Listening to a Secret Crush in the Midsummer

Sang Mang spent six years harboring an unrequited love for Fu Qingyan, a boy she admired from afar during high school. Her affection was defined by silence and distance; she followed him on bus routes, captured photos of his back, and worked tirelessly to earn admission to University A, the same institution he attended. Upon arriving at the university, Sang Mang is introduced as a shy, diligent student with a striking appearance but a timid demeanor. She carries a secret collection of photos of Fu Qingyan and views herself as a coward for never having confessed her feelings. Fu Qingyan, conversely, is a charismatic and wealthy senior known as the campus heartthrob. He is charming yet aloof, with a reputation for rejecting suitors effortlessly. Despite his playboy image, he has never actually dated anyone and maintains a close bond with his college roommates, particularly Jiang Xuan and Chen Ren.

The narrative begins with a dream sequence where Sang Mang imagines a romantic encounter with Fu Qingyan, highlighting her deep desire for connection. In reality, their first interaction on the train to university is brief and impersonal. Fu Qingyan helps her with her heavy luggage but does not recognize her, noting that she has changed significantly from her tanned, thinner high school self. Sang Mang is devastated by his indifference, believing he has forgotten her completely. However, fate intervenes when she confronts a predatory senior, Song Siyang, who spreads malicious rumors about Fu Qingyan. Sang Mang’s fierce defense of him catches the attention of Fu Qingyan’s roommate, Chen Ren, who reports the incident to Fu Qingyan.

This leads to a pivotal encounter at a supermarket where Fu Qingyan recognizes Sang Mang as the girl who defended him. He teasingly accuses her of staging an accident to scam him, marking the first time he addresses her with a nickname, "Little Classmate." Their interaction is charged with a new dynamic; Fu Qingyan is intrigued by her sincerity and beauty, while Sang Mang is overwhelmed by his attention. He gifts her drinks as a thank you, and she finally learns his name is indeed Fu Qingyan, though she still struggles to introduce herself properly. Meanwhile, Sang Mang settles into her dormitory with three other freshmen: the outgoing Tang Jieyu, the cool and athletic An Xue, and the kind Cheng Su. They quickly form a close friendship, providing Sang Mang with a support system as she navigates her new life.

As the semester progresses, Sang Mang continues to balance her studies with her secret admiration for Fu Qingyan. She discovers that Fu Qingyan is not just a student but also a successful entrepreneur who founded a tech studio that developed a popular social app. His wealth and talent are further revealed when he casually lends money to his nephew, Ji Chengyu, despite the latter's reckless behavior. Sang Mang’s friend Tang Jieyu begins dating Ji Chengyu, bringing her closer to Fu Qingyan’s social circle, though Sang Mang remains hesitant to engage with him directly. The story explores the contrast between Sang Mang’s internal turmoil and her external composure, as she tries to maintain her distance while secretly hoping for recognition.

The core conflict revolves around Sang Mang’s fear of rejection and Fu Qingyan’s growing curiosity. While Sang Mang views their interactions as fleeting moments of hope, Fu Qingyan begins to pay sustained attention to her, finding her earnestness and loyalty refreshing compared to the superficial admirers who usually surround him. The narrative sets the stage for a gradual shift in their relationship, moving from stranger to acquaintance, with the potential for deeper emotional connection as Fu Qingyan starts to see past her shy exterior. Sang Mang’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she must decide whether to continue hiding her feelings or take the risk of revealing her true self to the boy she has loved for years.