Chapter 1

On Valentine’s Day in the year 221 of the Xingyuan Calendar, all the senior female students at the Imperial Silver Academy received invitations to the Grand Prince’s ball.

Jasti, a senior, was torn between buying a dress and covering a month’s living expenses. If she could catch a noble suitor at the ball, she might secure a promising future after graduation, with no worries about her livelihood.

Going hungry for a month wouldn’t kill her, but the chance to attend an elite ball came only once. With the heart of a gambler, Jasti went to a boutique to buy a fitting gown.

After graduation, students would be assigned to various regions for service; everyone hoped for a good outcome.

On Valentine’s Day, many of Jasti’s classmates took leave to prepare for the evening’s ball.

The instructor for the morning class had not yet arrived. Jasti sat by the window, propping her face with one hand, lost in thought. She hadn’t eaten breakfast and felt hungry.

Suddenly, the window was pushed open from outside, and a figure jumped in. It was Misar. Jasti turned her head, and a can of breakfast milk was bribed into her hand.

Jasti was part of the student council’s disciplinary committee but pretended not to notice any misconduct. She opened the can and drank it; white milk stains marked her lips, which she licked off with her tongue, wasting nothing.

Before long, another figure jumped in, holding a long baguette in their mouth, splitting it in two. Jasti took one half and began to eat.

Her half-closed eyes and indifferent demeanor ensured no one reported her to the student council president—mutual convenience.

Normally packed, the classroom today had only sixteen students. The instructor entered and taught with meticulous seriousness, but the atmosphere was lazy.

After the morning class ended, the rest of the day was free time. Jasti strolled slowly through the academy grounds, unsure if she would ever have the chance to appreciate such beauty again.

At that moment, a lowerclassman, not watching where she was going, bumped into Jasti. Books scattered to the ground. After they picked them up, the student looked up.

Jasti stood beneath a blooming tree, her golden hair loosely tied at the back, her blue eyes calm and distant. The lowerclassman suddenly blushed.

“Senior, sorry to bump into you.”

Jasti accepted the apology and resumed walking. The one who bumped into her watched her retreating figure until someone tapped him on the shoulder.

“Amber, what are you staring at?”

“That person, who is she?”

“The blonde? That’s Senior Jasti.”

In a relatively clean apartment building, Jasti gazed at her long gown in a daze. Using her scholarship to buy a dress—what a foolish choice.

The old apartment building had twelve floors; she lived on the seventh. This block was a low-cost residence provided by the academy for students, rarely purchased outright. Most rented until graduation and then moved out.

Jasti had bitten the bullet and bought hers, knowing she couldn’t afford anything else.

A bell rang at the door. Jasti frowned—today wasn’t a bill day. Wearing a blue plaid home outfit, she opened the door. Both she and the visitor were stunned—the same person she had seen that morning.

Amber smiled brightly.

“What a coincidence, Senior. I’m Amber. I just moved in today, next door to you.”

“I’m Jasti.”

After closing the door, Jasti took a box of fruit to the kitchen to wash.

Soon, hurried footsteps and the sharp sound of drilling echoed in the hallway, lasting only two or three minutes.

Amber intended to install surveillance cameras in the corridor to enhance security; Jasti had no objection.

Lunch was just fruit—another meal quickly dealt with.

At dusk, a tall, slender figure appeared in the corridor. Amber’s monitor displayed a close-up of his face. He glanced at the screen and then approached Jasti’s door, ringing the bell.

When the door opened, Misar’s heart skipped a beat. Jasti wore a white, thin-strapped evening gown, her golden hair elegantly pinned up. Two pearls adorned her ears, and her wrist was wrapped in multiple delicate pearl bracelets.

Misar had arrived a bit early. He stood at the door waiting for a few minutes.

Jasti draped a beige cashmere shawl around her shoulders. When changing shoes, she couldn’t bend over—the dress was too tight.

Misar knelt before her, helping her change shoes, grumbling,

“You really are my princess. Not satisfied with teasing me every day, huh?”

Jasti looked down at him and smiled. After the shoes were changed, she linked her arm with Misar’s, and together they headed to the ball.

The installed surveillance cameras could pick up sounds in the hallway. Amber contacted the butler: he would attend tonight’s ball.

Misar’s family driver waited outside the apartment building. Seeing the two emerge, he opened the back door of the black hovering car.

The rear seat was spacious, equipped with a liquor cabinet.

Misar turned slightly toward Jasti, asking,

“Graduation is near. What are your plans?”

Jasti chewed a mint candy, smiling at the corner of her lips.

“I don’t know. If I can catch a wealthy suitor tonight, I might be able to stay.”

Misar rolled his eyes.

“You’d rather fish for a stranger than come seduce me.”

Jasti bit the candy into pieces.

“I don’t want to lose a friend like you. Strangers are easier.”

Misar frowned.

“From what you’re saying, you’ll dump him after you stay?”

Jasti gave him a mischievous smile.

“What else?”

Misar shook his head, smiling.

“You better be careful not to get beaten up.”

The car stopped. Misar was the first to exit, extending his hand. Jasti placed her hand in his palm, which held hers as she stepped down.

Before the palace gates, brilliant lights shone. A long carpet unrolled down the grand stairs. Jasti stepped onto it; it felt soft beneath her feet.

Entering the hall, two attendants opened the doors. Music and a faint fragrance greeted them.

Misar and Jasti entered together, drawing attention.

One, typically low-profile at the academy, wore a finely tailored suit that spoke of wealth. The other, usually clad in uniform, now radiated glamour.

As graduation neared, classmates became unrecognizable.

Jasti spotted her target. Misar glanced over, displeased.

“If you leave, they’ll devour me.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll come to your rescue.”

Jasti released his arm and approached a corner where a shy, socially awkward wealthy heir lingered.

Anyone here, besides same-year students, was either rich or noble.

As Jasti neared, a surprised voice called from behind,

“Senior, what a coincidence! You’re here too.”

The voice startled the shy heir, who rose and left to find a place free from disturbance.

Jasti couldn’t hold back her irritation, turning to glare at the troublemaker.

“If you see me, just see me—no need to scare people.”

Amber blinked repeatedly, then apologized, reminding,

“Senior, that person’s older brother is not to be trifled with.”

Jasti tilted her head.

“You know him?”

Amber smiled innocently.

“Yes.”

Jasti scanned the hall again, eyes darting in search of her prey. Amber came forward.

“Senior, your escort is surrounded.”

“I’ll rescue him later. How bad is that guy’s brother?”

There was no one more suitable than the shy heir in the corner.

Amber pretended not to understand.

“Senior, you like that type?”

“Exactly. They seem obedient.”

Jasti replied casually, still focused on her target.

“His brother is Colonel Han Yins.”

The moment Amber mentioned the name, Jasti’s eyes brightened.

“Thanks.”

Amber’s expression darkened as she watched Jasti approach the unwelcome man to rescue him.

Roshi, seeing Jasti coming, felt uneasy, his face flushed.

Jasti smiled beautifully at his reaction—a determined conquest.

When the Grand Prince Olavid appeared, Jasti and Roshi were already acquainted, almost familiar with his past and family.

Roshi blushed deeply and invited Jasti,

“May I have this dance?”

“Sure.”

Roshi was handsome—tall and refined—but in social circles, his reserved nature made him unpopular.

Olavid danced the opening waltz with his partner; others gradually joined.

Roshi’s blush deepened to his ears. His fingers curled behind Jasti’s waist as they danced.

Jasti opened his palm against her waist.

“Don’t drop me.”

“I won’t.”

Roshi promised, and Jasti laughed. He reddened further, awkwardly explaining,

“I won’t let you fall.”

Jasti’s hand rested gently on his back, softly murmuring.

Roshi danced well, and Jasti was no slouch. They danced several pieces together. Though shy, Roshi was quite witty.

She didn’t feel bored with him and even asked about the instructor’s assignments—he had unique insights.

“How will you get home tonight? Uh, I mean, can I escort you?”

Jasti raised an eyebrow.

“Just escort me home? Nothing else?”

Roshi’s face flamed, shaking his head.

“Nothing else.”

Jasti found him adorable.

“I’ll tell Misar. You wait here.”

Roshi nodded unknowingly. Jasti was a bit assertive, but he didn’t mind; he appreciated her straightforwardness.

Jasti pushed away the girls crowding around Misar.

He looked plaintive.

“Why did you come so late? I was about to be driven crazy.”

“You shine on your own; I can’t be blamed.”

“Hmph.”

“Roshi said he’ll escort me. You don’t have to wait.”

“His brother is a tough one. Pick someone else, or you won’t even know how you’ll die.”

Jasti hesitated slightly.

“Roshi’s actually pretty good. Serious, maybe okay.”

Misar’s face darkened.

“Suit yourself.”

He dropped the subject stiffly and turned away.

Amber watched the scene from afar.

At midnight, a sleek hovering car idled in front of the apartment.

As Jasti hummed a tune, ascending the stairs, the elevator doors opened on the seventh floor. Her heels clicked against the tiles. Seeing Misar standing in the corridor, she suddenly stopped.

“What are you doing here?”

Many cigarette butts lay near his feet. Seeing her alone, he discarded his cigarette, his voice hoarse.

“You still come back.”

Jasti stepped closer.

“Where else would I go? That doesn’t sound right.”

Misar swiftly grabbed her, pinned her against the wall, and sealed her lips with a kiss. He took her hand to unlock the door. The door slid open gently, and with a kick, he pulled her inside. The door closed and locked behind them.

The surveillance screen showed only an empty corridor.

Jasti was pressed against the door, unable to push Misar away. Their breathing grew heavy.

The kiss traveled from her lips down to her chin and neck. A strap slipped off her shoulder, revealing Misar’s deep longing. He held her firmly, wanting her.

Just as Jasti thought surrender might not be so bad, the doorbell rang, interrupting them. Before a question could be asked, Amber’s anxious voice came through.

“Senior, are you okay? Should I call the police?”

The door suddenly opened, and Misar’s dark face appeared.

“Kid, go back. This doesn’t concern you.”

Amber’s pure eyes blinked.

“Senior, are you sure you don’t want to call the police?”

Jasti stepped out from behind Misar.

“Amber, Misar isn’t a bad person. You should go back.”

The door closed again.

After being interrupted, Jasti drank water to calm down, but Misar had no intention of calming. He swept her up and carried her toward the bedroom.

Clothes were carelessly tossed aside, breaths mingling with desire.

On Valentine’s Day, they transformed from friends into lovers.