Chapter Nine: The School Beauty Rankings

When she arrived home, Qin Lin’er hurriedly released Maru. The tiny kitten, confronted with an unfamiliar environment, wobbled toward the space beneath the sofa. Fortunately, Qin Lin’er reacted quickly, grabbing the kitten by the scruff of its neck and rescuing it from its fate.

She settled Maru on her lap, gently stroking its fur. Pouring kitten-specific milk she’d bought at the pet shop into a bowl, she spoke softly, “Maru, when you grow up, if you’re obedient, I’ll cuddle you all day. If you’re naughty, you’ll be sent to the cat café to earn your own kibble. How does that sound?”

Liu Ruoxi and Qin Xuan: Is that even human speech?

Since their military training would begin the next day, which was Monday, none of the three stayed up late that night. After Maru had eaten and drank its fill, it was placed in the cat cage, where it promptly fell asleep, all four paws stretched skyward.

...

If one were to ask what university students dread most, military training would definitely be among the top three, together with losing packages at the delivery station and the sudden realization that the senior is waiting at the hotel entrance.

On the sports field, after a grueling session of standing at attention, the instructor finally took pity and granted a ten-minute break.

Qin Xuan happened to see Sister Qin, dressed in casual clothes, walking toward their class. Liu Qin exchanged a few words with the instructor, then beckoned Qin Xuan over.

“Qin Xuan.”

Watching Qin Xuan trot after the counselor, the other classmates looked on with envy. Except for Liu Ruoxi and Qin Lin’er, who cast him looks of retribution for the torment he’d inflicted the night before.

Elsewhere—

“Sister Qin, what do you need me to do?” Qin Xuan asked, watching Liu Qin walk ahead.

“Just here to put you to work,” Liu Qin teased, seemingly unaffected by the events of the previous days.

Soon, Qin Xuan found himself staring at a pile of bottled water and understood immediately. The class wasn’t large; Qin Xuan carried a box, while Liu Qin took a bag filled with bottles. Though it wasn’t heavy, the distance was considerable.

Seeing Qin Xuan struggle, Liu Qin whispered, “You’re not in great shape, huh? No wonder you don’t have a girlfriend.”

Though he didn’t quite understand, Qin Xuan felt insulted.

Military training continued until noon, when the promise of food became motivation. The three didn’t go to the cafeteria, as there was a hungry kitten waiting at home.

Halfway there, Qin Xuan noticed people glancing furtively at him—or more precisely, at Qin Lin’er and Liu Ruoxi beside him.

He asked Liu Ruoxi, puzzled, “Why is everyone staring at us?”

Liu Ruoxi giggled, “Check the school forum and you’ll know.”

Qin Xuan pulled out his phone, entered the forum, and immediately saw the pinned post:

“Sichuan University Freshman Campus Belle Rankings Released!!!”

“Oh?” Qin Xuan understood, shooting Liu Ruoxi a look of disdain: You?

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Liu Ruoxi caught his gaze and knew exactly what he was thinking. Twisting his waist suddenly, Qin Xuan barely had time to react before he suffered a critical blow, nearly crying out.

“Hmph!” Liu Ruoxi let go, and Qin Xuan opened the post.

He found it was a student-initiated poll.

Scrolling down, he saw:

First place: Nan Zhiyi

Second place: Liu Ruoxi

Qin Xuan was stunned to see Liu Ruoxi’s name in second place. He looked at her in surprise.

“Are they blind?”

Liu Ruoxi raised her hand again, but Qin Xuan blocked her.

“As if you’re the only one who doesn’t appreciate my beauty,” Liu Ruoxi added, “You spend all day provoking me!”

“Setting that aside, how come they describe you as gentle?” Qin Xuan pointed at the post’s introduction, skeptical.

Liu Ruoxi: …

“What, are you upset to be the only one who gets to see my other side?” she retorted irritably.

“Thank you ever so much,” Qin Xuan replied, showing his gratitude.

Scrolling further, he saw:

Fifth place: Qin Lin’er

“Hm?” Qin Xuan looked over at Qin Lin’er, who was deliberately looking everywhere but at him.

“Impressive, little sister!”

Liu Ruoxi, hearing this, was indignant, “What do you mean by that? Lin’er makes the list and you praise her, but I’m second and you still tease me?”

Qin Lin’er chuckled quietly. She never got involved in the wars between her brother and Ruoxi.

This question made Qin Xuan pause. Perhaps bantering with Liu Ruoxi had become a habit.

“So, I guess a lot of guys added you both, huh?” Qin Xuan realized, “Be careful not to get scammed.”

Liu Ruoxi replied, “Oh, you do care about us after all.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve set everything to reject friend requests.”

Qin Xuan turned to Qin Lin’er.

Qin Lin’er quickly said, “Don’t worry about me either—when someone asks for my number, I always give them yours.”

“What?” No wonder Qin Xuan had noticed so many strangers adding him lately.

“Haha.” Qin Lin’er grabbed Liu Ruoxi as her shield.

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“Sigh,” Qin Xuan said helplessly, “Next time, tell me in advance so I can be prepared.”

“Okay! Got it,” Qin Lin’er replied sweetly, letting go of Liu Ruoxi to cling to Qin Xuan’s arm.

Liu Ruoxi: So I’m just a tool, huh? I need to find a chance to teach her a lesson!

“Who’s Nan Zhiyi, anyway? How did she get first place?” Qin Xuan scrolled through the comments and saw a legion of Nan Zhiyi supporters.

“She’s from Shudu—I’ve met her once,” Liu Ruoxi mused. “She’s got an intellectual kind of beauty, delicate and gentle, fits the aesthetic you guys like.”

Qin Xuan made a vague sound, not saying much.

But Liu Ruoxi was interested, pressing, “What? Are you curious about her? Or do you like that type?”

“Hey, hey, don’t misunderstand,” Qin Xuan protested, afraid she’d stir up trouble again. “I’m just surprised someone could outrank you in looks!”

“Eh?” Liu Ruoxi shivered theatrically. “Rare for you to speak honestly, but why does it sound so awkward?”

Qin Xuan ignored her, quickening his pace.

After a tiring morning, Qin Xuan didn’t feel like cooking, so the three picked up some stir-fried dishes on the way home.

Entering the house, they found the cat cage empty.

Qin Lin’er anxiously searched, finally finding Maru fast asleep on Qin Xuan’s bed.

Qin Xuan stared at his damp pillow, questioning the meaning of life.

“It’s alright, you haven’t taught her to use the litter box yet. Totally normal,” Qin Lin’er said, barely suppressing her laughter.

Qin Xuan snatched Maru from Qin Lin’er and kneaded her affectionately.

The freshly awakened kitten meowed loudly, and after indulging himself, Qin Xuan handed Maru back to Qin Lin’er, looking very much like an irresponsible playboy.

Then Liu Ruoxi asked curiously, “Is it a boy or a girl? Does it need to be spayed?”

Qin Lin’er’s face darkened, “Can’t you be a little less blunt?”

“She’s a girl, and as for spaying… it’s way too early! Who thinks about neutering at this age?”

Perhaps realizing she’d gone too far, Liu Ruoxi covered her face, speechless.

Seeing Qin Xuan laughing, Liu Ruoxi shifted her target.

“What are you laughing at, chosen by the cat?”

“?” Qin Xuan, caught off guard, decided not to talk to Liu Ruoxi and tossed her a lunchbox.

After lunch, the three headed back to school for more torment. Qin Xuan resolved to teach Maru to use the litter box that evening, and before leaving, he made sure to close his own bedroom door.

But the obedient Maru, once they left, wobbled her tiny body to another room… Liu Ruoxi’s pillow quietly admitted defeat.