remained calm, as though everything was under control.

Tian Tian suddenly remembered Zhao Zhicheng’s threat. “You scored so well this time. What are you going to do about Zhao Zhicheng?”

Zhao Yi looked at her with a faint smile. “Are you worried about me?”

Without hesitation, Tian Tian nodded. “Of course, I’m worried about you. Why else would I ask?” Ever since the bullying incident, her relationship with Zhao Yi had grown significantly closer. While there wasn’t any romantic tension between them, their frequent companionship had led to the school assuming they were a couple.

Zhao Yi hadn’t clarified, and neither had Tian Tian. She figured they hadn’t done anything inappropriate, so there was no need to explain themselves. Her reputation in school was already poor, and she had no one to defend herself to anyway.

Zhao Yi’s smile widened. “You don’t need to worry about this. I’ve got it handled.”

Tian Tian was puzzled by his confidence, but seeing how composed he was, she couldn’t help but trust him.

“The holidays are coming up. What’s your plan?” Zhao Yi asked directly.

Tian Tian thought for a moment. “I’m planning to find a job, gain some experience, and earn a bit of money for living expenses.” Her family wasn’t well off, and she didn’t want to keep asking them for financial support.

Zhao Yi nodded approvingly. “That’s a good idea. What kind of job are you looking for?”

“I haven’t decided yet. I’ll choose whichever has better pay.” Tian Tian chuckled.

“Alright, once you’ve found a job, I’ll treat you to a meal.”

“Deal! But I want a fancy dinner. Can you afford it?” Tian Tian teased him deliberately.

Zhao Yi nodded seriously. “How about a candlelit dinner?”

Tian Tian froze for a moment. The words candlelit dinner sounded undeniably romantic. Did Zhao Yi… have feelings for her?

“Um… isn’t that a bit expensive?”

“I’ve saved up quite a bit over the years. Treating you to dinner won’t be a problem.”

“You’re sure it’s going to be a candlelit dinner?” Tian Tian repeated, slightly flustered.

“Yes.” Zhao Yi’s response was firm.

“Well, let’s talk about it after I find a job,” Tian Tian replied, her emotions in turmoil. She didn’t dare cross that line just yet.

Truthfully, when she first befriended Zhao Yi, her intentions were purely to become his friend. But after all the help he’d given her and the bond they’d formed, she realized she didn’t feel entirely averse to his suggestion. Instead, she felt conflicted about why she didn’t outright reject him. She needed time to sort out her feelings.

At first, based on the memories from the original host, she’d thought Zhao Yi was a dark, ruthless person. However, after spending time with him, she realized he wasn’t so bad. Perhaps his harsh actions against Zhao Zhicheng and Zhao Haifeng in the future were driven by circumstances, not inherent malice.

People aren’t born evil; they’re shaped by their experiences.

“Alright, let’s wait until you find a job,” Zhao Yi said, smiling.

---

A few days passed, and most of the students had left campus for the holidays. Only Tian Tian remained, busily sending out resumes and looking for job opportunities.

That morning, after tidying herself up, she headed out for an interview. On her way past the campus flowerbeds, she saw Zhao Zhicheng and a group of five or six people beating someone up.

Zhao Zhicheng’s voice was laced with anger as he cursed. “You illegitimate brat! How dare you deceive me! I told you to score lower, but you still took first place. Dad didn’t just scold me this time—he also docked three months of my allowance. Today, I’m going to teach you a lesson. Hit him! Hit him hard! If he doesn’t learn his place, he’ll never listen!”

He was the heir to the Zhao Corporation, yet he consistently failed academically. Meanwhile, the illegitimate child excelled in every exam. Although Zhao Zhicheng was a senior and Zhao Yi a junior, their father constantly compared them. And every comparison ended with Zhao Zhicheng being berated. He couldn’t stomach the humiliation anymore.

Tian Tian was furious at the scene. Zhao Zhicheng was beating someone in broad daylight on school grounds—where was the justice?

Although enraged, she kept her composure, quickly pulling out her phone to take photos and record videos as evidence. Once she had enough, she ran over to intervene.

“Stop! All of you, stop right now! I’ve already called the police!” Tian Tian shouted, dialing 110 on her phone. “If you don’t stop immediately, I’ll report this, Zhao Dashao. Unless you want to make headlines, let him go right now.”

Zhao Zhicheng, already in trouble with his father, didn’t want further complications with the police.

“I’ll remember this,” he said coldly, glaring at Tian Tian. Then, turning to his lackeys, he barked, “Let’s go.”

Once they left, Tian Tian rushed to help Zhao Yi. “Are you okay?”

Zhao Yi shook his head. “I’m fine.” His hands were cradling his head, and though he looked battered, it was mostly superficial injuries.

“Come on, I’ll take you to the hospital for an examination. This can’t just slide. I’ve got photos and videos of them beating you. Zhao Zhicheng isn’t getting away with this!” Tian Tian said determinedly, supporting him.

But Zhao Yi stopped her. “No need for the hospital. Let’s keep this quiet.”

Tian Tian was exasperated. “Zhao Yi, do you even hear yourself?”

Was this really the same man she remembered—one who held grudges with an iron resolve? It was hard to believe.

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