Armed Girl's Machiavellism: Shen Junshan, I Pick You!

Ever since they confessed their feelings to each other, Qu Qiubai would take advantage of being a man at school to get handsy with Shen Junshan from time to time. The key was that she acted so casually, as if it were all a joke, and for a while, no one noticed.

At meals, Qu Qiubai would pick out all the food she didn't like and put it in Shen Junshan's bowl. Shen Junshan would shoot him a sidelong glance and mutter, "You shouldn't be picky," but he'd eat every last bite.

During training, Qu Qiubai would always sneak a touch or two from Shen Junshan. Shen Junshan kept a composed expression, but the tips of his ears turned red. He'd even raise a hand to stop her and say, "Quit fooling around."

In public, Qu Qiubai would often initiate some physical contact, draping an arm over his shoulder, wrapping one around his waist, or holding his arm. Shen Junshan would let her do as she pleased, secretly delighted.

[These are probably the little moments of affection that didn't make it into the story, but were happening behind the scenes.]

Qu Qiubai: I can die, but nothing can happen to you, Shen Junshan!

Xie Xiang spoils Xiao Jun, and I spoil Qu Manting!

Story details: When they first meet, Qu Qiubai is 19 and Shen Junshan is 24. (The timeline is set in 1926 because I found out the Coca-Cola Shen Tingbai drinks in the show arrived in China in 1927.)

There are lots of liberties taken with the source material. (I've changed the male lead's height and a few other little details. He's still the same person, just a little more perfect.)

I wrote this while watching the TV series, so I recommend watching along for a more immersive experience.

She disguises herself as a man to join the Liehuo Military Academy for no other reason than that she has a System and the plot armor of a protagonist, and wants to do something for her country as it is now.

Uhhhh, this is probably still a power fantasy...

I like all three of Gu Yanzhen, Shen Junshan, and Shen Tingbai (Shen Tingbai is my favorite!), but the other two already have official pairings, and I don't want to break up Zhen Xiang or Ting Man.

Premise: Protecting our country is everyone's responsibility