Although Zhang Han was dressed simply in a blue V-neck sweater, light mushroom-colored jeans, and a pair of athletic shoes, his popularity wasn't lagging behind the third-year campus idols. After all, they were still university students; the seniors’ attire was certainly nice, but perhaps too mature—this look, surely, better represented the spirit of the university youth, didn't it?

While singing on stage, Zhang Han kept his gaze locked onto Han Meina with such heartfelt intensity that anyone failing to grasp his meaning would have to be truly dense.

Han Meina was stunned. It wasn't that she was unaware of Zhang Han’s feelings, but she adhered to her mother’s maxim: men who are too easily won are rarely cherished. Furthermore, after Meng Fei’s spectacular courtship spectacle, Han Meina had added a new criterion to her standards for suitors: the declaration of affection had to be public enough for everyone to witness. Specifically, the deep, sentimental gestures from both Meng Fei and the senior student had deeply provoked Han Meina; she kept thinking, Why wasn't I the leading lady? Why wasn't it me? Yet, not long after Meng Fei and the others retreated, Zhang Han delivered such a massive surprise. If Meng Fei felt no sense of triumph, she would be lying.

“Look how her face is smiling like a blooming flower,” Gong Yiying suddenly appeared from nowhere and remarked with palpable jealousy.

Gong Yiying hadn't actually left; she had intended to return to the dorm, but curiosity kept her rooted, wanting to see how Zhang Han would propose. She hadn't anticipated Zhang Han’s move coming before she saw Meng Fei’s performance, which had made Gong Yiying feel utterly smug at the time. But Zhang Han had pulled off this maneuver. If she were the flower receiving the affection, Gong Yiying would certainly have approved, but alas, “Isn’t this disrupting the mood of the students preparing to go on stage?”

To these sour remarks, Bai Ge and the others did not interject. No matter how much they tried to persuade her, Gong Yiying remained in a foul mood. “At least Zhang Han expressed his feelings,” Wang Qiqi whispered softly into Gong Yiying’s ear. “But relationships need cultivation; grand courtship scenes don't dictate how long the affection will last, don't you agree, Gong Yiying?”

Right—why hadn't she thought of that strategy? Gong Yiying was jolted awake by Wang Qiqi’s words. Yes, Zhang Han was good, and Han Meina was fine, but once two stubborn people spend prolonged time together, the moment Zhang Han showed even the slightest neglect toward Han Meina, given her temper, they were bound to clash. The fight had just begun; it was still anyone’s game.

Thinking this, Gong Yiying directed a sharp, fixed smile at the back of Han Meina’s head. This exact moment was caught by Bai Ge, who had just turned to speak to Duan Xiaomin. She instantly shivered. Heavens, that look was terrifying! But in the next instant, the horror had vanished from Gong Yiying’s eyes. Bai Ge wondered if she had imagined it, or perhaps it was because she always harbored reservations about Gong Yiying that she perceived her actions as suspect.

Wang Qiqi knew her words had sparked some hidden agenda in a certain someone. However, Wang Qiqi couldn't really blame her, as Han Meina and Gong Yiying were both inveterate gossips. Whether it was about the classroom, the dorm, or even matters concerning other classes, they loved to pry, and prying was always followed by commentary—they enjoyed watching others’ misfortunes. Since they had so much free time, Wang Qiqi decided to give them something more engaging to focus on, and perpetual internal conflict between them was the best resolution.

Zhang Han couldn't hear the comments from the audience, and he certainly paid no attention to the resentful glances directed his way. Even if he had noticed them, he would have merely felt pleased, considering himself quite charming.

As Zhang Han sang the final note, his roommates swiftly took the stage and handed him the bouquet of roses. He dropped to one knee. “Han Meina, I like you. I like you…”

Although Han Meina had mentally prepared herself, when Zhang Han actually confessed in public, she felt as if she might faint. Her heart raced so fast it felt like it would leap out of her mouth, and the tears were even more immediate, streaming down uncontrollably.

Zhang Han remained kneeling on stage, recounting the moment he first saw Han Meina, his feelings evolving through their time as fellow students and colleagues, sharing his perspective on her. Many in the audience were deeply moved. While the third-year senior’s courtship had been spectacular, Zhang Han’s declaration felt more earnest and genuine, not solely based on superficial looks. “Say yes, say yes!”

“Say yes, say yes!”

The entire auditorium echoed with the chant. Wang Qiqi, despite having lived a lifetime already and admittedly digging a pit for Han Meina—the current protagonist—here—still became excited by the atmosphere, clapping her hands and shouting for her to agree.

Hearing the crowd’s roar, Zhang Han, still holding the flowers and the microphone, sprinted off the stage and knelt before Han Meina, taking on the posture of one who wouldn't rise until he received an affirmative answer.

“Hmph, still posturing. Isn't this just stringing people along?” Gong Yiying hissed into Wang Qiqi’s ear. “This woman is too fake…”

Wang Qiqi inwardly smirked at Gong Yiying’s comment. With Zhang Han acting as the dividing line, perhaps they would only show signs of reconciliation if a man demonstrably better than Zhang Han appeared. But the question was, if such a man appeared, would Han Meina feel any better about it? Perhaps this was just another good show waiting to unfold. “She needs time to consider,” Wang Qiqi offered.

Gong Yiying rolled her eyes so hard she nearly crossed them; if it were her, there would be absolutely no consideration given.

After agonizing for what seemed like an eternity, Han Meina finally shyly accepted the flowers from Zhang Han. “You, you, look what you’ve done to turn a perfectly good orientation party into this.” Yet, Han Meina was undeniably happy; it was a complete surprise.

As time dragged on and Han Meina still hadn't taken the flowers, Zhang Han began to feel uncertain. Just as he feared his confession might fail, Han Meina finally accepted them. “Meina, I promise I will always treat you well, hold you in the palm of my hand…” Zhang Han stood up and pulled Han Meina into a tight embrace.

Seeing the lovers embrace, the applause erupted even louder, drowning out the resumed orientation activities.

Wang Qiqi felt she had witnessed the two main spectacles she’d been waiting for. She yawned. “I’m heading back. Are you coming?” If she didn’t leave soon, Wang Qiqi felt she would be entirely poisoned by the saccharine sweetness emanating from the newly formed couple sitting in front of her.

Bai Ge watched Zhang Han and Han Meina in front of them occasionally turn to exchange glances, or Zhang Han would lift Han Meina's hand and kiss it repeatedly. She shivered slightly. “Let’s go back, let’s go back.”

On the walk back to the dorm, they could hear many people discussing the two major scenes from the orientation. There were various tones in their chatter. “I bet the student advisor will call Zhang Han and the others in for a talk tomorrow,” Duan Xiaomin said, finally emerging from the frenzied atmosphere and feeling the evening chill.

Bai Ge and Li Xin had been debating whether Meng Fei’s courtship or Han Meina’s confession had been a bigger waste of time when Duan Xiaomin’s comment made them pause. “Huh? They’ll get lectured? Isn't this university, not high school? Will teachers still care about early dating? There are so many couples walking around campus, guys feeding girls in the cafeteria—why aren’t the teachers intervening there?”

Duan Xiaomin nodded. “Meng Fei and his group were called in last time; they were told to mind their public image, though not many people knew about it.” If it hadn't been for today’s drama, Duan Xiaomin probably wouldn’t have mentioned it.

Gong Yiying’s depressed mood instantly improved upon hearing Duan Xiaomin’s news. “They were indeed quite arrogant, turning a perfectly good orientation party into…”

Here we go again, Bai Ge and the others could only exchange glances. In the end, the spectacle Zhang Han created was the one that made her the most frustrated—no, there must be others who were unhappy too. “I bet Meng Fei is furious deep down. Her performance was the most sensational, but suddenly this dark horse appears out of nowhere.”

“Yes, when I went out earlier, I saw Meng Fei leaving alone, and her expression wasn't good…” Li Xin recounted what she had observed during her exit.

Wang Qiqi and Zhang Yan continued discussing travel journals, dismissing the grandeur of the courtships. “Diana’s wedding caused a huge stir, but what came after?” Zhang Yan mused.

“Being the focal point of attention for a day must be pleasing to many people,” Wang Qiqi conceded. Being a center of attention, flaunting affection—in the end, life is lived by oneself; happiness or unhappiness depends on the individual.

Han Meina returned to the dorm clutching a bouquet of red roses, looking utterly smitten. After placing the roses on the windowsill, she held up her arm to admire it. Li Xin, on the upper bunk, happened to see it and asked, “What a beautiful bracelet, it’s silver, right?”

Silver? Normally, Han Meina would have scoffed at Li Xin’s poor taste, but today her mood was excellent. “What silver? It’s white gold.” If it were just silver, would I even accept it?

“Zhang Han gave it to her,” Bai Ge remarked, surprised by Zhang Han’s generosity.

Han Meina nodded shyly. “I told him I already had a bracelet, but he insisted I take it…”

Wang Qiqi kept reading her book. Let the other person have her moment of showing off.

Feng Yanjie was concerned with more practical matters: “Is he going to treat us to a meal?” That was the prior agreement: if someone pursued a girl in their dorm, the suitor had to treat the entire dorm to dinner.

Han Meina had been preparing for a bit of showing off, but Feng Yanjie, the buzzkill, was only focused on eating. “It’s just one meal. Zhang Han said both our dorms will have a joint gathering, and he’s paying. You all see when you’re free. Qiqi, you must be there.” Zhang Han had mentioned someone in his dorm was interested in getting to know Wang Qiqi.

Wang Qiqi made a hand gesture signaling her agreement. (To be continued)