Chapter 1: The Day Our Paths Crossed
"Hii...My name is Lin Yichen. I'm seventeen years old. Nice to meet you."
Standing in front of the full-length mirror, Lin Yichen forced a bright smile onto his face. His amber eyes curved gently, giving him a naturally warm and approachable look. He looked like the kind of person who could make anyone feel comfortable within minutes.
But today, his smile didn't reach his eyes.
A hint of nervousness lingered behind it.
"....No." He let out a quiet sigh and shook his head.
"That doesn't sound natural."
Taking a deep breath, he tried again.
"Hello everyone...I transferred here from Jiangnan High School. I hope we can get along."
He smiled once more, then studied his reflection carefully.
"Better...."
Knock...Knock...
"Young Master Lin."
The door opened, and a maid stepped inside. The moment Lin heard her voice, the anxiety on his face disappeared. His expression became calm and composed.
"Young Master, the car is ready. It's time to leave."
Lin gave a small nod.
"I'm coming."
He picked up his school bag from beside the bed and walked out of his room.
The mansion was unusually quiet. His eyes wandered around the spacious hallway before he spoke softly.
"...Has Dad already left for the office?"
"Yes, Master left about 10 minutes ago."
"I see..." A trace of disappointment flashed across his face, but it vanished almost instantly.
Outside the driver was already waiting beside the sleek black car. Seeing him approach, he respectfully opened the rear door.
"Good morning, Young Master."
"Good Morning."
As the car slowly rolled away from the mansion, he looked out of the window.
Today was his first day at a new school.
Lin quietly looked out of the car window.
"What if this school ends up just like the last one...?"
His fingers unconsciously tightened around the strap of his school beg.
"That academy is only for Alphas and Betas...and I'm..."
He lowered his gaze. His heartbeat quickened.
"Can I really survive there?"
He took a deep breath and gently patted his own cheek.
"Don't worry, Lin." He whispered to himself.
"You can do this. Just don't get involved with anyone...and don't let anyone get close to you."
He nodded firmly, as if making a promise to himself. Outside, the scenery kept changing.
The rain from the last night had left puddles all over the roads. As the car sped forward, water splashed onto both sides of the street...
...just like the waves of anxiety rising inside his heart.
Neither Lin nor the driver noticed that one of those splashes had soaked a boy standing on the sidewalk in the school uniform. He was talking on his phone when the dirty water stained his clothes.
"Seriously?!....Hey.....!!!!" her annoyed voice faded into the distance as the car continued toward its destination.
The luxurious gates of Shenghua Elite Academy came into the view. The car came to smooth stop.
The driver stepped out first and respectfully opened the rear door.
Lin slowly unclenched his tightly closed fist and let out a long breath.
"We're here, Young Master."
"...Thank you."
"Good luck, Young Master."
Lin answered with his usual gentle smile. As the car drove away, he stood alone in front of the academy.
"So...this is where everything begins."
He gathered his courage and started walking toward the entrance.
Screeeech!!!
The sudden sound of tires made him freeze.
"Aah!"
A motorcycle came to an abrupt stop just inches away from him.
Lin instinctively stepped back, his hear pounding.
The rider removed one hand from the handlebar and glanced at him. He wore the same uniform, but unlike Lin's perfectly neat appearance, his shirt was untucked, his tie hung loosely around his neak, and his dress was wet.
His sharp eyes remained fixed on Lin.
He didn't say anything for a few seconds. He simply stared at Lin.
Lin blinked at confusion.
"What's wrong with him?" he wondered.
He suddenly stepped closer, leaning down until they were almost face to face.
"You know..." He said coldly. " Your car did this to me."
"And you're just standing here?" he narrowed his eyes. " Didn't anyone teach you basic manners?"
Before Lin could answer-
Thwack!
Someone grabbed him by the ear.
"Ow! Sir, that hurts!"
A middle-aged teacher glared at him.
"So now you're going to lecture others about manners?"
"Please...let go! It really hurts!"
The teacher's gaze shifted to the bike parked beside him.
"And why is your bike inside the school gate? Look at your uniform!....do you ever follow the rules?"
"It's not my fault, Sir!" He quickly pointed at Lin.
"It's all because of him."
Caught off guard, Lin immediately bowed his head.
"I'm....I'm really sorry."
He folded his arms.
"Do you think one 'sorry' will magically clean my shirt?"
He took another step toward Lin.
Instinctively, Lin stepped back.
"Gu Zhen."
The teacher's voice echoed sharply.
"Yes....Sir."
Gu Zhen clicked his tongue in annoyance but stopped where he was.
If I had known...
If I had known this careless, arrogant boy would one day become the most important person in my life...
Would I still have stepped into this school?
Would I still have hidden my true identity?
I don't know.
All I know is...
If it hadn't rained that night...
If my car hadn't splashed muddy water onto him....
Maybe...
Our lives would have remained strangers forever.
( From Unmei)
