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Meng Wanqiu, a bright and disciplined girl from a modest rural background, travels to the city with her aging grandfather, Meng Mao, to begin high school. Their journey is driven by a childhood arrangement: Meng Mao and Sheng Ting, former comrades-in-arms, had promised that their respective grandchildren, Meng Wanqiu and Sheng Xun, would marry when they came of age. Meng Wanqiu has spent years idealizing Sheng Xun, imagining him as a refined and kind figure, a stark contrast to the impulsive young men in her hometown. Upon arrival, she is welcomed into the wealthy Sheng household, where she meets Sheng Xun’s parents and the family matriarch, Meng Jie. However, her romantic illusions are quickly shattered. Sheng Xun is arrogant, dismissive, and openly hostile toward the engagement, viewing it as a feudal relic. His first words to her are laced with disdain, and he makes no effort to hide his lack of interest.

The initial days at home are fraught with tension. During a family dinner, Sheng Xun’s friend, Jiang Fei, cruelly mocks Meng Wanqiu’s grandfather, reducing his military service to a transactional favor. Meng Wanqiu, usually quiet and compliant, confronts Jiang Fei with sharp words, defending her grandfather’s honor. The confrontation escalates until Sheng Xun physically intervenes, pulling Meng Wanqiu behind him to protect her from Jiang Fei’s aggression. Later, when Meng Mao departs for the city to pack their belongings, leaving Meng Wanqiu alone in the Sheng household, she breaks down in tears. Sheng Xun, witnessing her distress, comforts her in an embrace that surprises both of them. Despite this moment of vulnerability, Sheng Xun maintains his stance, declaring that he will never marry her. Meng Wanqiu, refusing to be a victim, counters with equal sharpness, and the two seal their mutual disinterest with a high-five, agreeing to annul the engagement.

As they begin their first year at No. 1 Middle School, the dynamic between them shifts subtly. Meng Wanqiu excels academically, particularly in English and Chinese, while Sheng Xun struggles with Chinese essays despite his mathematical brilliance. They are placed in the same elite class, where Sheng Xun is appointed math representative and Meng Wanqiu is made English representative. Sheng Xun’s rebellious nature clashes with the school’s expectations, while Meng Wanqiu navigates the social hierarchy with caution. She finds herself alienated from Sheng Xun’s close-knit group, which includes his childhood friend Gu Siyu and Jiang Fei. Gu Siyu, though outwardly friendly, engages in petty conflicts with Meng Wanqiu, such as borrowing and losing her notebook, which leads to public criticism from the teacher.

Throughout these challenges, Sheng Xun remains a complex figure. He oscillates between indifference and unexpected acts of kindness. He lends Meng Wanqiu his copy of "The Road Less Traveled," a book she admires, and helps her with difficult math problems when she struggles. In one instance, he retrieves her lost notebook from the playground after she is detained by the English teacher, an act he downplays as mere convenience. Meng Wanqiu, in turn, begins to see past his abrasive exterior, recognizing his intelligence and hidden loyalty. She also forms friendships with other classmates, including Qian Jiming and Shang Yan, who help her with her studies and provide a support network outside of Sheng Xun’s circle.

The story explores the evolving relationship between Meng Wanqiu and Sheng Xun as they navigate the pressures of high school, academic competition, and social dynamics. Meng Wanqiu’s independence and resilience challenge Sheng Xun’s assumptions, while his gradual, albeit reluctant, support helps her overcome obstacles. The narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration of their connection, moving from a forced engagement to a complex partnership shaped by mutual respect and understanding. As they face the challenges of adolescence together, the boundaries between their worlds begin to blur, hinting at a future where their initial hostility may transform into something more profound.