The Cold Beauty's Rebirth

The second day at Huaxia Elite Academy began much the same as the first—orderly, prestigious, and filled with students who believed themselves to be at the top of society. Yet, for the first time, some had begun to realize that there were those even higher.

Leng Qingxue and Leng Qiuhan had proven themselves untouchable the day before. Their intelligence, demeanor, and complete indifference to unnecessary social interactions had left an impression far stronger than they intended.

But they weren't the only ones who had taken notice.

As the twins walked into class, their seats already waiting for them, a familiar presence made itself known.

"Hah! You two really don't like talking much, do you?"

The voice was bright, confident, and just a little too loud for the morning.

Zhao Lihua stood in front of their desks, her hands on her hips, her amber eyes gleaming with excitement.

Qingxue blinked once before calmly setting down her book.

Qiuhan merely gave the girl a single glance before returning to his notes.

Undeterred, Lihua grinned. "Oh, come on. Don't ignore me! I'm trying to be friendly here."

Qingxue tilted her head slightly, her silver-blue gaze steady. "We never asked you to."

Lihua's lips twitched. "So you do talk. Good to know."

Qiuhan exhaled softly, placing his pen down. "What do you want?"

Lihua's expression turned smug. "To be friends, obviously."

Silence stretched between them.

Most people would have backed off under the weight of their icy gazes, but Lihua stood firm, her confidence unwavering.

Then, to everyone's surprise—

Qingxue chuckled.

It was soft, almost unnoticeable, but it was enough to make Lihua's eyes widen in triumph.

Qiuhan, on the other hand, sighed. "Persistent."

Lihua beamed. "That's a yes, then?"

Qingxue didn't confirm nor deny it, but she didn't dismiss her either.

Lihua took that as a win.

As she settled into her seat beside them, a quiet pair of eyes watched from across the room.

Xu Yiran observed everything in silence, her violet gaze unreadable. Beside her, Xu Tianyi leaned lazily against his desk, his silver-gray eyes flickering with interest.

"She's interesting," Tianyi murmured.

Yiran nodded faintly. "So are they."

Neither of them moved, nor did they speak further.

It wasn't time yet.

But soon, it would be.

----

The morning classes proceeded as usual, filled with lectures on advanced topics that only a handful of students truly grasped. For Qingxue and Qiuhan, the lessons were too simple to hold their interest, but they maintained their usual composed demeanor.

Zhao Lihua, on the other hand, made no effort to hide her boredom. She tapped her fingers against her desk, occasionally sneaking glances at the twins.

When the bell finally rang, signaling the lunch break, Lihua stretched with exaggerated relief. "Finally! I thought I was going to turn to dust."

Qiuhan, unbothered, stood up and adjusted his uniform. Qingxue followed suit, her movements graceful and unhurried.

Lihua watched them expectantly. "So, where are we eating?"

Qiuhan shot her a look. "Who said you're eating with us?"

Lihua grinned. "I did."

He clicked his tongue, but before he could respond, another voice interrupted.

"You shouldn't be so pushy, Zhao Lihua."

The speaker was a boy with sharp golden eyes and dark auburn hair. His uniform was worn with effortless confidence, the school emblem gleaming against the pristine fabric.

Li Shen.

His name was well-known in Huaxia Elite Academy—an heir to one of the most powerful business families in the country. Though he had the aura of an untouchable genius, his expression was lighthearted as he approached the group.

Lihua rolled her eyes. "Oh, look, the golden prince has arrived."

Li Shen chuckled, unfazed. "And yet, you're the one making a scene."

He turned to the twins, his golden gaze sharp yet friendly. "Leng Qingxue, Leng Qiuhan. I've been meaning to speak with you."

Qingxue met his gaze with her usual cool detachment. "And?"

He smiled. "I'd like to be friends."

Qiuhan scoffed, folding his arms. "You people are awfully persistent."

Lihua smirked. "You should be honored! It's not every day that Young Master Li takes an interest in someone."

Li Shen ignored her, his eyes still on the twins. "I recognize talent when I see it. You're both impressive."

Qingxue remained silent for a moment before giving the faintest nod. It wasn't acceptance, but it wasn't rejection either.

Li Shen's smile widened slightly. "Good enough for now."

As the four of them walked toward the cafeteria, two more figures remained in the background, watching.

Xu Yiran and Xu Tianyi.

Tianyi leaned against the window, an amused glint in his silver-gray eyes. "Well, well. Looks like our little geniuses are attracting quite the crowd."

Yiran remained unreadable, her violet eyes unreadable. "Let them."

Tianyi tilted his head. "Still waiting for the right moment?"

Yiran's lips barely moved as she murmured, "Always."