Chapter 3: Why Is He Smiling at Me?!

Shen Yu had expected hatred, anger, or at the very least, cold indifference from Lu Zhixuan. Instead, the male lead was... amused.

Every time Shen Yu attempted another 'villainous' move, Lu Zhixuan would smirk at him like he was some misbehaving puppy. Worse, he had started teasing Shen Yu—relentlessly.

Like today.

Shen Yu had spent an entire morning preparing for his next grand scheme. If he wanted to follow the novel's plot, he had to corner Bai Xue and make an over-the-top declaration, something so dramatic that Lu Zhixuan would be furious enough to get closer to Bai Xue in response. Classic love rivalry tactics.

So here he was, dramatically leaning over Bai Xue's desk in the quiet school library, one hand braced on the wooden surface as he stared at her with what he hoped was a confident smirk.

"Bai Xue," Shen Yu began, lowering his voice for effect. "Why waste your time on Lu Zhixuan? I can give you everything you need."

Bai Xue blinked up at him, looking more confused than flustered. "Zhao Rui... are you feeling okay?"

Before Shen Yu could respond, a deep chuckle echoed from behind him.

"You're getting bold, aren't you, Zhao Rui?"

Shen Yu stiffened. That voice. That low, amused tone.

Slowly, he turned around, dreading what he would find. Sure enough, standing just a few feet away, arms crossed, was Lu Zhixuan, looking effortlessly cool as usual. His dark eyes glinted with something unreadable, and worst of all—he was smirking.

Shen Yu felt his breath hitch. This wasn't how this scene was supposed to go! Lu Zhixuan was supposed to be furious! He was supposed to grab Bai Xue's hand and pull her away while glaring daggers at Shen Yu!

Instead, he looked... entertained?

"I—I—" Shen Yu stammered, feeling his face heat up. He struggled to regain his villainous composure, straightening his back. "What? Am I not allowed to talk to Bai Xue?"

Lu Zhixuan raised an eyebrow. "You can talk to whoever you want," he said smoothly, stepping closer. "I'm just wondering if you always flirt with such a dramatic pose."

Shen Yu nearly choked on air. "I wasn't—! This wasn't—!"

Lu Zhixuan ignored his sputtering and leaned in slightly, his smirk deepening. "You're not as ruthless as I thought." He tilted his head, eyes scanning Shen Yu's flustered expression. "You're actually kind of cute."

Shen Yu's brain short-circuited.

Wait.

What?

Bai Xue, who had been watching the entire exchange with growing amusement, let out a soft giggle. "Lu Zhixuan, you shouldn't tease him too much. He looks like he's about to combust."

Shen Yu whipped his head toward her in betrayal. "You—! I'm not—!"

Lu Zhixuan chuckled, stepping back slightly but not before patting Shen Yu on the head—like he was some pet dog. "Keep up the good work, Zhao Rui. I'm looking forward to your next move."

With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, his long legs carrying him effortlessly toward the library exit. Shen Yu stared after him, completely and utterly dazed.

"What... just happened?" Shen Yu muttered to himself.

Bai Xue rested her chin on her hand, smiling knowingly. "I think he likes you."

Shen Yu let out a strangled noise. "That—That's impossible! He's supposed to hate me! He's my rival!"

Bai Xue shrugged. "Maybe. But are you sure you're his rival?"

Shen Yu opened his mouth, then closed it. He had no answer for that.

Something was definitely wrong with this world. And worse—he had no idea how to fix it.