Tian Meimei had been glowing with happiness lately. In the past, she and Si Mugu had been awkward around each other—she refused to admit her feelings for him, yet couldn’t resist bickering and teasing him. But ever since they confessed their emotions openly, the two had become inseparable.
Many people had already suspected there was something ambiguous between Tian Meimei and Si Mugu. Now, seeing them together, it was impossible not to guess the truth.
However, Si Mugu had only recently been publicly dating a freshman from their year. Now that he was with Tian Meimei, it naturally drew some criticism from those with more conventional morals.
Of course, none of these rumors reached Tian Meimei’s ears. After all, she was Si Mugu’s girlfriend now, and he protected her fiercely. If anyone dared to upset Tian Meimei, they’d soon regret it.
Tian Meimei had always been the invisible girl in her dorm, but lately, she noticed her roommates treating her with much more respect. She couldn’t help but feel pleased—finally, she was getting the attention she deserved.
Just this morning, Tian Meimei woke up to find that her roommates had already bought breakfast for her.
Touched, she said, “Thank you, guys.”
One of them replied, “Oh, Meimei, don’t be so polite! We’re roommates—helping each other out is what we do.”
Tian Meimei thought to herself that there really were more good people in the world than bad. But as she went to the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face, a sudden wave of nausea overwhelmed her.
She clutched the sink, retching violently, the sound drawing the attention of her roommates outside.
“Meimei, what’s wrong?”
“Are you sick?”
“Should we call Si Mugu?”
With a loud heave, Tian Meimei vomited a thick, black liquid that reeked of rot. Strands of hair clumped together in the vile mess, pushing the limits of human tolerance.
The others covered their mouths, screaming.
Someone gasped, “Tian Meimei… you’ve been cursed!”
Cursed?
Dazed from the pain, Tian Meimei lifted her pale face, utterly bewildered.
She had always been a nobody, never making enemies. Who could she have possibly offended enough to warrant a curse?
Meanwhile, Si Mugu knew Tian Meimei had fewer classes today, so they had planned a date. In high spirits, he tried on several outfits in front of the mirror before settling on one he liked. But gradually, he noticed something off about his reflection.
Leaning closer, he touched the corner of his eye. Strangely, his dark circles looked unusually heavy, making him appear haggard.
Had he not slept well last night?
As he pondered this, he spotted strands of hair scattered on the floor. Tentatively, he ran a hand through his hair—only to pull out a handful of loose strands.
Shock crossed his face. Since when had his hair loss become this severe?
Right then, his phone rang. It was Tian Meimei. He answered immediately, only to hear her sobbing on the other end.
Xia Miao had an evening class today. After parting ways with Shen Chi at the classroom door, she took her seat. Beside her, Gao Xiaozhu sighed dramatically, as she often did. “So nice to have a boyfriend who walks you to class.”
Xia Miao glanced at her. “If you’re envious, go find one yourself.”
“You think I don’t want to?” Gao Xiaozhu grumbled. “All the good guys are taken. The leftovers are either weirdos or losers—definitely not my type.”
Xia Miao shrugged. “So you’re picky.”
“Oh, please. No one’s pickier than you. Shen Chi is such a catch, and you snatched him up first.” Gao Xiaozhu nudged her. “And now the new dean has taken a liking to you? Ugh, how can someone be so lucky? I’m jealous!”
In just a short time, news of Dean Zhao’s admiration for Xia Miao had spread like wildfire.
After her fake-jealous rant, Gao Xiaozhu leaned in conspiratorially. “But seriously, being favored by the dean is a big deal. Rumor has it that students chosen by past deans all ended up in the world’s top research institutions. That’s an opportunity money can’t buy!”
Xia Miao perked up slightly. “Top research institutions?”
“Yeah! Apparently, they’re super classified—once you’re in, you can’t contact the outside world freely. Must be some national-level project!”
To many students their age, the idea of following in the footsteps of great scientists—working anonymously for years until their breakthroughs were revealed—sounded thrilling.
Tonight’s lecturer was Teacher Wu. After the first class ended, he approached Xia Miao.
“Dean Zhao mentioned a competition he’d like you to participate in. I’ve looked into it—it’s quite prestigious and would definitely help with your graduation prospects.”
Xia Miao was about to decline when Teacher Wu added, “Dean Zhao is waiting for you in his office right now.”
Given that he was the dean, she figured it would be polite to explain her refusal in person. After a brief hesitation, she nodded. “Understood.”
Leaving the classroom early, she thought of Shen Chi, who was still in the library studying. Following Teacher Wu’s directions to the dean’s office, she sent Shen Chi a quick message.
Every dean at their school was known for being approachable, and their offices were located in an older teaching building—easy to find.
Xia Miao entered the well-lit building, climbed to the fourth floor, and walked to the very end, where she found the door labeled “Dean’s Office.”
She knocked, and at the call to enter, she stepped inside.
Another person was in the office—a female teacher, also the dean’s assistant. Likely present to avoid any rumors about a male dean being alone with a female student.
Dean Zhao smiled warmly. “Xia Miao, I’ve reviewed your records. You’re truly exceptional. Coming from such a privileged background yet still working so hard—that alone puts you ahead of 90% of your peers.”
A stack of documents lay on the desk, all about Xia Miao.
A strange unease settled over her. “You’re too kind, professors. I’m not that outstanding. Dean Zhao, I appreciate the opportunity, but I’m not interested in competitions.”
Dean Zhao waved a hand and stood. “Don’t refuse just yet. Let me show you the new batch of experimental equipment the school just acquired. Maybe that’ll change your mind.”
Xia Miao hesitated.
The female teacher beside her smiled gently. “Our school’s excellence is why we keep receiving funding for the latest equipment. These instruments haven’t even been used yet. Go take a look, Xia Miao—I’m sure you’ll be impressed.”
