The Arrival of the School Belle

I'll Choose Her When the Time Comes

Quan Jing watched as Jiang You quietly ate her meal, but in reality, she was indulging in a delightful chat with Xiao Mei while enjoying the delectable food.

"Xiao Mei, I'm truly in bliss, free to eat whatever I desire without having to diet, and still maintaining such terrific skin and figure!" Xiao Mei's voice was sweet, "I'm happy when you're happy, Host. Go ahead and eat without worries. With Xiao Mei here, you'll never have to fret over your figure, skin, or beauty!"

Jiang You was immensely cheerful as she engaged in a jovial conversation with Xiao Mei. They exchanged words and laughter, appearing to be the world's best host and system. Xiao Zhi felt somewhat envious and remained silent; he, too, wished to receive compliments from the host, but those were reserved for times when they completed group assignments or skill tests that required intellectual effort. Skill tests took place once a month, and group assignments weren't always frequent. The host neglected him more often, typically interacting more with Xiao Mei.

Stricken with jealousy and a sense of loss, Xiao Zhi didn't feel like speaking.

After praising Xiao Mei, Jiang You suddenly remembered she had to carry water and hurriedly conversed with Xiao Zhi as well: "By the way, Xiao Zhi, let me tell you, Quan Jing is too temperamental, not knowing how to charm anyone. Once the results of this skill test are out, I'm going to switch boyfriends."

The moment the host spoke to him, Xiao Zhi's spirits lifted, "Don't worry, Host. You'll still top the class with me around. You can choose anyone you like. If Quan Jing makes you unhappy, just replace him."

Jiang You's eyes gleamed with charm: "Thank you, Xiao Zhi. I really can't do without you. Without you, I'd be nothing more than a brainless vase. Failing to achieve top grades would mean losing initiative, and I don't want to be reduced to being chosen."

She continued to express her sentimentality: "I'm beautiful and free today, all thanks to the two of you. I love you, Xiao Zhi and Xiao Mei. You must never leave me."

Xiao Zhi and Xiao Mei nodded vigorously: "Of course, Host. We won't leave you."

Quan Jing barely ate a few bites, all the while stifling his irritation. What angered him even more was that his sullen face seemed to be for naught as she didn't glance at him once; she was completely engrossed in her food, and there he was, performing a one-man show!

Feeling gloomy and frustrated, Quan Jing wanted Jiang You’s attention, but he hesitated to initiate conversation, especially after she had called him a dog earlier for speaking. He couldn't speak first; to do so would mean losing.

Usually, when Jiang You was with him, she never stopped talking—either coquettishly clinging to him or crying and complaining in accusation. At worst, she'd stare at him with affectionate eyes, scolding him for being sick.

Now that she was so quiet, Quan Jing felt uncomfortable and out of place.

Initially, Quan Jing glanced at her only once in a while, but soon his longing expression almost screamed, "I'm unhappy, comfort me!"

Remaining cold, he fixated his gaze on the top of Jiang You’s head.

She was beautiful to every last detail, her hair well-cared-for and smooth, looking naturally wavy, as if it wasn’t styled. It fell gracefully over her shoulders, accentuating her jade-like skin. The soft curls fell on her slender arms and waist, exuding distinct types of charm.

Her hair was so lush and dense that even hair partings seemed non-existent, and the fine wisps of hair near her temples added to her sweet innocence.

Quan Jing was well aware of her beauty, but never knew someone could be so flawlessly gorgeous.

When Jiang You was almost finished eating, a young man and woman passed by her with their trays—the boy in front, the girl chasing after him, softly calling his name with a mix of haste and embarrassment: "Choi Jin Lang, why are you rushing? Wait for me."

Hearing the voice, Jiang You looked up and caught the gaze of the boy, but it was only for a second before he looked away. Jiang You thought he was turning back to look at the girl but happened to catch a glimpse of her too.

Jiang You recognized the name Choi Jin Lang—he had ranked third in the first skill test and was the eldest son of the ES consortium, a family involved in construction and petrochemicals known for their sprawling and prolific family due to the men’s penchant for keeping mistresses.

During that brief moment of eye contact, Jiang You gauged his features—a gentle demeanor like water, fluid and accommodating, yet his eyes were deeply tranquil, revealing the sort of calm that comes from being in total control.

After the results of the first skill test were released, Choi Jin Lang hadn't chosen anyone to date. The girl chasing him was probably hoping he'd choose her next time.

After the protagonist left, with no more excitement to witness, Jiang You shifted her attention back to finishing her meal.

Watching Jiang You steadily gaze at Choi Jin Lang, Quan Jing's face grew colder and colder.

She didn't glance at him once, yet stared at another man! Who, in fact, was her boyfriend now!

Jiang You soon finished every last bit on her tray and left without giving Quan Jing a look, quickly getting up and walking away. Caught off guard by her action, Quan Jing stiffened momentarily before his chest filled with seething anger.

His expression was frighteningly cold as he rose to his feet, silently following behind her.

What was she implying? That she didn't care for him anymore? Had she taken a liking to Choi Jin Lang in that single glance just now?

Even after they left the cafeteria, Jiang You never looked back, her steps buoyant, her dark waves undulating gracefully around her waist.

Quan Jing was icy and impassive, also turning to leave.

The two moved in opposite directions!

Xiao Zhi relayed to Jiang You, "Host, Quan Jing actually walked away. His temper really is foul. Couldn't he have come to console you?

Jiang You hugged her arms with charming playfulness in her eyes, "Don't worry. He’ll come chasing after me."

And sure enough, not long after, Xiao Zhi watched as Quan Jing walked past the host without a change in his demeanor, and then moved ahead, leaving a chilly silhouette for the host.

Xiao Zhi sighed, "Host, Quan Jing really did come back!"

Jiang You chuckled softly, still strolling leisurely behind, until Quan Jing suddenly stopped, turned around, and called her with a voice that sounded cold yet carried a tinge of helplessness: "Jiang You, hurry up. It's so hot."

Laughing, Jiang You quickened her pace to catch up to him, fluttering into his arms like a little bird and gripping his arm tightly as she cooed, "You walked away just now."

"Why did you come back?"

For the first time, Quan Jing didn’t withdraw his arm, his countenance slightly softened, and his lips moved uneasily. He spoke with a calm coldness: "I went the wrong way just now."

Jiang You hummed seriously: "Got it. Quan Jing is a direction-blind; likely to go the wrong way. From now on, I should hold his hand tightly while walking."

The icy look in Quan Jing's eyes melted away, and his lips unwittingly curved upward. Within moments, the rage that burned within him vanished.

Throughout their walk, Quan Jing never pulled his arm away, even escorting her to the door of her professional course classroom—a truly rare occurrence.

Jiang You softly inquired, "Quan Jing, what car did you drive today?"

Quan Jing's brow twitched, and he replied indifferently, "I didn't drive today. I'll have the driver pick me up after school."

Jiang You looked at him expectantly, "Can you ask the driver to bring a nice car? I want to ride with you."

Deprived of the status as a legitimate daughter by her mother's lover, Li Mingzhen, Jiang You naturally didn't enjoy the luxuries of a wealthy heiress. Being rather delicate herself, she only wished to travel in luxury cars.

Quan Jing gave her a cool glance before asking after a few silent seconds, "Tell me first, what did you say to that boy when you were downstairs?"

Jiang You’s voice was teasing and playful as she responded, "Why ask only now? I’ve been waiting for you to ask."

She leaned close to his ear, giggled softly, and whispered, "He asked me if I would choose him for a relationship once the results are out."

Quan Jing's face instantly grew cold, his features tense.

However, her next words relaxed his expression as she said, "I told him that I only like Quan Jing and only want to be in a relationship with