Chapter 4: The Silver-Haired Enigma and a Fictional Fiancé

In the tranquil classroom, Teacher Yunmo’s clear voice rang out:

“Students, please settle down; we are about to begin class.

However, before we start, allow me to introduce a new classmate.”

Having said that, she waved towards Ouyang Xiyue, who stood outside the door, signaling for him to enter.

The young woman took a deep breath, calming the ripples within her heart, before stepping lightly into the classroom.

Her waterfall-like cascade of silver hair shimmered with an enchanting luster under the sunlight.

Her exquisite face, sculpted as if by an angel’s careful hand, was utterly flawless.

This sight instantly plunged the previously quiet classroom into an uproar.

“Isn’t she that silver-haired girl from the academy’s forum?”

one student exclaimed, “Indeed, she’s even more breathtaking in person than in her photos.”

“Yes, yes, she’s absolutely adorable!” another student chimed in.

Witnessing such a stunning Ouyang Xiyue, the boys in the class clenched their fists, each secretly vowing to win her over.

Ouyang Xiyue, a graceful smile gracing her lips, spoke with poise:

“Hello everyone, my name is Ouyang Xiyue.

It’s an honor to meet all of you, and I hope for your kind consideration.”

Yet, as the students’ fervent discussions continued, a hint of helplessness flickered in his eyes.

“Ouyang Xiyue, what a beautiful name!

From this moment on, Classmate Ouyang is my goddess!” a boy excitedly shouted.

“Is Classmate Ouyang from the Ouyang family, one of the Eight Great Families?” another student inquired curiously.

“She must be,” a student analyzed, “Otherwise, how could an ordinary place produce someone so divine, like a goddess descended to earth?”

“Never mind which family she’s from,” another interjected, “More importantly, does Classmate Ouyang have a boyfriend?”

“And what are her standards for a boyfriend?”

Faced with these eager boys, Ouyang Xiyue could only offer a faint, wry smile.

‘In his heart, these people were simply captivated by his outward appearance.

But how could he, a man, have a boyfriend? He wasn’t gay!’

Thus, Ouyang Xiyue sincerely stated, “I apologize, but while I don’t have a boyfriend, I already have a fiancé.”

“What?!”

“A fiancé? How is that possible? She must be joking!”

“Classmate Ouyang, quickly, say it’s just a joke!”

The boys, moments ago brimming with fighting spirit, were instantly struck as if by lightning, as though they had lost their most precious possession.

Their reaction truly startled Ouyang Xiyue, who typically kept to himself.

‘Is it really that exaggerated?’ Ouyang Xiyue mused inwardly.

‘As for why I had to say I have a fiancé, that story begins with Ling’er’s suggestion.’

In a flashback, Ling’er had seriously told him:

“Xiyue, you absolutely must guard the secret of your true gender.

To prevent some boys from harboring ill intentions towards you, if anyone asks if you have a boyfriend in the future, you should answer this way.”

Ouyang Xiyue interrupted her, “Say I have a boyfriend, to make them retreat in the face of difficulty, right?”

Ling’er shook her head, explaining, “No, no, saying you have a boyfriend might just ignite their competitive spirit.

You should say, ‘I don’t have a boyfriend, but I have a fiancé.’

That way, many boys will likely give up.

If that still doesn’t work, leave the rest to me.

You need to be adaptable, good luck!”

Hearing Ling’er’s words, a blush crept onto Ouyang Xiyue’s cheeks, and he shyly asked, “Why say ‘fiancé’? I’m a boy!”

He emphasized the words “a boy” with particular force, seemingly to deliberately highlight his male identity.

Ling’er gave a knowing smile and said, “If you say you have a fiancée, what would others think?

Everyone would assume you’re a lesbian, and that’s much more serious than saying you have a fiancé.

People would look at you strangely, and you wouldn’t want that, would you?”

‘So what if they think I’m a lesbian?’ Ouyang Xiyue retorted, a hint of anger in his voice. ‘I’m a boy; it’s perfectly normal to like girls!’

“But you are currently presenting yourself as a girl,” Ling’er patiently explained.

“If you say you have a fiancée, everyone will definitely find you very strange.”

“Fine, I get it,” Ouyang Xiyue pouted, completely unwilling.

“I can’t do anything with you.

To hide my identity, I’ll listen to you.

But sooner or later, I’ll return to my true self.

Just you wait, this damned fate!”

****

The flashback ended.

Watching the boys who still refused to give up, Ouyang Xiyue recalled Ling’er’s words and decided to improvise.

He smiled and declared, “You heard correctly.

We deeply love each other and have long since pledged to enter the bonds of matrimony once we come of age.

Both our parents wholeheartedly approve.

We are childhood sweethearts, and our affection runs deep.”

With that, a blissful smile appeared on his face—a feigned one, of course, as he was merely resorting to this tactic to escape the boys’ incessant pestering.

“Ah! Mom, I’m heartbroken!” the boys cried out, their faces filled with dejection, as they trudged back to their seats.

Teacher Yunmo cleared her throat and announced, “Alright, everyone, settle down.

Since Classmate Ouyang is already engaged, I hope the boys can be more sensible.

Classmate Ouyang, you can sit there; there’s an empty seat.”

Ouyang Xiyue smiled, thanked Teacher Yunmo, and then elegantly walked to the only empty seat in the classroom and sat down.

He had thought he could quietly begin class, but…

“That’s the spot our girls specifically kept empty,” a student exclaimed in surprise.

“It’s always been sacred and inviolable, but today, the rules have been broken!”

“Look! Classmate Ouyang is sitting next to Ye Xuehui.”

“I have to say, they really do make a perfect pair when they stand together.”

“Yes, yes! Look at the color of their hair and eyes—one with silver hair and blue eyes, the other with blue hair and silver eyes, perfectly opposite!

What an incredible coincidence, it’s truly enviable!”

“Alright, everyone, stop being so infatuated!

The two of them are impossible, after all, Classmate Ouyang is already engaged.”

“Sigh, what a shame.”

Teacher Yunmo, watching the boisterous students, felt veins throb on her forehead and furiously roared, “All of you, go run ten laps on the track!

Don’t come back until you’re done!”

The moment her words fell, the once-noisy classroom instantly emptied, as students scattered faster than rabbits.

‘These guys, they run really fast!’ Ouyang Xiyue grumbled inwardly.

After class, Ouyang Xiyue dragged his weary body back to the classroom, collapsing onto his desk, his heart heavy with helplessness.

That’s right, he too had run ten laps, seeing as all of this had stemmed from him.

He couldn’t help but blame Ling’er: ‘It’s all Ling’er’s terrible idea.’

At that moment, he truly wished he could transfer all his resentment to Ling’er, wherever she was.

Soon, the news of Ouyang Xiyue having a fiancé spread rapidly across the Saint Sea Academy forum, instantly rocketing to the top of the trending list.

From then on, Ouyang Xiyue became the focal point of the entire academy after classes.

Whenever the dismissal bell rang, the classroom for Class 3, Grade 1, would be besieged, three layers deep both inside and out, making it impossible to pass.

Students flocked there, drawn by curiosity, surrounding Ouyang Xiyue’s desk tightly, barraging her with questions.

Ouyang Xiyue felt utterly overwhelmed, and just as he was about to reach his breaking point…

Ye Xuehui, who was seated nearby, furrowed her brow, her eyes filled with annoyance.

She had merely wanted to read quietly for a while but found her peace shattered by the noisy students.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she uttered two chilling words.

“Shut up!”

Though simple, these two words seemed to carry an invisible force, piercing the ears of the surrounding students.

In an instant, students clutched their heads and shrieked.

A moment later, they shivered, looking at Ye Xuehui’s frosty, cold gaze, and fled in disarray.

After all, no one dared to provoke this iceberg-like figure.

“Phew, it’s finally quiet.

Thank you, Classmate Ye Xuehui,” Ouyang Xiyue said sincerely.

Yet, in his heart, he held a different view of Ye Xuehui: ‘This person has worn a stone-cold expression from the very beginning, as if everyone owes her money.’

‘Still, her unique silver eyes were striking, the exact opposite color of his own.’

“Don’t mention it,” Ye Xuehui replied coldly, not even lifting her head as she continued reading her book.

“I merely wished for some peace and quiet.”

Observing the indifferent Ye Xuehui, Ouyang Xiyue helplessly shook his head.

Just then, he suddenly remembered that the next class was Swordsmanship, so he rose and headed towards the Swordsmanship Instruction Room.

The moment Ouyang Xiyue stepped into the Swordsmanship Instruction Room, he drew everyone’s gaze.

Everyone whispered amongst themselves, yet no one dared to approach him.

At that moment, a girl in a long robe approached with a smile and said, “You must be the new junior sister who arrived today, right?

Hello, my name is Lin Wanyun, and I’m the president of the Swordsmanship Club.”

“Hello, President Lin,” Ouyang Xiyue courteously replied, “My name is Ouyang Xiyue; I’ve long heard of your esteemed reputation.”

In truth, he had already learned about Lin Wanyun from Shangguan Yun and had secretly marked her as his first target.

He was determined to complete the task his master had given him, strive to improve his strength, and avenge his father.

The two politely shook hands.

Just as Ouyang Xiyue was about to leave, Lin Wanyun spoke.

“I saw on the campus forum that your sword-flying (TL Note: A common ability in cultivation novels where practitioners fly on or with their swords.) speed is incredibly fast,” Lin Wanyun said.

“I admit I can’t match you.

However, that was merely simple sword-flying.

Junior sister, would you be interested in sparring with me?”

Just as Ouyang Xiyue was about to agree, his phone suddenly rang.

He checked the caller ID; it was Ling’er.

So, he gestured to Lin Wanyun that he needed to take a call first, then walked to the side and answered.

–Ling’er, is something the matter?

–What’s wrong? You ask me that after only being apart for a short while? Can’t I call you unless there’s something wrong? Honestly.

Ouyang Xiyue explained, “No, it’s not that.

It’s just that someone just asked me to spar, and I was about to agree when you called.”

–Spar? I see.

Well, go ahead then, and good luck~

Also, please be sure to pay extra attention to your safety.

Remember to call me back after you’re done.

–Don’t worry, this is just a minor challenge.

I’ll certainly be mindful of my safety.

Ling’er, please set your mind at ease.

Oh, by the way, Ling’er, how has Man’er been lately?

Since the call was already connected, he might as well inquire about his sister’s well-being.

–Man’er is well, everything’s as usual.

You needn’t worry; I’m looking after her.

–Alright, then, goodbye.

After hanging up, he politely turned to the senior student and said, “My apologies, senior sister, I just took a call.

I am willing to accept your challenge.”

And so, the news of their impending spar, like swift, light-winged birds, quickly spread to every corner of the academy.