Yaon Luo Na took a biscuit and fell into deep thought, recalling the days when he used to shine brightly, effortlessly drawing everyone’s attention the moment he appeared. He pondered: “Seriously… is my presence really that weak?”
At the entrance of Lumian Academy, a man with ordinary attire, long legs, and strikingly handsome yet sharp features walked in with an admission notice. After completing the registration and initial preparations, he followed the academy map to find his dormitory.
Meanwhile, in another part of the campus, a delicate-looking yet aloof and haughty man stood in front of an opulent villa, dressed in exquisite finery. After surveying the surroundings, he nodded approvingly and said to the butler beside him in a surprisingly soft tone, unlike his cold demeanor: “As expected of Lumian Academy, renowned across the continent. Even the surroundings of this top-tier villa dormitory reflect its elite status.”
The butler, brimming with pride, replied matter-of-factly: “Of course. This place is reserved for distinguished figures like us. Naturally, the conditions are unparalleled. How could a place specially prepared for someone like our young master be anything less?”
Truly, an outstanding butler—elevating himself while subtly flattering his master.
The man’s eyes flickered with something unreadable before settling back into calmness. Nodding in agreement, he walked inside, casually probing the butler for information about his elder brother.
“Ah, what a pity. Though we are brothers, the disparity in treatment between my elder brother and me is staggering.”
The butler’s face twisted with indignation: “Hmph! It’s all because of that vile woman—relying on her looks and temporary favor—who’s challenging the Duchess’s position. She’s the one nitpicking over trivial matters, forcing the eldest young master to suffer in those lowly commoner quarters.”
With a sneer, he added arrogantly: “Young masters like ours belong in the most prestigious places, befitting their status. That wretched woman thinks she can suppress the eldest young master this way? Pure delusion! Even in the lowest quarters, the eldest young master will undoubtedly shine the brightest!”
The man nodded. “Indeed, elder brother has always been exceptional. Even delayed by two years and forced into the worst dormitory, he remains unmatched.”
After all, if his elder brother weren’t exceptional, why would he choose him as his “collaborator”? In an unnoticed moment, a scornful smirk flashed across the man’s lips before vanishing.
Meanwhile, in the shabby commoner dormitory, a tall, golden-haired man in lavish clothing surveyed his surroundings with undisguised disdain. His arrogance and pride in his talent and status made him openly contemptuous of those around him.
“Hey, tell me—does Lumian Academy require students to live on campus?” If possible, as the son of a Duke, he would never stoop to staying in such a dump.
His family’s servants wouldn’t even live here, let alone someone of his stature.
The plain-faced man beside him, wearing a faint smile, replied impassively: “Of course not. The academy only charges for lodging but doesn’t enforce it.”
The golden-haired man nodded haughtily. “As it should be.” Without another word, he turned and left.
His subordinates would handle the rest. Why waste time here? Staying any longer would be an insult to his status!
After he left, a delicate-looking commoner boy approached the man who had spoken to the golden-haired noble. His voice carried a hint of concern: “Weilun, are… are you okay?”
Weilun’s smile warmed instantly. He patted the boy’s head. “Liya, don’t worry. Someone like him can’t ruin my mood. If I couldn’t handle such trivialities, how could I ever catch that person’s eye? Anyway, forget him. I have something more important to tell you.”
Liya straightened up. “I’m listening, Weilun.”
Weilun’s expression softened. “I’ve arranged for you to have a single room. The conditions aren’t great, but at least you’ll have privacy. Remember—never reveal your true gender. Don’t betray that person’s trust in us.”
Liya nodded vigorously. “Don’t worry, Weilun! After everything we’ve endured, this is already so much better. I’ll be careful!”
Weilun smiled approvingly before leaving for work, though reluctantly.
Watching Weilun’s retreating figure, Liya clenched his fists, silently cheering himself on: *You can do this, Liya! One day, you’ll succeed and share Weilun’s burdens!*
Meanwhile, Weilun continued striving for their future.
Back in the dormitory, the talkative and somewhat clueless Yaon Luo Na finally managed to insert himself into the conversation between Davist and Kurl.
Though Kurl’s murderous glares suggested he’d love to dismember Yaon Luo Na, the oblivious fool ignored them, happily chatting with his new friend.
Kurl (smiling on the outside, seething inside): *Yep, still want to chop this idiot into pieces…*
Fortunately, Davist seemed more interested in talking to Kurl, often unconsciously focusing on him. This soothed Kurl’s jealousy, preventing him from acting on his violent impulses. The trio’s conversation soon became lively.
Yet, as Kurl and Davist grew more in sync, Yaon Luo Na’s unease intensified.
Yaon Luo Na: *Hmm… why do I feel like I’m getting brighter and more redundant? Nah, must be my imagination! Kurl and I grew up together—we’re like brothers! And Davist is my new friend too! How could I be the odd one out? Yeah, definitely just my imagination!*
Just as the three were enjoying their chat, a strikingly handsome man burst in, fuming: “Unbelievable! Some people are just beyond ridiculous!”
The moment he entered and saw his three roommates staring, he suddenly wished he could curl into a ball from embarrassment.
Davist’s ears twitched, Yaon Luo Na looked confused, and Kurl—the most approachable—took the initiative: “Um… are you our last roommate? Did something happen?”
Sios gradually composed himself. “Ahem… I’m Sios Epslin. I’m assigned to this dorm, so… we’re roommates.”
After introductions, Sios explained his outburst: “So, I was on my way here when I saw this insufferable golden-haired guy. I didn’t pay much attention, but the guy ahead of me—who looked poor—glanced at him a few times. And you know what that snob did?”
“He gave him this disgusted look like he was trash and said—*‘Filthy lowlife, how dare you look at me? I’ll gouge your eyes out!’* Can you believe it? Who does he think he is?”
Luckily, the bystanders were new students, unsure of the noble’s background, and the target wasn’t confrontational. Otherwise, things could’ve escalated.
Yaon Luo Na stroked his chin. “That guy… sounds familiar. Kurl, don’t you think it’s… Ostinarlo?”
Kurl shrugged. “That attitude does match Ostinarlo.”
Yaon Luo Na sighed. “That Ostinarlo… always stirring trouble. Honestly, his younger brother Olvia is far better, despite being siblings.”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage