A Bite of Sour Orange

[School life / staying under one roof / male unrequited love / slow burn and nuanced / mutual growth]

[Unbothered, emotionally dense, poor top student vs. rich young master who stubbornly denies his feelings]

After an unexpected incident, country girl Chi Wu decided to transfer schools, beginning a “wonderful” new life as a lodger.

When they first met, the boy was prickly and warned her coldly, “Don’t get involved with me. Know your place.”

She nodded obediently. “Don’t worry.”

-

Bian Che was the celebrated star of the school, adored by everyone. The only thing he didn’t excel at was studying, which he deliberately neglected.

Chi Wu was always bent over her desk working through problems. She cared about nothing but her studies.

At school, they sat together and spoke only when necessary.

But when they returned each night to the same roof, their relationship gradually grew closer...

-

At her first official exam after transferring, Chi Wu came in first by a landslide and made a name for herself overnight.

With her intelligence, cool demeanor, and stunning looks, she quickly became famous throughout Bei No. 1 High School. She received love letters by the armful.

He was the only one who “scoffed” at her.

-

Later, rumors spread that the beautiful top student, who had never been interested in romance, had fallen for someone.

Someone completely lost it and cornered her at her desk between classes, his voice taut. “Chi Menglong, who the hell do you like?!”

Chi Wu was busy solving a math Olympiad problem that had stumped her for ages. Irritated, she shot back, “It’s none of your business. Know your place.”

“...” Her words came full circle, striking the boy right between the eyes.

It wasn’t until later that Bian Che realized all his “dislike” had been a disguise for the way he secretly liked her.

Unrequited love is a sour orange. The stubborn take a bite, wince at the sharpness, and only then taste a hint of sweetness.

*The male lead starts out as a strong, macho type, then turns into a devoted puppy later on.