In Yan Huan’s eyes, what kind of person was Ying Gong Tong?
Serious, strict, but also empathetic and incredibly gentle.
For the past six months, though she seldom expressed it outwardly, she had been taking care of everyone exceptionally well.
She enjoyed quiet activities, possessed many refined hobbies, and was highly knowledgeable. This gave her a maturity and poise uncommon among her peers, making her a pleasant companion to be around.
In short, in Yan Huan’s view, Ying Gong Tong was an upright, respectable person.
If it weren’t for his certainty that the current situation was tied to the Modifier, he wouldn’t have suspected her at all.
“If you ask me, hey, there’s nothing wrong with Ying Gong!”
Yan Huan almost wanted to mimic Old Eight from Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy.
The problem was, with just the two of them here, Ying Gong was the most suspicious, followed by the possibility of an unknown third party.
It couldn’t possibly be Yan Huan himself using the Modifier, could it?!
Thinking of this, Yan Huan clenched the note in his palm and slowly crumpled it.
Then, he smiled at the not-so-distant Ying Gong Tong, whose cautious and uneasy expression hadn’t escaped him, and reassured her:
“Someone’s probably pulling a prank... Don’t worry, Ying Gong. I’ll call the school staff to get us out of here.”
“Yes, President...”
Yan Huan took out his phone, his gaze falling on the signal bars with a red exclamation mark.
Though his heart remained calm, he allowed a trace of surprise to show on his face.
“No signal...”
Hearing this, Ying Gong Tong quickly took out her phone and frowned as she dialed the emergency number.
No connection.
“... Even the emergency call won’t go through, President. What should we do?”
Ying Gong’s uneasiness grew more apparent. Though her face remained composed, the subtle tremble in her pale legs beneath her shorts betrayed her inner turmoil.
“Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
Yan Huan withdrew his gaze, temporarily abandoning his suspicions about whether the Modifier user was Ying Gong Tong or someone else, and instead examined their surroundings.
The equipment room was inherently enclosed, with only the main door and a ventilation opening.
In one corner of the room’s ceiling, a surveillance camera with a blinking green light was visible.
Yan Huan approached the ventilation opening, peering through its grid into the outside. He could only see a deep, impenetrable darkness, as if the entire room had been plucked from reality and thrown into some unknown parallel dimension, isolated from the external world.
A sealed space that couldn’t be escaped without accomplishing certain actions...
It sounded exactly like the behavior of those R-rated Modifier effects. But in terms of the Modifier’s supposed effect?
Create a room and prevent escape unless specific actions are taken?
That seemed too weak, especially compared to the powers wielded by the other two.
Bai Yi’s apathy and Ye Shiyu’s hypnosis were potent abilities, making it hard for Yan Huan to believe that the mysterious user’s Modifier effect would be this simple.
For now, the best course of action was to wait.
Yan Huan sighed, resigned, and sat on a yoga mat directly facing Ying Gong Tong.
Previously, Yan Huan had developed two strategies to counter the Modifier: the first being to ensure the Modifier’s host could not achieve their intended goal.
If he didn’t know what to do now, listening to the note’s instructions was out of the question.
With a faint smile at Ying Gong Tong, he suggested,
“Looks like we’re stuck for the moment. Let’s wait it out here. The basketball class in the gym will need to return their equipment, and when they do, they’ll let us out.”
“Yes, President...”
Hearing this, Ying Gong Tong, who was sitting on the mat with her knees hugged to her chest, finally nodded and began to wait.
Yet, a glint of unreadable light flickered in her deep eyes.
The President still thought this was just a prank, didn’t he?
Little did he know, the barrier had already separated this room from the real equipment room.
Even if someone came to return equipment and opened the door, they would only see another equipment room—not the one containing the two of them within the barrier.
This was an effect Ying Gong Tong had tested countless times in the Student Council Office. Occasionally, when she wanted to monitor the surveillance cameras without being disturbed, she used this very method.
The space within the barrier would only reconnect with reality when she lifted it.
Now, the basketball players had indeed arrived to return their equipment.
A phantom-like light surfaced in her vision, and she could sense the movement of people within the real equipment room beyond the barrier.
The students placed the basketballs back in their designated spots, then turned and closed the door.
Click...
So, what’s your plan now, President?
Sooner or later, you’ll realize that no one is coming. Then you’ll start considering the note’s contents, won’t you?
Will you reveal your hidden emotions at that point?
Perhaps with embarrassment or tension, you’ll cautiously glance my way and ask...
Excitement filled Ying Gong Tong as her thoughts spiraled, but she couldn’t help stealing a glance at Yan Huan.
To her surprise, he was leaning against the yoga mat with his eyes closed, his breathing gradually steadying.
“...?”
He’s... asleep?!
How could he fall asleep in this situation?!
Ying Gong Tong’s mouth fell slightly open in shock, her voice trembling as she tested the waters,
“P-President?”
“......”
There was no response.
In reality, Yan Huan wasn’t truly asleep.
No matter how drowsy he felt today, he wouldn’t recklessly fall asleep in a situation involving a Modifier effect.
He was testing whether the host of the Modifier was Ying Gong Tong.
With his flawless ability to control his expressions, he could convincingly feign sleep.
If Ying Gong Tong were the host, confirming that he was asleep might prompt her to take action—whether manifesting supernatural powers or acting strangely.
Anything out of the ordinary could break the stalemate.
However, Yan Huan had underestimated Ying Gong Tong.
Even after he “fell asleep,” she maintained her composure.
Her inner anxiety and worry gradually settled in the quiet atmosphere. In fact, seeing Yan Huan sleeping so soundly seemed to calm her even further.
Taking a deep breath, she pulled out her phone and intermittently glanced at the screen, seemingly checking the time.
Ten minutes passed, then twenty, and Ying Gong Tong didn’t make a single unusual move, merely waiting for rescue.
Why hadn’t she used the Modifier more blatantly? And why was she still adhering to her usual persona?
Ying Gong Tong had her reasons:
First, caution.
Her reserved nature made her extremely wary of the risk of exposure. She didn’t trust the Modifier’s promise of “memory correction” entirely. Even a one-in-a-thousand chance of leaving a trace behind felt too risky to her.
Second, she was using the enclosed space to test whether Yan Huan had feelings for her.
If he didn’t, perhaps the “sealed room effect” and close proximity might ignite a spark between them.
But if she altered his memories or identity, would it still be the real Yan Huan falling for her?
Thus, by sheer coincidence, Ying Gong Tong had perfectly countered Yan Huan’s probing.
“......”
More than ten minutes later, Ying Gong Tong hadn’t revealed a single flaw. If anything, the prolonged silence was making Yan Huan truly sleepy.
He had no choice but to open his eyes, feigning drowsiness as he rubbed his temples and glanced toward the door.
Still closed.
“No one’s come yet? How long has it been, Ying Gong?”
“It’s been nearly twenty minutes.”
“Twenty minutes?”
Yan Huan stood up in surprise, muttering,
“That’s odd. They finished class at the same time as us; they should’ve returned the basketballs by now.”
“And what’s even stranger is that earlier, when we shouted and pounded on the door, the noise was loud enough for anyone outside to hear...”
“Could it be... something supernatural?”
Rubbing his chin, Yan Huan deliberately steered the conversation toward the paranormal.
However, Ying Gong Tong sighed and replied,
“President, please don’t scare yourself. We should trust in science.”
“You’re right, Ying Gong. But are there any other explanations?”
“......”
Ying Gong Tong frowned slightly, genuinely contemplating the possibility.
Could it really not be Ying Gong Tong after all?
If she wasn’t the host, the only plausible explanation left was that mysterious person.
If this individual’s goal was truly as despicable as trapping him and Ying Gong together just to observe them...
It might mean their Modifier’s desire aligned with voyeurism. But how was he supposed to identify the host?
Yan Huan’s expression grew darker as troubling thoughts piled up. Yet he forced himself to focus on examining the equipment room.
The small ventilation shaft wasn’t sufficient for proper air circulation, making the space feel stifling.
A faint, pleasant scent—Ying Gong Tong’s fragrance—mingled with the light sweat on Yan Huan’s body, subtly stirring an unseen tension between them.
The air seemed to grow warmer.
Taking a deep breath, Yan Huan turned and walked deeper into the room.
Alarmed, Ying Gong Tong instinctively shielded herself slightly, leaning back as she asked,
“W-what is it, President?”
“Looking for a way out.”
Ignoring her, Yan Huan began rummaging through the equipment, eventually returning with a shot put in hand.
“Step back a bit, Ying Gong.”
“Okay.”
She moved aside, watching as Yan Huan began hurling equipment at the door with fervor.
The room was soon filled with a cacophony of crashing sounds.
Shot put? Useless.
Javelin? Useless.
Barbell? Still useless.
The door held firm, as though made of indestructible vibranium.
Even the lock seemed impervious, capable of bending dumbbells without yielding.
Brute force was clearly not the solution.
In both Yan Huan and Ying Gong Tong’s minds, similar thoughts were brewing, albeit from opposite roles—one as the investigator, the other as the orchestrator.
Standing behind Yan Huan, Ying Gong Tong couldn’t help but wonder:
The President is so intent on breaking down the door... Could it be that he hasn’t even considered following the instructions on the note?
Her performance had been flawless, staying entirely in character. But she hadn’t expected the President to be such a gentleman, so upright that he hadn’t even spared her a glance.
This kind of President... she liked.
But didn’t that also imply that she held no appeal for him whatsoever?!
Could it be that her appearance lacked any charm?
In her 15 years of life, this was the first time Ying Gong Tong had ever doubted her own looks.
Then again, another possibility dawned on her.
Could it be that the President wasn’t interested in petite girls like her? Was he instead drawn to tall, elegant types?
Ah... That must be why he seemed so taken with that Ye Shiyu, right?
As these thoughts swirled, the light in Ying Gong Tong’s eyes dimmed.
To make matters worse, her body—specifically her lower abdomen—began sending a signal.
She suddenly needed to use the restroom.
Ying Gong Tong pressed a hand to her stomach, and the perfect composure she had maintained so far showed the faintest crack.
Thus, the equipment room plunged into an even darker and more bizarre stalemate.
On one side, Yan Huan, who had fruitlessly probed for the Modifier’s host, tried and failed to break down the door and was now wallowing in self-doubt.
On the other, Ying Gong Tong, flawless in her performance and charmed by the President’s uprightness, was thrown into turmoil by his utter indifference—and her growing physical discomfort.
Who would emerge victorious from this unusual day?
At that moment, Yan Huan turned around to see Ying Gong Tong, pale-faced and clutching her stomach.
Is she feeling unwell?
Right... This week...
He paused, suddenly remembering that Ying Gong Tong might be on her period.
“Are you okay, Ying Gong?”
Seeing Yan Huan’s gaze on her, Ying Gong Tong panicked, assuming she had slipped up. She forced herself to remain in character, appearing as though she was just holding on with determination.
Her face was pale, her eyes blinked unnaturally, and her breathing quickened. Yet she stood rigidly, maintaining an alert posture as if to ward off her unease.
“I’m fine, President... Let’s think of another way to get out.”
Looking at her like this, Yan Huan couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt.
Well played, unknown Modifier host. Well played.
Yan Huan took a deep breath, turned to Ying Gong Tong, and reluctantly conceded,
“Ying Gong, I know this might seem inappropriate, but... should we try following the instructions on the note? Maybe it’ll let us out.”
“Eh?”
What?! This is actually happening?
Ying Gong Tong blinked, a hint of delight flickering in her heart. But almost immediately, the discomfort in her lower abdomen surged to the forefront.
Wait a second...
She suddenly remembered that she had intentionally set the requirements to take a while, hoping to foster a spark between them.
Ten minutes holding hands, ten minutes hugging, ten minutes kissing...
If they had to go step by step, wouldn’t it take half an hour?!
And wouldn’t she...
Why were you daydreaming during volleyball practice, Ying Gong Tong?! Why didn’t you use the restroom beforehand?!
She glanced at the hesitant, handsome boy in front of her, whose conflicted expression suggested he’d agonized over this decision. His gaze, slightly evasive, seemed to hint at...
Shyness?
This shy President... how adorable...
No, no! Whatever it takes, I have to hold it in until it’s over!
If it gets too much, I can shorten the time or quietly remove the barrier early.
Outwardly, Ying Gong Tong pursed her lips, feigning hesitation. But as she surveyed the room, her resolve hardened.
Lowering her head slightly, she said to Yan Huan,
“Okay... If there’s no other way, then... let’s try it. But once we’re out, we absolutely must check the surveillance footage to find out who dared to do this.”
Surveillance? Right, this place has cameras.
Yan Huan blinked and turned toward the corner, where a blinking surveillance camera was quietly observing the enclosed space.
The Modifier host was likely watching through that very camera.
What a complete creep...
Yan Huan exhaled deeply, then approached Ying Gong Tong.
Her pupils contracted, and her breathing hitched.
In the stifling air, she felt the heat and masculine presence closing in around her.
She dared not look up, as his tall frame completely enveloped her petite figure. At 154 cm, she barely reached Yan Huan’s chest and had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze.
“...Sorry, Ying Gong,” Yan Huan said softly.
Don’t... Don’t apologize, President...
Ying Gong Tong’s eyes trembled, but Yan Huan had already taken her hand.
His warm, firm hand wrapped around her cold, soft one. For a moment, Ying Gong Tong’s world seemed to go silent.
Her lips parted slightly as her heartbeat quickened, though outwardly she maintained an air of nonchalance.
Her expression was controlled, but the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her. It was a physiological reaction she couldn’t suppress.
“...Will this suffice?”
But instead of focusing on her, Yan Huan raised their joined hands toward the surveillance camera, his face cold as he directed his comment at whoever might be watching.
Huh?
The President thinks someone’s watching us through the camera?
Caught off guard, Ying Gong Tong blinked but followed his lead, glancing toward the camera as well.
Then they lowered their arms.
Ten minutes...
Ying Gong Tong took a deep breath. The warmth from his hand momentarily overpowered the discomfort in her abdomen.
And now, she couldn’t help but look forward to the next steps—hugging and kissing.
“President... Maybe we could combine the actions. That way, it wouldn’t take as long,” Ying Gong Tong suggested, her face calm.
Yan Huan, of course, knew that would save time. With a faint smile, he replied,
“I’m just worried you might find it uncomfortable, Ying Gong.”
“Um... Maybe a little, so let’s start with a hug... I... I’m not ready for the next part yet.”
“I see... Alright.”
Since she had already made such a big concession, Yan Huan decided not to make things harder for her.
He gently pulled her into an embrace, though it was more formal than intimate, with a noticeable gap between them.
This... This counts as a hug?
Feeling disappointed, Ying Gong Tong subtly puffed out her cheeks. At that moment, the sound of rustling paper came from the door.
Feigning disinterest in the hug, she patted Yan Huan’s back and said,
“President, there’s something by the door again!”
Oh?
Yan Huan narrowed his eyes, releasing Ying Gong Tong as he walked over to pick up the new piece of paper.
It read:
“That doesn’t count. Hug tighter.”
Ying Gong Tong blinked in surprise, looking at Yan Huan, who was clearly fed up with the host’s twisted sense of humor.
You’re going to regret this, Modifier host. Once I find out who in the school has these bizarre preferences, your reputation will be in tatters...
Turning to Ying Gong Tong, Yan Huan hesitated, then asked,
“Is that okay?”
Biting her lip, Ying Gong Tong gave a barely perceptible nod and opened her arms slightly.
“...Sorry,” Yan Huan murmured again.
Stop apologizing, President...
The apology only deepened Ying Gong Tong’s guilt, but it also merged with her nervousness, eventually transforming into excitement as she anticipated his embrace.
Yan Huan took a deep breath, opened his arms, and gently pulled the petite Ying Gong Tong into a closer embrace.
The soft hug gradually tightened, and Ying Gong Tong, nestled against his chest, felt her vision blur as her emotions surged.
Kissing... I want to kiss him...
As the thought crossed her mind, she began plotting the next step, savoring the embrace. But just as she was ready to take the initiative...
BANG!!
The previously sealed door was suddenly kicked open with a deafening crash.
Yan Huan and Ying Gong Tong froze.
But it wasn’t just the door to the equipment room that shattered.
The barrier Ying Gong Tong had set up also broke apart with a loud crack, collapsing and reconnecting the room to reality.
Yan Huan winced as his head throbbed. When the barrier dissolved, the memories of what had just happened began to slip away, only to be blocked by the Modifier’s resistance, allowing him to retain the details.
“Damn...”
He hissed, letting go of Ying Gong Tong and turning toward the door.
“It’s open? But we haven’t kissed yet...” he thought to himself.
As Ying Gong Tong reluctantly stepped out of his arms, she turned her gaze to the door, shocked and furious.
In the doorway stood a girl in a tracksuit, her long golden hair gleaming like a lion’s mane. She had just withdrawn her foot, having kicked the door open.
Not only that, but she had also unknowingly shattered Ying Gong Tong’s barrier.
The girl, seemingly unaware that there had been people trapped inside, paused when she spotted Yan Huan and Ying Gong Tong.
“Oh~”
The golden-haired girl—Aria Spencer, the newly transferred student—immediately pieced the scene together. A sly, knowing smirk spread across her face.
Then, without hesitation, she pulled out her phone, ready to snap a picture.