My Supernatural Exes Are Desperate to Win Me Back

They had just finished eating, and with the dance about to start, the schoolgirl was still screaming for Xie Yi. Xu Xining and Zhan Xingye slipped out through the back door of the cafeteria.

Xu Xining pointed out the route and instructed Zhan Xingye to head to the art building ahead of her. “I left the rented dress in my dorm. I’ll change and join you soon!”

Zhan Xingye nodded, though he found it a bit odd.

With all the prize money Xu Xining had earned from Pianyu Media, what kind of dress did she need to rent?

The art building, the ballroom.

The walls of the ballroom were lined with floor-to-ceiling mirrors from the dance studio, making the already spacious hall appear even more expansive and bright. As the dance began, the pounding music and flashing lights set the mood ablaze. The carefree spirit of youth, slightly tipsy, burst forth in the bubbles of beer. Drinks and low-alcohol beverages were freely available, and the cafeteria ladies had brought rows of pudding puffs and cupcakes for the graduates.

Since it was a costume ball, everyone dressed as extravagantly and beautifully as possible, donning various masks. Girls in enormous hoop skirts reminiscent of Western nobility twirled past those in traditional Chinese attire, while nearby, a Catwoman or anime character might make a surprise appearance.

…

At some point, a giant frog slipped in through the door.

The ugly, striped frog costume, covered in green and black, hopped into the center of the ballroom, shaking its head and wagging its tail, dancing wildly and shaking its hips with abandon!

Before long, everyone noticed the frog, and someone even snapped a picture. “Wow, who’s this social butterfly?!”

The frog, after enjoying itself for a while, suddenly turned its attention to a victim-Wen Nansen, standing in the corner, dressed in a well-tailored suit and white shirt.

He wore a thin white leather mask that covered the upper half of his face, but his golden hair and emerald eyes were too distinctive. Coupled with his gentle and elegant demeanor, students passing by recognized him instantly.

Wen Nansen exuded an air of refined elegance, like a gentle breeze and a bright moon. Though he was humble, students somehow felt a bit intimidated by him, only daring to greet him before shyly scurrying away.

The frog swaggered over, turned its back, put its hands on its hips, and wiggled its plump, round bottom at Wen Nansen.

The students nearby were wide-eyed with shock!

Who would dare to wiggle their butt in front of Professor Wen?!

Teacher Wen couldn’t help but laugh, setting down his glass. “Hello there, little frog.”

The frog said nothing, spreading its hands to invite him to dance.

Wen Nansen obligingly extended both hands, taking the frog’s paws, and they began to dance a slow, intimate waltz.

They weren’t supposed to be so close… but the frog’s belly was so large it pressed against Teacher Wen, its massive webbed feet stepping on Wen Nansen’s toes. The scene was like a new-age version of Beauty and the Beast-“The Handsome Man and the Frog.”

Wen Nansen moved gracefully with the dance, speaking softly, “I received the piece you sent me. I really like the revised ending. Thank you.”

The frog: glanced left and right, feigned ignorance.

Wen Nansen continued, “Would you like to give it a name?”

The frog: stunned, bewildered, lost in confusion.

Wen Nansen called her name helplessly, “Xu Xining.”

“Darn it!” The girl couldn’t hold back any longer, her clear voice emerging from the costume, clearly annoyed, “How did you know it was me?!”

Xu Xining had intended to play a trick on Wen Nansen, thinking he wouldn’t want to dance with a frog at the ball.

If Wen Nansen refused, she planned to dance around him, making him the brightest star at the ball.

But to her surprise, he agreed!

And recognized her immediately!

Wen Nansen chuckled, “How could I not recognize you? Even if you turned into a frog in your next life…”

Xu Xining bristled, “Don’t say that!”

Wen Nansen gently replied, “…I would still be by the pond, fishing you out.”

Her mind couldn’t help but conjure an image of Teacher Wen with a net, fishing out a wet frog, then kissing it… poof, the frog turned into Xu Xining.

The new-age Frog Prince-“The Frog Ex.”

Xu Xining reasoned, “Teacher Wen, people don’t have past lives. Please don’t dwell on it.”

Wen Nansen paused for a moment, then quietly said, “I’m sorry.”

Xu Xining replied, “There’s no need to apologize.”

Though she was a staunch materialist, she wasn’t a radical fighter. Wen Nansen’s beliefs differed from hers, but that was okay-cultural differences. He could reincarnate as a frog, just don’t force her to do the same.

“I’m not apologizing for that,” Wen Nansen said gently.

At this moment, the ballroom was playing Shostakovich’s “Second Waltz.” Young people today weren’t fond of such retro slow tunes and didn’t know how to dance to them, so they took breaks, chatting and drinking on the sidelines.

Xu Xining, though young, had learned to dance from Wen Nansen himself. Thinking back, calling him “Teacher Wen” was indeed appropriate, considering how much she had learned for free.

The elegant man raised his hand, and with the melody, the girl twirled on her toes in his palm.

Onlookers couldn’t help but admire: What a nimble frog! Such harmony!

As the spin ended, Wen Nansen retracted his arm, and Xu Xining spun back into his embrace.

His voice was calm and steady, like deep water under moonlight, “I previously fell into a misconception. I was willing to leave you, eager to prove that past lives were real, that you and Eileen were the same person. But recently, I’ve realized I was wrong.”

She never cared whether she was Eileen; only he did.

The frog remained silent.

As the waltz reached its conclusion, Xu Xining’s eyes, positioned at the frog’s mouth, could only vaguely see Wen Nansen’s chest through the black mesh.

“What I truly should say is this-I like you because you are you, not as a substitute for anyone else.”

The dance ended with a dip, Wen Nansen holding her hand, gentlemanly supporting her waist, as the frog extended its arms, strong yet soft, leaning back gracefully, then freezing in place.

The entire room erupted in applause for them!

The frog stood upright, but Wen Nansen did not bow to her.

He leaned slightly forward, peering through the black mesh. The light from outside cast upon the man’s light golden eyelashes and deep green eyes, giving them a texture akin to a classical oil painting.

“I should have made this clear earlier…”

He removed his mask, gazing through the mesh into the girl’s eyes.

“Xu Xining, if I had met you first, I would love you just as I do now.”

…

Nearby, two classmates were chattering.

One asked, “What are they doing now?”

The other answered, “Professor Wen stuck his head into the frog’s big mouth.”

“The frog pulled it out.”

“The frog covered its mouth and ran away.”

The first person asked again, “So what does that tell us?”

“Clearly,” the person beside replied calmly, “-Professor Wen doesn’t taste good.”

Yu Yuanyuan had been eating cream puffs in a corner, watching the frog rush straight from the center of the ballroom, which made her recoil in fear: “Don’t come over here.”

Xu Xining spoke up, “It’s me, it’s me.”

She snatched the drink from Yu Yuanyuan’s hand, shoved it under her headgear, and guzzled several big gulps. The chilled, refreshing sensation shot straight to her head, making her feel much more sober.

How infuriating! What is Teacher Wen even talking about?!

Wouldn’t it have been better to say those words two years ago? What’s the point of saying them now? Hadn’t she already rejected him? Hadn’t she already made it clear, saying, “That’s enough,” “Don’t like me”?

Although you can’t be friends with an ex, can’t Teacher Wen be an exception?!

What is he up to now?!

Xu Xining felt that Wen Nansen wasn’t the type who couldn’t understand rejection; he understood but simply refused to accept it.

In other words, not only was his affection for her real before, but he still harbors feelings for her now.

Xu Xining’s heart began to flutter again, and she couldn’t help gulping down the rest of the drink, exhaled sharply, and handed the cup back to Yu Yuanyuan: “What kind of drink is this? It’s so tasty, why haven’t I had it before?”

Yu Yuanyuan looked at her with a very strange expression.

Xu Xining: “?”

“You obviously haven’t had it before,” Yu Yuanyuan sighed, “…this is mint-flavored soda.”

…

The frog covered its mouth.

The frog stepped back in terror.

The frog began to roll around on the ground as if poisoned.

As Xu Xining rolled, she came to a stop, blocked by someone in her path.

He bent down to look at her, reaching out to help her up: “Are you okay?”

Xu Xining straightened the frog head, realizing the person was Zhan Xingye, her intended victim number two. She couldn’t resist dancing around him again, breaking into a frenzied dance.

Zhan Xingye: “…”

He knew it was Xu Xining, not just by her scent but also because he reached through the mesh to “take a peek”; the girl seemed fine, looking quite energetic.

Xu Xining: Started to passionately twist again.

Zhan Xingye stared at her blankly for a moment, suddenly recalling the scene from “Empty Gun” where the female lead danced seductively in front of a crowd. The male lead, with a stern face, pushed through the onlookers, grabbed her, and dragged her into a secluded grove.

There, he pinned her against a tree, his large hand gripping her waist, whispering fiercely in her ear, asking if she enjoyed showing off to others so much, and why she only knew how to run away in bed if she was so good at dancing.

Feeling inspired, Zhan Xingye reached out and grabbed the frog costume’s leg.

Xu Xining: “?”

The frog struggled for a while but couldn’t break free. Although it didn’t hurt, Zhan Xingye’s grip was as firm as handcuffs.

After a moment, Zhan Xingye said, “You’re very beautiful.”

Xu Xining: “?”

He pulled the frog closer, enunciating each word, “If you’re so good at dancing, dance just for me.”

Xu Xining: Oh my.

In all the years Zhan Xingye had known her, he had never so openly and bluntly complimented her as “beautiful.” At most, he would nod quietly when Xu Xining asked if she looked good.

He had seen her dance before but never said anything like “dance just for me.”

What did this mean?!!

Xu Xining suddenly understood!

Oh my, so Xingye’s preference is frogs!!!

Otherwise, why would he lose control at the sight of a frog?! Even holding on tightly and refusing to let go!!

Xu Xining quickly removed the frog head.

Her slightly sweaty golden hair clung to her fair forehead, and under the dazzling light, her bright eyes and white teeth were strikingly beautiful, the stark contrast after removing the ugly frog head making her beauty almost breathtaking.

Zhan Xingye instinctively let go and stepped back.

Xu Xining: Look! How disappointed Xingye is after realizing it’s me inside!!

Xu Xining, ever considerate, stepped forward and held Zhan Xingye’s hand: “Xingye, you really like this frog, don’t you?”

She tiptoed and placed the frog head on him, then swiftly began to remove the costume: “Since you like it so much, I’ll let you wear it!”

Zhan Xingye: “…” That’s not what I meant.

Unable to refuse her enthusiasm, five minutes later, Zhan Xingye found himself in the frog costume, forced to wave at her with a feigned look of joy.

Xu Xining encouraged him: “Go dance! Go have fun! You’re the most beautiful frog now!”

With the resolve of a martyr, Zhan Xingye went off, while Xu Xining, satisfied with her handiwork, leisurely strolled to the restroom.

…

The ballroom suddenly erupted with excited screams.

Entering from the doorway was a tall man dressed in a deep crimson robe with wide sleeves and a front closure. He wore a thin, pure gold embossed mask, and his long, silky black hair was tied up with a jade crown. The robe was embroidered with golden threads depicting dragons and clouds that seemed to come alive.

Such an elaborate and magnificent outfit would overwhelm anyone else, making them look dull and overshadowed by the clothes.

But this man was the opposite. He possessed a striking beauty that surpassed all colors, making the robe appear light and fitting on him, as if it were meant to complement his presence.

“Ahhhh, it’s Xie Yi in ancient costume!!!!” One student was so excited they nearly fainted. “It’s incredible! Isn’t he like someone who just walked out of a historical drama?”

“Drama costumes can’t compare to this outfit!” another person shouted. “Besides, what actor could look as good as Xie Yi?”

This outfit was Xie Yi’s private attire from hundreds of years ago, made with imperial-grade floating silk. A hand scroll made from a lower quality of this silk had been auctioned for thirty-five million, far beyond what any drama costume could match.

Xie Yi was like a dazzling peacock… no, more like a radiant phoenix.

Today, he had performed two magic shows to prevent Huo Ting from meeting Xu Xining, not even having a chance to speak with her. Now, he eagerly crossed the ballroom, following Xu Xining’s scent, and arrived in front of… a frog.

Xie Yi: “…”

He was certain that Xu Xining was beneath the frog costume because it was the only thing in the room exuding her scent.

Seriously, this was a bit too outrageous.

On second thought, it was exactly the kind of thing Xu Xining would do!

Xie Yi picked up a frog leg, giving it a playful squeeze, his eyes curving with a teasing smile. “Ning, are you waiting here for me all by yourself?”

Zhan Xingye: A murderous intent arose.

He wanted to rip off the headpiece immediately, but he was more curious to see how Xie Yi would try to charm Xu Xining.

Zhan Xingye remained silent, and Xie Yi took it as consent, wrapping an arm around his waist and spinning into the dance floor.

Nearby students were hit with a second wave of shock. “Is it true that if I turn into a frog, handsome guys will line up to dance with me?”

As they danced, Xie Yi continued his flirtatious banter. “You once said I’d look good in ancient attire. I wore this today just for you… Want to touch it?” He pulled the frog close with a commanding embrace.

“I left two bottles of perfume at your door, don’t forget to pick them up,” Xie Yi murmured suggestively. “But I still prefer your natural scent.”

The music swelled, and Xie Yi tossed the frog into the air, catching it again.

On the other side, Wen Nansen frowned at the dance floor, hesitating to speak.

Xu Xining had a mark on her collarbone from a past life, which he could sense. The person inside the frog costume was not Xu Xining.

So who exactly was Xie Yi happily dancing with?

“You’re unusually quiet today,” Xie Yi chuckled softly. “What, embarrassed to speak now that I’ve recognized you?”

“…You weren’t like this with me before,” his voice was husky and magnetic. “Haven’t I seen every side of you?”

The man’s hand wickedly slid towards the frog’s rear.

Zhan Xingye: Maybe killing him isn’t such a bad idea after all… right?

As the music ended, Xie Yi took the frog’s hand and knelt on one knee.

With a rose between his lips, he spoke with a charming lilt, “I’ve given out so many roses today, but the one I truly wanted to give is this one for you.”

“-I like you, in the one and only way.”

The surrounding crowd erupted into deafening cheers: “Together! Together!!! Together!!!”

Xie Yi caught a glimpse of golden hair out of the corner of his eye and turned slowly, as if struck by lightning.

In the crowd, Xu Xining had just returned from the restroom, staring at Xie Yi with bewilderment, confusion, and shock.

Xie Yi: ????

If Xu Xining was there, then who on earth was this frog???

The young man removed the headpiece with indifference, his eyes dark and cold as he spat out, “You make me sick.”

Xie Yi, equally disgusted, spat out the rose, “You make me sick too!!!”

Xu Xining stormed over, full of righteous indignation, “Oh, Dog Xie! I’ve suspected you were up to no good with Xingye! Caught you red-handed this time, huh?!”

Xie Yi was at a loss for words, “Let me explain…”

Xu Xining kicked him, “Get lost!!”

As the ball entered its latter half, Xu Xining, having shed her costume, was now seated at the edge of the dance floor. The boys, who had previously kept their distance, now flocked to her, eager to invite her to dance.

Xu Xining was here to have fun, and her friendly, down-to-earth nature meant she was open to everyone. The boys barely had a chance to speak with her, watching as she laughed and chatted with one classmate after another, taking friendly photos after each dance.

Xu Xining had been popular since childhood. To her, enthusiastic boys were just part of the world, representing pure camaraderie. She genuinely considered everyone present as friends.

Unless a friend suddenly confessed loudly to her face, she had no idea anyone harbored romantic intentions.

But to the boys, it was a different story. A sour jealousy began to brew, filling the air like a pungent aroma…

One of the boys, shyly asked, “Can we dance the last dance together later?”

Xu Xining remembered the legend about finding love at the masquerade ball by dancing the last dance together, a notion she found superstitious.

Thinking of superstition, Xu Xining glanced at Wen Nansen.

Teacher Wen wasn’t dancing or leaving; he stood quietly at the edge of the room, his face half-lit by the lights, his emerald eyes focused on her. When she turned, he smiled silently.

Xu Xining thought: Isn’t the superstitious one right here?!

Xu Xining didn’t care much about the last dance, but if someone else did, that was a different matter.

Due to Lin Wei’s departure, she had never believed in unconditional eternity, especially when it came to love, something so intangible.

“You leave, I won’t see you off; you come, no matter the storm, I’ll be there to welcome you.” Xu Xining was just like that, valuing encounters but taking farewells lightly.

When parting, others might be heartbroken, but she would simply wave and say, “You’re a good person, let’s stay friends,” friendly and sincere, as if she had always anticipated this day.

Love fiercely when you’re in love, just like a ball that must eventually end.

Blindly passionate, yet soberly solitary.

So Xu Xining, without hesitation, happily made her escape during the second-to-last dance.

Behind the art building lay a tranquil rose garden, dotted with white pavilions. Music and laughter flowed down from above.

The moonlight was like water, roses swayed gracefully, and the day’s heat gave way to a fragrant, warm night breeze.

Xu Xining strolled leisurely through the rose garden, hands behind her back like an old man, unaware of the figure hidden in the shadows, staring at her back with disbelief, obsession, and eyes as deep as an ancient pool.

The prelude to the last dance began, and the boys upstairs simultaneously realized the girl was gone. Following her scent and presence, they moved to the windows, seeing the golden-haired girl in the rose garden below, like a spirit among the flowers in the moonlight.

“…Xu Xining?” A low, magnetic male voice broke the darkness, the end trembling unusually.

The man was behind her almost instantly, moving so fast his steps were invisible, his tall figure blocking the moonlight, enveloping her completely.

Xu Xining turned, surprised, “Huo…”

In the next moment, Huo Ting grasped her waist tightly, pinning the staggering girl against the pavilion’s pillar, pressing her wrists up, and fiercely claimed her lips.

Behind the three windows upstairs:

Xie Yi: ?

Wen Nansen: ?

Zhan Xingye: ?