The car of a wealthy family was indeed impressive.

That was Lu Yu’s first impression after getting in.

The air conditioning was comfortable, a gentle cool breeze blowing softly, shutting out the summer heat beyond the windows.

The leather sofa seats were almost too plush; if one ran their fingers delicately over the surface, they could even feel the fine grain of the leather.

Lu Yu sat perfectly upright, his smooth legs pressed gently together, both hands resting firmly atop his skirt, looking extraordinarily well-mannered—perhaps the most proper he’d ever been in his life.

The backseat was spacious enough, yet Lu Yu still squeezed himself into the window-side seat, gazing out at the bustling city traffic.

In the west, the fiery sunset clouds were gradually fading from the horizon—the sun was about to set.

Through the rearview mirror, he kept catching the woman’s fleeting glances. Those glances pricked at him with unease, robbing him of any desire to admire the passing scenery.

“Your piano kept going out of tune yesterday, according to Teacher Gao. Have you been troubled by something lately?”

The woman, at least, showed some concern for her daughter. Her sharp eyes, though still piercing, carried a hint of warmth.

Earlier that day, Lin Beixing had told Lu Yu that her mother loved her deeply—always giving her the best—but could be rather strict.

Lu Yu had asked why she didn’t resist. To him, if life was hard, he’d always make changes to turn hardship into something more agreeable.

He couldn’t understand why someone would willingly trap themselves like this.

Life was short, and youth even shorter. As long as one was willing to bear the consequences, nothing was more important than pleasing oneself.

That was Lu Yu’s philosophy.

But this was Lin Beixing’s family—every household had its own struggles. In the end, Lu Yu kept quiet, simply nodding and promising he’d cooperate well.

“Lin Beixing?”

The woman’s voice sharpened, displeased by his momentary distraction.

Her tone grew stern, and the last trace of tenderness in her eyes vanished completely.

Lu Yu straightened his posture instantly. “No, Mom… I’m fine.”

“How’s your wrist? Is the tendonitis still bothering you?” she asked again.

Lu Yu raised his hands and rubbed his wrists symbolically.

Actually, there was no pain at all...

But a clever idea struck him.

“It still hurts a bit,” he replied.

He’d hoped that claiming wrist pain might excuse him from today’s piano practice.

But the woman simply said calmly, “Then practice for half an hour less today. Just go over yesterday’s sheet music a few more times.”

Her sharp eyes flicked toward him once more through the rearview mirror, as if scrutinizing his expression.

Lu Yu lowered his head, inwardly sighing. Parents could be ruthless—even after he said his hand hurt, she wouldn’t let him off the hook.

He understood the pressure to nurture talent.

He even understood prioritizing academics in senior year.

But this extracurricular drilling? Totally unnecessary...

He wanted to speak up, but swallowed the words.

He didn’t truly know Lin Beixing’s family dynamics.

Right now, he was merely playing her role—and already struggling to maintain her persona. He certainly wouldn’t defy her parents’ expectations and risk exposing himself.

“I understand, Mom.”

“Good. Your backpack looked heavy earlier. Lots of homework?”

“Not really—just review assignments.”

“That’s fine. I had someone get two sets of past exam papers for you. They’re in your room—do them tonight.”

Lu Yu: “…”

He thought to himself that at his current level, forget past exam papers—even a freshman workbook would stump him.

But outwardly, he obediently replied, “Got it.”

Only then did the woman in the passenger seat finally shift her gaze away from him, seemingly satisfied.

The car made several turns, entering an exclusive villa district far removed from the city’s bustle.

Lu Yu stared at the ivy-clad mansion in the distance and couldn’t help but feel nervous about the task ahead.

…………………

Meanwhile…

Following Lu Yu’s directions, Lin Beixing walked slowly toward the end of the alley.

Everything around her felt utterly unfamiliar. She looked around curiously, eyes darting from shop to shop.

This was a run-down residential area adjacent to the school, and since it was just after dismissal, the streets teemed with students—electric scooters and bicycles whizzed past her.

Watching two girls ahead walking hand in hand, Lin Beixing couldn’t help but feel wistful.

Ever since she could remember, her school commutes had always been by chauffeur-driven car. She’d never experienced the freedom of strolling aimlessly down alleyways like this.

Though slightly uneasy, the novelty… wasn’t unpleasant.

The two girls ahead suddenly turned around.

They glanced at Lin Beixing simultaneously, whispering something in hushed tones.

Imitating Lu Yu’s usual post-school demeanor—backpack slung lazily over one shoulder, steps unhurried—Lin Beixing offered them a gentle smile as they looked back.

Their eyes widened; they quickly spun around.

From Lin Beixing’s current 180 cm vantage point, she could clearly see their flushed ears and flustered expressions.

Only then did she realize—subconsciously, she’d flashed that friendly smile, but on Lu Yu’s face, it was dangerously charming.

Undeniably, Lu Yu was strikingly handsome.

In Jiangshui No. 1 High—a school filled with the city’s top students—it wasn’t easy to find a boy as good-looking as him.

The two girls had practically fled in embarrassment.

Lin Beixing watched them disappear with a resigned sigh, finally stopping at the entrance of a residential compound.

Her memory was sharp. Guided by Lu Yu’s description, she located the place precisely.

“Building 2… Building 2…”

Lu Yu’s neighborhood was old. There was no security guard at the gate—only an old man in a sleeveless undershirt reading a newspaper in a rattan chair.

Lin Beixing entered easily and searched among the three building entrances.

At the doorway of Building 2 sat several potted plants wilted from the sun. On less than a square meter of soil, someone had grown green onions and cilantro. She could even smell the faint scent of coriander.

Clotheslines crisscrossed a tiny open space, heavy with freshly washed clothes that still dripped water.

Everywhere, the vivid scent of everyday life filled the air—cooking oil and smoke wafted from a first-floor window right in front of her. Everything felt so real.

Yet, to Lin Beixing, it all felt unreal.

At this hour, she should’ve already been back in her gilded cage—strapped to her study chair, imprisoned by endless problem sets.

But today, that daily routine had been shattered.

With a heart pounding from both anxiety and quiet excitement, Lin Beixing finally stood before Room 301, just as Lu Yu described.

The iron door before her was rusted and worn. She pulled a key from her pocket and turned the handle softly.