The online controversy was escalating rapidly. Mu Chengsi frowned as she scrolled through the comments.

Yet someone seemed completely unfazed—even preparing lesson plans??

"You're seriously making lesson plans at a time like this??"

Yu Li blinked. "Is that not allowed?" She'd promised Mu Hehe after all, and having accepted payment, she intended to complete the coursework.

"Have you seen what people are saying online?"

"I have."

Mu Chengsi sighed with exasperation. "Doesn't it bother you? They're tearing into you and Bo Jingmo."

Yu Li glanced at the screen. Truthfully, these comments barely registered—especially knowing they were fabrications orchestrated by the Heavenly Dao. The absurdity nearly made her laugh.

So she did. "Isn't this ideal? The eventual clarification will be spectacular."

"..."

Sis, your perspective is... uniquely refreshing.

Somehow, Yu Li's calmness reassured Mu Chengsi too. Leaning against Yu Li's desk, she munched on snacks while scrolling. "What's weird is how our schoolmates never cared about gossip before. Why's this blowing up so huge?"

Yu Li annotated her textbook without looking up. "Truly mysterious."

Mu Chengsi hesitated before broaching another topic. "Have you talked to Bo Jingmo about it?"

Yu Li's pen stilled. "No. He should be resting now."

"Right." As Mu Chengsi pondered her next words, a phone ringtone interrupted. Both glanced at Yu Li's buzzing device.

"I'll take this outside."

By the hallway window, Yu Li answered after a deliberate pause. An unfamiliar male voice greeted her.

"Miss Yu Li?"

"Yes."

The man chuckled. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Xing Yuan, organizer of PEACE. I'd like the opportunity to get acquainted."

Yu Li's eyes narrowed. "How thoughtful. I'd assumed this was a threat."

The bluntness caught him off guard. After a beat, he laughed. "There seems to be... misunderstandings between you and PEACE. Perhaps a face-to-face discussion? I can arrange transportation whenever you're available."

Yu Li checked the time. "I'm free now. But I'll choose the location."

"Naturally. Where would you prefer?"

"Your PEACE headquarters."

Xing Yuan's fingers froze mid-air before curving into a smile.

"Agreed."

——

Tian Jianmu waited at the campus gates per instructions. Popping two gum pieces into his mouth, he straightened when spotting a familiar figure.

"Yu Li!" he called through the car window.

The girl approached and entered without ceremony. As the engine started, Tian Jianmu stole glances at her. "Xing Yuan mentioned... you specifically requested PEACE Tower?"

"Mm." Yu Li typed on her phone before looking up. "Problem?"

"Tch—" He winced. "Just impressed by your nerve."

"Why? It's just a meeting." She leaned back, spinning her phone. "Shouldn't PEACE be worried? What if I steal your secrets?"

Tian Jianmu chuckled nervously. "Guess I'd need a new job then."

Yu Li smirked silently.

During the drive, Tian Jianmu ventured, "Heard you had a very public... disagreement with Jiang Xi?"

Yu Li feigned sleep. "Disagreement? I recall a civil conversation."

Her eyes opened, tone shifting. "Fascinating how widely this spread. Even PEACE knows."

Missing her emphasis, Tian Jianmu rubbed his neck. "Jiang Xi mentioned it. The whole school's talking. How will you handle it?"

Yu Li countered, "How would you?"

"Me?" He floundered. "If it wasn't a fight, maybe... talk to Jiang Xi? Have her clarify?"

Yu Li rested her chin on her hand. "Oh?"

Sweating, Tian Jianmu continued, "You embarrassed her publicly. Even if you clashed in-game, bringing it to reality—"

Yu Li's quiet laugh silenced him. Cursing Xing Yuan internally, he focused on driving.

——

The car entered PEACE Tower's underground garage. As Tian Jianmu unfastened his seatbelt, Yu Li suddenly reached for the rearview mirror—then tossed him a black device.

"If you invite guests, skip the spy toys. It's tasteless."

Tian Jianmu gaped at the bug in his palm.

Fuck!

"This wasn't me!" he sputtered. "Must be a mistake—"

Yu Li exited calmly. "Not blaming you."

Her gaze lifted toward surveillance cameras, lips curling coldly.

"So this is PEACE's sincerity, Mr. Xing."

——

High above, in his office...

Xing Yuan clenched his headphones, tongue pressing against his cheek before releasing a derisive snort.

Tch. No pushover indeed.