From Brink of Hell to Presidential Bid

From the joyous heights of heaven to the very brink of hell, it took but a single sentence.

Jiang Wan discreetly wiped the perspiration from her elegant neck—a cold sweat had broken out, startling her in that sudden moment.

“A misconception?”

Unaware of the shift in her sister’s demeanor, Jiang Li continued her calm analysis.

“Are you suggesting I might not actually be in love with her?”

“Love is not so simple a matter; it is profoundly complex, stirring something indefinable and elusive within your heart,” Jiang Wan murmured softly.

“You cannot presume it to be love based solely on a mere guess.”

Truthfully, Jiang Wan herself didn’t fully grasp it; her entire romantic history comprised a six-month silent admiration for Xi Yao.

Jiang Li nodded earnestly.

“I understand.”

‘Oh, did she truly understand just like that?’

Jiang Wan’s emotions were a tangled knot, and she dared not inquire precisely what her sister had comprehended.

‘She must have realized that, ‘Dear, that’s not love,’ which is for the best.’

“Thank you, Sister,” Jiang Li said, glancing at the time before rising to leave.

“I’ll head back to prepare for class now.”

She had understood: whether one had fallen for someone could not be so simply ascertained; it required patience and numerous actions to truly verify.

Jiang Li had grasped the concept entirely.

For now, returning to class was the priority.

“Take care, and be safe on your way.”

Jiang Wan watched her sister’s form vanish beyond the door, then walked over to close it securely before sinking weakly onto the sofa.

Her heart was a maelstrom of conflicting emotions.

She had never imagined that within those few brief minutes, she would receive two pieces of news simultaneously—one auspicious, one profoundly unsettling.

The good news was the possibility of her sister developing feelings for a girl.

The dire news was that the object of affection was her sister-in-law.

‘Hopefully, as I told her, it’s merely a misconception.’

After a prolonged moment of contemplation, Jiang Wan took out her phone and shared a song on QQ Space: Angela Chang’s “Dear, That’s Not Love,” hoping Jiang Li would see it.

“The organ in the classroom tinkles ding-dong ding-dong, like the soft, light movements of your confession~~

****

Regardless, the young women had all found something of value.

Xi Ruo pondered for a long while, eventually realizing she wouldn’t need a pillow—her own chest was ample enough; if all else failed, she could simply embrace Xi Yao, rendering a pillow utterly superfluous.

Aileen had located the key and intended to go set things up during the lunch break.

Jiang Li returned from the school doctor’s office; though she hadn’t received a definitive answer, she now understood her course of action and no longer felt adrift regarding her path forward.

A bright future awaited them all.

As for Xi Yao, she, too, had made her own significant discovery.

Initially, she had considered posting on the forum if all else failed, but as she stepped out of the classroom for a stroll, she unexpectedly encountered several students equipped with professional cameras and filming gear.

“You’re Student Xi Yao, aren’t you? Yes, definitely, white hair, big chest… *cough*, it must be you.”

Xi Yao instinctively took a small step backward.

“And you are…?”

The leading girl held a small microphone, while several boys behind her carried cameras and other equipment.

“We are members of the Wenlu Academy Press Club,” the girl introduced, “I’m not sure if you’re aware, but the Press Club is a semi-official organization. We’d like to conduct a brief, impromptu interview with you. Do you happen to have a moment?”

The Press Club occasionally issued announcements and news on behalf of the school, thus possessing a degree of institutional backing.

However, during periods of inactivity, they would seek out their own projects, perhaps not to ‘make big news,’ but certainly to produce timely reports on current events.

The most talked-about incidents in the high school department recently had either been the smear campaign against Yun Caiyi and Jiang Li, or the direct confrontations between Yun Caiyi and Aileen—none of which were positive developments.

Given Yun Caiyi’s less-than-stellar reputation, the Press Club had avoided interviewing her to prevent any awkward rebuffs.

It was at this juncture that Xi Yao’s name surfaced, a subject of much recent discussion, and rumored to be cheerful and generous, making her the perfect candidate for an interview.

Thus, before the weekend holiday, the Press Club had sought her out.

“The Press Club, yes, I’m familiar,” Xi Yao said, glancing at the microphone in the girl’s hand, “But I have a small question: where’s your loudspeaker?”

“You’re speaking into that, but I don’t hear your voice amplified much.”

The girl offered an awkward smile.

“Junior Xi Yao, this is a microphone; it’s for recording, not for amplification.”

“Recording?”

“That’s right. This live interview of ours is being simultaneously broadcast directly to the forum.”

A thought sparked within Xi Yao.

Many students nearby cast a glance in their direction; seeing the Press Club conduct street interviews was a common sight, nothing particularly noteworthy.

Yet, upon closer inspection, the person being interviewed was none other than the legendary white-haired, large-chested girl?

Well, that certainly warranted a closer look.

Xi Yao sensed the growing crowd around her; she didn’t take out her phone, but she could easily imagine how many people would click to watch once the Press Club’s live stream title changed to ‘Chance Encounter with Xi Yao.’

This grand display, this level of prominence—wasn’t it far more impactful than a mere forum post?

“Junior Xi Yao, we’d like to ask,” the girl with the microphone inquired, “regarding the online rumors about you and Junior Jiang Li, is there anything you can share with everyone?”

A true media professional, she immediately addressed the question everyone was most eager to hear.

Xi Yao pursed her lips delicately, speaking with serene composure.

“I know students hold many different perspectives, and each person has formed their own conclusion in their heart.”

“However, what I wish to convey is that Jiang Li is undeniably an exceptional young woman; academically, no one her age can rival her achievements.”

“Yet, everyone is entitled to their preferred way of life, and Jiang Li has no intention of running for Student Council President.”

“Holy moly (TL Note: A Chinese internet slang expression of surprise, ‘guigui’), she wasn’t planning to run for election?”

The interviewing girl froze for a moment, then realized something was amiss.

“Junior Xi Yao, our interview right now concerns you and Junior Jiang Li…”

“But that is not what’s important. What truly matters is my perspective on the Student Council President.”

“I believe the Student Council President should be people-oriented, prioritizing the inherent rights of students and striving to secure a better campus life for them.”

The girl listened, dumbfounded for several seconds, caught between laughter and tears.

“Junior Xi Yao, we intended to interview you about the matters concerning you and Junior Jiang Li, not the Student Council President…”

“But this is even more crucial, and it affects all of us intimately, doesn’t it?” Xi Yao countered, tilting her head.

“Furthermore, haven’t you detected my meaning?”

The young woman’s adorable face was etched with earnestness, and her wine-red eyes held a subtle sense of being in complete control, causing the interviewing girl to involuntarily straighten up.

“Detected what?”

Xi Yao adjusted her collar and smoothed her skirt, presenting an air of utmost formality.

“What I mean to say is…”

The surrounding gazes brimmed with curiosity; surely, those watching the live stream on the forum were observing her with the same intensity.

But those individuals privy to the ‘poolside meetings,’ those who had received the news, would undoubtedly be filled with anticipation and excitement.

Xi Yao recalled Aileen’s initial plan, which hadn’t specified how long to lie low, but certainly wasn’t meant for immediate action.

However, plans are subject to change, and the current situation no longer permitted further delay.

“Do you believe in ‘gravity’?”

“I deeply admire the girl who first identified the ‘snow mountain’ (TL Note: A metaphor referring to Xi Yao’s prominent chest, often used in Chinese web novels to describe a character’s large bust), and in the most fitting location, the bathhouse, proposed a landmark that instantly positioned me at the core.”

“Aileen, once I become adept, you will realize that your decision back then was the most accurate one.”

“One last time, the poolside discussions are about to accelerate.”

“An awakening in the haze, collective courage, the fulcrum effect, convert’s fanaticism… idle talk ends here.”

“I, Xi Yao, a second-year high school student,” the young woman slowly opened her eyes, her wine-red pupils reflecting the image of every person present, “hereby declare my candidacy for this term’s Student Council President election!”