“Hanhan, your singing is so beautiful! Do you want to come sing Karaoke after school? Not at a Karaoke parlor—my house has a karaoke room, inside the villa.”

“Yeah, Yanling’s family is rich. They live in a huge villa with a karaoke room, a pool and even a badminton court.”

The day after the Campus Top Ten Singers Competition.

During lunch break.

A girl from class walked over with her best friend and invited Shen Qinghan warmly to come sing at her house.

Shen Qinghan was flattered—she wanted to go, but wasn’t sure if she should.

She had never expected her classmates to invite her so kindly. Until now, most had disliked her for being a “connection kid.”

After some hesitation and with Lin Zichen’s encouragement and company, she decided to go.

Li Chuxin and He Yu went along as well.

The girl who had invited her was especially thrilled that Lin Zichen was coming too.

* * *

“That’s Shen Qinghan from Class 1, right? She’s amazing—her singing was incredible. You really missed out if you didn’t hear her at the school field that day.”

“She’s so pretty too. She’s not even wearing makeup, but she still looks perfect.”

“I heard she’s not just a great singer but also an amazing artist. That’s why Class 1’s blackboard designs always win first place.”

“I used to think she was just Lin Zichen’s pretty sidekick, but she’s actually super talented. Honestly, she might even be the campus beauty now.”

In the days following the competition, Shen Qinghan constantly overheard classmates talking about her on the way to and from school.

All compliments.

Every single day.

Slowly, she began to walk down the school paths with confidence.

When she heard people talking about her, she no longer lowered her head shyly—she would smile back instead.

* * *

“Hanhan, you got this!”

“Teammate, believe in yourself—you can win!”

“Two straight wins, Hanhan, you’re incredible!”

“Shen Qinghan’s improvement is huge.”

“Everyone, learn from Qinghan! Even if your physical strength isn’t great, you can still win on the martial stage with great technique!”

During the final exams two weeks later.

Shen Qinghan used her refined martial techniques to defeat Wen Yuntong and Chu Yuxi, both of whom had ranked above her.

Her class ranking jumped from last to third from last.

The whole class was amazed and even Homeroom Teacher Han Yuanfeng praised her.

Seeing her results improve, Shen Qinghan smiled in relief.

Finally, no one could call her a “connection student” anymore.

Watching her smile, Lin Zichen smiled too. She was changing—growing less insecure day by day.

* * *

“Xiao Chen, how about I take you for a bike ride? Just like when you used to take me to school back in middle school.”

“That bike hasn’t been used in ages. The tires are probably flat.”

“That’s fine! We can pump them up!”

“If you want to, then let’s do it.”

One afternoon during winter break of their first high school semester.

After lunch, Shen Qinghan ran over to Lin Zichen’s house, asking to take him out for a ride.

Back in middle school, she had always wanted to be the one pedaling him, but she wasn’t strong enough then—her legs couldn’t handle it.

Now, she could.

She finally had the chance to experience being the driver.

Together, they pulled the dusty old bicycle from storage.

They cleaned it and pumped air into the tires until it looked brand new.

Excited, Shen Qinghan climbed onto the bike, turned around and said eagerly, “Xiao Chen, come on, hop on.”

“Alright, I’m coming.”

“Don’t just hold the seat—it’s unsafe. You need to hold my waist, like I did when I rode behind you in middle school.”

She reminded him softly.

Lin Zichen said nothing, simply wrapping his arms around her waist.

Feeling the warmth of his touch on her stomach, Shen Qinghan’s heartbeat quickened and her cheeks flushed.

Then she pushed down on the pedals, carrying Lin Zichen out toward the countryside roads.

There were fewer cars and fewer lights there—freedom in every turn of the wheel.

“Xiao Chen, that forest looks beautiful. Let’s climb a tree and take some photos!”

Halfway there, Shen Qinghan stopped by a large tree and suggested it.

Lin Zichen didn’t object.

After parking the bike, Shen Qinghan slipped her phone into her pocket and started climbing.

It wasn’t too cold in the southern winter. She wore a blue lace skirt with white warm tights and as she climbed, she accidentally flashed him.

Though she had safety shorts on, Lin Zichen still turned away respectfully, avoiding the sight.

Moments later, both stood several meters up on the tree.

Shen Qinghan, fearless, let go of the trunk and took out her phone to capture the view.

As a Martial Arts Class student, she had practiced tree climbing often in Wilderness Survival Class and stood steadily without fear.

A soft breeze blew through her flowing hair and Lin Zichen couldn’t help but find her mesmerizing. He raised his own phone and took a photo of her.

After a while, they both stopped taking pictures.

Shen Qinghan gazed into the distance and said quietly, “Xiao Chen, I got into the same middle and high school as you because of your family’s connections. I can’t keep relying on that forever.”

Turning to him, her eyes shone with resolve, “Two and a half years from now, I’ll get into the same university as you—on my own merit.”

“I believe you,” Lin Zichen said without hesitation.

He could tell that since winning the Campus Top Ten Singers Competition and earning two victories in the martial arts duels, she had become more confident.

Compared to the timid, insecure girl she once was, he much preferred this new Shen Qinghan—more confident, determined and radiant.