Chapter 2: The First Bell Rings

The Royal Polaris Academy stood tall like a marble citadel, gleaming in the morning sun. Shi Yue leaned against the academy’s ornate gate, dressed in the school uniform tailored for his new body—simple, neat, and slightly oversized, matching the quiet and unassuming image of Jiang Min, the original host.

> [System Reminder: Please remain in-character. Jiang Min is known for being shy, kind, and soft-spoken. Also, your main mission remains: ensure Zhang Jie and Xia Yan fall in love.]

Shi Yue hummed in acknowledgment. ("Relax, I’m not here to break character. Not yet.")

{Note: (...) means taking in mind}

The students began pouring in—daughters and sons of billionaires, corporate heirs, political nobility. A symphony of polished leather shoes, designer fragrances, and confident laughter echoed across the cobblestone walkways.

He spotted Zhang Jie first.

The original host’s childhood best friend.

Taller than most, with neatly combed dark hair and eyes full of suppressed fire, Zhang Jie exuded the quiet nobility of someone used to hiding his real self behind dutiful perfection. He scanned the crowd until his gaze landed on Shi Yue.

“Min!” His voice was warm, familiar.

Shi Yue gave him a soft, awkward smile—imitating the original host’s reserved nature—and nodded. “Zhang Jie.”

“You’re early,” Zhang Jie said as he adjusted his bag. “You slept well?”

Shi Yue gave a small shrug. “...Not really. Bit nervous.”

Zhang Jie’s face softened. “It’ll be fine. I’ll walk in with you.”

> [System Note: Favorability +3. Current: 35]

Shi Yue fought the urge to smirk.

(This boy still had no idea how much Jiang Min had loved him. Silent, selfless, and content to be a shadow—until he was erased from the world entirely. Not this time.)

> [System 0019: Yes host]

As they entered the gates together, Shi Yue’s eyes scanned the crowd.

And there she was.

Xia Yan.

Shimmering like spring itself, with a clean white ribbon in her hair and laughter trailing behind her like wind chimes. She looked at Zhang Jie from across the courtyard—and quickly looked away, cheeks pink.

Zhang Jie stared back, heart caught in his throat.

> [System Note: Xia Yan Favorability toward Zhang Jie: +2]

(“They like each other,”) Shi Yue whispered under his breath, bemused. (“And they’re both idiots.”)

> [System 0018: Agreed.]

Then the air shifted.

A black limousine pulled up.

Two tall figures stepped out—one after the other. Even from a distance, their presence shattered the warm atmosphere of the academy.

Ren Zhaoyuan.

The aloof heir of the Ren Conglomerate, dressed immaculately in dark gray. Eyes like tempered steel scanned the courtyard, then narrowed slightly when they landed on Xia Yan.

And behind him—

Liang Yushen.

Smiling. Dangerous. With the charm of a prince and the subtle violence of a storm brewing behind his lashes. His gaze lingered on Xia Yan just a moment longer than necessary.

> [System Note: Favorability Update – Ren Zhaoyuan to Xia Yan: +10 (First Sight)]

Favorability Update – Liang Yushen to Xia Yan: +12 (First Sight)]

They hadn’t even spoken yet.

But the game had begun.

Shi Yue watched it all unfold, lips twitching into a smile. So much chaos was set to erupt in this school, all in the name of love, pride, and power.

Shi Yue said to himself, ("Don't worry you will also find someone who will love you")

> System Update Panel:

– Zhang Jie: Favorability 35 {towards Jiang Min)

– Xia Yan: Favorability 40 {towards Zhang Jie)

– Ren Zhaoyuan:

– Favorability 0 {towards MC}

– Favourability 12 {towards Xia Yan}