Episode3

Shen Yu finished bathing and stood before the mirror, water droplets sliding down his collarbone. He wrapped himself in a robe, staring at the reflection once more—not with shock this time, but quiet acceptance.

This is my body now.

He dried his hair, tied it loosely, then moved to the study table. The magic books were neatly stacked, their spines gleaming faintly. He organized them carefully, fingers brushing the covers with unfamiliar fondness.

In my previous life, books were my escape.

In this life… they might be my weapon.

Just as he finished dressing in his academy uniform—dark, well-fitted, embroidered with a noble crest—there was a knock.

“Yu’er,” his mother’s voice came warmly from outside. “Come have breakfast.”

Breakfast.

The word alone felt strange.

He followed her to the dining hall and stopped short.

The table was long and polished, covered in dishes—fresh bread, butter, jam, fruits, soup, roasted vegetables, eggs, pastries he couldn’t even name. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, reflecting off silverware and porcelain.

Shen Yu stood there, stunned.

This… is breakfast?

In his previous life, mornings meant rushed tea or dry bread—if there was time. Sometimes nothing at all.

He sat down quietly and reached for a slice of bread, spreading butter over it carefully. He didn’t dare touch anything else. Old habits died hard.

His mother noticed immediately.

“That’s all you’re eating?” she asked, frowning slightly.

“I’m running late for school,” he replied quickly, forcing a small smile.

She sighed but didn’t press him. “At least eat properly tonight.”

Just as he stood up, ready to leave, a sudden knock echoed through the hall.

His father looked up. “Open the door.”

A servant hurried off. Moments later, the man returned, bowing slightly.

“Master,” the servant said, “Lord Guo Jian has come to meet you.”

His father’s face lit up instantly. “Ah—invite him in.”

A man entered the hall, dressed in equally luxurious noble attire. His presence was commanding yet warm, a practiced smile on his lips.

Beside him stood a boy.

About Shen Yu’s age.

The boy’s posture was stiff, his expression dark, eyes sharp with irritation—as if he would rather be anywhere else.

His gaze flicked toward Shen Yu.

Annoyed.

Cold.

Yet—

Cute.

Shen Yu blinked.

The boy had neatly combed black hair, a few rebellious strands falling over his forehead. His eyes were dark and expressive, brows slightly furrowed as if permanently displeased with the world. His features were sharp but elegant, lips pressed into a thin line. There was confidence in the way he stood—someone used to being superior.

A proud kitten with claws, Shen Yu thought.

“Brother Shen,” Lord Guo Jian said apologetically, clasping his hands. “I came to apologize for yesterday. My son didn’t mean to push Shen Yu down the stairs. I’m deeply sorry.”

Push?

Shen Yu’s heart skipped.

So that’s why there was a head injury.

“Guo Rui,” Lord Guo Jian said sternly, turning to the boy. “Apologize.”

The boy frowned. “I didn’t do anything.”

Before Shen Yu could react, his father spoke.

“They were just playing,” he said calmly. “Children get rough. It wasn’t serious.”

Shen Yu was surprised.

From the memories surfacing in his mind, Shen Yu—the original one—would never miss a chance to accuse someone.

On instinct, he spoke up.

“It’s not his fault,” Shen Yu said. “I slipped. I wasn’t paying attention.”

The room went quiet.

Guo Rui turned sharply to look at him, disbelief flashing across his face.

He looks like he’s seen a ghost, Shen Yu thought.

Lord Guo Jian laughed awkwardly. “Well… I’m relieved then.”

Guo Rui’s eyes narrowed.

So Shen Yu wasn’t like this before?

What kind of person was he?

Because judging from Guo Rui’s reaction… probably not a pleasant one.

Since their fathers were friends, Lord Guo Jian suggested casually, “Why don’t Rui go with Shen Yu to school today?”

Guo Rui stiffened. “Father—”

“No arguments,” his father said.

Thus, they ended up in the same carriage.

The ride was… tense.

Shen Yu tried to speak. “What exactly happened yesterday?”

Silence.

He tried again. “I mean, before I fell.”

Nothing.

Guo Rui stared out the window, jaw tight, as if Shen Yu didn’t exist.

Shen Yu sighed inwardly and leaned back—only then truly seeing him in daylight.

Up close, Guo Rui was even better-looking. His lashes were long, casting faint shadows beneath his eyes. His nose straight, lips slightly pink. When he frowned, a tiny crease appeared between his brows.

Definitely cute, Shen Yu decided.

He must have stared too long.

“What are you staring at?” Guo Rui snapped, finally turning.

Shen Yu startled. “I—I was looking at the trees.”

Guo Rui glanced outside. “There aren’t any trees.”

“…Then the buildings,” Shen Yu corrected smoothly.

Guo Rui scoffed. “You’ve changed a lot, Shen Yu.”

Shen Yu looked at him calmly.

“But don’t think you can fool me with this behavior,” Guo Rui continued coldly. “I’ll get back at you.”

The carriage stopped.

Shen Yu smiled faintly—not afraid.

Interesting.

It seemed his second life was going to be far more complicated… and far more entertaining than he’d expected.

And this annoyed, sharp-tongued boy—

You’ll be important, Shen Yu thought, stepping out of the carriage.

I can feel it.

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