C1 The School Belle Came to Pick Me up on the First Day of School!

In the blazing heat of September, at the entrance of the University of Lerwick, a school bus was slowly making its way toward the campus. On the bus, seated by the window in the third row from the back, a young man named Zhang Xuan appeared lost in thought, his forehead beaded with cold sweat and his body trembling as though he were ill.

"Have I... transmigrated?" he wondered.

Zhang Xuan couldn't believe his misfortune. All he had done was drink an expired bottle of soda, and now he was dead? Yet, when he awoke, he found himself in a parallel world, another version of Earth.

Checking his phone, Zhang Xuan caught a glimpse of his reflection and was quite pleased with his new visage. Despite looking a bit pale, possibly from his 'illness,' his good looks were undeniable.

Girls nearby stole glances at him, quickly averting their eyes, hoping not to be caught staring.

"Students, we've arrived at the university," announced the bus driver. "Get off and start enjoying your wonderful college life!"

With that, everyone disembarked, and a wave of noise washed over them.

"University of Lerwick, here I come! My girlfriend, I'm on my way!"

A sudden shout drew curious looks from the crowd.

"Dude, did you start dating in high school? Did your girlfriend come with you?" someone joked.

"I've never dated, but I'm certain my girlfriend is here at the school waiting for me," came the confident reply.

"Maybe in some future mother-in-law's belly, huh?"

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

Just then, a girl in a light blue dress caught everyone's eye. Her figure commanded respect from the onlookers, and her skirt fluttered as if caught in a gentle autumn breeze. As she walked, a mesmerizing sway captivated all the onlookers.

Zhang Xuan too observed the scene and sighed to himself. Being a woman seemed to have its perks.

A young man broke away from the group and called out to the girl, "Honey, I'm here!" He approached her and effortlessly wrapped his arm around her waist. Together, they walked toward the school, their laughter and flirtatious banter leaving a trail of envy in their wake. The other men watched longingly, their eyes scanning for a chance to find girlfriends of their own.

Having a girlfriend is great, isn't it? Someone to cherish you throughout your four years of college, never leaving you feeling lonely."

"I swear, I'll find my girl within a month!"

"I was such an idiot. Why didn't I ask my girlfriend to apply to the same university?"

Overhearing their conversation, Zhang Xuan couldn't help but crack a smile.

Back on Earth, he had been an orphan with neither money nor a home, too timid to confess his feelings to any girl he liked.

But in this world, he was still Zhang Xuan, with parents who, though not wealthy, loved him dearly.

"Dad, Mom," he whispered, a longing fulfilled from his past life.

"Come on, let's not just stand here. Time to check in!"

The group, luggage in tow, moved toward the interior.

Suddenly, the air turned electric, the line coming to a halt as a collective gasp rippled through the crowd, as if they had witnessed something extraordinary.

The guys up front were particularly struck, their eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets.

"She's stunning!"

"Are the girls at the University of Lerwick always this impressive?"

"Pfft, you don't have a clue, do you? Recognize her? That's Xia Meng, the sophomore beauty queen of Lerwick. Huh? What's she doing here?"

Xia Meng's features were as delicate as if she had stepped right out of a painting, her tall figure accentuated by the white skirt that revealed her slender, pale legs.

White sneakers graced her feet, her whole presence radiating an undeniable allure of youth.

This effortless beauty was heart-stopping, without a hint of pretense.

The other girls in line couldn't resist comparing themselves to Xia Meng, but one glance at her poised demeanor and flawless features made them shyly look away.

With a light step and a beaming smile, as if basking in some delightful secret, Xia Meng approached.

Her hair, kissed by the sun's fiery glow, shimmered with a golden radiance.

Those near the entrance were spellbound by the sight of her.

They all wondered, what could possibly have the campus belle beaming with such joy?

"Xia Meng, I called out to you yesterday. Didn't you mention you had an important commitment today? Aren't you supposed to be somewhere else?"

"Get under the umbrella, quick! It's sweltering out here. Are you guys blind? Someone bring a chair for the school belle!"

The boys tasked with welcoming the new students were clamoring over each other, each desperate to catch the school belle's attention.

"Thanks, everyone. I'm just here to pick someone up. Carry on with your day."

Xia Meng offered a gracious smile, gently turning down the eager male students.

Yet, her smile had a paralyzing effect, leaving the boys around her rooted to the spot. It was like a breath of spring air, utterly enchanting.

She was the dream girl of every male student on campus.

"She's so stunning. I'd gladly give up ten years of my life just to be her boyfriend!"

"Ten years? I'd give up twenty without a second thought!"

"Please, this is Xia Meng we're talking about—noble, elegant, and beyond compare. Do you really think she's within reach for just anyone?"

Zhang Xuan was captivated at the sight of Xia Meng.

She was far more beautiful than any movie star he remembered from his past life.

Her eyes were darting around, clearly searching for someone in the crowd.

The onlookers were puzzled. Who could possibly merit such personal attention from the school belle?

Then, Xia Meng's eyes sparkled with recognition, and in that moment, a number of the boys were so breathless with anticipation that their faces turned red and their necks swelled, yet they remained blissfully unaware.

Zhang Xuan watched with curiosity. He, too, was eager to see who in the world could be worthy of such a personal pickup by the school belle.

As Xia Meng began to approach the group of newcomers, the excitement was palpable.

"Holy smokes, the school belle is heading this way. Could it be that my legendary exploits have reached her ears, touching her heart so deeply that she's decided to come for me?"

"Get lost, man. She's looking at me. See, she just smiled at me! My heart's going to stop!"

The boys around Zhang Xuan were abuzz with excitement, their breaths coming in quick gasps.

All eyes followed Xia Meng's every move. Zhang Xuan's brow furrowed. Was it just his imagination, or was the school belle actually looking his way?

He must have been mistaken; they didn't know each other after all.

Without really thinking about it, Zhang Xuan found himself shuffling a few steps to the side.

Just then.

"Hey there, junior! Hand over your bag, and I'll show you where to check in!"

A subtle scent wafted through the air, accompanied by a crisp, lively voice that rang out unexpectedly close to him.

Zhang Xuan was momentarily baffled.

Was the campus beauty actually there to meet him?