Noticing Yu's special feelings toward Xiao, this is highly recommended—dear readers, please add this to your favorites.

On the other side, Ouyang Qianyu wasn’t faring much better. At the moment, he stood coolly at the edge of the corridor, gazing at the scenery. From time to time, several girls would approach, hoping to strike up a conversation.

Yu, however, paid them no mind, standing aloof. Hui, unable to bear watching any longer, stepped in to help fend off the persistent girls. Yu’s gaze remained fixed downstairs, and suddenly, his eyes lit up.

Xiao was walking across the sports field with a group of people. Her usual lively demeanor had given way to a rare seriousness, which piqued Yu’s curiosity.

What could have happened to make her so earnest? Xiao Ai, noticing Yu’s unwavering attention in a particular direction, followed his gaze, curiosity alight.

A sudden realization dawned on her. So that’s why Ouyang always looks that way—it’s because of Shangguan Xiao! Clearly, the relationship between Shangguan and Ouyang is anything but simple.

Heh, this is going to be interesting! Xiao Ai giggled to herself, barely able to contain her excitement.

Bingling, observing Xiao Ai’s expression, asked with some confusion, “What’s so funny, Xiao Ai? Share with us so we can all have a laugh!” At Bingling’s question, Xiao Ai quickly wiped the mischievous grin from her face and replied solemnly, “Nothing at all! I was just thinking how beautiful the school looks.”

Bingling eyed her suspiciously, unconvinced.

Xiao Ai nodded emphatically, but her reaction only made her seem even more suspicious. Since she refused to say more, the others could only shrug helplessly. Bingling turned her gaze downstairs.

There, Shangguan Xiao was seated beneath a tree, surrounded by a crowd. The more Bingling watched, the more she found the girl intriguing. The breeze stirred gently, occasionally sending petals drifting down around Xiao.

In that moment, Xiao seemed almost sacred, untouchable—a celestial being left behind in the human world, enchanting everyone with her presence, drawing them helplessly into her spell.

Bingling turned to look at Yu. Right then, there was an unspeakable gentleness about him, a warmth enveloping him, softening his icy exterior and making him seem more human, surrounded by a quiet joy. It seemed only when he looked at Shangguan Xiao did such an expression appear.

She wished that Shangguan Xiao could draw Yu out from his cold, distant world and bring him back to the warmth of mortal life. Perhaps Shangguan Xiao was the only one capable of such a thing.

Suddenly, Bingling found herself anticipating what might unfold. Now she understood why Xiao Ai had been so delighted earlier. After all, they were good friends—what could be better than seeing someone you care about find happiness?

Bingling smiled expectantly, looking forward to that day. At that moment, Yu, still gazing at Xiao below, wished he could go down and talk to her.

But if he did, there was a good chance Xiao would be displeased. Caught in this dilemma, he didn’t know what to do.

“Oh, by the way! I just came up from downstairs and heard the military training here is quite special!” Dongfang Shuo ascended the stairs, sharing the news he’d just heard in his gentle voice.

Indeed, aside from the ever-blooming roses, SA was renowned for its military training. All the instructors were sent from the military academy, and every student was subjected to rigorous military-style drills.

Each aspect was enough to terrify even the most pampered heiresses. No one who attended the school was exempt. Even if one avoided it in their first year, they would still have to join the new students in training the next time around.

In other words, there was simply no escaping it. Everyone started fragile and delicate, but after military training, their physiques changed noticeably. Most who returned from training did so battered and bruised.

——End of Chapter——

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