Downturned Eyes

Mutual healing | Precocious boy x cool girl | Carefree flirt x starving for affection | Happy ending

1.

During the coldest winter in years, Lihai No. 1 High School became a gathering place for students who had failed their entrance exams. Bai Xin, who had just started her second year, was reported for working a part-time job off campus and suspended indefinitely.

She was at a loss about how to return to school.

Meanwhile, Luo Lai, a girl in the same grade, advanced to the district competition. She was hot on the heels of Xinfa High School, the district's top-ranked school, and was frequently discussed alongside Chen Yuke, another favorite to win.

While everyone speculated about who would secure the sole spot at the prestigious exchange school, Luo Lai withdrew and Chen Yuke was disqualified for breaking the rules.

Both lost their chance to compete.

Before the students had recovered from the uproar, news that Bai Xin was returning to school began to spread quietly among them.

The deserted hallway was white with snow beyond the windows.

She leaned forward slightly and accepted a kiss on the cheek from Luo Lai.

2.

A week later, at the school assembly, the controversy over Chen Yuke's disqualification reached its frenzied peak. Chen Yuke himself was absent from school on leave.

The boy in front of Bai Xin turned around excitedly. "Hey, I heard Lihai made the top three in each year sign a confidentiality agreement for the sake of its university admissions rate, but Chen Yuke didn't sign."

Bai Xin spoke up. "They didn't pay enough."

"What do you mean, not enough? His family doesn't need money."

The boy changed tack. "I heard it was because of a girl."

She lowered her lashes, tapping the hem of her uniform with her index finger.

That afternoon, snow fell thickly.

Bai Xin walked toward the bus stop with an umbrella.

The bus pulled up, and she climbed aboard, taking a window seat at the back.

The music in her earphones played on repeat. The students got off one by one, until only Bai Xin and the boy behind her were left on the bus.

"Luo Lai gave up her chance for you," Chen Yuke said, resting an arm on the back of the seat in front of him. The hood of his sweatshirt brushed her hair. "What did she get from you in exchange this time?"

"My heart."

Snow melted into water on the umbrella and dripped onto the hem of her uniform skirt.

"What about us?" Chen Yuke asked.

"We're even."

P.S.:

- Female lead is not a virgin, male lead is. Avoid if you have strict moral standards.

- School life in the first half, urban life in the second.

- A touch of mystery and an ensemble cast.

Saved on October 13, 2026.

Theme: