My Archrival Finally Sees My Charm After My Identity Is Exposed

[Dear readers, please add this one to your favorites and pre-save it! The next book is "Jungler, Stop Staring! (Esports)". Check my author page for the blurb. After that comes "The Villain Can't Stop Thinking About Me [Quick Transmigration]". The blurb is at the end!]

Other than being hopelessly bad at school, Shu Chengran is obedient and sensible, the very picture of a good kid.

But after transferring schools, he gets surrounded by boys calling him "Boss" and somehow becomes the new school bully. Top student Ye Zhiqiu also takes him for a problem student and treats him like a thorn in his side.

Shu Chengran thinks back and feels wronged:

Got into fights?

Yes, to save someone.

Turned in a blank test?

Yes, because I spotted a printing error right before handing it in and got a replacement.

Didn't wear the uniform?

...I just transferred. Where was I supposed to get one?

But what does any of that have to do with Ye Zhiqiu? What did I do to annoy him?

After one misunderstanding after another, they become sworn enemies... then desk mates... and then... roommates?!

Ye Zhiqiu: Even if I had to jump off this building, I would never get along with Shu Chengran.

Shu Chengran: I'll just stay out of his way.

Who would have thought that, even though they live under the same roof and ignore each other through a wall, they would end up closely connected in the strangest ways?

Shu Chengran runs a blog about books and writing, and follows a science-and-math study blogger who follows him back. They get along well and often chat late into the night. The other blogger replies instantly and patiently answers all his beginner questions.

After helping him out, the science whiz says, "Ask me anything you don't understand. And don't forget to update your story."

Shu Chengran: "Okay, thanks."

To move along the plot of his esports novel, he also becomes a fan of a faceless game streamer who broadcasts just once a week.

The streamer's deep, pleasant voice asks, "Want me to help you rank up?"

Shu Chengran: "No, thanks."

A classmate accidentally drags him to a strange bar, where the bartender makes him a custom cocktail.

The masked bartender stares at him, his voice slightly hoarse. "How does it taste?"

Shu Chengran: "It's good, thanks?"

Things keep heading in a strange direction, and there's no turning back. Unfortunately, Shu Chengran is a little slow on the uptake and doesn't realize... that his sworn enemy looks at him a little differently.

*

Later, the science blogger's late-night messages get stranger and stranger: "It's cold. Dry your hair before bed. You can ask your roommate about the problems you don't understand, too."

Shu Chengran: ?

The game streamer: "Got the hang of it? Try playing with your roommate."

Shu Chengran: ??

The bartender: "If you like it, here's the recipe. Have your roommate make it for you."

Shu Chengran: ???

Finally, one day the blogger messages him to ask if he wants to date. Blushing, Shu Chengran walks straight into the room next door, where Ye Zhiqiu lives.

Shu Chengran: Have you run out of secret identities yet? Didn't you find me annoying?

Ye Zhiqiu: Hah, look who's changed his mind?

[Reading Guide]

1. A black iris thriving in the desert, top × a carnation tucked away in a greenhouse, bottom (not really)

A seemingly gentle top student who is actually possessive, calculating, and unhinged × a seemingly aloof school bully who is actually a sweet, shy, sensitive underachiever

2. No real-person references; no one-to-one character inspirations.

3. The bottom isn't really aloof or expressionless. He just doesn't dare show how he feels.

4. Sweet with a touch of angst; both leads are virgins; happy ending.

[Next up: the fantasy romance Quick Transmigration novel "The Villain Can't Stop Thinking About Me [Quick Transmigration]". Please add it to your favorites! Here's the blurb!]

The "Holy Mother Mary" game has recently become a huge hit. Yu Shi, a game companion who takes paid requests, stays up all night playing with clients. After losing ten games in a row with one client, he accidentally dies of exhaustion. But the next second, he gets a chance to come back to life and is bound to the "Saint" System.

System: "Host, you must travel to each mission world and win over the villain. Complete seven missions and you can come back to life."

Yu Shi plants his hands on his hips, utterly unbothered.

The System says anxiously, "They're genuine villains, Host. Take this seriously!"

World One

He's the kind-hearted real young master who was lost by a wealthy family. The villain is a wicked fake young master who swindles them out of their fortune.

When the villain does something bad, he recites the Tao Te Ching beside him. When the villain tries to silence him, he picks up an electronic wooden fish: Merit +1. When the villain gives him a strange look, he finds a comfortable position and lies down.

Mission complete.

System: ?

World Two

He's a puppet emperor, controlled by others from birth. The villain is a ruthless regent who can command the winds and rain with a flick of his hand.

When the villain seizes control of the imperial edicts, he immediately stops bothering with court affairs and spends his days eating, drinking, and having fun. When the villain takes the military tiger tally, he turns around and hands over all sorts of jade seals and military tokens. When the villain wants the throne, he quickly abdicates and retires to the harem.

Mission complete.

System: ??

World Three

He's an immortal master misunderstood by the world and scorned by everyone. The villain is a sect leader who speaks like a Buddha but hides a snake's heart, secretly cultivating the demonic path.

When the villain wants to steal his cultivation, he offers up his golden core. When the villain wants to massacre his rivals, he makes some wild suggestions. When the villain wants to force someone into a relationship, he says, "Let her go. Come after me instead."

Mission complete.

System: ???

... ...

The villains are being won over in such a strange way that the System frowns. "You call that winning them over?"

Yu Shi looks at the villain lying beside him. "They look so much like my best buddy. This is what you call brotherly affection."

You call that brotherly affection?

Yu Shi, getting closer and closer to the villains, doesn't think much of it.

The System flies into a rage. "Y-you! Get off him!"

[Reading Guide]

1. Character types: a seemingly saintly but actually laid-back bottom who plays dumb to outsmart people × a seemingly villainous but actually devoted, slightly calculating top who's completely smitten with his wife.

2. The top is the same person in every world.

3. Mutual secret crushes.

Theme: Even those trapped in the mire can find their own ray of sunshine.