Bloomsdale University for Women and Bloomsdale University for Men, the two most prestigious universities in Bloomsdale City, had been separated for decades. But just a month ago, the board decided to merge the two institutions and transform them into a co-educational university.
Almost two decades earlier, the founder of Bloomsdale City established the universities with the belief that separating men and women would help students focus better on academics and athletics while receiving proper higher education.
At first, a student's social status was never a requirement for admission. However, the elite families of the first class eventually demanded special privileges for their children. Afraid of losing the support and influence of the wealthy, the university administration agreed to their demands.
Soon, a student's rank and value within the university became heavily dependent on their family background and the amount of money their families pledged to donate.
Xylia Lovelle Antonov was the heiress of the most influential and wealthiest family in Bloomsdale City, as well as the biggest contributor to Bloomsdale University for Women. Her parents donated a considerable amount of money to the university every year. Because of this, she became both popular and respected—the face of the university itself.
But Xylia was not merely a beautiful figurehead.
She was intelligent, talented, and highly accomplished in both academics and athletics. She became student council president during her first year at the university and had continued winning the position every year since then.
Xylia had never attended a co-educational institution before, and this would be her first time studying alongside men.
The other night, she overheard her parents arguing with the university administration. Her mother had been yelling and cursing loudly enough that Xylia expected to be transferred the very next day.
To her surprise, however, her mother informed her that she would remain at Bloomsdale until graduation. Since it was already her final year, Xylia was secretly relieved by the decision.
"This guy is Aciel Vance De Silva," a girl with pigtails and thick foundation excitedly said while pointing at a photo in a small yearbook. "He's the illegitimate son of a Mafia boss, but I heard his father already chose him as his successor."
"But he's also royalty, right?" another girl asked curiously. "I heard his father is a Mafia boss while his mother is a princess."
"Yes," a short-haired girl joined in. "And not just any princess. She's the daughter of King Magnus the Third."
Xylia overheard the conversation as she sat quietly near the window. The girls were gathered around a yearbook that most likely came from the men's university.
"Xylia? Hello?" Chelsea called out.
Xylia looked up and frowned slightly at her best friend.
Chelsea had been her closest friend since kindergarten. Like Xylia, she had never attended a university with men before.
Chelsea was also the only friend fully trusted and approved by Xylia's parents. Although Xylia had several acquaintances at the university, her mother always found something to criticize about them.
Chelsea, however, met every standard her parents had set. She was beautiful, intelligent, and came from an upper-class family that owned a successful shipping company and a chain of restaurants. That was probably one of the reasons her parents liked her so much.
"What?" Xylia asked while staring at Chelsea.
Chelsea rolled her eyes dramatically before taking a deep breath. Xylia nearly laughed because she knew her best friend was already beginning to lose patience.
"The men will arrive soon," Chelsea said. "Are you really okay with welcoming them and acting as their tour guide?"
Xylia sighed softly before answering.
"I guess so. It's not like I have much of a choice. Besides, you, Liliana, and the rest of the student council will be there too, so I think it'll be fine."
Even as she said it, Xylia was uncertain. If the dean decided to replace her with someone else, she would gladly allow it.
"Do you think your mom knows about this?" Chelsea asked. "She barely even allows you to talk to men—especially those connected to Mafia clans. And according to the rumors, that university is practically ruled by Aciel De Silva, the Mafia boss's illegitimate son."
Before Xylia could answer, Liliana—one of her few friends and the student council secretary—suddenly appeared in front of them.
Xylia's mother was never fond of Liliana. Perhaps it was because she came from a middle-class family, or because her father had been imprisoned for a murder he never committed.
Xylia frowned slightly when she noticed Liliana struggling to catch her breath.
"Take a deep breath first, Liliana," she said calmly. "Don't rush."
Liliana nodded and inhaled deeply several times. Once she finally calmed down, she smiled at both Xylia and Chelsea.
"So, what's the important news that made you run all the way here?" Chelsea asked while crossing her arms.
"The buses just arrived," Liliana answered excitedly. "And there's a Rolls-Royce in front of them."
Chelsea immediately glanced at Xylia, searching for her reaction.
A Rolls-Royce could only belong to the De Silva Clan, and it meant one thing—
Aciel De Silva had arrived.
Xylia slowly stood from her seat. The women inside the classroom instantly realized what was happening.
The students from the men's university had finally arrived.
Like a true princess, the young heiress of the Antonov Clan gracefully walked out of the room, followed closely by Chelsea and Liliana.
Earlier, the dean had instructed all student council members to report to her office once the students from the other university arrived.
Their classroom was located on the top floor of the fourth building, while the dean's office stood inside the first building near the campus gate. It would take them several minutes to get there.
As they walked, Xylia finally spotted the buses. Just as Liliana had said, a luxurious Rolls-Royce was parked in front of them.
From a single glance, Xylia could already tell it was a limited-edition model. If she remembered correctly, only five units of that particular car existed worldwide.
"It looks similar to one of your family's cars, Xylia," Naomi, another student council member, commented.
Xylia simply remained silent and continued walking toward the dean's office.
Meanwhile, inside the Rolls-Royce, Aciel quietly observed the group of women passing by outside.
His sharp eyes scanned them one by one.
Yet none of them managed to capture his interest.